7-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route Climb to Uhuru Peak

Elevation (ft): 1,800 m to 2835 m

Distance: 11 km

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest/Rain Forest

Full Board at Machame Camp

The climb starts from Machame Gate (1830 m), and we walk through the lush lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Slowly gaining altitude while enjoying the diverse flora and fauna of the rainforest, you will arrive at the first Machame Camp, situated at 3000 m above sea level. If it is a clear day, we may get our first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo, if the evening clouds permit.

Elevation (ft): 2835 m to 3,750 m

Distance: 5 km

Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Full Board at Shira Cave Camp

This is a shorter day, climbing up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as Picnic Site, then continuing on a gentler ascent through the lower alpine moorland, which is known for beautiful wild alpine flowers. The most spectacular views of Kibo Peak can be seen from Shira Camp.

Elevation (ft): Shira Cave Camp 3,750 m to Barranco Camp 3,900 m

Distance: 10 km

Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Today we walk on a gentle ascent with panoramic views. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach. After a hot lunch at the bottom of the Lava Tower (4,600 m), we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco Valley (3,950 m).

Elevation (ft): Barranco Camp 3,900 m to Karanga Camp 3995 m

Distance: 6 km

Hiking Time: 3.5-4 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Accommodation: Karanga Camp

A steep climb up the eastern wall leads us just below the Heim Glacier, where we may have some spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. We then take a steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. The trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley, and finally we make a steep climb up to Karanga Camp.

Elevation (ft): Karanga Camp 3995 m to Barafu Camp 4,673 m

Distance: 4 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Barafu Hut Camp

A steep climb out of Karanga leads to an easy path on compacted scree, with wide views through this empty and dry landscape up to Barafu Camp. The two peaks, Kibo and Mawenzi, can be seen from Barafu Camp. After a hot lunch at the camp, the remainder of the day is spent resting as we prepare for the final ascent before an early night summit walk.

Elevation (ft): Barafu Camp 4,673 m to Uhuru Peak 5,895 m {Via Stella Point 5756 m}

Distance: 4.3 km ascent to Stella Point

Distance: 5 km Barafu to Uhuru Peak ascent

Hiking Time: 6-7 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Mweka Camp

Wake up before midnight in the cover of darkness. We begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree with some well-graded zig-zags, and a slow but steady pace will take us to the rim of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5,735 m. We will rest there for a few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling good can continue slowly to make the two-hour round trip from here along the crater rim to the main peak (5,895 m), which is the highest point in Africa. After a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment, we descend to Barafu. The descent is amazingly fast, and we stop at Barafu Camp for some refreshment before continuing down to reach Mweka Camp.

Elevation (ft): Mweka Camp 3,100 m to Mweka Gate 1,640 m

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest

Half Board

A gentle walk takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. After lunch, we drive back to Moshi to your hotel.