7-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

Our mountain guides and support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning for a pre-climbing briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle to the entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park: Machame Gate (1,800 m). After the quick formalities of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will begin trekking up to Machame Camp (3,010 m). The trekking route takes you through the rainforest, so we recommend bringing spare clothes and your rain gear.

After breakfast, leave the rainforest glades and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, the trail passes through heather and open moorland, then crosses a large river gorge to Shira Cave Camp for lunch. After some rest, there will be a chance to do a short acclimatization walk before dinner and your overnight stay.

From the Shira Plateau, continue east up a ridge, passing the junction toward the peak of Kibo. As you continue, the direction changes to the southeast toward the Lava Tower, called the Shark's Tooth. Shortly after the tower, you come to the second junction, which leads up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4,876 m / 15,997 ft.

You then continue to Barranco Hut at 3,860 m / 12,664 ft. Here, you will rest, enjoy dinner, and stay overnight. Although you end the day at nearly the same elevation as where you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Wake up and enjoy a cup of coffee. Today, you will have two breakfasts. Start the climb with the Barranco Wall, and your guides will assist you wherever necessary. Following the ridge as it rises and falls, you can enjoy the beautiful views of the south glacier of Kibo. In the Karanga Valley, you will have a hot lunch.

Today, you will have a 2 to 3-hour hike to Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many angles. Here, you will make camp, relax, have dinner, turn in early, and prepare for summit day.

After hot coffee and light snacks, the hike begins at around midnight. By headlight, you will climb the scree of Kibo. After about 5 to 7 hours ascending in the dark, you will arrive at Stella Point, the crater rim of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Another 1 to 2 hours of hiking along the crater ridge will lead you to Uhuru Peak (the summit), at 5,895 meters.

You will see Kilimanjaro in all its glory, enjoying the 360° view over the landscape below as the sun rises. You are now standing on the Roof of Africa. After amazing pictures and time to explore, the descent follows almost the same route, and shortly before midday, you should arrive at Barafu Camp, where the porters and the cook will be waiting for you. After a warm meal and a well-deserved break of approximately 1 to 2 hours, you will continue down to Mweka Camp, 3,080 meters, for a well-earned rest.

The final ascent of your amazing Kilimanjaro adventure begins after breakfast with a traditional song about Kilimanjaro and a ceremony with the mountain crew celebrating the life of Tanzanians. Then, a gentle 2 to 3-hour descent through the rainforest continues to Mweka Gate, where you will be picked up and driven to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

After the hike, Kilimanjaro National Park will prepare your certificate for those who reached Uhuru Peak or Stella Point. After a warm shower, the rest of the day is free for relaxing and swimming. Your guide will bring your certificate in the evening and collect the questionnaire and medical forms.