Tanzania · Trekking

8-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route Climb with Uhuru Peak Summit

8 Days Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro Challenging pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Walk through the beautifully lush rainforest on the Machame Route
02 Enjoy breathtaking views of the Shira Plateau
03 Absorb sightings of typical Mount Kilimanjaro vegetation
04 Reach Uhuru Peak, the rooftop of Africa, at 5896m
05 Climb the scenic Machame Route, known as the "Whiskey" route

Embark on an 8-day summit to Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route, known as the "Whiskey" route. This scenically beautiful and varied climb takes you through lush rainforest, across the Shira Plateau, and up to Lava Tower and Barranco Camp, where you can enjoy the scenic beauty of glaciers. With rewarding views, diverse landscapes, and the challenge of reaching Uhuru Peak, this route offers a memorable Mount Kilimanjaro trekking experience.

Uhuru Peak provides a unique reward and usually a plethora of emotions.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Challenging

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Machame

Languages English, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival and Trek Orientation in Moshi

You will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi for an orientation on your trek. Your guides will provide details about the climb and check your trekking gear.

Day 02

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate and begin climbing Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route. The trail winds through a beautifully lush rainforest and, depending on the weather, can be moderate to demanding. Consequently, gaiters and trekking poles will be useful here. Spend the night in mountain tents at Machame Hut (3000m).

Day 03

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Leave the forest behind as you hike along a steep ridge for 3-4 hours. The path then drops into a scenic river gorge. Next, climb more gently up onto the moorland. Consequently, your reward is breathtaking views of the Shira Plateau. Overnight camping is in mountain tents at Shira Camp (3840m).

Day 04

Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

Walk across the plateau today for 5-6 hours. Absorb sightings of typical Mount Kilimanjaro vegetation and rewarding views of the spectacular Barranco Valley. Camp overnight in mountain tents at Barranco Hut (3950m).

Day 05

Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp via Karanga Valley

Continue on the Machame Route for 6-8 hours up the Barranco Wall. Then trek across scree and ridges to the Karanga Valley (4100m) for lunch before continuing up to Barafu Camp at 4600m. Overnight is spent camping in mountain tents at Barafu Hut.

Day 06

Summit Day to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Mweka Camp

Rise before midnight and head in a north-westerly direction. Ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. For many climbers, this 6-8 hour walk to Stella Point is mentally and physically the most challenging on the route. You will stop at Stella Point (5685m) for a short rest. Mawenzi will be silhouetted by the glow of the rising sun.
Subsequently, you will typically encounter snow on your 1-2 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak (5896m). Progress is slow, with less than half the oxygen available at sea level. Uhuru Peak provides a unique reward and usually a plethora of emotions. Take in the vista from the rooftop of Africa. Begin your descent down a steep scree path to Barafu Camp for a rest, then continue descending to Mweka Camp at 3100m. Rest well after your 12-17 hour day of trekking.

Day 07

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi

Descend through the lower heath section, which quickly turns into a rainforest. Your trek ends at Mweka Gate. Furthermore, you will be met and transferred back to your hotel in Moshi for celebrations, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Day 08

Departure from Moshi or Kilimanjaro Airport

Enjoy breakfast as you bask in the memories of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain. Finally, transfer back to Moshi or Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Where this trip takes you

Machame Gate rainforest, Shira Plateau, Barranco Valley cliffs, Uhuru Peak summit

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro 3 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transport:
- Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Group transfer to the trailhead
- Pick-up at the exit from the trailhead and transfer to the hotel
Hiking and safety equipment
Oxygen meters
First aid kits
Bottled oxygen for emergency use only
Four-season 3-person tents
Dining tent, tables, chairs, and cutlery
Heater for dining tent
Portable shower
Portable toilet
4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats
GPS-tracking service
Climbing crew:
- Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All guides hold Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications.
- Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.)
Entry fees:
- Kilimanjaro National Park permits, crew fees, camping/hut fees, rescue fees, Value Added Tax (VAT), and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority
Meals:
- All meals on the hike, prepared by professional cooks
- Vegetarian, gluten-free, and halal options are available at no extra cost
- Celebration dinner after the climb
- All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, juice, hot chocolate, and water)
Accommodation:
- 2 nights at a 3-star hotel with breakfast included, before and after the climb, at KILIMANJARO WONDERS HOTEL
Please note: All accommodation is on a sharing basis, meaning you will share a twin/double room in the hotel and a tent during the hike with your travel companion. If you travel alone, you will be matched with a same-sex adventurer.

What's Not Included

Airfare
Visas
Lunch and dinner at the hotel
Personal gear and equipment
Tips for the crew (we recommend $200-$250 per hiker)

What to bring

Authentic experience and knowledge about the tourist attraction.

Know before you go

If you prefer a single hotel room or single tent, this can be provided at an extra cost.
Other amenities, such as a heater for your tent, are available at an extra cost.

Logistics