The 7-day Machame Route also known as the “Whiskey Route” is one of the most popular ways
to climb Kilimanjaro, and with good reason. It offers dramatic scenery, varied terrain, and a wellpaced climb that follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle for good acclimatization. You’ll find the full day-by-day itinerary below so you know exactly what to expect along the way
Lemosho Route – 10 Days | 8-Day Climb + Pre & Post Night in Arusha
Day 1: Pre-Climb – Arrival in Tanzania
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a member of our team will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. In the afternoon or evening, your guide will meet you for a detailed climb briefing and gear check. This is also a great moment to ask questions and get to know your team.
Day 2 – Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Your Kilimanjaro trek begins at Machame Gate on the southwest side of the mountain. After registration, you’ll hike through dense montane rainforest. Keep an eye out for colobus monkeys and colorful birds as you gradually ascend through the lush greenery. The trail can be muddy, especially after rain. You’ll reach Machame Camp in the afternoon.
Day 3 – Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Leaving the rainforest behind, you enter the heath and moorland zone. The trail climbs steeply along a rocky ridge with stunning views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru in the distance. The terrain opens up and the air becomes crisper as you reach Shira Camp.
Day 4 – Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (via Lava Tower)
Today is a key acclimatization day. You climb up to Lava Tower at about 4,630 m, where you’ll stop for lunch. Then, you descend to Barranco Camp. This ‘climb high, sleep low’ strategy helps your body adjust to the altitude. The landscape changes to alpine desert, with stunning views of the Western Breach and Barranco Wall.
Day 5 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
You start the day by climbing the famous Barranco Wall a challenging but rewarding scramble with breathtaking views from the top. Afterward, the trail winds through the Karanga Valley with some ups and downs until you reach Karanga Camp, a short day good for rest and acclimatization.
Day 6 – Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
A steady climb takes you to Barafu Camp, the last camp before the summit. The terrain here is barren and rocky, with little vegetation. ‘Barafu’ means ‘ice’ in Swahili you’ll feel the cold wind and thin air as you prepare for the summit night.
Day 7 – Summit Day: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then descent to Mweka Camp
You start just before midnight for the final push. The steep climb in the dark takes you to Stella Point on the crater rim, and then on to Uhuru Peak the highest point in Africa just in time for sunrise. After soaking in the views and taking photos, you descend back to Barafu for a rest, then continue down through moorland and rainforest to Mweka Camp.
Day 8 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
The final stretch leads you through lush rainforest on the descent to Mweka Gate. This last walk is often joyful and reflective you’ve conquered Kilimanjaro! At the gate, you receive your certificate and bid farewell to your guides and crew.
Distance: ~10 km
Day 9 – Departure day
After breakfast, we’ll arrange your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. If you’re not ready to leave yet, this is also the perfect moment to extend your adventure with a safari or a relaxing trip to Zanzibar.
✅ Airport transfers
Pickup and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
✅ Climb briefing & gear check
Meet your lead guide the evening before departure to review the route, check your gear, and get prepared.
✅ Pre- and post-night in Arusha
We’ll help you select a hotel that fits your preferences. One night before and one after the climb are included.
✅ All national park fees & climbing permits
Including conservation fees, camping fees, and rescue fees.
✅ Professional mountain crew
Certified English-speaking guides, a skilled cook, and a team of experienced porters — many of whom are family or close friends.
✅ Camping equipment
High-quality tents, sleeping mats, cooking gear — all provided and carried by our team.
✅ All meals & drinking water on the mountain
Freshly prepared hot meals and clean drinking water every day during your climb.
✅ Summit celebration
A special moment with the team to celebrate your achievement — expect singing, dancing, and big smiles.
✅ Basic medical support & safety checks
Daily health monitoring with a pulse oximeter, plus emergency evacuation coordination if needed.
✅ Emergency descent & repatriation support
If anything goes wrong, we’ll get you down safely and arrange the help you need.