Tanzania · Trekking

8-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek with Uhuru Peak Sunrise

8 Days Round trip from River Trees Rd Challenging pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek the Machame Route through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert zones
02 Summit Uhuru Peak at sunrise and stand on Africa's highest mountain
03 Enjoy full board meals and professional support from an experienced mountain crew
04 Experience diverse ecological zones and spectacular views of the Southern Ice Fields

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Machame Route on this challenging 8-day adventure beginning in Arusha. Trek through rainforest, heath, moorland, and alpine desert zones while spotting unique birds, primates, and plant species along the way. Enjoy full board meals and expert guidance throughout the journey. Summit Uhuru Peak at sunrise before descending through diverse landscapes, earning your official certificate and completing an unforgettable high-altitude trekking experience in Tanzania.

Trek through rainforest, heath, moorland, and alpine desert zones while spotting unique birds, primates, and plant species along the way.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Challenging

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Machame, Usa River

Languages English, French, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Tanzania and Pre-Climb Briefing in Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where a private transfer will take you to River Tree Lodge in Arusha.
Attend an evening pre-climb briefing and equipment check with your mountain guide.
Confirm mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance before the climb.
Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at River Tree Lodge on a bed, dinner, and breakfast basis.

Day 02

Machame Gate Registration and Trek to Machame Camp

Drive to Machame Gate for registration formalities at Kilimanjaro National Park.
Trek through the lush montane rainforest, rich with tree species, birds, and primates.
Enjoy a picnic lunch en route.
Arrive at Machame Camp for dinner and an overnight stay with full board meals included.

Day 03

From Rainforest to Shira Plateau

Leave the forest zone and enter the heath and moorland zone of giant heather.
Ascend steadily with views across the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru.
Arrive at Shira Camp for dinner and an overnight stay with full board meals included.

Day 04

Lava Tower Ascent and Descent to Barranco Valley

Ascend towards Lava Tower with panoramic views of the alpine desert landscape.
Descend into Barranco Valley and camp beneath towering cliffs.
Enjoy full board meals and an overnight stay at Barranco Camp.

Day 05

Barranco Wall Climb to Karanga Camp

Climb the Barranco Wall and traverse beneath the Southern Ice Fields.
Trek across changing terrain of scree and sparse vegetation.
Arrive at Karanga Camp, the last water point before the summit, with full board meals included.

Day 06

Acclimatisation Trek to Barafu Camp

Follow a steady ascent on compacted scree towards Barafu Camp.
Take a short acclimatisation hike before resting for the summit attempt.
Enjoy full board meals and an overnight stay at Barafu Camp.

Day 07

Summit Uhuru Peak at Sunrise and Descend to Millenium Camp

Begin the summit ascent around 1:00 AM under torchlight.
Reach Stella Point at sunrise and continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
Descend via Barafu Camp and continue to Millenium Camp.
Enjoy full board meals and an overnight stay at camp.

Day 08

Descent to Mweka Gate and Return to Arusha

Descend through tropical rainforest alive with birds and unique plant species.
Receive your Kilimanjaro National Park summit certificate at Mweka Gate.
Transfer back to Arusha or to Kilimanjaro International Airport for departure.

Dinner and overnight at River Tree Lodge on a bed, dinner, and breakfast basis.

Where this trip takes you

Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Valley, Uhuru Peak sunrise

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from River Trees Rd 5 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Tanzania VAT on tourism activities and park fees
Return transfers from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha and from Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport
Hotel lodging the night before and the night after the climb, with dinner and breakfast included on a double-occupancy basis
Bed, dinner, and breakfast at the hotel
Transfer from your hotel to the starting point of the climb and return to your hotel after the climb
Large portions of fresh, healthy, and nutritious food
All Kilimanjaro National Park gate fees, camping fees, and climbing permits
Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees
Emergency oxygen for emergency use only
Basic first aid kit for emergency use
Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters, and cook
Salaries for the mountain crew as per Kilimanjaro National Park guidelines
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain
Camping equipment including tents, camp chairs, tables, and sleeping mattress
Water for daily washing
Porter to carry your duffel bag with a maximum weight of 15 kg from one camp to the next
Kilimanjaro National Park summit certificate
Comprehensive Climbing Kilimanjaro travel information pack
Flying Doctor Service