7-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Machame Route to Uhuru Peak

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Trek through Kilimanjaro's lush and diverse landscapes on the Machame Route
• 02 Acclimatise at Lava Tower and Barafu Camp before the summit attempt
• 03 Reach Uhuru Peak at dawn for breathtaking views of the crater, Mt Meru, and the Southern Icefields
• 04 Climb the dramatic Great Barranco Wall en route to Karanga Valley
• 05 Receive your summit certificate at Mweka Gate and celebrate back in Moshi

Embark on a 7-day Kilimanjaro trekking adventure via the Machame Route, passing through lush rainforest, Shira Cave, Lava Tower, the Great Barranco Wall, and Barafu Camp. This route is designed to support acclimatisation before your summit push to Uhuru Peak at sunrise, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the crater, Mt Meru, and the Southern Icefields. Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, collect your certificate, and return to Moshi to celebrate the achievement.

Sunrise here is truly spectacular, with stunning views of the crater, Mt Meru, and the Southern Icefields.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Machame

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

• Pick up from your hotel and drive to Machame Gate at 1847 m for registration and payment. Once permitted to enter the park, trek through the rainforest for about 10 kilometres over 4 to 5 hours, then continue to Machame Camp at 3000 m above sea level for your overnight stay.

2

Day 02

Machame Camp to Shira Cave

• After breakfast, ascend through the forest for about 3 to 4 hours, covering 7 kilometres to reach Shira Cave at 3840 m. Overnight here while enjoying spectacular views of the Kibo Summit.

3

Day 03

Shira Cave via Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

• After breakfast, climb 12 km over 6 to 7 hours through Lava Tower at 4600 m for acclimatisation, then descend to Barranco Camp at 3940 m above sea level. Overnight will be here.

4

Day 04

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

• Your day starts by descending to the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. Then exit steeply up the Great Barranco Wall, heading towards Karanga Valley at 3963 m. From Karanga Valley, continue with a steep climb to your night's camp at Karanga Camp.

5

Day 05

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

• Today's ascent is towards Barafu Camp at 4640 m. It is a tough, steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arrival at camp, have lunch and then rest. Today, you will have an early dinner, as you will be getting up early the next morning to begin the climb to the summit.

6

Day 06

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp

• Start at around midnight, walking upwards to reach the summit, Uhuru Peak at 5895 m, at the break of dawn. Sunrise here is truly spectacular, with stunning views of the crater, Mt Meru, and the Southern Icefields. Begin your descent by returning to Stella Point at 5739 m, then continue down the scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast before finally heading down to Millennium Camp.

7

Day 07

Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi

• Wake up, have breakfast, and descend 9.5 km through the rainforest to exit at Mweka Gate at 1670 m. Sign out and collect your certificate. You will then be met by your vehicle and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower and a cold beer or two.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Accommodation as per itinerary (camping and hostel)
• Transport (4x4 safari cruiser with pop-up roof)
• Professional mountain guide
• Entrance fees
• Mountain porter
• Park fees, including taxes
• Bottled water
• Airport transfer (Kilimanjaro International Airport - JRO)
• AMREF Flying Doctors (emergency evacuation)

What's Not Included

• Expenses for optional activities
• Expenses for personal spending, such as souvenir purchases
• Drinks
• Visa fees
• Tips and gratuities
• Unscheduled vacation extensions and add-ons
• Travel insurance

Know before you go

• It is essential for travellers moving from a familiar place to an unfamiliar one to know the time zone of a new location. In Tanzania, the GMT+3 time zone applies, as it does in most East African nations. A travel visa is required unless you belong to a visa-exempt country. You can also obtain a visa on arrival. You may exchange your currency for TZS or use US dollars, depending on your requirements.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania

Tour start

Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.