Private Tour

Summit Kilimanjaro in 7 Days via Machame Route

Overview

Available languages

German

English

French

Spanish

192 hours

Mobile ticket

MACHAME ROUTE 7 DAY known as the “Whiskey” route, begins at Machame Gate, located in the southern base of Mount Kilimanjaro, within its green, abundant rainforest. We climb to the Shira Plateau, then traverse the mountain beneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Icefield, before summiting from Barafu Hut. Machame 9 Day route is recommended because it provides an additional acclimatization day and shortens some of the daily hikes. The total time on the mountain is 7 days.

Our trip begins and ends at our lodge in Arusha, Tanzania. Clients may arrive at any time on day 1. There is a pre-trip meeting around 4:30 pm and the included dinner is served at 6:30 pm.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Day 1

ARRIVE IN TANZANIA.

Accommodations

Arusha Green Mountain Hotel

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

LUNCH

Lunch

DINNER

Dinner

Arusha Village Experience

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), we will use our private transfer from the Airport to Arusha Safari Lodge. We will gather in the evening for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check. We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance. Dinner and overnight at Arusha Safari Lodge: Bed, dinner and Breakfast-included.

6 hours • Admission Included

Day 2

MACHAME GATE TO MACHAME HUT (FULL BOARD)

Accommodations

Machame Camp

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

LUNCH

Lunch

DINNER

Dinner

Mount Kilimanjaro

After completing the necessary registration formalities at Machame National Parkgate, we begin to trek through a beautiful and lush forest. We have a picnic lunch en route. We camp at Machame Camp (9,800 ft). [5-6 hours walking]

6 hours • Admission Included

Day 3

MACHAME CAMP TO SHIRA CAMP (FULL BOARD)

Accommodations

Shira Hut

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

LUNCH

Lunch

DINNER

Dinner

Mount Kilimanjaro

We soon leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone of giant heather. The trail climbs steadily through rocky hills with wide views of the Shira Plateau (11,000 ft). From our camp near Shira Hut (12,600 ft), we take in the unforgettable views of Mt. Meru as she floats among the clouds. [4-5 hours walking]

4 hours • Admission Included

Day 4

SHIRA CAMP TO BARRANCO VALLEY (FULL BOARD)

Accommodations

Barranco Camp

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

LUNCH

Lunch

DINNER

Dinner

Mount Kilimanjaro

A morning of sustained ascent and panoramic views brings us to lunch near Lava Tower (14,900 ft). The trail then descends to the bottom of the Barranco Valley (12,800 ft), where we stay in the spectacular Barranco Camp sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. [7-9 hours walking]

7 hours • Admission Included

Day 5

BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP (FULL BOARD)

Accommodations

Karanga Camp

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

LUNCH

Lunch

DINNER

Dinner

Mount Kilimanjaro

A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the south-eastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Icefields. The terrain changes to scree, with pockets of lush vegetation in sheltered hollows, and there is only a short distance to our camp at Karanga Camp (13,100 ft), the last water point on the approach to the summit. [5-7 hours walking]

5 hours • Admission Included

Day 6

KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP (FULL BOARD)

Accommodations

Barafu Camp

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

LUNCH

Lunch

DINNER

Dinner

Mount Kilimanjaro

We follow an easy path on compacted scree with wide views that gains altitude unrelentingly to reach Barafu Hut (14,800 ft) for lunch. There is a short acclimatization hike to the plateau at the bottom of the southeast valley (15,700 ft). The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the early morning final ascent. [3-5 hours walking]

4 hours • Admission Included

Day 7

BARAFU CAMP TO SUMMIT TO MWEKA CAMP (FULL BOARD)

Accommodations

Mweka Camp

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

LUNCH

Lunch

DINNER

Dinner

Mount Kilimanjaro

We start our ascent by torchlight about 1 a.m. so that we can be up on the crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point (18,800 ft), in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the two-hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (19,345 ft), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshments, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite, Millenium Camp (12,500 ft). [11-15 hours walking]

13 hours • Admission Included

Day 8

MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE TO ARUSHA (HALF BOARD)

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

LUNCH

Lunch

Arusha Village Experience

A sustained descent on a well-constructed path takes us through a lovely tropical forest alive with birdsong and boasting lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. Our route winds down to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at Mweka (5,400 ft); and on through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village, where we are transferred to our lodging in Arusha. [4-6 hours walking] Dinner and overnight at Arusha Safari Lodge: Bed, dinner and Breakfast-included.

6 hours • Admission Included

What‘s Included

Private transportation

Oxygen

All Accommodation

First aid

All Fees and Taxes

all gears

tents

Rescue fees

Professional Guide

All transfers

Tips

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Options

Summit Kilimanjaro in 7 Days via Machame Route

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

8 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Professional Team, Perfect Organization
V8337LTsandrad,,Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I can’t thank Africa Joy Tours enough for making my Kilimanjaro dream a reality. From the very first day, the organization was perfect. The Machame Route was tough but rewarding, and the guides’ encouragement made all the difference. Every detail from camping to meals was taken care of. The porters worked tirelessly and always with smiles. This 7-day journey to the top was a mix of challenge, beauty, and joy.
Dream of Reaching the Summit Came True
Don606h,,Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Africa Joy Tours gave me the experience of a lifetime. The 7-day Machame Route was challenging but also breathtaking with beautiful landscapes at every stage. The team made sure we were well taken care of, with delicious meals and great company. The guides were knowledgeable and always checked on our health. Reaching the Uhuru Peak was emotional, and I couldn’t have done it without their constant support. Highly recommended for anyone planning this climb.
Great
277maddens,,Jun 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Guides and Porters were all amazing, very nice and very helpful. Frankie and Nestor our guides we will stay friends for the rest of my life. Everything was very organized from pickup to drop off and everything in between.
Machame - Thank you Africa Joy Tours
chaudir1,,Oct 13, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Kilimanjaro extracts a lot out of you and if you don’t have the right guides who can sense how you are feeling and adjust the pace accordingly, your chances of making the summit decrease significantly. That’s where guides from Africa Joy Tours shine through. We were a group over 50, overly ambitious men. Our guides Emanuel, Bryson and Augustine sensed that :) and ensured they move us through at a pace that was comfortable for all of us. The summit night is long and treacherous but they were very patient with us and the ginger tea was served at the right time to give us the energy needed to make the final push. They came highly recommended to us from friends and we highly recommend them to others. Experience was grew and we made a lifetime of memories. Thank you to all the porters and guides. You all were awesome!
Kilimanjaro 7-day hike
174ahsana,,Oct 8, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We took a 7 day hike of Mount Kilimanjaro from Machama with Bryson, Emmanuel and Augustine, our guides for the trip. Can’t say enough good things about the team. They had a great attitude and are very knowledgeable about the route. They made sure that we were safe, and able to successfully do the climb. Gave us sound advice and helped us get through tough terrain. The porters are amazing. They carried our supplies and had our tents ready before we arrived. I would give African Joy tours my highest recommendations!
Successful Kilimanjaro climbing with Africa Joy!
kczeiner,,Jul 8, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We are from Hungary, not especially experienced hikers. Age: 19, 40, 46, 48, 69. The Africa Joy team had 22 people who supported us with their positive mindset, good and healthy food, carrying our personal stuff, set up tents .. We could not have reached the peak without them. We have got remarkable memory from them. If you want to climb Kilimanjaro, we heartily recommend them!
Just 3 words needed: professional, safety and fun.
irenar866,,Sep 4, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Lifetime memory. Organisation was excellent. Professional, fun. I felt safe all the way. Stuff was great. Nothing to add. Thank you Africa joy tours for exceptional experience.
Extraordinary
Odr3,,Dec 13, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We were 2 to climb Kilimanjaro via the Machame route in 5 days of ascent and 2 days of descent. We were not trained. Clinton answered all our questions before we booked. He is very available and reassuring about any doubts that one could have. Once you arrive at the airport, the Africa Joy Tour team will pick you up and take you to the hotel. The next day, departure for the gentle but intense ascent. The staff (12 people for 2 tourists) advised us a lot, if you listen to them everything will go well. The secret is: Pole pole (gently) and drink a lot. They are real professionals! Always considerate, caring and helpful. They didn’t want to take Diamox for prevention and everything went well. We managed the climb thanks to their professionalism and dynamism. Meals are good. The rented tents and equipment are of very good quality. These may be trivial remarks but it means a lot to the stay. French travel agencies didn’t even want to take our reservation because it wasn’t the “right” season. We did not have a rainy day and the weather was mild. Trust Africa Joy Tour with your eyes closed, you will not regret it!!!