Tanzania · Trekking

7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trek via the Machame Route at Sunrise

7 Days Round trip from Moshi Challenging pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Climb Africa's highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro
02 Follow the scenic Machame Route through changing mountain landscapes
03 Spend nights camping under the stars on the mountain
04 Watch a mesmerising sunrise from Uhuru Peak

Go on a 7-day trek to Africa's highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, a dormant volcano, via the scenic Machame Route. Enjoy beautiful landscapes as you ascend through changing terrain, spend your nights camping under the stars, and work your way toward the summit. This route offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped peak and the unforgettable experience of watching sunrise from Uhuru Peak.

This route offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped peak and the unforgettable experience of watching sunrise from Uhuru Peak.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Challenging

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Moshi to Machame Gate and Trek to Machame Camp

Drive from your hotel in Moshi 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 stop, Machame Camp.
Arrive at the camp, rest, and enjoy a hot lunch.

Distance covered: 10.6 km

Hiking time: 6 hours

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Elevation: 5,380 ft - 9,350 ft

Day 02

Trek from Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Have breakfast at Machame Camp, then ascend to the second camp point, Shira Camp.
Arrive at Shira Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Elevation (ft.): 9,400 ft to 12,500 ft

Distance covered: 5.4 km

Time to be used: 4-6 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 03

Shira Camp via Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Have breakfast at Shira Camp, then continue trekking to Barranco Camp via the Lava Tower.
Arrive at the camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Elevation (ft.): 12,500 ft to 13,000 ft

Distance covered: 10.8 km

Time to be used: 8-10 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 04

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Have breakfast at Barranco Camp, then continue trekking to Karanga Camp.
Arrive at Karanga Camp for lunch, rest, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Elevation: 13,044 ft - 13,106 ft

Distance: 5 km

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 05

Ascend from 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, rest, have dinner, and stay overnight.

Elevation: 13,106 ft - 15,331 ft

Distance: 4 km

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 06

Summit Uhuru Peak and Descend to Mweka Camp

Around 1:00 am, commence the hike towards the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak.
Hike for 3 to 4 hours through Stella Point to arrive at Uhuru Peak.
Reach the summit and view the beautiful sunrise.
Descend to Mweka Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Distance: 5 km

Hiking time: 7-8 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Day 07

Descend from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Transfer to Moshi

Have breakfast at Mweka Camp, then start descending to Mweka Gate to collect your certificates.
Transfer to your hotel in Moshi or to the airport.

Distance covered: 9.1 km

Time to be used: 3 hours

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Moshi 2 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Entry fees
Experienced Tanzanian tour guide
All taxes
Gate transfer
Crew wages
Cooks and porters
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner while on the mountain
Sanitiser
Airport pick-up, drop-off, and hotel transfer

What's Not Included

Local and international flights
Tips to guide, cook, and porters
Mountain climbing gears
Medical insurance
Visa

What to bring

Clothing:

4-5 pairs of underwear
Top and bottom base layer - Icebreaker (Women) or Smart Wool (Men)
3-4 short-sleeve and 1-2 long-sleeve trekking shirts
1-2 pairs of hiking trousers
1 fleece jacket
1 insulated winter jacket
1 insulated trekking trousers
1 hard-shell jacket
Lightweight raingear

Headgear:

Sun hat, ideally with a neck cover
Warm beanie or fleece headband
Bandana or neck gaiter
Headlamp
Sunglasses

Hands and Walking:

Lightweight inner gloves
Warm outer gloves/mitts
Adjustable trekking poles

Footwear:

Mid-weight hiking boots
Camp trainers (Men) / Trekking sandals (Women)
4-5 pairs of trekking socks
1 pair of warm/thick trekking socks

General Accessories:

Large volume water bottle or hydration bladder
Water purification tablets
Baby wipes
Sweat-resistant sun cream
Blister plasters
Insect repellant
General medications (Paracetamol, Imodium)

Know before you go

Prepare your mind and body; to reach the peak, one must be well prepared to face some challenges along the way. Your body must be ready to face the impediments that come with rapid weather changes, and your mind should be flexible, especially if you are using routes with camping accommodation. Be ready to sleep in tents and share communal toilets.
Take plenty of water and food; while hiking, make sure your intake of water and food is satisfactory. As you gain more altitude, you might lose your appetite, but make sure you take enough food to preserve your energy and body temperature.

Logistics