7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

7 Days Round trip from Moshi Hard pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek the renowned Machame Route, one of the most scenic paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro
02 Journey through diverse landscapes ranging from lush rainforests to alpine deserts
03 Acclimatize effectively with the climb-high, sleep-low approach via Lava Tower
04 Conquer the famous Barranco Wall and enjoy spectacular views of the Southern Icefields
05 Reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, the highest point in Africa

Experience the adventure of a lifetime on this 7-day Mount Kilimanjaro trek via the scenic Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route. Journey through lush rainforests, alpine moorlands, and dramatic volcanic landscapes while enjoying spectacular views and excellent acclimatization opportunities. Conquer the famous Barranco Wall, trek past Lava Tower, and reach the summit of Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, the highest point in Africa. Descend through beautiful rainforest trails for an unforgettable journey filled with breathtaking scenery and personal achievement.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Hard

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Machame

Languages English, French, German, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Moshi to Machame Gate and Machame Camp

Begin the adventure with a drive from Moshi to Machame Gate.
Complete registration procedures before starting the trek.
Hike through lush rainforest filled with giant ferns and exotic wildlife.
Cross streams and forested ridges before reaching Machame Camp at 3,000 meters.
Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the camp.

Hiking Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 6 to 8 hours

Day 02

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Ascend through heath and moorland landscapes.
Stop at Picnic Rock and enjoy views of Kibo Peak.
Continue across the Shira Plateau to Shira Camp at 3,840 meters.
Admire spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding wilderness.

Hiking Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4 to 6 hours

Day 03

Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Trek across alpine moorland towards Lava Tower at 4,550 meters.
Use the ascent for acclimatization before descending into Barranco Valley.
Experience the principle of climbing high and sleeping low.
Arrive at Barranco Camp at 3,900 meters, surrounded by dramatic landscapes.

Hiking Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 5 to 7 hours

Day 04

Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp

Climb the famous Barranco Wall and enjoy breathtaking views.
Traverse scenic ridges overlooking the Southern Icefields.
Continue to Karanga Valley and reach Karanga Camp at 4,000 meters.
Spend the afternoon resting and preparing for higher elevations.

Hiking Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours

Day 05

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Ascend through rocky terrain towards Barafu Camp.
Reach the camp situated at 4,600 meters.
Enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
Rest and prepare for the summit attempt during the night.

Hiking Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours

Day 06

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Mweka Camp

Begin the summit ascent shortly after midnight.
Reach Stella Point and continue to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, the highest point in Africa.
Celebrate the achievement and take photographs from the roof of Africa.
Descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing to Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters.
Enjoy a well-earned dinner and overnight stay.

Hiking Distance: 13 km
Hiking Time: 11 to 15 hours

Day 07

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi

Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate.
Receive your summit certificate upon completion of the trek.
Transfer back to Moshi and celebrate the successful climb.
Conclude your unforgettable Mount Kilimanjaro adventure.

Hiking Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 4 to 6 hours

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Moshi 3 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

2 nights' accommodation (before and after the trek)
Professional, experienced mountain guides
All park fees (entry, rescue, camping, hut)
All meals while on the mountain
Arrival and departure transfers
Salaries for guides, porters, and cooks, as well as park fees
Transport to and from the park gates
Clean drinking water
Mess tents with tables and chairs
Private chemical toilets
Fair and ethical treatment of porters
Summit certificate for successful climbers

What's Not Included

Tanzania Visa (USD 50 per person)
Personal expenses (laundry, beverages, etc.)
Meals not listed above
Optional tours (safari, day trips, and village tours)
Tips for guides, cooks, and porters
Travel insurance and medical requirements

What to bring

Base layers, including thermal tops and bottoms
Insulating layers, such as a fleece jacket and down jacket
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Hiking shirts and trekking pants
A warm hat, sunhat, and neck buff
Liner gloves and warm outer gloves
Comfortable wool socks
Waterproof hiking boots that have been properly broken in
Camp shoes, such as sneakers or sandals
A warm sleeping bag rated between -10°C and -20°C
A sleeping pad, if not provided by the tour operator
A duffel bag for porter support
A 20-30-liter daypack for personal items
A headlamp with extra batteries
Sunglasses with UV protection
Trekking poles
Reusable water bottles or a hydration pack with a capacity of 2-3 liters
A quick-dry towel
Gaiters for additional protection, if desired
Personal medication and basic first-aid supplies
High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm
Wet wipes and personal hygiene items
Snacks or energy bars
A power bank for charging electronic devices
Passport
Travel insurance documents
Vaccination card, if required
Tents
Meals
Drinking water
Professional guides

Know before you go

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Tanzania.
Visas can be obtained online in advance through the Tanzania Immigration Portal or on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
The standard tourist visa costs USD 50 for most passport holders.
Applying online before travel is recommended to avoid queues on arrival.
Your tour operator can provide guidance on entry requirements based on your nationality.
June to October is one of the best times to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, with cool, dry weather and excellent visibility.
December to early March offers warmer temperatures and mostly dry conditions, making it another ideal climbing season.
April to May is the long rainy season, when trails can be muddy and visibility may be limited.
Late March and November experience short rains and more unpredictable weather conditions.
For the highest summit success rates and the most comfortable trekking conditions, plan your climb between June and October or December and early March.
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed year-round, depending on your preferences and flexibility.