Tanzania · Trekking

9-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route Climb to Uhuru Peak

9 Days Round trip from Arusha Challenging pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Machame Route on one of the world's most iconic treks
02 Trek through diverse climate zones from lush rainforest to alpine desert and a snowy summit
03 Ascend the famous Barranco Wall and enjoy breathtaking views across the Shira Plateau
04 Reach Uhuru Peak at 5895 metres and witness spectacular sunrise views over Africa

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro on a 9-day Machame Route trek and experience diverse landscapes, from rainforest to alpine desert and a snowy summit. Trek along scenic trails, ascend the Barranco Wall, and acclimatise across varied terrain as you make your way to Uhuru Peak at 5895 metres. Witness breathtaking sunrise views over Africa and enjoy expert guidance, well-planned logistics, and an unforgettable adventure that combines challenge, natural beauty, and achievement on one of the world's most iconic mountain climbs.

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro on a 9-day Machame Route trek and experience diverse landscapes, from rainforest to alpine desert and a snowy summit.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Challenging

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Machame

Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Arusha and Pre-Trek Briefing

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Transfer to Planet Lodge, Arusha (or similar).
Pre-trek briefing and gear check.

Overnight at Planet Lodge (BB).

Day 02

Machame Gate to Machame Camp Through Rainforest

Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles.
Trekking time: 5-7 hours.
Terrain: Rainforest.
Meals: Lunch and dinner included.
Highlights: Lush forest, possible monkey sightings, and a gradual ascent.

Overnight: Camping.

Day 03

Machame Camp to Shira Camp Across Moorland

Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles.
Trekking time: 4-5 hours.
Terrain: Moorland.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Highlights: Stunning views of Kibo Peak and the Shira Plateau.

Overnight: Camping.

Day 04

Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles.
Trekking time: 6-8 hours.
Terrain: Alpine desert.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Highlights: Acclimatisation at Lava Tower and dramatic landscapes.

Overnight: Camping.

Day 05

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp via Barranco Wall

Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles.
Trekking time: 4-5 hours.
Terrain: Alpine desert.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Highlights: Climb the famous Barranco Wall and enjoy scenic valleys.

Overnight: Camping.

Day 06

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp for Summit Preparation

Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles.
Trekking time: 3-4 hours.
Terrain: Rocky alpine desert.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Highlights: Final preparation for summit night.

Overnight: Camping.

Day 07

Summit Uhuru Peak and Descend to Mweka Camp

Distance: 17 km / 10.5 miles.
Trekking time: 10-14 hours.
Terrain: Steep ascent, alpine desert, and forest descent.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Highlights: Summit at Uhuru Peak and sunrise views over Africa.

Overnight: Camping.

Day 08

Descend to Mweka Gate and Return to Arusha

Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles.
Trekking time: 3-4 hours.
Terrain: Rainforest descent.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
Highlights: Certificate ceremony and transfer back to Arusha.

Overnight: Planet Lodge, Arusha (or similar, BB).

Day 09

Departure from Arusha

Breakfast at Planet Lodge.
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

Where this trip takes you

Barranco Wall, Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Arusha 3 cities · 9 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All park fees and Kilimanjaro climbing permits
Professional guides, porters, and mountain crew
All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Camping equipment (tents, dining tent, tables, and chairs)
Private portable toilet with full setup and servicing
Drinking water during the trek
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Transfers to and from the park gate
2 nights' hotel accommodation in Arusha (Planet Lodge or similar, BB)
Pre-trek briefing and safety checks
First aid kit and emergency support
Summit certificate for successful climbers

What's Not Included

International and domestic flights
Visa fees for Tanzania
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Tips for guides, porters, and crew
Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, clothing, etc.)
Drinks (alcoholic and soft drinks)
Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
Optional activities or extra services not mentioned in the itinerary
Additional hotel nights before or after the program

What to bring

Clothing - thermal base layers, top and bottom
Fleece or warm jacket
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Down jacket for summit night
Trekking shirts and trousers
Footwear - waterproof hiking boots, well broken in
Warm hiking socks, four to five pairs
Light shoes or sandals for camp
Accessories - warm hat and sun hat
Gloves, light and warm
Sunglasses with UV protection
Headlamp with extra batteries
Bags and gear - daypack, twenty to thirty litres
Duffel bag for porters
Sleeping bag suitable for minus ten to minus fifteen degrees
Personal items - sunscreen and lip balm
Water bottles or hydration pack, two to three litres
Personal toiletries and medications
Snacks such as energy bars and nuts
Documents - passport
Travel insurance
Cash for tips
Optional - trekking poles
Camera or power bank

Know before you go

A good level of physical fitness is required for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
No technical climbing skills are needed, but prior hiking experience is recommended.
Altitude sickness is possible; proper acclimatisation and following the guide's advice are essential.
All park fees, camping equipment, meals, and trekking support are included.
Porters carry your main bag (maximum 15 kg); you carry a small daypack.
The weather varies from hot to freezing temperatures, so proper gear is required.
Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking is mandatory.
Tips for guides, porters, and crew are not included.
Visa and vaccinations (if required) are the traveller's responsibility.
Camping equipment, meals, and full trekking support are provided.
Gear rental is available in Arusha if required.