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

• Have breakfast, and you'll be picked up from your hostel or hotel in Moshi and driven to the starting point at Machame Gate, approximately 45 minutes away.
• After registration, begin your journey to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro on a well-maintained trail through the montane forest.
• Along the way, you'll walk through dense rainforest and coffee plantations as your guide explains some of the local flora and fauna. This is also a perfect chance to witness Black and White Colobus monkeys, as well as many species of brightly coloured birds. The climb is a steady, gradual incline to Machame Camp, located on the edge of the rainforest and giant heather zones.

Elevation Gain: 1,200 metres / 3,900 feet

Hiking Time: Approximately 6 to 7 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

• On the second day, you'll rise early for breakfast and begin climbing a slightly steeper gradient through the moorland vegetation zone.
• Start to enjoy fantastic views of Kibo, the summit cone of Mt. Kilimanjaro, while continuing along a rocky ridge to Shira Plateau. Shira is a collapsed volcanic crater and was the first of Kilimanjaro's three volcanic cones to become extinct. Once on the plateau, the trail becomes a little easier as you make your way to Shira Camp. If the day is clear, you'll also enjoy superb panoramic views. Shira Camp is very exposed and will feel much colder, with temperatures dropping below freezing point.

Elevation Gain: 840 metres / 2,800 feet

Hiking Time: Approximately 5 to 6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

• The route now takes you into the semi-desert and rocky landscapes surrounding Lava Tower, a 300-foot-high volcanic rock formation.
• You'll then ascend the rocky scree path to Lava Tower for incredible panoramic views before making a steep descent into the Barranco Valley. You may find this trek a little more demanding than the previous days, as some hikers begin to experience symptoms of altitude sickness.
• Although you will finish today's climb at almost the same elevation as where you started, this is perfect acclimatization practice and helps prepare your body for summit day. Barranco Camp lies below the imposing Barranco Wall in a beautiful, sheltered valley.

Elevation Gain: 710 metres / 2,300 feet

Elevation Loss: 700 metres / 2,250 feet

Hiking Time: Approximately 6 to 7 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

• This is a shorter day of hiking to allow for acclimatization. After breakfast, you will begin ascending the Barranco Wall and hiking through glacial valleys - but don't worry, it is easier than it looks.
• You will cross a series of hills and valleys from the top of the wall before descending into Karanga Valley.
• After one steeper climb, you'll reach Karanga Camp, where you can relax for the afternoon before dinner and an overnight rest.

Elevation Gain: 145 meters / 456 feet

Hiking Time: Approximately 4 to 5 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

• After breakfast, you will leave Karanga and head to the junction that connects to the famous Mweka Trail.
• Continue along the rocky ridge for 1 to 2 hours before reaching Barafu Camp, which offers stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro's summit from various angles. Your tents will be pitched along a narrow, rocky ridge with high winds, so it is worth taking some time to familiarize yourself with your surroundings before it gets dark.

Rest for the night at Barafu Camp and prepare for the upcoming hike to the summit.

Elevation Gain: 605 metres / 1,994 feet

Hiking Time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

• This is where the going gets really tough. Just before midnight, you will venture into the night and begin your final ascent to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Head northwest through heavy stone scree, following multiple switchbacks between the Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers until you reach Stella Point (5,685 m). This section is probably the most challenging part of the route and requires great physical and mental effort. Continue moving slowly and always listen to your guide.
• After a short rest at Stella Point, you will hike along the crater rim for another hour before reaching your ultimate goal - Uhuru Peak. Congratulations, you have now made it to the "Roof of Africa".
• Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you spend there, but it is important to begin your descent in good time to ensure you get enough rest back at Barafu Camp.
• After your rest, you'll gather the rest of your belongings and descend to Mweka Hut (3,100 m), where you'll enjoy dinner and a well-earned sleep.

Elevation Gain: 1,295 metres / 4,200 feet

Elevation Loss: 2,785 metres / 9,100 feet

Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours to Uhuru Peak; 7 to 8 hours to Mweka Camp

Habitat: Arctic conditions

• After breakfast, you will begin the easiest part of your adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro, following a scenic path through the forest to Mweka Gate. Successful hikers who made it to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak will be awarded their certificates at the gate.
• Then it's time to drive back to your hotel to enjoy a shower, dinner, and celebrations with a Kilimanjaro beer.

Elevation Loss: 1,280 metres / 4,220 feet

Hiking time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours

Habitat: Rainforest