7-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 Cross the Shira Plateau with panoramic views toward the summit
• 03 Climb the Barranco Wall on the scenic South Circuit route
• 04 Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro and the African continent
• 05 Watch a breathtaking sunrise during the final ascent to the summit

Embark on a 7-day Kilimanjaro trek via the Machame Route and explore the mountain's majestic beauty. Trek through rainforest, cross the Shira Plateau, climb the Barranco Wall, and continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Along the way, experience diverse landscapes, important acclimatization stages, and stunning summit views before descending through the forest to complete your adventure.

At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point of Kilimanjaro and the African continent.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Machame

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Machame Gate to Machame Camp Through the Rainforest

• Drive for about 50 minutes from Arusha/Moshi to Machame Gate in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. The journey passes through the Machame villages on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro.
• Leave Machame Gate and trek through the rainforest on a winding path that climbs a ridge.
• Further along, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are very important for the climb. Continue a short distance until you reach Machame Camp.

2

Day 02

Climb from Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp

• After breakfast, leave the rainforest clearings and continue on an uphill trail to Shira Cave Camp, crossing a small valley and hiking along a steep, heather-covered rocky ridge to the bottom of the ridge. The route then turns west into a river gorge. Upon arrival at camp, rest, have dinner, and stay overnight at Shira Camp.

3

Day 03

Across Shira Plateau to Lava Tower and Barranco Camp

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

4

Day 04

Barranco Wall Ascent to Karanga Camp

• After breakfast, leave Barranco Camp and continue up a steep ridge past the Barranco Wall to Karanga Valley Camp. This is a short acclimatization day.

5

Day 05

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp on the South Circuit

• After breakfast, leave Karanga Camp and reach the turnoff that leads to the Mweka Trail. Continue to Barafu Hut.
• At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit of Uhuru Peak from many different angles. Here you camp, rest, have dinner, and prepare for summit day. The two peaks, Mawenzi and Kibo, can be seen from this position.

6

Day 06

Summit Uhuru Peak and Descend to Mweka Hut

• Very early in the morning, particularly from midnight to 2 a.m., continue to the summit area 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 the most glorious sunrise. From Stella Point, you may find snow on your 1-hour climb to the top of Uhuru Peak.
• At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point of Kilimanjaro and the African continent. From the summit, descend directly to Mweka Hut Camp and stop at Barafu for lunch. You will need gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel on the descent. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper part of the 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.

7

Day 07

Descend to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi or Arusha

• After breakfast, continue the descent to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. Continue from the gate back to Moshi/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 to 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 extra ($70 per toilet + toilet tent)

What to bring

A guest may bring all necessary hiking/climbing equipment.

OR

• A guest may rent all necessary hiking/climbing equipment listed below upon arrival before hiking:
  • 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

Arusha, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.