Tanzania · Trekking

6-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route Climb to Uhuru Peak at Sunrise

6 Days Round trip from Arusha Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Hike the scenic Machame Route through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert
02 Enjoy expansive mountain views and unique flora on the way to Shira Camp
03 Acclimatize at Lava Tower before descending into the dramatic Barranco Valley
04 Conquer the Barranco Wall on the approach to Barafu Camp
05 Reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise, the highest point in Africa

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Machame Route, known as the "Whiskey Route" for its challenging yet rewarding paths. Over 6 days, you will journey through diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests to barren alpine deserts, as you make your way to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters.

You will climb through the dark to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Machame

Languages English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arusha to Machame Gate and Trek to Machame Camp

Start your journey with a drive from Arusha to Machame Gate.
After registration, begin your trek through the lush green rainforest, where you will see exotic flora and fauna.
Arrive at Machame Camp by late afternoon and settle in for your first night on the mountain.

Elevation: 1,640m (5,380ft) to 2,850m (9,350ft)

Distance: 11 km (7 miles)

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rain-forest

Day 02

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Leave the rainforest behind as you ascend into the moorland zone, with its unique flora and expansive mountain views.
Hike along rocky ridges before reaching Shira Camp, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Meru in the distance.

Elevation: 2,850m (9,350ft) to 3,810m (12,500ft)

Distance: 5 km (3 miles)

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Day 03

Shira Camp via Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Today's trek is all about acclimatization. You will ascend to the famous Lava Tower, reaching 4,630 meters before descending into the Barranco Valley. This hike helps your body adjust to the altitude.
You will end your day at Barranco Camp, with stunning views of the towering Barranco Wall.

Elevation: 3,810m (12,500ft) to 4,630m (15,190ft) to 3,960m (13,000ft)

Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Semi-Desert

Day 04

Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

Start your morning by conquering the Barranco Wall - a challenging but non-technical climb that rewards you with some of the best views of the entire trek.
After crossing the Karanga Valley, you will arrive at Barafu Camp, the final base before your summit attempt.
Rest early as you prepare for the night's ascent.

Elevation: 3,960m (13,000ft) to 4,640m (15,200ft)

Distance: 9 km (5.5 miles)

Hiking Time: 8-10 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 05

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Mweka Camp

Summit night begins around midnight. You will climb through the dark to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise.
Upon reaching Stella Point, you will continue your final trek to the summit of Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
After celebrating your achievement, descend to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.

Elevation: 4,640m (15,200ft) to 5,895m (19,341ft) to 3,080m (10,100ft)

Distance: 17 km (11 miles)

Hiking Time: 11-15 hours

Habitat: Arctic, then Rain-forest

Day 06

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Arusha

On the final day, enjoy a short and scenic descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you will receive your summit certificate.
After bidding farewell to your guides and porters, you will be transferred back to Arusha, where you can relax and reflect on your incredible achievement.

Elevation: 3,080m (10,100ft) to 1,640m (5,380ft)

Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain-forest

Where this trip takes you

Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Arusha 4 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Professional guides
Porters and cooks: support team to carry gear, set up camp, and prepare meals
Meals: all meals during the climb (breakfast, lunch, dinner), prepared by our dedicated chef
Water: clean drinking water throughout the trek
Accommodation: camping gear, including tents, sleeping mats, and a dining tent
Transfers: round-trip transfers between your accommodation in Arusha and Machame Gate
Park fees: all Kilimanjaro National Park fees and permits
Rescue fees: emergency rescue fees
Summit certificates: certificates for reaching Uhuru Peak or Stella Point
Safety equipment: oxygen tanks, oximeters, and first aid kits for altitude sickness prevention and emergencies

What's Not Included

Flights: international or domestic flights to and from Tanzania
Visa fees: entry visa to Tanzania
Tips: gratuities for guides, porters, and cooks (tipping guidelines will be provided)
Personal gear: hiking boots, clothing, and personal trekking equipment (available for rent upon request)
Travel insurance: comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking, medical emergencies, and evacuation
Hotel stays: pre- and post-trek accommodation in Arusha (can be arranged separately)
Additional snacks and drinks: personal snacks and drinks not included in the provided meals
Personal expenses: souvenirs, laundry, and other personal expenses

What to bring

3 litres of water (hydration pack or bottles)
Snacks (energy bars, nuts, dried fruit)
First aid kit and personal medications
Headlamp and extra batteries
Camera to capture the journey
Tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping mats (high-quality and warm)
Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks during the hike)
Dining tent and portable chairs
Hiking boots (well-broken-in, waterproof)
Warm clothing (fleece layers, insulated jacket, thermal base layers)
Rain gear (jacket and pants)
Trekking poles (highly recommended for balance and reducing fatigue)
Gloves, hat, and balaclava (for summit night)
Sunglasses and sunscreen (the sun at high altitudes is intense)

Know before you go

Warm at the base, cold at the top: the trek begins in warm temperatures but can drop below freezing during summit night. Be prepared for all conditions, including rain at lower altitudes and snow at higher elevations.
Rainy season considerations: the best time to hike is during the dry seasons, from June to October and January to February. Rain can still occur, especially at lower altitudes, so pack waterproof gear.
Altitude sickness can affect anyone, even experienced hikers. It's essential to acclimatize slowly, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol. Our guides are trained to monitor your health, and we'll descend if necessary.
Vaccinations: ensure you're up to date on common travel vaccinations. If you stay in low-altitude regions, consult your doctor about anti-malarial medication.
Support team: your guide, porters, and cooks will assist you throughout the trek. Porters will carry most of your equipment, so you only need a small day pack. It's customary to tip the support team at the end of the trek (guidelines will be provided).
Water availability: clean drinking water will be provided throughout the trek. Bring a reusable water bottle or hydration system.
Personal comfort: toilets are basic, with most being shared facilities. Consider bringing personal hygiene items like biodegradable wet wipes and hand sanitiser.
Travel insurance: ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers trekking at high altitudes (above 5,000 meters), medical emergencies, and evacuation.
Extended itinerary: we offer 7-day and 8-day Machame Route options if you prefer more time to acclimatise.
Pre/post-trek accommodations: we can arrange comfortable accommodations in Moshi or Arusha before and after your climb.

Logistics