6-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek to Uhuru Peak from Moshi

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Trek through lush rainforest on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro
• 02 Conquer the Barranco Wall and complete the scenic South Circuit
• 03 Witness a breathtaking sunrise from Stella Point
• 04 Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro and in Africa
• 05 Receive your summit certificate at Mweka Park gate

Embark on a thrilling 6-day Kilimanjaro trek via the Machame Route from Moshi or Arusha. Hike through lush rainforest, heather-covered ridges, and semi-desert landscapes as you make your way toward the summit. Conquer the Barranco Wall, take in breathtaking views of Mawenzi and Kibo, and reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, with sunrise views from Stella Point. Descend through the rainforest and collect your summit certificate at Mweka Park gate.

This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Machame

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Machame Gate to Machame Camp Through the Rainforest

• The drive from Moshi to Machame Gate in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park takes approximately 60 minutes and passes through the Machame villages on the lower slopes of the mountain.
• From the park gate, begin walking through the vegetation zone on a winding trail that climbs along a ridge.
• Further along, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Continue a short distance to Machame Camp, where you will rest, have dinner, and spend the night in preparation for the next day's hike.

2

Day 02

Machame Camp to Shira Camp via Heather-Covered Ridges

• After breakfast, leave the rainforest clearings and continue uphill toward Shira Cave Camp. Cross a small valley and hike along a steep, heather-covered rocky ridge to its base.
• The route then turns west into a river gorge. Upon arrival at camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and stay overnight at Shira Camp.

3

Day 03

Shira Plateau, Lava Tower and Descent to Barranco Camp

• From the Shira Plateau, continue east along a ridge past the junction leading to Kibo Peak. As the trek continues, the route turns southeast toward the lava tower known as "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, reach the second trail junction that leads 1 km to Arrow Glacier.
• Continue on to Barranco Hut at an elevation of 13,000 feet, where you will rest, have dinner, and spend the night. Although you finish the day at nearly the same altitude as where you started, this stage is very important for acclimatization and helps prepare your body for summit day.

4

Day 04

Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp and On to Barafu Camp

• After breakfast, leave Barranco Camp and continue up a steep ridge past the Barranco Wall to Karanga Valley Camp.
• From Karanga Camp, continue to the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail and then proceed to Barafu Camp. By this point, you will have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles.
• At Barafu Camp, rest, have dinner, and prepare for summit day. From this position, the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen clearly.

5

Day 05

Summit Uhuru Peak and Descend to Mweka Hut

• Very early in the morning, usually between midnight and 2 a.m., continue toward the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Head northwest and climb through dense boulders to Stella Point on the rim of Kilimanjaro's crater. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb.
• Take a short break at Stella Point and be rewarded with a glorious sunrise.
• From Stella Point, continue for about 1 hour to Uhuru Peak, where snow may be found along the way. At Uhuru Peak, you will have reached the highest point on Kilimanjaro and on the African continent.
• From the summit, descend directly to Mweka Hut Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Gaiters and trekking poles are needed for the loose gravel on the descent. Mweka Camp is located in the upper forest, and fog or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later, enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-deserved night's sleep.

6

Day 06

Descend to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi or Arusha

• After breakfast, continue descending to Mweka Park Gate, where you will receive your summit certificate. Lower elevations can be wet and muddy, and trekking poles will be helpful.
• From the gate, continue back to Moshi or Arusha.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees
• 18% VAT on tour fees and services
• Transportation to and from the mountain gate
• Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
• 3 meals daily while on the mountain
• Filtered water throughout the trek
• Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA) and the Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)

What's Not Included

• Flights
• Travel insurance
• Visa and passport fees
• Increases in park fees, where applicable
• Tips for the mountain crew
• Items of a personal nature
• Laundry services
• A doctor for the group
• Alcoholic beverages
• A portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is available at an extra cost of $70 per toilet plus toilet tent

What to bring

A guest may bring all necessary hiking and climbing equipment.

OR

• A guest may rent all necessary hiking and climbing equipment listed below upon arrival before the hike.
• Head torch - $10
• Warm hat - $10
• Sunglasses - $10
• Scarf or balaclava - $5
• Sun hat - $7
• T-shirt - $5
• Thermals top and bottom, 3 pairs - $8 per item
• Fleece - $10
• Down jacket - $15
• Water/windproof jacket - $10
• Poncho - $10
• Gloves liner - $5
• Hiking trousers - $10
• Waterproof trousers - $10
• Hiking socks, 1 pair - $5
• Hiking boots - $15
• Water bottle - $5
• Gaiters - $10
• Day pack - $20
• Rack sack - $5
• Rack sack cover - $5
• Sleeping bag - $15
• Sleeping bag liner - $10
• Hiking poles - $10
• Camelback water bag - $10

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Moshi, Tanzania

Tour start

Moshi, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.