Tanzania · Trekking

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

6 Days Round trip from Moshi Hard pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Summit Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa
02 Trek the famous Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route
03 Witness a magnificent sunrise near Stella Point on the crater rim
04 Hike through rainforest, rocky ridges, scree, and alpine landscapes

Engage in an adventurous trek to summit Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route, commonly known as the Whiskey Route. Hike through rainforest trails, steep ridges, scree, and high-altitude alpine terrain as you make your way toward Stella Point and the crater rim. Along the ascent, take in picturesque landscapes and beautiful panoramic views before witnessing a magnificent sunrise on the way to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

Engage in an adventurous trek to summit Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route, commonly known as the Whiskey Route.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Hard

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Machame

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Moshi to Machame Gate and Rainforest Trek to Machame Camp

Connect with your tour guide in Moshi and transfer to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park gate.
On the drive to Machame Gate, hikers will pass through the village of Machame, located on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. From the park gate, begin walking through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended and are an excellent idea here.
Continue a short distance farther until you reach Machame Camp.

Day 02

Rainforest Ascent to Shira Campsite

After breakfast, leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route then turns west into a river gorge until you arrive at Shira Campsite.

Day 03

Shira Camp via Lava Tower to Great Barranco Valley

On this day of hiking the Machame Route, the hikers and the team walk on a gentle ascent with panoramic views.
Traverse the southwest side of Mount Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach.
After a hot lunch at the bottom of the Lava Tower (4,600 m), descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco Valley (3,950 m).

Day 04

Barranco Wall and Southern Circuit to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, depart from Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elevation 4250 m/13,900 ft), through the Karanga Valley (elevation 4050 m/13,250 ft), to the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail.
Continue up to Barafu Campsite. You will have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers beautiful views of the summit from many different angles.
At Barafu Campsite, the hikers and the team make camp with views of the summit in the distance.

Day 05

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Mweka Camp

The hiking team begins very early in the morning, from midnight to 2 am, and both the hikers and the team continue the hike toward the summit between the Rebmann and Reitzel glaciers.
Head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. Mentally and physically, this is the most challenging portion of the trek.
At Stella Point, stop for a short rest and witness a magnificent sunrise. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak, you will have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, begin the descent by continuing straight down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel on the way down.
Arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy your last evening on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Day 06

Descent to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi or Arusha

After breakfast, continue the descent down to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. It can be wet and muddy at lower elevations, and gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be enough to wear, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy.
Board your private vehicle at Mweka Gate and drive back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.