7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek with Uhuru Peak Summit

• Start from Machame Gate (1,830 m) and walk through the lush lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
• Arrive at Machame Camp, situated at 3,000 m above sea level. If the day is clear and the evening clouds permit, you may get your first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo.

Elevation (ft): 1,800 m to 2,835 m

Distance: 11 km

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest/Rain Forest

Full board at Machame Camp.

• Climb a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as the Picnic Site, then continue on a gentler ascent through the lower alpine moorland, known for its beautiful wild alpine flowers.
• The most spectacular views of Kibo Peak can be seen from Shira Camp.

Elevation (ft): 2,835 m to 3,750 m

Distance: 5 km

Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Full board at Shira Cave Camp.

• Walk on a gentle ascent with panoramic views.
• Traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach after a hot lunch at the bottom of Lava Tower (4,600 m).
• Descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco Valley (3,950 m).

Elevation (ft): Shira Cave Camp 3,750 m to Barranco Camp 3,900 m

Distance: 10 km

Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Accommodation: Barranco Camp

• Take a steep climb up the eastern wall that leads just below the Heim Glacier, where you may enjoy some spectacular views of Kilimanjaro.
• Then take the steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which separates you from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. The trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley.
• Finally, make a steep climb up to Karanga Camp.

Elevation (ft): Barranco Camp 3,900 m to Karanga Camp 3,995 m

Distance: 6 km

Hiking Time: 3.5-4 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Accommodation: Karanga Camp

• Take a steep climb out of Karanga, followed by an easy path on compacted scree with wide views through this empty and dry landscape up to Barafu Camp.
• The two peaks, Kibo and Mawenzi, can be seen from Barafu Camp.
• After a hot lunch at camp, the remainder of the day is spent resting as you prepare for the final ascent before an early night summit walk.

Elevation (ft): Karanga Camp 3,995 m to Barafu Camp 4,673 m

Distance: 4 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Barafu Hut Camp

• Wake up before midnight in the cover of darkness and begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree. The route has well-graded zigzags, and a slow but steady pace will take you to the rim of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5,735 m.
• Enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling good can continue slowly to complete the two-hour round trip from here along the crater rim to the main peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.
• Descend to Barafu and stop at Barafu Camp for some refreshment. Then continue descending to reach Mweka Camp.

Elevation (ft): Barafu Camp 4,673 m to Uhuru Peak 5,895 m {Via Stella Point 5756 m}

Distance: 4.3 km ascent to Stella Point

Distance: 5 km Barafu to Uhuru Peak ascent

Hiking Time: 6-7 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Mweka Camp

• Take a gentle walk through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Successful climbers will receive their summit certificates.
• After lunch, drive back to Moshi to your hotel.

Day of departure: Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport.

DAY 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation (ft): Mweka Camp 3,100 m to Mweka Gate 1,640 m

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest