Kilimanjaro Climb – MACHAME Route

Machame Route Overview & Highlights

The Machame route is a highly popular and deeply rewarding approach featuring a steeper initial profile and iconic southern circuit highlights that appeal to trekkers with good physical endurance.
Day, distances and elevation table

Machame Route Trek Highlights

• The Whiskey Route: Take on a legendary, physically demanding route that begins with an immersive, steep ascent through the dense rainforest.
• Natural Acclimatisation: Master the classic “climb high, sleep low” strategy via the towering volcanic Lava Tower.
• The Barranco Wall: Navigate the thrilling, hands-on scramble up the iconic rock facade into the beautiful Barranco Valley.
• Shira Plateau Crossing: Traverse beautiful moorlands and dramatic river gorges emerging right onto the high-altitude plateau.

Full Day-by-Day Itinerary

Below is the detailed daily breakdown for the 7-day Machame ascent.

Day 1. Arrive Tanzania

On arrival, the group will be collected by our staff and transferred to the lodge. The guide will be there to brief the group on the timings for tomorrow and offer any further assistance. The remainder of the day is free to settle in and prepare for the trek the following day. Our friendly hotel staff is on hand to provide any advice or assistance.

Day 2. Machame Gate (1800m) – Machame Camp (3010m)

After breakfast at the Lodge, it’s time to board the transport for the short journey to the Kilimanjaro National Park entrance (Machame Gate). There is some necessary paperwork to complete and the food supplies and equipment will be distributed among the supporting crew.
Then it’s into the rainforest for the 11km trek to Machame Camp. The track is solid but it is still over a 1000m ascent in what will be warm conditions, if not hot. Keep your eyes peeled for the Colobus monkeys. 11km, 5-6 hrs, BLD

Day 3. Machame Camp – Shira Camp (3845m)

Today, there is another respectable ascent. It will not be long before the rainforest is left behind, to be replaced by the moorland of the vast Shira Plateau. The difference between yesterday and today is huge, and the views will come with it. There is a difference between a 1000m ascent below 3000m and the same above 3000m, so be wary of the altitude. 5.4km, 4-5 hrs, BLD

Day 4. Shira Camp – Barranco (3950m), via the Lava Tower (4590m)

A good acclimatisation day to the easily recognisable Lava Tower for lunch (4590m, approx 4 hrs of trekking). The views are excellent of where the group has come from. By now the Machame route have converged with the Lemosho route.
The second half of the day is a descent back down to the night camp of Barranco (3950m). Right in front of the camp is the wonderful vertigo-inducing Barranco Wall. It is the first thing to be climbed in the morning. 10.8km, 6 hrs, BLD

Day 5. Barranco – Karanga (4050m)

What a great start to the day. Ascending the Barranco Wall is an experience, and if you have any form of vertigo, this will certainly surface. It will take about an hour or so to clear the Wall. Be sure to get some photographs on top. After a break, it will be time to get going again, finally descending into the Karanga valley and the night stop. It is a relatively short day but all geared to acclimatisation. Do not be tempted to skip this day and move on to Barafu. 5.5km, 3-4 hrs, BLD

Day 6. Karanga – Barafu (4650m)

This is another short day, but a very important one. The ascent to Barafu should be taken slowly. On arrival, take the time to rest, drink and take an early dinner in preparation for the overnight ascent to the summit. This is about fuelling up. Check that all of your clothing and equipment are ready for the climb; snacks, water, torch, batteries, etc… Check, check, and check again. 3km, 3 hrs, BLD

Day 7. Barafu – summit (5895m) – Mweke Camp

Summit day; the day is here!

At approx midnight the ascent to the summit will begin. It will be cold and dark. You are likely to see lots of lights ahead and behind. It is not a race, take your time to get into the climb. The initial target is Stella Point (5730m). With the temperatures so low, the underfoot conditions will be fairly solid to begin with, but that will become softer as Stella Point approaches. The summit (Uhuru) is just another 40 mins away from Stella Point, passing the Rebnamm glacier. The aim is to reach the summit and witness the sun rising over the earth’s curvature.

Once you get to Uhuru, enjoy the view, enjoy the moment for just then, there is no human on the African Continent standing higher than you! The descent is much faster and in daylight, you will see why. The upper reaches of the mountain are made of soft ash, perfect for scree running! Once the descent is complete back to Barafu, rest a little, eat, drink, and then continue the long descent to Mweke Camp. Total trek time today is up to 14 hrs with a 1300m ascent. 13 – 14 km, 12 – 14 hrs, BLD

Day 8. Mweke – Mweka Gate – Lodge/Hotel

From here, it’s a trek down through the rain forest to exit the park at the Mweka Gate. Certificates are presented here to mark your Machame trek achievement.
The transport will be waiting to transfer the group back to the Lodge for a hot lunch, and well-earned rest and shower. BL

Day 9. Depart

Transfer to the airport for your departure. B