Tanzania · Trekking

7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

7 Days Round trip from Moshi Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek the Machame Route through rainforest, moorland, and high-altitude alpine terrain
02 Take in breath-taking views from the Shira Plateau, Barranco Camp, and Uhuru Peak
03 Ascend key landmarks such as Lava Tower and the Barranco Wall
04 Reach Uhuru Peak at 5895 m, the "Roof of Africa"

The Machame Route is one of the most beautiful and most popular trekking routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, leading you through lush rainforest, moorland, and high-altitude alpine scenery on the way to Uhuru Peak. Along the trail, you can enjoy views of Mount Meru, Shira Ridge, Kibo Peak, the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, and Barranco Camp. This route includes steeper passages at higher altitudes than Marangu or Rongai, so it requires good fitness and determination, but the reward is some of the most stunning mountain scenery in Africa.

Looking down over the surrounding landscape in the early morning light will make you feel on top of the world.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Machame

Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival at Kilimanjaro and Transfer to Moshi

Arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), you will be greeted by our warm and friendly guide(s). You will then be transferred to a nearby hotel to rest and relax after your long international flight.
On the way from KIA to the hotel, you may get the chance to see the mountain briefly before it is shrouded in cloud. Overnight in the hotel in Moshi town, where you can notice the sounds and smells of Moshi all around you.
Welcome to Tanzania's Peace Land. Our driver will pick you up at Kilimanjaro and take you to Arusha Town for the night. Stay overnight in Arusha with half-board lodging.

Day 02

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Once everything is prepared and collected, your adventure will begin. After just a few minutes, you will be deep within the forest, surrounded by ancient trees, ferns, mosses, and black-and-white colobus monkeys frolicking in the treetops.
After 5-6 hours, you will reach Machame Camp, situated just above the forest line at 3000 m. By the time you arrive, the porters will already have set up your tents, and warm water for washing will be ready.

Day 03

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

After an early morning start, the path steepens and the vegetation changes into moorland with shrubs such as hardy Ericas.
Today's stage is shorter than the previous day, and by mid-afternoon you will arrive at the campsite on the Shira Plateau. From the camp, you will have breath-taking views of the mountain and the evening light on the rock face and glacier of Kibo as the sun sets.

Day 04

Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Today will be a day of ups and downs. You will ascend almost 700 m, then descend again after reaching the imposing Lava Tower (4640 m). This helps with acclimatization, as you will reach a height of over 4500 m while moving through different vegetation zones.
After reaching Lava Tower, the path traverses Barranco Valley, dotted with the weird-looking senecios. Barranco Camp is reached after 6-7 hours. Considered the most beautiful camp on the mountain, it is situated just below the imposing Barranco Wall. Rest and refuel tonight.

Day 05

Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

The first section of today's route is to scale the Barranco Wall. Use your hands and feet. Safety is paramount, and you will be secured if necessary, but it looks more daunting than it actually is. The trail then continues with many ups and downs, crossing a few streams, winding and climbing, with a stop for lunch in the Karanga Valley.
After lunch, there will be another 2-3 hour climb before you reach Barafu Camp (4640 m). Tonight, drink plenty of fluids, try to eat, and go to bed early so you can rest enough before tomorrow's summit trek.

Day 06

Midnight Summit Trek to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Mweka Camp

You will be woken around midnight with a cup of tea and a biscuit. Dressed warmly and equipped with a headlight and your daypack, you will set off in the darkness.
After 5-7 hours of "pole pole," you will reach the rim of the crater at Stella Point. Another one to two hours of slow walking along the crater's edge will bring you to the summit - Uhuru Peak (5895 m).
Looking down over the surrounding landscape in the early morning light will make you feel on top of the world. You have now reached the "Roof of Africa." The descent should be easy but dusty, as the volcanic ash will have defrosted by then.
Returning on the same route, you should arrive at Barafu Camp within a few hours, where the porters will be waiting with food and tea. After resting for an hour or two, you will continue down to Mweka Camp (3080 m) for your overnight stay.

Day 07

Mweka Gate Descent and Return to Moshi

The first section of today's route is to scale the Barranco Wall. Use your hands and feet. Safety is paramount, and you will be secured if necessary, but it looks more daunting than it actually is.
The trail continues with many up and down sections, crossing a few streams, winding and climbing, and stopping for lunch in the Karanga Valley.
After lunch, there will be another 2-3 hour climb before you reach Barafu Camp (4640 m). Tonight, drink plenty of fluids, try to eat, and go to bed early so you can rest enough before tomorrow's summit trek.

Where this trip takes you

Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Camp, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Moshi 4 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transfers in both directions between the International Airport
Accommodation at the lodge in Arusha
Extended 4 x 4 safari jeep with pop-up roof for game viewing
Professional English-, French-, and German-speaking safari guide
Entrance fees to all national parks and crater fees
All meals while on safari and mineral drinking water during the safari
Government taxes

What's Not Included

International flights
Travel and personal accident insurance
Visa
Passport
Vaccinations and medicines
Tips/gratuities for guides, cook, and porters
Other expenditures such as luxury drinks, beverages, alcoholic drinks at lodges/hotels or during your trip, as well as souvenirs and personal items before or after the trip
Optional excursions/activities not detailed in the itinerary
Any additional services requested

What to bring

Valid ID or passport
Tour confirmation or tickets (printed or digital)
Local currency and/or credit card
Mobile phone and charger or power bank

Clothing & Accessories:

Comfortable walking shoes
Weather-appropriate clothing (e.g., jacket, hat, raincoat)
Sunglasses and sun hat
Scarf or shawl (for modesty at religious sites)

Personal Items:

Sunscreen and insect repellent
Personal medication
Water bottle
Snacks (especially for long tours)
Hand sanitizer and tissues

Optional Extras:

Camera or binoculars
Travel guidebook or map
Notebook or journal

Know before you go

Important information before booking:

Tour duration and schedule - know the exact start and end time, including any early departures.
Pickup and drop-off details - check if hotel transfers are included and the pickup time and location.
Inclusions and exclusions - clearly understand what's included (meals, tickets, transport) and what's not (tips, personal expenses).
Physical requirements - some tours may involve walking, stairs, or uneven terrain; ensure suitability for all participants.
Weather and clothing - dress appropriately for the season or activity; layers and comfortable shoes are often best.
Cancellation and refund policy - review terms for changes, cancellations, and refunds before booking.
ID or documents required - some tours may require passports or official identification.
Language of the tour guide - confirm the language spoken by the guide, especially for international travelers.
Group size and vehicle type - understand if the tour is private, small group, or large group.
Child policy and pricing - check for age restrictions, child rates, or free entry for young children.

Logistics