7 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Machame Route
Price from
$2300.00
Overview of the Machame route
The Machame Route, also called the Whiskey Route, is one of the most famous ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Many people choose this trail every year. At Seko Tours Adventures, we also arrange many trips on this route. It begins in a green tropical forest and goes through beautiful landscapes.
You can choose to do it in 6 or 7 days. The 7-day option gives you more time to get used to the altitude, so it’s easier to reach the top. Even beginners can enjoy this route. Along the way, you will walk through all five climate zones of Kilimanjaro, climb the beautiful Barranco Wall, and see special plants called Dendrosenecio kilimanjari – these only grow on Kilimanjaro and nowhere else in the world.
Expert recommendation
Be careful when choosing between the 6-day and 7-day Machame Route. The 6-day option is much harder and has a lower chance of reaching the top. It is only good for people who have hiked at high altitudes before or are already used to the thin air. This is because it skips a night at Karanga Camp, which helps your body get used to the height. Some cheaper tour companies offer the 6-day route to save money, but we don’t suggest it for beginners.
Samwel Kaaya
Kilimanjaro Expedition Coordinator
Tailormade itineraries
Every Seko Tours Adventures trip is made just for you—no fixed tours or set dates. Talk to our safari experts to help you plan your own special itinerary.
We are a KPAP-registered operator
Seko Tours Adventures is proud to be a trusted member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), which means we treat our porters fairly, with good pay and proper care. When you trek with us, you also support their safety and well-being. Learn more.
Machame Route - Summit Success Rate
At Seko Tours Adventures, we recommend the Machame Route because it gives climbers a good chance of reaching the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s known for having one of the highest success rates, mostly because it helps your body adjust slowly to the high altitude.
Success Rates with Seko Tours Adventures:
6-Day Machame Route: About 65% to 70% of climbers reach the summit. This option is harder because there is less time for your body to get used to the thin air, which can lead to altitude sickness.
7-Day Machame Route: Around 85% to 90% of climbers make it to the top. The extra day gives your body more time to adjust, which makes the climb safer and easier.
What Helps You Succeed on the Climb:
Good Acclimatization: The 7-day route helps your body slowly get used to the altitude, which lowers the chance of getting sick.
Physical Fitness: If you are in good shape and have strong stamina, it will be easier for you to handle the hike.
Strong Mindset: Staying positive and pushing through tired moments is important for reaching the summit.
Great Support from Seko Tours Adventures: Our experienced guides will help you every step of the way. We make sure you walk at a good pace, stay healthy, and feel encouraged throughout your trek.
With Seko Tours Adventures, you get the best care, support, and a better chance to reach the Roof of Africa!
Machame Route Detailed Itinerary
7 Days Trek Machame Route
Day 1: Arusha – Machame Gate (1,790m) – Machame Camp (3,010m)
Your adventure starts in the morning when we pick you up from your lodge in Arusha. From there, you’ll enjoy a nice drive to Machame Gate, the entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park. After we finish the park registration, your hike begins. You will walk slowly through a beautiful rainforest. The trail is full of tall old trees, green ferns, and special flowers like the Impatiens Kilimanjaro. If you’re lucky, you might see black and white colobus monkeys jumping in the trees. After a few hours of walking, you’ll reach Machame Camp. This is where you will sleep for the night. You can relax, stretch your legs, and enjoy a hot meal before going to sleep in your tent, ready for the next day.
Day 2 : Machame Camp (3,010m) – Shira Camp (3,845m)
With Seko Tours Adventures, today’s walk starts early—not because the hike is long, but so you can reach Shira Camp by the afternoon and relax. As you climb higher, you’ll see the big change in nature—from thick green rainforest to dry moorland and heath. When you arrive at camp, you’ll enjoy a stunning view of the mountains. As the sun sets, you’ll see the Kibo glaciers shining in the golden light. Our team will serve you another warm and tasty meal before you rest in your tent for the night. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 : Shira Camp (3,845m) – Lava Tower Hut (4,640m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Today with Seko Tours Adventures, the focus is on helping your body get used to the high altitude—this is called acclimatization. You will hike up about 800 meters to a place called Lava Tower, but you’ll sleep at almost the same height as last night. This helps your body adjust safely. The day starts at Shira Plateau, and after a break at Lava Tower, you’ll continue down to the beautiful Barranco Camp. The walk takes about 6 to 7 hours, but along the way you’ll see amazing views—rocky alpine desert, the green Barranco Valley, and unique plants like small lobelias and giant senecios. At the end of the day, you’ll enjoy a tasty dinner and a peaceful night at Barranco Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 : Barranco Camp (3,960m) – Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Today you’ll face the famous Barranco Wall. Don’t worry—no climbing skills are needed, but you might use your hands a little for better balance. Your guide will be right there with you, helping you through every step. The trail goes up and down, which is great for helping your body adjust even more to the altitude. As you walk along the mountain ridge, you’ll see beautiful views with a mix of dry desert and green plants. After a few hours, you’ll reach the misty Karanga Camp. The walk takes about 3 to 4 hours, so there will be plenty of time to relax and maybe enjoy a fun game of rummy before dinner and sleep. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 : Karanga Camp (4,035m) – Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Waking up with the morning sun shining on Kibo Summit, you will enjoy a warm and filling breakfast. Then, you start your journey to Barafu Camp. Today’s walk is mostly through dry and rocky land, like a desert. The big Kibo peak will always be on your left as you go. After walking for about 3 to 4 hours, you will arrive at Barafu Camp. Here, you will have an early dinner and go to sleep early, because the biggest part of your adventure is coming very soon… Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 : Barafu Camp (4,640m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,080m)
Around midnight, your guide will gently wake you with a warm cup of tea and some biscuits to help you prepare for the final climb. In the dark, you’ll hike using only your headlamp and the light of the moon. After about 5 to 7 hours, you’ll reach Stella Point on the edge of the crater (5,730m). From there, it’s another 1 to 2 hours to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa. As you arrive, the sun will rise over the land below, turning the snow pink and making the glaciers shine like diamonds. Take your time to enjoy the moment and snap some photos of your big achievement. Then, you’ll start walking back down to Barafu Camp, where your team will be waiting with snacks and drinks. After a short rest, you’ll continue your descent to Mweka Camp, where you’ll spend your final night on Mount Kilimanjaro. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 : Mweka Camp (3,080m) – Mweka Gate (1,630m) – Arusha
After a tasty breakfast, your mountain team will give you a warm goodbye with a traditional farewell ceremony. Then you’ll begin your final walk down the mountain. You’ll pass through the rainforest once again, with a chance to see the playful colobus monkeys along the way. After a few hours, you’ll reach Mweka Gate, where your journey officially ends. From there, you’ll be picked up and driven back to Meru View Lodge, where a nice hot shower and a relaxing time by the pool are waiting for you. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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Frequently Asked Questions — 7 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Machame Route
The Machame Route is one of the most popular trails to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It is also known as the "Whiskey Route" because it’s a bit tougher than some other routes, but very scenic.
You can choose between 6 or 7 days. The 7-day option is better because it gives you more time to adjust to the altitude.
Yes, even beginners can do it. You don’t need climbing experience, but you should be physically fit and ready for a tough hike.
The best months are January to early March and June to October. These times have the best weather.
The 7-day route has a high success rate, around 85–90%, because it helps your body adjust slowly to the altitude.
You need warm clothes, hiking boots, a sleeping bag, a headlamp, and a good backpack. We will send you a full packing list before the trip.
No, porters will carry your heavy bags. You only carry a small daypack with things you need during the walk.
Yes, it is safe when done with a professional team like Seko Tours Adventures. Our guides are trained in mountain safety and first aid.
We provide hot, fresh meals every day – breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We also offer snacks and drinks to keep your energy up.
Some people may feel headaches or nausea due to high altitude. Our guides will check you every day and help you adjust safely.
Yes, we bring a private portable toilet tent for our group. There are also simple public toilets at the camps.
There is no electricity on the mountain, so bring a power bank or solar charger.
In the forest zone, you might see colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and many birds. Higher up, the landscape is more empty but beautiful.
Yes, most visitors need a tourist visa. You can get it online before you travel or at the airport when you arrive.
We are a local Tanzanian company with experienced guides, quality equipment, and personal care. We make sure your Kilimanjaro trip is safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable!
Yes, Seko Tours can arrange a transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport after your safari.
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