7-Day Machame Climb

Tour Overview

Many people call the Machame Route “the Whisky Route” because of its more challenging nature compared to the Marangu route, which is called “Coca-Cola route” because of its relatively easy experience.

While the 6-day version is common, our 7-day itinerary is specifically designed to provide an extra day for acclimatization, significantly increasing your summit success rate to over 90%.

This route is famed for its “Climb High, Sleep Low” topography, taking you through five distinct climate zones—from lush tropical rainforests to the arctic conditions of the summit.

Quick Facts

FeatureDetails
Total DistanceApproximately 62 km / 37 miles
Max Elevation5,895m (19,341 ft) at Uhuru Peak
Route TypeCamping (High-quality mountain tents)
DifficultyHigh (Requires good physical fitness)
Best TimeJan–March & June–October
Start/EndMachame Gate / Mweka Gate

Why Machame 7 Day Climb

Superior Acclimatization

By spending an extra night at Karanga Camp, your body has more time to adjust to the altitude before the final midnight summit push.

A highlight of the trek, offering a fun, non-technical scramble with the best photo opportunities on the mountain.

You will experience everything from the sounds of Colobus monkeys in the rainforest to the prehistoric “Big Cactus” (Seneios) in the moorland.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 0: Arrival – Moshi Town

Arrive in Tanzania and meet your Uisso Adventures team. Transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotel in Moshi for rest, briefing, and final gear check.

 

Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Meals: Dinner (depending on arrival time)

We begin our journey at the park gate, winding through a deep, emerald rainforest where the calls of Colobus monkeys fill the air. The trail follows a steady ridge line until we reach our first high-altitude camp.

  • Elevation: 1800m to 2835m

  • Distance: 11 km

  • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

  • Meals: Lunch & Dinner

  • Accommodation: Machame Camp

Leaving the forest behind, we tackle a steep, rocky path that opens into the vast heath and moorlands. We cross a striking river gorge before settling in on the expansive Shira Plateau.

  • Elevation: 2835m to 3750m

  • Distance: 5 km

  • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Accommodation: Shira Cave

Today is about “climbing high and sleeping low” to help your body adjust. We ascend to the massive volcanic Lava Tower for lunch before descending into the beautiful, Senecio-filled Barranco Valley.

  • Elevation: 3750m to 4600m (Lava Tower) then to 3900m

  • Distance: 10 km total

  • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Accommodation: Barranco Camp

The morning begins with an exciting scramble up the Great Barranco Wall, offering the best views on the mountain. We then traverse a series of hills and valleys before a final steep climb into Karanga.

  • Elevation: 3900m to 3995m

  • Distance: 5 km

  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Accommodation: Karanga Camp

We trek across a desolate, lunar landscape to reach the junction of the Mweka Trail. Here, we establish our high camp at Barafu, resting early to prepare for the midnight summit push.

  • Elevation: 3995m to 4673m

  • Distance: 4 km

  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Accommodation: Barafu Camp

We push for the summit in the freezing darkness, reaching Stella Point just as the sun rises over the glaciers; this is a great milestone before we continue to the summit. After standing on the Roof of Africa at Uhuru Peak, we make a long, rewarding descent to the forest line.

  • Elevation: 4673m to 5895m then down to 3100m

  • Distance: 17 km total

  • Hiking Time: 11-14 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Accommodation: Mweka Camp

Our final day is a gentle trek down through the mist-covered forest to the park exit. We celebrate our achievements at the gate, collect our certificates, and drive back to Moshi for a well-earned rest.

  • Elevation: 3100m to 1640m

  • Distance: 10 km

  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast & Celebration Lunch

  • Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi

What's Included

  • Professional, certified mountain guides

  • Park fees & rescue fees

  • Camping accommodation on the mountain

  • Hotel accommodation before & after the trek

  • All meals on the mountain

  • Airport transfers

  • Porters and crew support

  • Drinking water on the mountain

  • Summit certificate

What's Not Included

  • International flights

  • Tanzania visa

  • Travel insurance

  • Personal trekking gear

  • Tips for guides and porters

  • Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, etc.)

Ready To Stand On Top Of Africa?

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