7-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Machame Route to Uhuru Peak

• The climb starts from Machame Gate (1830 m), where we walk through the lush lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Slowly gaining altitude, you will enjoy 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, we may get our first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo, if the evening clouds permit.

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

• Today, we walk on a gentle ascent with panoramic views.
• We 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), we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco Valley (3,950 m).

A steep climb up the eastern wall leads us just below the Heim Glacier, where we may have some spectacular views of Kilimanjaro.

We then take a steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. The trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley, and finally, we make a steep climb up to Karanga Camp.

A steep climb out of Karanga leads to 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 we prepare for the final ascent before an early night summit walk.

• Wake up before midnight under the cover of darkness. We begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree, following well-graded zig-zags, and a slow but steady pace takes us to the rim of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5,735 m.
• We 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), which is the highest point in Africa.
• After a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment, we descend to Barafu. The descent is amazingly fast, and we stop at Barafu Camp for some refreshment before continuing down to reach Mweka Camp.

• A gentle walk takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where successful climbers will receive their summit certificates.
• After lunch, we drive back to Moshi to your hotel.