Tanzania · Trekking

7-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek with Stella Point Sunrise

7 Days Round trip from Ilboru Hard pace

Trek to the summit of Africa's highest point - peak Kibo

Enjoy the scenic trail as you climb to peak Kibo

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Enjoy a gentle climb through the original montane forest, lush with unique flora
02 Observe local wildlife like elands or the occasional lion
03 Take an optional half-hour walk to view fascinating geological features in the old volcanic caldera
04 Appreciate the beauty of the western glaciers during the ascent toward Peak Kibo
05 Enjoy fantastic views of Mawenzi Peak
06 Bask in the beautiful sunrise visible from Stella Point

Climb Africa's highest mountain via the picturesque Machame Route, often called the Whiskey Route. Starting at Machame Gate, this scenic trek leads through montane forest and moorland to Shira Camp and the beautiful Barranco Valley, with chances to observe native wildlife along the way. Admire the western glaciers and the beauty of Mawenzi Peak as you ascend toward Kibo, then soak in the glorious sunrise from Stella Point before reaching the highest point on the continent.

Admire the western glaciers and the beauty of Mawenzi Peak as you ascend toward Kibo, then soak in the glorious sunrise from Stella Point before reaching the highest point on the continent.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Hard

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Machame

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Arusha

Arrive in Arusha and check in to Ilboru Safari Lodge.

Day 02

Drive to Machame Gate and Trek Through Montane Forest

From Arusha, drive to the Machame Route gate, also called the "Whiskey Route."
The trail from Machame Park Gate is a gentle climb through the original montane forest, carpeted in unique busy-Lizzie flowers, begonias, and ferns.
Camp among the giant heathers at 3000 m.

Ascent of 1200 m with 5-6 hours of walking.

Day 03

Machame Gate to Shira Camp

Emerge from the giant heather zone and hike through open moorland to camp by the Shira Cave at 3840 m.
Herds of eland, and the occasional lion, could be spotted up here.
The old volcanic caldera has fascinating geological features that can be viewed during an optional half-hour walk in the afternoon.

Ascent of 840 m with 4 to 5 hours of walking.

Day 04

Shira Camp to Barranco Valley

Climb toward the main peak, Kibo, from Shira Camp, with the western glaciers clearly visible across the rugged high-altitude desert of volcanic rocks and boulders.
Skirting around its base and under the imposing Western Breach, descend into the sheltered Barranco Valley for a mid-way camp at 3950 m.
Having climbed much higher and dropped back down assists in acclimatization.

Total of 6 to 7 hours of walking with an ascent of 110 m.

Day 05

Barranco Valley to Barafu Hut

Climb up the steep Barranco Wall, with some sections of easy scrambling.
Drop down again to the Karanga Valley, where you take a break for lunch.
Hike on to Barafu Hut at 4600 m.
Enjoy the fantastic views across the camp to Mawenzi Peak.
Get adequate relaxation in preparation for the challenging summit hike early the following morning.

Total of 7 to 8 hours of hiking with an ascent of 650 m.

Day 06

Barafu Hut to Kibo Summit via Stella Point

We start climbing the steep frozen scree at 1 AM. This is unavoidable on any route, but we aim to go past Gilman's Point to reach Stella Point on the crater rim for sunrise.
Another 40 minutes, and you are at the highest point on the continent (Kibo - 5900 m).
Return through the Mweka descent route.

Ascent of 1300 m with about 7 hours of trekking to the summit.

2600 m descent with 6 to 7 hours of trekking to the Mweka campsite (3400 m) above Mweka Gate.

Day 07

Descend to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi

The Mweka campsite is a 4 to 5-hour descent through the forest to Mweka Gate, depending on individual fitness.
Collect your certificates and return to Moshi for the night.

Where this trip takes you

Machame Gate, montane forest, Barranco Valley, Stella Point sunrise

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Ilboru 4 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All transport by private vehicle to and from the mountain
Accommodation as detailed in the itinerary
Services of a private Tanzanian mountain guide
Cook
Porters
National Park entrance
Camping fees
All food and catering equipment - breakfasts, lunches (packed when necessary), and evening meals prepared by our own cook
Special dietary requirements are catered for with prior arrangements at no extra cost
Certificate of achievement/appreciation from us
Free storage of excess baggage not required on the mountain hike
Crisis management apparatus - VHF 2-way radio, basic first aid kit, and an on-call vehicle

What's Not Included

Drinks at the lodge in Arusha
Sleeping bag
Tips

Know before you go

Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of any African safari. We are often asked for tipping guidelines, and we recommend $15-20 USD for your guide, $10-15 for your assistant guide, chef, and porters per person per day. It is one of the most direct ways to have a positive economic impact on the East African community. Although it may not be customary for you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, as it is an important source of income for those in the tourism industry.

Logistics