Tanzania · Trekking

7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trek via the Machame Route to Uhuru Peak

7 Days Round trip from Moshi Hard pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro
02 Follow the scenic Machame "Whiskey" route through changing landscapes
03 Spend the nights in mountain camps under the stars
04 Watch magnificent sunrises and sunsets on the mountain

Climb Africa's highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, via the Machame route, also known as the "Whiskey" route. Starting from Machame Gate, this trek leads you through beautiful landscapes and mountain camps on the way to Uhuru Peak. Along the route, experience changing habitats, scenic views, and nights under the stars before reaching the summit for a breathtaking sunrise. It is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for trekkers seeking a rewarding challenge.

Reach the summit, watch the stunning sunrise, and enjoy the view.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Hard

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Machame

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arusha to Machame Gate and Trek to Machame Camp

Drive from Arusha to Kilimanjaro National Park's Machame Gate.
Upon arrival, prepare for the registration and payment process while the porters organize the luggage.
After all the formalities are completed, begin a 5-hour hike to the first overnight point, Machame Camp.
Arrive at the camp, rest, have dinner, and spend the night there.

Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft
Distance: 11 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

Day 02

Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Have breakfast at Machame Camp, then ascend to the second camp point, Shira 2 Camp.
Trek across the Shira Plateau, passing through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to reach Shira 2 Camp.
Arrive at Shira 2 Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Heath

Day 03

Shira 2 Camp via Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Have breakfast at Shira Camp, then continue trekking to Barranco Camp via the Lava Tower, a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation.
Arrive at the camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 04

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Have breakfast at Barranco Camp, then continue trekking to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Arrive at Karanga Camp for lunch, rest, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 05

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Have breakfast at Karanga Camp, then continue ascending to Barafu Camp.
Have a packed lunch on the way.
Arrive at Barafu Camp, have dinner, and prepare for summit day.
Enjoy the view of the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo from here.

Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 06

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Descend to Mweka Camp

Commence the hike very early in the morning towards the Mount Kilimanjaro summit, Uhuru Peak.
Hike for 3 to 4 hours through Stella Point to arrive at Uhuru Peak.
Reach the summit, watch the stunning sunrise, and enjoy the view.
Descend to Mweka Camp after a halt at Barafu Camp for lunch.

Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 17 km/10 miles
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic & Rain Forest

Day 07

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Arusha

Wake up early in the morning and begin the descent to Mweka Gate, where you will collect the summit certificates.
Continue another hour to Mweka Village, from where a vehicle will drive you back to the 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

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

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

3 meals daily while on the mountain
4-season mountain tents
Chemical flushed portable toilet and toilet crew
Cookware and stove
Dining tent
Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA) and Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
Filtered water throughout the trek
Oxygen tank and oximeter for health and safety purposes
Professional Tanzanian mountain guides
Cooks and porters
Sleeping mats

What's Not Included

International and local flights
Items of a personal nature
Laundry services
Tips to the mountain crew

What to bring

Toiletries
Prescriptions
Sunscreen
Lip balm
Insect repellent containing DEET
First aid kit
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper
Wet wipes (recommended)
Snacks, lightweight, high-calorie, high-energy (optional)
Electrolytes, powder or tablets (optional)
Camera with extra batteries (optional)

Know before you go

Machame's draw is in its scenic beauty; however, the trail is considered difficult, steep, and challenging due to its shorter itinerary. Therefore, this route is better suited for people looking for an adventure or with previous experience in high altitude, hiking, or backpacking.
Food on the mountain - We cater any kind of meals required by our clients. We accommodate vegetarian, vegan, non-vegetarian, and gluten-free meals. We also accommodate clients with special dietary requests. All our meals are Halal and can be used by any client.
The condition of trails on the Kilimanjaro tour - The Kilimanjaro trails are very clean and have enough space for clients to walk without squeezing each other. It is more adventurous and differs from day to day and from route to route due to the fact that each route has its own test of adventure, although the difference is not that big.
Kilimanjaro climb preparation - physical training, altitude training, medical check-up, and proper climbing gear.
Our guide is highly professional, experienced, and can easily detect, prevent, and treat altitude sickness.
Our guide conducts a health check-up twice daily using a pulse oximeter to monitor your pulse rate and oxygen saturation.
Our guide carries a first aid kit at all times to make sure everything that might be needed during an emergency is available.
Our guide is certified by WFR and is therefore well equipped with the instruments needed for any emergency.
Our guide carries oxygen tanks for all climbs, and these are distributed according to the group size. This is to make sure there are enough oxygen tanks available and that they can be used anytime needed.
Our guide can easily get in touch with helicopter rescue from SAR, as they have all communication tools and know how to connect directly. Therefore, a first response to the matter is guaranteed.

Logistics