7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via Machame Route to Uhuru Peak

• Departing from Moshi, a 45-minute drive takes you through the village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate.
• We patiently wait for the 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. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.

Elevation: 1811m/5942ft to 3021m/9911ft

Altitude gained: 1210m

• After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge.
• The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at Shira Camp. Temperatures begin to drop.

Elevation: 3021m/9911ft to 3839m/12,595ft

Altitude gained: 818m

• Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization.
• From Shira Plateau, we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction toward Kibo Peak before continuing southeast toward the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth" (elev. 4650m/15,250ft).
• Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier.
• We then continue descending to overnight at Barranco Camp.

Elevation: 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft

Altitude gained: 147m

• After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail.
• This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears to be such ease.
• Overnight at Karanga Camp.

Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft

Altitude gained: 48m

• We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached, you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles.
• An early dinner and rest follow as we prepare for summit night.
• Overnight at Barafu Camp.

Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft

Altitude gained: 628m

• Excitement builds as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
• We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead.
• With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction, we ascend through heavy scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim.
• You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
• From here, on your remaining 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.

Congratulations, one step at a time, you have now reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!

• After photos, celebrations, and maybe a few tears of joy, we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment.
• We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest.
• We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for the uncooperative loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain.
• Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight at Mweka Camp.

Elevation: 4673m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft

Altitude gained: 1233m

Descent to 3106m/10,190ft

Altitude lost: 2789m

• After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it's time to say goodbye.
• We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates.
• As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, and we highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles.
• From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi, about 30 minutes away.
• Enjoy a long-overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!

Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft

Altitude lost: 1473m