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

• Meet your trekking guide and start the climb from Machame Gate (1830 m).
• Walk through the lush lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro, slowly gaining altitude while enjoying the diverse flora and fauna of the rainforest.
• You will arrive at the first Machame Camp, situated at 3000 m above sea level. If the day is clear, you may get your first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo, if the evening clouds permit.

Full board at Machame Camp.

Elevation (ft): 1,800 m to 2835 m

Distance: 11 km

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest/Rain Forest.

• Hike up 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.

Full board at Shira Cave Camp.

Elevation (ft): 2835 m to 3,750 m

Distance: 5 km

Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

• Today, we will 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 the Lava Tower (4,600 m), continue onward.
• Descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco Valley (3,950 m).

Accommodation: Barranco Camp

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

Distance: 10 km

Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

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

Accommodations: Karanga Camp.

Elevation (ft): Barranco Camp 3,900 m to Karanga Camp 3995 m

Distance: 6 km

Hiking Time: 3.5 to 4 hours

Habitat: Moorland

• Go on 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 the camp, the remainder of the day is spent resting as you prepare for the final ascent before an early night summit walk.

Accommodations: Barafu Hut Camp.

Elevation (ft): Karanga Camp 3995 m to Barafu Camp 4,673 m

Distance: 4 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Wake up before midnight under the cover of darkness and begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree. The trail has some 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.
• Rest there for a few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling good can continue slowly to make the two-hour round trip from here along the crater rim to the main peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.
• After a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment, descend to Barafu. The descent is amazingly fast, and after some refreshment at Barafu Camp, continue descending to reach Mweka Camp.

Accommodations: 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

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

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

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest

Half board