7-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via Machame Route to Uhuru Peak

• Depart from Moshi town and drive 45 minutes to Machame Gate (1811m/5942ft).

• Complete registration formalities and enjoy a hot lunch at the gate.

• Begin trekking through lush rainforest to Machame Hut Camp.

• The hike takes 4 to 6 hours.

• Upon arrival, sign the camp tracking book and settle in for the night.

Elevation: 1811m / 5942ft to 3021m / 9911ft
Distance: 11km / 6.8 miles
Habitat: Rainforest

• Depart from Machame Camp and ascend towards Shira Plateau.

• Expect steep sections and open moorland with little shade.

• Use gaiters to manage the dusty trail.

• Trek slowly, rest often, and enjoy views of Kibo, Meru, and the surrounding landscapes.

• Cross a deep river gorge to reach Shira One Campsite.

Elevation: 3050m / 9950ft to 3850m / 12,600ft
Distance: 5.3km / 3.3 miles
Altitude Gained: 818m
Walking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland

• Begin early and head west across the Shira Plateau.

• Cross dry terrain towards the southern slopes of Kibo.

• Ascend to Lava Tower for acclimatization.

• Descend into the scenic Barranco Valley for your overnight camp.

• Although the elevation gain is minor, this day is critical for acclimatization.

Elevation: 3850m / 12,600ft to 4000m / 13,000ft
Distance: 10.75km / 6.7 miles
Walking Time: 7-10 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert

• Depart from Barranco after breakfast.

• Climb the steep Barranco Wall and continue along ridges to Karanga Valley.

• Reach Karanga Camp for your overnight stay.

• This is a short day to assist with acclimatization.

Elevation: 13,000ft to 13,100ft
Distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Depart from Karanga Camp after breakfast.

• Ascend towards the junction with the Mweka Trail.

• Continue to Barafu Hut Camp, completing the South Circuit.

• Prepare for the summit attempt and enjoy views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.

Elevation: 13,100ft to 15,300ft
Distance: 4km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Start the summit attempt between midnight and 2:00 am.

• Ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim.

• From Stella Point (18,600ft), continue to Uhuru Peak (19,345ft), the highest point in Africa.

• Descend to Barafu for lunch and continue to Mweka Camp for overnight rest.

Elevation: 15,300ft to 19,345ft (descent to 10,000ft)
Distance: 5km ascent / 12km descent
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic

• After breakfast, descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate.

• Collect summit certificates upon arrival at the gate.

• Continue for one hour to Mweka Village.

• Transfer by vehicle back to your hotel accommodation in Moshi.

Elevation: 10,000ft to 5,400ft
Distance: 10km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest