Tanzania · Trekking

7-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek to Uhuru Peak from Moshi

7 Days Round trip from Moshi Hard pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Trek through lush rainforest on the way to Machame Camp
  • 02 Cross the Shira Plateau and acclimatize via Lava Tower
  • 03 Climb the adventurous Barranco Wall to Karanga Valley
  • 04 Follow the South Circuit with breathtaking summit views
  • 05 Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, at sunrise

Embark on a 7-day Machame Route trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, passing through lush rainforests, the moorlands of the Shira Plateau, and the striking Barranco Wall. This scenic climb follows the South Circuit for varied views of the summit, includes a key acclimatization day via Lava Tower, and culminates at the icy summit of Uhuru Peak. Descend through the Mweka Trail after sunrise on the crater rim and celebrate your achievement back in Moshi.

Embark on a 7-day Machame Route trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, passing through lush rainforests, the moorlands of the Shira Plateau, and the striking Barranco Wall.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Hard
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Moshi, Zanzibar, Mount Kilimanjaro
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Machame Gate to Machame Camp through the Rainforest

  • Departing from Moshi, we walk for 45 minutes through the village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We wait for our 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 winding 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, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended.

10.75 km / 7 mi | 5-6 hrs

2
Day 02

Machame Camp to Shira Camp across the Moorland

  • After breakfast, we emerge from the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route turns west into a river gorge until we arrive at Shira Camp. Temperatures begin to drop as we gain elevation.

5.3 km / 3 mi | 4-5 hrs

3
Day 03

Shira Camp to Lava Tower and Barranco Camp

  • Even though you end the day at nearly the same elevation as when you began, this day is crucial for acclimatization. From the Shira Plateau, we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction toward Kibo Peak.
  • We then continue southeast toward the Lava Tower, also known as the "Shark's Tooth" (elevation 4650 m / 15,250 ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction that leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then descend to Barranco Camp for the night.

10.75 km / 6 mi | 5-6 hrs

4
Day 04

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp via Barranco Wall

  • After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. It is one of the most impressive days of the trek, as you watch your crew's power, agility, and strength move over this wall with such ease.

Overnight at Karanga Camp.

5.2 km / 3 mi | 3-4 hrs

5
Day 05

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp on the South Circuit

  • We proceed toward Barafu Camp, where you complete the South Circuit, which offers breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. We have an early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night.

Overnight at Barafu Camp.

3.3 km / 2 mi | 3-4 hrs

6
Day 06

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and down to Mweka Camp

  • As dawn breaks, we begin our toughest stretch, usually between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We push toward the summit, weaving between glaciers and staying determined to reach our goal. Zigzagging up toward Stella Point on the crater rim, we pause to witness a breathtaking sunrise. Some faster hikers may catch it from the summit.
  • After about one more hour, you stand triumphantly at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa.
  • Celebrate, snap photos, and savour the achievement. Then begin the steep descent to Mweka Camp, with a quick stop at Barafu for lunch and a rest. Gaiters and trekking poles are essential for the tricky terrain. Finally, enjoy a well-deserved rest at Mweka Camp and reflect on your incredible journey.

4.86 km / 3 mi up | 5-7 hrs and 11.5 km / 7.2 mi down | 5-6 hrs

7
Day 07

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and return to Moshi

  • After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it is time to say goodbye. We continue descending to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates.

9.1 km / 6 mi | 3-4 hrs

  • From the gate, you meet your driver, who drives you back to your hotel in Moshi, about 30 minutes away. Enjoy a long-overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations.
  • Overnight at Maridadi Hotel before being transferred to the airport for your journey back home or a relaxing trip to Zanzibar.
Shira Plateau moorlands, Barranco Wall ascent, Uhuru Peak sunrise

Where this trip takes you

Shira Plateau moorlands, Barranco Wall ascent, Uhuru Peak sunrise

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Moshi 3 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
  • Professional guide
  • Proper mountain crew support, including a cook and porters
  • Pre- and post-accommodation for 2 nights on a bed-and-breakfast basis
  • Airport transfers
  • Meals according to the itinerary
  • Drinking water
  • 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
  • Gamow bag
  • Medication
  • Tips for porters and mountain crew per person
  • Personal spending money for souvenirs, etc.
  • Energy food and beverages, and alcoholic drinks
  • Personal hire gear such as trekking poles and sleeping bags
  • Additional lodge nights for acclimatizing cost $150 for one room on a bed-and-breakfast basis

What to bring

  • Clothing: Dress in layers for varying temperatures, including thermal base layers, fleece jackets, waterproof outer layers, and a warm down jacket. Don't forget gloves, hats, and socks.
  • Footwear: Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support are essential. Bring extra pairs of socks.
  • Gear: A sturdy backpack, trekking poles for stability, and a headlamp for early morning starts and night hikes.
  • Sleeping gear: A four-season sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures and a sleeping pad for insulation.
  • Personal items: Sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, sunglasses, toiletries, and personal medications.
  • Acclimatization aids: Consider bringing altitude sickness medication or supplements and electrolyte packets.

Know before you go

  • Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an incredible adventure.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kilimanjaro International Airport, Kilimanjaro Airport Road, Tanzania
Tour start
Moshi, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 7 days finish where they began, in Moshi.

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