7-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route Climb to Uhuru Peak

7 Days Round trip from Moshi Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek the scenic Machame Route through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert zones
02 Cross the Shira Plateau with views toward the Western Breach glaciers
03 Acclimatize with the "climb high, sleep low" day via Lava Tower (4,600 m)
04 Scramble up the iconic, non-technical Barranco Wall with sweeping glacier views
05 Make a midnight summit attempt to <strong>Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)</strong> with sunrise at Stella Point

Tackle Mount Kilimanjaro on the classic 7-day Machame Route, a beautifully varied trek that takes you from lush rainforest to open moorland, across the Shira Plateau, and into the stark alpine desert beneath Kibo's glaciers. With a well-paced itinerary designed for acclimatization, you'll experience the mountain's changing landscapes day by day while camping under big skies. Your summit push begins around midnight from Barafu Camp, aiming to reach Stella Point at sunrise before continuing to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa, before a long descent to Mweka Camp and a final walk out through the forest to Mweka Gate, where you'll receive your summit certificate.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Machame

Languages French, Italian, Spanish, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Machame Gate to Machame Camp through the Rainforest

Distance covered: 11 km
Approximate time taken: 7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation: Camping
Transfer: After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel at around 8:00 a.m. and driven to Machame Gate.
En route: You will pass through the fertile farmlands of the Chagga people, with views of coffee and banana plantations.
Activity: Upon arrival at the gate, you will complete park registration and other required formalities before beginning your Kilimanjaro climb.
Hike: The first day's hike takes you through a lush tropical rainforest, rich in vegetation and birdlife, to Machame Camp (2,835 m).
Lunch: A picnic lunch will be enjoyed along the way.
Dinner & Overnight: Dinner and an overnight stay at the camp.

Day 02

Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp via the Moorland Zone

Distance covered: 5 km
Approximate time taken: 3 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation: Camping
Start: The day begins around 8:00 a.m. with the start of the hike.
Hike: You will climb for about one hour to reach the edge of the forest, followed by another hour on a gentler slope through the moorland zone.
Rest: After a short snack and brief rest, the trail continues up a rocky ridge onto the Shira Plateau.
Views: From this vantage point, you can enjoy impressive views to the east, including the glaciers of the Western Breach.
Dinner & Overnight: The day ends with dinner and an overnight stay at Shira Camp (3,750 m).

Day 03

Shira Cave Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Distance covered: 10 km
Approximate time taken: 6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Acclimatization: To support proper acclimatization, the day follows the principle of climb high, sleep low.
Trek: The trek ascends into the alpine desert zone to Lava Tower (4,600 m), where you will spend time adjusting to the altitude.
Descent: From there, you descend for about three hours to Barranco Camp (3,900 m).
Photo opportunities: This section offers excellent photo opportunities of the dramatic Western Breach and the iconic Barranco Wall.
Campsite: The campsite lies in a scenic valley beneath the wall, providing a memorable sunset as you relax and await dinner.
Overnight: Overnight is spent at Barranco Camp (3,900 m).

Day 04

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp over Barranco Wall

Distance covered: 6 km
Approximate time taken: 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation: Camping
Ascent: After breakfast, you depart the campsite and begin the ascent of the impressive Barranco Wall, reaching approximately 4,200 m, with views extending toward the Heim Glacier.
Climb: The climb involves steady scrambling but is non-technical and highly rewarding.
Trek: After topping the wall, the trail continues across undulating terrain toward Karanga Camp (4,000 m), which you reach after about four hours of trekking.
Rest: The remainder of the day is reserved for rest and acclimatization.

Day 05

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp beneath Kibo

Distance covered: 4 km
Approximate time taken: 3 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation: Camping
Trek: After breakfast, you will set off toward Barafu Camp (4,640 m), following a trail that offers impressive views of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
Lunch: Upon arrival at the camp, lunch will be served, followed by a long rest period to prepare for the demanding hours ahead.
Dinner: Dinner will be taken early, and you will be encouraged to rest and sleep as much as possible, as the summit attempt begins around midnight.

Day 06

Uhuru Peak Summit Push and Descent to Mweka Camp

Distance covered: 20 km
Approximate time taken: 14 hours
Habitat: Glacier/Moorland/Rainforest
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation: Camping
Summit attempt: You will be awakened around midnight, when light tea and biscuits will be served to prepare you for the summit attempt.
Ascent: The ascent begins with a steady scree climb lasting approximately four to five hours, gaining significant altitude over a short distance and offering spectacular views.
Stella Point: You will reach the crater rim at Stella Point (5,756 m) just as the first rays of sunrise appear.
Uhuru Peak: After about one more hour, you arrive at Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa, where there is time for photos and quiet reflection.
Descent: You then descend to Barafu Camp for lunch and a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m) for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 07

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi

Distance covered: 10 km
Approximate time taken: 3 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meal: Breakfast and lunch included
Accommodation: Camping
Hike: The final day begins with a gentle three-hour hike through the Mweka montane forest to Mweka Gate.
Formalities: Here, you will complete the required park formalities and receive your summit certificates, a proud keepsake of your achievement.
Transfer: From the gate, your vehicle will transfer you back to Moshi, where a warm shower, clean clothes, and a comfortable bed await.
End: This marks the perfect moment to relax, reflect on your journey, and celebrate your successful climb of Kilimanjaro.

The route

Where you'll travel

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

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All applicable park entry fees as outlined in the program
Government taxes, including VAT and local levies
Services of highly experienced, English-speaking mountain guide(s), porters, and cook
Camping equipment (mountain tents, mattresses, chairs, etc.), except on the Marangu Route
Transportation from the hotel to the park gate and return after the climb
Full-board meals during the trek as specified in the itinerary
Unlimited drinking water during the climb, as detailed day by day
Accommodation in camping tents or huts on the Marangu Route
Rescue fees, emergency oxygen, pulse oximeter, and a comprehensive first-aid kit
Accommodation, meals, and park entry fees for guides and porters
Fair wages for guides and porters as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority

What's Not Included

International and domestic flights
Two nights' accommodation in Arusha before and after the trek
Airport pick-up and drop-off
Tips for guides, cook, and porters (guideline: Guide USD 10-20 per person per day; Cook and Porters USD 5-10 per person per day)
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, travel insurance, and visa fees (USD 50-100 per person depending on nationality)
Extra meal orders beyond the set menu provided
Any government-imposed increases in taxes or park fees
Medical and luggage insurance
Portable flush toilet
Sleeping bag

What to bring

Valid passport and travel insurance documents.
A comfortable daypack (30-40L) and a duffel bag for the porter.
Waterproof hiking boots that are well broken in.
Warm clothing, including thermal base layers, a fleece jacket, an insulated jacket, and a waterproof outer shell.
Hiking trousers, moisture-wicking shirts, and extra socks.
Warm hat, sun hat, gloves, and a neck gaiter or buff.
A high-quality sleeping bag rated for temperatures down to -10°C to -15°C.
Trekking poles (recommended for stability and reducing strain on descents).
Headlamp with spare batteries for the summit ascent.
Sunglasses with UV protection and high-SPF sunscreen.
Reusable water bottles or a hydration bladder with a combined capacity of at least 3 litres.
Personal toiletries, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, lip balm, and a quick-dry towel.
Personal medications and a basic first-aid kit.
Energy snacks such as nuts, chocolate, energy bars, or dried fruit.
Camera, power bank, and charging cables.

Know before you go

No technical climbing experience is required, but a good level of physical fitness is essential.
The Machame Route is considered moderately challenging and offers excellent acclimatization through its 'climb high, sleep low' itinerary.
Summit day is the most demanding, involving a midnight start and 10-15 hours of trekking before reaching the final campsite.
Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of fitness. Walk slowly, stay hydrated, eat well, and inform your guide immediately if you experience symptoms.
Temperatures vary significantly, from warm rainforest conditions to well below freezing near the summit.
Professional guides monitor your health daily and are trained in altitude safety and emergency procedures.
Porters carry the majority of your equipment, allowing you to trek with only a light daypack.
All meals during the trek are freshly prepared to provide the energy needed for climbing.
Mobile network coverage is limited and unreliable on the mountain, especially at higher elevations.
Tipping guides, porters, and cooks is customary and greatly appreciated.
Plastic waste should be minimized - carry reusable water bottles and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking up to 5,895 metres and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended.
The best climbing seasons are January to March and June to October, when weather conditions are generally most favourable.