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

1

Day 01

Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport and Transfer to Hotel

• Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel. The drive covers approximately 41 kilometres and takes around 1 hour, with scenic views enjoyed along the way.
• After checking in, you will rest at the hotel and enjoy lunch or dinner, depending on your arrival time.
• A trek briefing will be provided to prepare you for the days ahead.

2

Day 02

Drive to Machame Gate and Trek to Machame Camp

• The day begins with a 1-hour drive from Moshi through Machame Village to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate, where permits are processed and the lively preparations of various trekking teams can be observed.
• The hike begins through lush rainforest on winding trails, with your guide sharing insights about the region's plants, animals, and local ecology.
• Due to the damp environment at lower elevations, the trail may be muddy and slippery, making gaiters and trekking poles strongly advisable.

3

Day 03

Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp

• Following a restful night and a filling breakfast, the rainforest is left behind as the trek continues along an upward trail.
• The route traverses a valley via a rugged, steep ridge before curving westward into a river gorge, eventually leading to the Shira campsite.
• The weather becomes noticeably colder at this point in the trek.

4

Day 04

Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, and Descent to Barranco Camp

• From the Shira Plateau, the path heads east up a ridge, passing the junction to the northern circuit before turning south-east towards Lava Tower at 4,600 metres.
• Shortly after Lava Tower, another junction appears leading to Arrow Glacier, before the trail descends to Barranco Camp for the night.
• Although the day ends at almost the same elevation as it began, this stage plays a crucial role in altitude acclimatisation.

5

Day 05

Barranco Wall, Karanga Valley, and Barafu Camp

• After breakfast, the trek climbs along a steep ridge towards the dramatic Barranco Wall before descending into the Karanga Valley and reaching the junction that meets the Mweka Trail.
• The route then continues up to Barafu Camp, where the completion of the South Circuit is marked by spectacular panoramic views of the summit from multiple vantage points.
• An early dinner is enjoyed, followed by rest in preparation for the summit attempt, with an overnight stay at Barafu Camp.

6

Day 06

Summit Attempt to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Mweka Camp

• The trek begins between midnight and 2:00 AM, heading in a north-westerly zigzag through thick scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim, where an unforgettable sunrise is enjoyed during a short rest.
• The final hour to Uhuru Peak is typically snow-covered, and upon reaching the summit, trekkers stand at the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent.
• After celebrating and soaking in the moment, the steep descent to Mweka Camp begins, with a stop at Barafu for lunch. Gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended due to loose gravel and volcanic ash.

7

Day 07

Descend to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi

• Following breakfast and a warm farewell ceremony with the trekking team, the descent continues towards the Mweka Park Gate, where summit certificates are issued.
• The trail becomes wet, muddy, and steep as the climate grows significantly warmer, making gaiters and trekking poles strongly advisable.
• From the gate, a vehicle will be waiting in Mweka Village to transport you back to your hotel in Moshi, an approximately 30-minute drive.

8

Day 08

Departure Transfer to the Airport

• You will be picked up from the hotel and transferred back to the airport. The journey is დაახლოებით 41 kilometres and takes about 1 hour.
• Activities include making early preparations for your trip and enjoying the views as the journey to the airport begins.