6-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek to Uhuru Peak at Sunrise

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Discover the classic Machame Route approach to Kilimanjaro
• 02 Experience rainforest, heather zones, and alpine desert on the ascent
• 03 Climb high to Lava Tower, then descend to Barranco for acclimatisation
• 04 Summit Uhuru Peak at sunrise and descend through Mweka Forest

Embark on a six-day Kilimanjaro ascent along the classic Machame Route, moving from rainforest to alpine desert while following a climb-high, sleep-low strategy. Trek across the Shira Plateau, ascend to Lava Tower, descend to Barranco, and cross the Barranco Wall before reaching Barafu Camp. Begin a midnight summit push to Uhuru Peak for sunrise, then descend through the Mweka Forest. Expert guides support every step of this demanding yet rewarding mountain expedition, making it a memorable achievement.

Wake between midnight and 02:00 to begin the summit attempt between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Machame

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Machame Gate Trek Through Montane Forest

• Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and depart at 08:00 for the 45-minute drive through Machame village to the park gate.
• Register at Machame Gate, meet your climbing crew, and begin trekking through lush montane forest alive with birds and monkeys.
• Cover approximately 11 km over 5 to 7 hours, gaining 1,200 metres to reach Machame Camp at 2,835 metres for dinner and overnight.

2

Day 02

Ascent to Shira Plateau and Shira Camp

• Leave the rainforest after breakfast and ascend steeply through heather and moorlands.
• Enjoy wide views of Mount Meru and Kibo while traversing rocky ridges and river gorges.
• Continue onto the Shira Plateau, spotting unique high-altitude flora along the way.
• Hike roughly 11 km over 5 to 7 hours to reach Shira Camp at 3,745 metres.

3

Day 03

Lava Tower Acclimatisation and Barranco Valley

• Walk east across the Shira Plateau before climbing toward the Lava Tower at 4,650 metres, also known as the Sharks Tooth.
• Use the climb-high, sleep-low acclimatisation approach while spending time at Lava Tower.
• Descend into the Barranco Valley with dramatic alpine desert scenery and views of the Barranco Wall.
• Cover about 10 km over 6 to 7 hours, ending at Barranco Camp at 3,960 metres.

4

Day 04

Barranco Wall Crossing to Barafu Camp

• Tackle the famous Barranco Wall after breakfast, gaining height steadily with sweeping views.
• Traverse ridgelines and valleys toward Karanga, joining the Mweka descent trail junction.
• Continue climbing toward Barafu Camp, completing the Southern Circuit with wide summit panoramas.
• Expect a 9 km trek taking 6 to 8 hours across alpine desert terrain to reach 4,673 metres.

5

Day 05

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru Peak

• Wake between midnight and 02:00 to begin the summit attempt between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers.
• Reach Stella Point before continuing to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres for sunrise.
• Celebrate at Africa's highest point and capture photographs, then descend to Barafu for a short rest and hot meal.
• Continue descending to Mweka Camp at 3,100 metres, covering about 18 km total with 5 km ascent and 13 km descent over 10 to 13 hours.

6

Day 06

Forest Descent to Mweka Gate

• After breakfast, descend through lush Mweka Forest to the park gate over approximately 10 km in 3 to 4 hours.
• Collect summit certificates, greet your support crew, and enjoy celebratory refreshments at the gate.
• Transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a shower, rest, and an optional farewell dinner.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
• Rescue fees (part of park fees)
• Emergency oxygen cylinder
• Guides, porters, cook salaries, and park fees
• Professional, experienced mountain guides
• Quality tents with table and chairs
• All meals while on the mountain
• Clean, purified drinking water
• Conservation fees (part of park fees)
• Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on a twin-sharing basis)
• Sleeping mattress
• VAT (18% charged by the Government)
• Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
• Kilimanjaro summit certificate
• Camping fees

What's Not Included

• Tanzania visa
• Transfers (available as an optional)
• Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
• Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc. (available for rent)
• Tips and gratuities
• International and domestic flights
• Hotel (available as an optional)
• Personal expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
• Travel insurance
• Liquors, beers, and bottled beverages
• Meals not listed in the itinerary

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Moshi, Tanzania

Tour start

Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.