7-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park gate takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame, located on the mountain's lower slopes. We then leave the park gate and walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge.

Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach Machame Camp.

After breakfast, we leave the rainforest glades and continue on an ascending path, crossing a small valley and walking along a steep rocky ridge covered with heather until the ridge ends. The route then turns west onto a river gorge.

After the day's trek, it is time to rest, have dinner, and stay overnight at Shira Camp.

From the Shira Plateau, we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction toward the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the southeast toward the Lava Tower, called the Shark's Tooth.

Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction, which leads up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4,876 m / 15,997 ft. We then continue to Barranco Hut at 3,860 m / 12,664 ft, where we 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 we make camp, and you can relax, have dinner, get an early night's sleep, and prepare for summit day.

After hot coffee and light snacks, the hike begins at around midnight. By headlight, you will climb the scree slopes of Kibo. After about 5 to 7 hours of 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 taking amazing pictures and enjoying your time at the summit, the descent follows almost the same route. 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 at 3,080 meters for a well-earned rest.

After breakfast, we descend to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles will help.

Shorts and T-shirts will probably be enough to wear, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka Gate to drive you back to the hotel in Moshi.