7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trek via Machame Route to Uhuru Peak

Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate, a journey of about 50 minutes.

The route passes through the village of Machame, located on the lower slopes of the mountain.

After leaving the park gate, walk through dense rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge until you reach Machame Camp.

Leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge.

On the Shira Plateau, pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to reach Shira 2 Camp.

Continue east up a ridge and then head southeast towards Lava Tower, a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation.

Descend to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft.

Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at a higher altitude is beneficial for acclimatization.

Begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall.

Then climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff.

From the top of the Barranco Wall, cross a series of hills and valleys until descending sharply into Karanga Valley.

One more steep climb leads to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

Leave Karanga and reach the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail.

Continue up the rocky section to Barafu Hut.

At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles.

Here, make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for summit day.

The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this position.

Very early in the morning, around midnight, begin the 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.

Ascend in the darkness for several hours, taking frequent but short breaks. Near Stella Point at 18,900 ft, you will be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise coming over Mawenzi Peak.

Finally, arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

Begin the descent from the summit, continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, with a stop at Barafu for lunch.

The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees, so trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.

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

On the last day, continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates.

At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village, where a vehicle will meet you for the drive back to the hotel in Moshi.