Tanzania · Trekking

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

7 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 Watch a magical sunrise from the crater rim near Stella Point
04 Admire vibrant sunset views and picturesque mountain landscapes

Embark on a trek expedition to summit Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route, commonly known as the Whiskey Route. Ascend through the lush lower slopes and alpine landscapes, tackling steep trails and scree on the way to Stella Point at the crater rim. Continue toward Africa's highest point and witness a magical sunrise on your way to Uhuru Peak.

They begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree, where well-graded zigzags and a slow but steady pace will take us to the rim of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5,735 m.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Hard

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Machame

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Machame Gate to Machame Camp Through the Rainforest

Full board at Machame Camp. The climb starts from Machame Gate (1,830 m), and we 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 3,000 m above sea level. If it is a clear day, we may get our first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo, if the evening clouds permit.

Day 02

Machame Camp to Shira Camp Across Alpine Moorland

Full board at Shira Cave Camp. 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 beautiful wild alpine flowers. The most spectacular views of Kibo Peak can be seen from Shira Camp.

Day 03

Shira Camp to Lava Tower and Down to Barranco Camp

On day three, hikers walk on a gentle ascent with panoramic views.
We will 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).

Day 04

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp via the Great Barranco Wall

A steep climb up the eastern wall leads hikers just below the Heim Glacier, where we may have some spectacular views of Kilimanjaro.
We will 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 have a steep climb up to Karanga Camp.

Day 05

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp with Views of Kibo and Mawenzi

A steep climb out of Karanga, followed by an easy path on compacted scree, leads through this empty and dry landscape up to Barafu Camp, with wide views along the way. The two awesome peaks of 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.

Day 06

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Mweka Camp

Hikers wake up before midnight under the cover of darkness. They begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree, where well-graded zigzags and a slow but steady pace will take us to the rim of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5,735 m. Hikers will rest there for a few minutes to 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 at 5,895 m, the highest point in Africa.
After a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment, hikers descend to Barafu, which is amazingly fast.
We will stop at Barafu Camp for some refreshment, then continue descending to reach Mweka Camp.

Day 07

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi

Half board. A gentle walk takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where successful climbers will receive their summit certificates.
After lunch, hikers drive back to Moshi to their hotel, and this will be the end of the 7-day Kilimanjaro hike via the Machame Route.