7-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Summit Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa
• 02 Climb the steep Great Baranco Wall on the scenic Machame Route
• 03 Watch a breathtaking sunrise at Stella Point over Mawenzi Peak
• 04 Trek through diverse habitats from lush rain forest to alpine desert and Arctic zone

Embark on a 7-day adventure to climb Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route, immersing yourself in the diverse landscapes of this iconic mountain. Trek through lush rainforests, ascend rocky ridges, and conquer the Great Baranco Wall. Marvel at the stunning sunrise at Stella Point before reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

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.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Machame

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Machame Gate to Machame Camp Through Rain Forest

• Pick up from your hotel in Arusha at 08:00 am and drive to Machame Gate, a journey of about 1 hour. The route passes through the village of Machame, located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
• After leaving the park gate, walk through dense rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge until you reach Machame Camp.
• Machame Gate to Machame Camp.
• Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft
• Distance: 11 km/7 miles
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

2

Day 02

Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp Across Moorland

• Leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, pass through heather and open moorlands.
• Cross a large river gorge to reach Shira 2 Camp.
• Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
• Distance: 5 km/3 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Heath

3

Day 03

Shira 2 Camp to Baranco Camp via Lava Tower

• Continue east up a ridge, then head southeast towards Lava Tower, a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation, with your Kilimanjaro tour guide.
• Descend to Baranco 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 higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
• Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
  • Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
  • Distance: 7 km/4 miles
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Lava Tower to Baranco Camp
  • Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
  • Distance: 3 km/2 miles
  • Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

4

Day 04

Baranco Camp to Karanga Camp for Acclimatization

• Begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Baranco Wall.
• Climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff.
• From the top of the Baranco Wall, cross a series of hills and valleys until you descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb leads to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
• Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
• Distance: 5 km/3 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

5

Day 05

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp on the Southern Circuit

• Leave Karanga and head to 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, you 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.
• Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
• Distance: 4 km/2 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

6

Day 06

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Down to Mweka Camp

• Very early in the morning, around midnight, begin your 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 while 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, arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
• From the summit, begin your descent and continue straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite.
• Do shopping at Barafu for lunch.
• Continue hiking. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; 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.
• Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
  • Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
  • Distance: 5 km/3 miles
  • Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
  • Habitat: Arctic
• Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
  • Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
  • Distance: 12 km/7 miles
  • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest

7

Day 07

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Arusha

• On your last day, continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy.
• From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village.
• Hop into a vehicle at Mweka Village to head back to your hotel in Arusha.
• Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
• Distance: 10 km/6 miles
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• All government taxes

• All park entry fees

• Camping fees

• Cook

• Rescue fees

• Tanzanian porters and guide

• Three meals a day

• Transfer from Arusha to Machame Gate and from Mweka Gate to Arusha

• Mess tent, waterproof tents, mattresses, chairs, and tables

• Oxygen cylinder

• Pulse oximeter

• First aid kit

What's Not Included

• Tips for Tanzanian porters and guides

Know before you go

• The price includes flying doctor insurance.

• You are advised to apply for a visa online through the Tanzania embassy abroad because it takes a long time to acquire your visa at Tanzania's border or airport.

• The Mt Kilimanjaro Machame route, also known as the "Whiskey" route, is known for its scenic beauty. The trail is considered difficult, steep, and challenging, particularly due to its shorter itinerary. Therefore, this route is better suited for more adventurous travellers or those with some high-altitude hiking or backpacking experience. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south, beginning with a short drive from Moshi to Machame Gate.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Arusha, Tanzania

Tour start

Arusha, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.