The Climb Experience
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro through the 7 Days Machame Route is one of the most popular and successful ways to reach the summit of Africa. Known as the “Whiskey Route,” this trail offers a perfect balance between scenic beauty, proper acclimatization, and a high summit success rate.
The 7-day Machame Route is ideal for travelers who want enough time to adapt to altitude while enjoying different landscapes, from lush rainforest to alpine desert and glaciers near the summit. With Bush Lion Tours, your climb is supported by experienced guides, quality equipment, and a strong focus on safety and comfort.
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Day by day
Route Itinerary
Day
1
Arrival in Tanzania
900m1 hour
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your mountain team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. This day is reserved for relaxation, equipment check, and a detailed climb briefing from your professional mountain guide. Your guide will explain the route, altitude safety, daily trekking schedule, weather conditions, and important preparation tips for the climb. Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Day
2
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
1,800m to 3,000m11 km5–7 Hours
After breakfast, you will drive from Moshi to Machame Gate where registration and permit formalities take place. The trek officially begins through the dense rainforest zone of Mount Kilimanjaro. This section of the Machame Route is rich in giant trees, tropical plants, moss-covered trails, and wildlife such as black-and-white colobus monkeys. The trail gradually ascends while the air becomes cooler and fresher. The rainforest scenery makes this one of the most beautiful trekking days on Kilimanjaro. Accommodation: Machame Camp
Day
3
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
3,000m to 3,840m5 km4–6 Hours
Today the trail leaves the rainforest behind and enters the moorland zone. The vegetation changes dramatically as giant heathers and volcanic landscapes begin to dominate the scenery. As you continue ascending, stunning views of Mount Meru and the Shira Plateau appear. The trail becomes steeper in some sections but remains manageable with a slow and steady pace. The air becomes thinner as altitude increases, making proper hydration and pacing extremely important. Accommodation: Shira Camp
Day
4
Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
3,840m to 4,630m then down to 3,960m10 km6–8 Hours
This is one of the most important acclimatization days on the 7 Days Machame Route. The trail gradually climbs toward Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation located at high altitude. After reaching Lava Tower, you descend to Barranco Camp following the important acclimatization principle of “climb high, sleep low.” This method greatly improves your body’s ability to adjust to altitude before summit night. The scenery today is dramatic and unforgettable, featuring alpine desert landscapes, giant senecio plants, and panoramic mountain views. Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Day
5
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
3,960m to 4,035m5 km4–5 Hour
After breakfast, you begin climbing the famous Barranco Wall. Although it appears steep, it is non-technical and safely guided by experienced mountain guides. Reaching the top rewards you with spectacular views of glaciers, valleys, and the southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. The trail then continues through ridges and valleys before arriving at Karanga Camp. This is a shorter trekking day designed to help your body recover while continuing acclimatization. Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Day
6
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
4,035m to 4,640m4 km3–5 Hours
Today you continue your ascent toward Barafu Camp, the final base camp before the summit attempt. The landscape becomes colder, rocky, and more alpine with very little vegetation. Upon arrival at Barafu Camp, you will rest, hydrate, and prepare all summit gear for the midnight climb. Your guide will provide a final summit briefing including pacing, layering systems, hydration advice, and safety monitoring. An early dinner is served before resting for a few hours ahead of summit night. Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Day
7
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp
4,640m to 5,895m then down to 3,820m17 km10–14 Hours
Around midnight, you begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. This is the most physically and mentally demanding part of the entire 7 Days Machame Route. Temperatures can fall below freezing, and the climb is slow due to high altitude. As sunrise approaches, you will reach Stella Point before continuing along the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Standing at the Roof of Africa is an unforgettable achievement and one of the world’s greatest trekking experiences. After celebrating at the summit, you descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Millennium Camp. Accommodation: Millennium Camp
Day
8
Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3,820m to 1,640m12 km4–6 Hours
After breakfast, you continue descending through the lush rainforest toward Mweka Gate. The air becomes warmer and richer in oxygen as you approach the lower slopes of the mountain. At the gate, you will receive your official summit certificate as recognition of your successful Kilimanjaro climb. After completing park formalities, you will be transferred back to Moshi for a hot shower, relaxation, and celebration. We also welcome you to spare an hour of your day to plant a tree as part of our environmental conservation efforts in the Kilimanjaro region, helping to protect the beauty of the mountain for future generations.
Day
9
Departure
After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey home. For travelers wishing to continue exploring Tanzania, this is also the perfect opportunity to extend your adventure with a safari to Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, or Lake Manyara National Park. Combining the 7 Days Machame Route with a Tanzania safari creates one of the most complete and unforgettable African travel experiences, filled with breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, and lifelong memories.
Mountain scenes
Gallery
Included
- check_circlePrivate transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.
- check_circle2 nights of accommodation in Moshi (BB) Panama Garden Resort/Parkview inn hotel
- check_circlePre-Climb Briefing And Orientation
- check_circlePark Fees And Permits
- check_circle18% VAT on tour fees & services
- check_circleTransportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate Park entry fees,
- check_circleFriendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
- check_circleDouble layered Sleeping Mats 4 inches (10cm) thick
- check_circle3 hot meals daily while on the mountain
- check_circleEnough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
- check_circleHot water for washing
- check_circle4 Season Mountain Tents
- check_circleFair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- check_circleSafety Equipment (Like Oxygen Tanks, First Aid Kits, Etc.)
- check_circlePortable Flush Toilet with a toilet tent
- check_circleKilimanjaro Summit Certificate
Excluded
- remove_circleFlights to/from Tanzania
- remove_circleLunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
- remove_circleTravel Insurance (Medical, Evacuation, Trip Cancellation, Etc.)
- remove_circlePersonal Gear (Such As Hiking Boots, Clothing, Backpacks, Etc.)
- remove_circleTips For Guides, Porters, And Other Staff
- remove_circleAdditional Accommodation And Meals Before Or After The Climb
- remove_circleAlcoholic Beverages And Other Personal Expenses
- remove_circleLaundry (Available at hotel).
Packing Notes
Proper packing is very important for a successful Kilimanjaro climb. Warm layered clothing, waterproof gear, hiking boots, gloves, thermal wear, and a good sleeping bag are highly recommended because temperatures can change greatly from warm rainforest conditions to freezing summit temperatures.
Safety Notes
Your safety is carefully monitored throughout the climb by experienced mountain guides. Daily health checks, oxygen monitoring, emergency oxygen, and altitude sickness observation are part of the safety procedures to ensure a safe and comfortable trekking experience.
Acclimatization
The Machame Route is known for its excellent acclimatization profile because the climb follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle. Walking slowly, drinking enough water, eating well, and following your guide’s pace greatly improve your body’s ability to adapt to high altitude.
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