Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the 6-day Machame Route—Big 7 Safari Tours offers fully guided treks through stunning landscapes, including the Barranco Wall and Uhuru Peak. Scenic, challenging, and unforgettable.
Nicknamed the “Whiskey Route” for its adventurous nature, the Machame Route is one of the most popular and visually spectacular ways to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. Over 6 thrilling days, you’ll journey through lush rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and icy summit zones, witnessing jaw-dropping panoramas and diverse landscapes every step of the way.
This route is ideal for physically fit trekkers with some hiking experience. Unlike the Marangu route, Machame offers camping under the stars, a greater challenge, and incredible scenery, including the iconic Barranco Wall, Shira Plateau, and views of glaciers near the summit.
✅ Scenic and varied landscapes each day
✅ Higher acclimatization success rate due to “climb high, sleep low” strategy
✅ Overnight stays in tented campsites
✅ Professional guides, cooks, and porters included
✅ Descent via the Mweka Route, forming a stunning full circuit
Into the Jungle!
Elevation Gain: 1,830m to 3,050m
Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Begin with a scenic drive through banana plantations and coffee farms to the Machame Gate. After park registration, the trek kicks off with a hike through lush rainforest, alive with monkeys and exotic birdlife. The trail can be muddy—gaiters and trekking poles come in handy.
Overnight: Machame Camp
Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner
Out of the Forest, Into the Moorlands
Elevation Gain: 3,050m to 3,850m
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Leave the forest behind and climb along a rocky ridge to the Shira Plateau, offering your first dramatic views of Kibo Peak. The environment changes to heath and moorland, dotted with strange plants like giant lobelias.
Overnight: Shira Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Acclimatization Day – Hike High, Sleep Low
Elevation Gain: 3,850m to 4,650m (Lava Tower), then descend to 4,000m
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Semi-Desert
Today’s trek to Lava Tower (a volcanic rock formation known as the Shark’s Tooth) helps your body adjust to high altitudes. Then descend to Barranco Camp, located in a valley below the spectacular Barranco Wall. This day is key for acclimatization, even though you finish at a similar elevation to the start.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Climb the Barranco Wall & Prepare for the Summit
Elevation Gain: 4,000m to 4,700m
Distance: 9 km / 6 miles
Time: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Challenge yourself with a thrilling scramble up the Barranco Wall—an unforgettable highlight of the route. Continue through Karanga Valley, then ascend steadily to Barafu Camp, your base camp for the summit attempt. The views of the peak at sunset are simply magical.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Summit Day – The Roof of Africa!
Ascent: 4,700m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak)
Descent: 5,895m to 3,090m
Distance: 5 km up / 13 km down
Time: 5–7 hours up / 5–6 hours down
Habitat: Arctic to Alpine
Begin your summit push at midnight, trekking by headlamp through scree and snowfields. Reach Stella Point at sunrise, where you’ll be rewarded with a stunning panorama. After a final push to Uhuru Peak, celebrate your incredible achievement—you’re on top of Africa!
Descend to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and rest. This is a long, tiring day—but unforgettable.
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Descent Through the Rainforest
Elevation Loss: 3,090m to 1,680m
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
After breakfast, continue your descent through the vibrant rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Your vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Let Big 7 Safari Tours craft an unforgettable African adventure just for you!
Climb Kilimanjaro via the 8-day Lemosho Route, the most scenic and best-acclimatized trek. Explore lush rainforests, wild plateaus, and summit Africa’s highest peak with expert guides. Overview Your Itinerary Includes & Excludes MAP OVERVIEW
Take on Kilimanjaro’s steepest trail with this 6-day Umbwe Route trek. Designed for experienced climbers, this route offers dramatic views, a thrilling challenge, and a rewarding summit via Barafu. Overview Your Itinerary Includes &
Trek Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic 6-day Rongai Route with Big 7 Safari Tours. Enjoy quiet trails, diverse landscapes, and high summit success on this off-the-beaten-path adventure. Overview Your Itinerary Includes & Excludes MAP
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the 6-day Marangu Route with Big 7 Safari Tours. Enjoy comfortable hut accommodations, expert guides, and scenic views on this popular “Coca-Cola” trekking route. Overview Your Itinerary Includes & Excludes
Trek Mount Kilimanjaro in 5 days via the classic Marangu Route with Big 7 Safari Tours. Comfortable huts, scenic landscapes, and expert guides take you to the Roof of Africa – Uhuru Peak at
Where Wildlife Meets Wonders!
© BIG 7 SAFARI TOURS. All Rights Reserved.
