6-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via Machame Route to Uhuru Peak

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Trek from lush rainforest trails at Machame to the high-altitude camps of Kilimanjaro
• 02 Cross diverse landscapes from the Shira Plateau to Barranco, Karanga, and Barafu
• 03 Use the Machame Route's acclimatization profile to prepare for summit day
• 04 Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa

Embark on a 6-day Mount Kilimanjaro trek via the Machame Route from Moshi or Arusha, passing through Machame village and climbing from rainforest trails to the Shira Plateau, Barranco, Karanga, and Barafu camps. This route takes you through diverse mountain landscapes while allowing important acclimatization before summit night. Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa, then descend via Mweka Hut to Mweka Park Gate. It is a rewarding climb that combines scenic variety, a challenging summit push, and the achievement of standing on Africa's highest mountain.

At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Machame

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Moshi or Arusha to Machame Camp

• The drive from Moshi or Arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park gate passes through the village of Machame, located at the mountain's base.
• From the park gate, 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.
• Continue a short distance until you reach Machame Camp.

2

Day 02

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

• After breakfast, 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 before continuing to the Shira campsite for the night.

3

Day 03

Shira Camp via Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

• From the Shira Plateau, continue east up a ridge, passing the junction toward the peak of Kibo. As you proceed, the direction changes to the southeast toward the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth."
• Shortly after the tower, reach the second junction, which leads to Arrow Glacier at 16,000 ft. Then continue down to Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000 ft.
• Here, rest, enjoy dinner, and stay overnight. Although you end the day at about the same height as when you started, this day is important for acclimatization and helps your body prepare for summit day.

4

Day 04

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp and Barafu Camp

• After breakfast, leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge, passing the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley campsite.
• Then leave Karanga and join the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. Continue up to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many angles.
• Here, make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.

5

Day 05

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Mweka Hut

• Very early in the morning, between midnight and 2 am, continue to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Head northwest and ascend through heavy scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek.
• At Stella Point (18,600 ft), stop for a short rest and, weather permitting, be rewarded with one of the most magnificent sunrises you are ever likely to see. You may encounter snow from Stella Point on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers may see the sunrise from the summit.
• From the summit, descend straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will need gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel on the way down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

6

Day 06

Mweka Camp to Moshi

• After breakfast, continue the descent to Mweka Park Gate to receive your certificates.
• A vehicle will meet you at Mweka Park Gate and drive you back to your hotel in Moshi.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
• Professional, experienced mountain guides
• Guides, porters, cook salaries, and park fees
• Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on a twin-sharing basis)
• Sleeping mattress
• Emergency oxygen cylinder
• All meals while on the mountain
• Quality mess tents with tables and chairs
• Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
• Clean, purified drinking water
• Conservation fees (part of park fees)
• Camping or hut fees (part of park fees)
• Rescue fees (part of park fees)
• VAT (18% charged by the government)
• Kilimanjaro summit certificate

What's Not Included

• Tanzania visa
• International and domestic flights
• Hotel (available as an optional add-on)
• Transfers (available as an optional add-on)
• Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc. (available for rent)
• Tips and gratuities
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
• Meals not listed in the itinerary
• Liquors, beers, and bottled beverages

What to bring

• Technical Clothing
  • 1 - Waterproof jacket, breathable with hood
  • 1 - Soft jacket, fleece or soft shell, for cold temperatures at night
  • 1+ Long-sleeve shirt for protection from the sun
  • 1+ Short-sleeve shirt, lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric
  • 1+ Hiking pants
  • 1 - Shorts (optional)
  • 1 - Bathing suit (optional)
  • 2+ Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric recommended
• Headwear
  • 1 - Brimmed hat for sun protection
  • 1 - Neck gaiter for face coverage for dust and sweat (recommended)
• Footwear
  • 1 - Hiking boots or shoes
  • 1 - Sandals or flip-flops (optional)
  • 2+ Socks, wool or synthetic
• Accessories
  • 1 - Sunglasses
  • 1 - Neck pillow for napping in the vehicle (optional)
  • 1 - Small daypack
• Other
  • Toiletries
  • Prescriptions
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm
  • Insect repellent containing DEET
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Snacks (optional)
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Camera with a zoom lens of 300 mm or more (optional)
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Electrical outlet adapter

Know before you go

• Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world - that is, not part of a mountain range, such as the Himalayas - at 5,895 meters above sea level. It comprises three volcanic peaks, the largest being Kibo - the summit. The other two cones are Mawenzi and Shira.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Airport

Tour start

Moshi, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.