6-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route Climb with Uhuru Peak Sunrise

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Traverse from lush rainforest to alpine meadows and rocky desert on Kilimanjaro's Machame Route
• 02 Experience breathtaking panoramas with views of Mount Meru, Glacier Caves, and the summit of Kilimanjaro
• 03 Take on a rewarding summit challenge suited to travellers seeking a more adventurous climb
• 04 Engage with local guides and porters while learning about their culture and the mountain's significance to local communities

Embark on an exhilarating 6-day Kilimanjaro trek via the Machame Route, starting at Machame Gate and climbing through lush rainforest, rocky ridges, and the open landscapes of the Shira Plateau. Along the way, experience the Lava Tower, the dramatic Barranco Wall, and the varied scenery that makes this route so rewarding. Your summit push leads to Uhuru Peak in time for sunrise, before descending to Mweka Gate and returning to Moshi for a well-deserved hot shower and relaxation.

Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you will ever see coming over Mawenzi Peak.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 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 Rainforest

• Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate for about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame, located on the mountain's lower slopes.
• After leaving the park gate, walk through dense rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge until you reach Machame Camp.

2

Day 02

Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp Across the Plateau

• Leave the rainforest glades and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge.
• On the Shira Plateau, pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to reach Shira 2 Camp.

3

Day 03

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower and Barranco Camp

• Continue east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower - a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation.
• Descend to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at a higher altitude benefits acclimatization.

4

Day 04

Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp via Karanga

• Begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall.
• Then climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. Cross a series of hills and valleys from the top of the Barranco Wall until the trail descends sharply into Karanga Valley.
• One more steep climb leads to Karanga Camp for a hot lunch, and soon after lunch, ascend for 3 hours to reach Barafu Camp.

5

Day 05

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru Peak at Sunrise

• Begin your push to the summit in the morning, around midnight. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme.
• Ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent but short breaks.
• Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you will ever see coming over Mawenzi Peak.

6

Day 06

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi

• On the last day, continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect your summit certificates.
• At lower elevations, the trail can be wet and muddy. From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village.
• A vehicle will meet you at Mweka Village and drive you back to the hotel in Moshi for a hot shower.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Private transport to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport and your accommodations in Moshi
• 2 nights of accommodation in Moshi
• Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro Gate
• Park entry fees
• Camping fees
• Team Kilimanjaro rescue fees
• 18% VAT on tour fees and services
• 4-season mountain tents
• Double-layered sleeping mats
• 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain
• Enough treated and filtered drinking water throughout the trek
• Hot water for washing
• Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA) and the Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
• Government taxes
• Portable oxygen tanks and an oximeter
• Emergency first-aid kit

What's Not Included

• Lunches, dinners, and drinks at your hotel before and after the climb
• Travel insurance
• A portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is available for an extra charge ($70 for the entire trek)
• Flights
• Laundry (available at the hotel)
• Personal items and toiletries
• Tips for guides, porters, and cooks

What to bring

• Layered clothing, including thermal base layers, an insulated jacket, and a waterproof outer layer to handle varying temperatures and weather
• Sturdy trekking boots, trekking poles, and a comfortable daypack for carrying essentials
• A high-quality sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures and an insulating sleeping pad for comfort at night
• A hydration system, such as a camelback, water bottles, and energy-boosting snacks like nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat for sun protection, a first-aid kit, toiletries, and a headlamp or flashlight for navigating at night

Know before you go

• Ensure you are in good physical shape for the trek. Engage in cardiovascular and strength training exercises to build stamina and endurance.
• The Machame route is known for its altitude gain, so proper acclimatization is crucial. Take your time, stay hydrated, and listen to your body to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
• Invest in quality trekking gear, including waterproof clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and proper sleeping gear. Packing layers is essential due to the varying temperatures throughout the hike.
• Solo hiking is not allowed on Kilimanjaro. Book your trek with a reputable tour operator who provides experienced guides, porters, and necessary permits.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Kilimanjaro International Airport, Kilimanjaro Airport Road, Tanzania

Tour start

Kilimanjaro Airport Rd, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.