6-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route Climb to Uhuru Peak

6 Days Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 One of the most scenic routes on Mount Kilimanjaro
02 Pass through five distinct climate zones, from rainforest to the arctic summit
03 Excellent acclimatization profile with the "climb high, sleep low" approach
04 Spectacular views of the Shira Plateau and surrounding landscapes
05 Exciting scramble up the famous Barranco Wall
06 Stunning sunrise views from Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m
07 Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa
08 Diverse flora and fauna, including giant lobelias and colobus monkeys

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro on the challenging Machame Route, starting at Machame Gate and ascending through diverse landscapes from lush rainforest to barren alpine desert. This scenic route crosses the Shira Plateau, where trekkers enjoy stunning views of Kibo and Mount Meru, before approaching the summit from the east through steep, rocky terrain. With its rewarding acclimatization profile and dramatic mountain scenery, this trek leads to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Machame

Languages English, French, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Machame Gate to Machame Camp Through Rainforest

You will drive from Arusha or Moshi to Machame Gate, a journey of approximately an hour and a half. Along the way, you will see subsistence farming and pass through the town of Machame.

The first day's trek on the Machame Route is a long one, covering approximately 11 km / 7 miles and taking about 5 to 7 hours to complete. We mostly provide packed lunches for this route along with 2 to 3 liters of bottled water. This is the only bottled water you will receive; from here on, porters will collect water from mountain streams.

The day's trek ends at Machame Camp (2,835 meters), which sits near the border of the rainforest zone and the low alpine zone. By the time you arrive, your porters will have already set up your camp and tents, and dinner will be served.

Transport: Private transfer (0.8 hour, 30 km)
Hiking time: 6 - 7 hours (11 km)
Ascent: 1,200 m
Max. altitude: 3,000 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 02

Machame Camp to Shira Camp Across Moorland

On day two, you will rise early, pack your gear, and prepare for the trek from Machame Camp to Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters). The trek is relatively steep as you enter the low alpine zone, which is characterized by moorlands and grasslands.

Shira Camp 2 sits on a plateau, providing you with your first views of Kibo to the northwest and Mount Meru to the east. Day two takes approximately 4 to 6 hours and covers a distance of 5 km / 3 miles.

Hiking time: 5 - 6 hours (5 km)
Ascent: 850 m
Max. altitude: 3,850 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 03

Shira Plateau Trek to Barranco via Lava Tower

Day three is a long and tough trek east off the Shira Plateau through the "Garden of the Senecios," up to Lava Tower and the Shark's Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, and then back down via the Southern Circuit to Barranco Camp (3,900 meters).

After lunch, we will descend to Barranco Camp, following the "walk high, sleep low" golden rule of acclimatization. Our descent to Barranco Camp takes about 2 hours and offers great opportunities to take beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall.

The route is approximately 11 km / 7 miles in length and takes 5 to 7 hours to complete.

Hiking time: 6 - 7 hours (11 km)
Ascent: 750 m
Descent: 650 m
Max. altitude: 4,600 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 04

Barranco Wall Ascent to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, you will begin to ascend the impressive Barranco Wall and hike through glacial valleys - but don't worry, it is easier than it looks. Lunch will be eaten at Karanga Valley before joining the famous Mweka Trail.

You will then continue along the rocky ridge for 1 to 2 hours before reaching Barafu Camp, which offers stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro's summit from various angles. Your tents will be pitched along a narrow and rocky ridge with high winds, so it's worth taking some time to familiarize yourself with your surroundings before it gets dark.

Rest for the night at Barafu Camp and prepare for the upcoming hike to the summit. Trekkers on the seven-day route spend the night at Karanga Camp before continuing to Barafu on day 5. This additional day is beneficial for acclimatization.

Hiking time: 7 - 8 hours (7 km)
Ascent: 750 m
Descent: 280 m
Max. altitude: 4,700 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 05

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent

Early in the morning, around midnight, we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme.

We ascend in the darkness for several hours, taking frequent but short breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft.), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see, coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa.

From the summit, we begin our descent, continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful.

Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Hiking time: 12 - 14 hours (17 km)
Ascent: 1,295 m
Descent: 2,795 m
Max. altitude: 5,895 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 06

Final Descent to Mweka Gate

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect our summit certificates. At lower elevations, the trail can be wet and muddy.

From the gate, we continue for another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us there to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

Transport: Private transfer (0.5 hour, 17 km)
Hiking time: 3 - 4 hours (10 km)
Descent: 1,300 m
Max. altitude: 3,100 m
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Porterage
Rescue fee
Park fees (for non-residents)
All activities (unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
All taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water (on all days)

What's Not Included

Climbing gear
International flights (from/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (tipping guideline: US$20.00 pp per day)
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees

What to bring

For a Mount Kilimanjaro trekking safari, clients should bring:

Valid passport and travel documents
Travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking
Waterproof duffel bag for porter-carried gear
Daypack (30-40 liters) for personal items during the hike
Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support
Comfortable camp shoes or sandals
Moisture-wicking trekking shirts
Warm fleece or insulated jacket
Waterproof and windproof outer jacket
Waterproof trekking pants
Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
Warm hat and sun hat
Gloves or mittens for summit night
Several pairs of hiking socks
Sunglasses with UV protection
Headlamp with spare batteries
Reusable water bottles or hydration bladder (minimum 3 liters capacity)
Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF protection
Personal toiletries and wet wipes
Personal medications and basic first-aid items
Trekking poles (recommended)
Sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures (if not provided)
Camera or smartphone with power bank
Energy snacks such as nuts, chocolate, or energy bars
Cash for guide, porter, and cook tips
Positive attitude and determination for the summit

A concise packing reminder is: warm layers, waterproof gear, sturdy hiking boots, sun protection, hydration equipment, personal medications, and travel documents.

Know before you go

What clients should know about a trekking safari:

A trekking safari involves walking through natural landscapes with a professional guide.
Good physical fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the experience.
Weather conditions can change quickly, especially in mountainous areas.
Proper hiking boots and comfortable trekking clothing are essential.
Staying hydrated throughout the trek is very important.
Follow your guide's instructions at all times for safety.
Walk at a slow and steady pace to conserve energy.
Respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance from animals.
Do not litter; help preserve the natural environment.
Carry only essential items in your daypack.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Inform your guide of any medical conditions before the trek begins.
Altitude may affect some trekkers on high-elevation routes such as Mount Kilimanjaro.
A positive attitude and teamwork contribute greatly to a successful trek.
Trekking safaris offer unique opportunities to experience nature, local culture, and spectacular scenery.
For Kilimanjaro specifically, reaching the summit is not guaranteed; success depends on fitness, acclimatization, weather conditions, and individual response to altitude.