7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Climb through different climatic zones, from rainforest to glaciers
• 02 Summit Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa
• 03 Enjoy breathtaking summit views from different angles
• 04 Watch your skilled crew navigate the impressive Barranco Wall
• 05 Celebrate your achievement with your team after the climb

Embark on a 7-day Mount Kilimanjaro climb via the Machame Route, passing through dramatic climatic zones from rainforest and moorland to alpine desert, glaciers, and the snow-capped summit. This challenging trek is designed to support acclimatization as you make your way toward Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking summit views from different angles and watch your skilled crew tackle the impressive Barranco Wall. Celebrate your achievement with your team before returning to Moshi with your summit certificate.

You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Machame

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Machame Gate to Machame Camp through the Rainforest

• Elevation: 1811m/5942ft to 3021m/9911ft. Altitude gained: 1210m.
• Departing from Moshi, a 45-minute drive takes you through the village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate.
• We patiently wait for permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead.
• Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora, fauna, and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.

2

Day 02

Machame Camp to Shira Camp across the Moorland

• Elevation: 3021m/9911ft to 3839m/12,595ft. Altitude gained: 818m.
• After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite. Temperatures begin to drop.

3

Day 03

Shira Camp to Lava Tower and Barranco Camp

• Elevation: 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft. Altitude gained: 147m.
• Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau, we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction toward Kibo Peak before continuing southeast toward the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth" (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction leading to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue descending to overnight at Barranco Camp.

4

Day 04

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp via Barranco Wall

• Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft. Altitude gained: 48m.
• After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall, then on to the Karanga Valley and the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears to be such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.

5

Day 05

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp on the South Circuit

• Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft. Altitude gained: 628m.
• We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached, you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. Enjoy an early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

6

Day 06

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and down to Mweka Camp

• Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft. Altitude gained: 1233m. Descent to 3106m/10,190ft. Altitude lost: 2789m.
• Excitement builds as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
• We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction, we ascend through heavy scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
• From here on, your remaining 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak will likely encounter snow all the way.
• Congratulations. One step at a time, you have now reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa.
• After photos, celebrations, and maybe a few tears of joy, we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for the uncooperative loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain. A well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight at Mweka Camp.

7

Day 07

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi

• Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft. Altitude lost: 1473m.
• After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it's time to say goodbye. We continue descending to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, and we highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles.
• From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a long-overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
• Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder and CPR-certified guide
• Proper ration for the mountain crew (cook and porters)
• Pre- and post-accommodation (2 nights bed and breakfast)
• Airport transfers
• Meals according to the itinerary
• Drinking water and full-board meals
• All National Park and camping fees, crew permits, and VAT
• Fair and sustainable crew wages
• Gate transfers
• Complimentary oxygen cylinder
• Portable private toilet and porter
• Quality imported equipment

What's Not Included

• Flights
• Visa fees
• Travel or medical insurance is required, and you should ask for recommendations.
• Gamow Bag
• Medication
• Tips for porters and mountain crew (20% industry standard recommended)
• Personal spending money for souvenirs, etc.
• Energy food and beverages, alcoholic drinks, and soft drinks
• Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
• Additional lodge nights for acclimatizing cost $150 for one room, bed and breakfast.

What to bring

• Technical Clothing
• Below is a list of highly recommended items. Required items are indicated with an *. Please know the weather is very unpredictable and temperatures can fall as low as -25. We recommend that it is always better to be overprepared than underprepared. Any items you do not wish to purchase or bring from home can be hired here from local gear shops specializing in quality imported items. A price list of each item is available upon request.
  • Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood*
  • Weather-rated Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down*
  • Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
  • Long sleeve shirts: lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric (2)
  • Short sleeve shirts: lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric (2)
  • Waterproof Pants, breathable*
  • Hiking Pants (convertible to shorts recommended) (2)
  • Fleece Pants
  • Shorts (optional)
  • Long Underwear (moisture-wicking fabric recommended) (2)
  • Underwear, briefs (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
  • Sports Bras (women)
  • Footwear
  • Hiking Boots, warm, waterproof, broken-in, with spare laces
  • Gym Shoes, to wear at camp (optional)
  • Socks, thick, wool, or synthetic (3-5)
  • Sock Liners, tight, thin, synthetic, worn under socks to prevent blisters (3-5)
  • Gaiters, waterproof - highly recommended to prevent loose gravel and sand
  • Equipment
  • Sleeping Bag, warm, four-season rated*
  • Sleeping Bag Liner, for added warmth (optional)
  • Trekking Poles (highly recommended)
  • Head lamp, with extra batteries*
  • Duffel bag, for porters to carry your equipment*
  • Daypack, for you to carry your personal gear*
  • Paperwork
  • Trip Receipt
  • Passport

Know before you go

• Prices quoted are subject to current Government Regulated Park Fees at the time of departure.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Kilimanjaro International Airport, Kilimanjaro Airport Road, Tanzania

Tour start

Barranco Wall, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.