7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Climb the Machame Route through rainforest, moorland, and volcanic alpine terrain
• 02 Stand on Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, the rooftop of Africa
• 03 Watch a spectacular sunrise near Stella Point and the summit glaciers
• 04 Experience Kilimanjaro's diverse ecosystems, from tropical forest to arctic conditions
• 05 Trek with experienced local guides, porters, and mountain crew

Embark on a 7-day adventure on the stunning Machame Route to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting from Moshi, trek through lush rainforests, breathtaking moorlands, and volcanic terrain, with each step unveiling dramatic landscapes. Witness iconic Kibo Peak, star-studded skies, and a sunrise summit at Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. End your journey with a rewarding descent, carrying memories of this life-changing climb.

Standing on the rooftop of Africa, you'll be filled with a sense of exhilaration and triumph as you look down over the swirling cloudscape and oceans of ice.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Machame

Languages English, French, German, Spanish, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Moshi to Machame Camp through Rainforest Trails

• Wake up fresh and invigorated for the first leg of your journey to the foot of majestic Kilimanjaro. After a warm hotel breakfast, you'll depart Moshi for Machame Gate. The 45-minute drive takes you off the beaten path through a panorama of coffee plantations and local villages.
• After arriving at the park gate, you'll register with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities while our team prepares and checks all your gear. Then continue onward to the day's final destination, Machame Camp. You'll experience the first of many scenic hikes through tropical rainforest and savannah terrain.
• Venture through moss-covered timbered underpasses and catch glimpses of rare wildlife and botanical species. Emerge from high grasses into fields of heather and sprouting wildflowers.
• Stop and marvel at a view of Kibo Peak, the mighty summit at the end of your climb. Meanwhile, your porters and cooks will prepare a hot, steaming meal ahead of your arrival.

2

Day 02

Machame Camp to Shira Camp across Moorland

• Today will be the most scenic leg of your journey so far on one of the best Kilimanjaro climbing routes.
• You'll begin your first morning on the slopes of the mountain with a warming and hearty breakfast. Pack up your gear and venture across damp, cool heathland and temperate moorland dunes.
• Move across the rolling savannah among tall grasses and the otherworldly beauty of the Heather and Erica plains. Scramble across enormous boulders and emerge among volcanic rocks draped with dark green lichen.
• You'll also experience increasingly higher altitudes to help your acclimatization process.
• After lunch, you'll climb the lava-filled Shira Plateau and then head for Shira Camp. In the meantime, your porters and cooks will prepare a delicious meal in anticipation of your arrival.

3

Day 03

Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

• Today's trekking journey continues along the steepest and most rewarding stretch so far.
• You'll get off to an early start and hike eastwards towards the wide expanse of the Shira Plateau.
• Upon reaching the junction of the Shira and Lemosho Routes, you'll break off for a more secluded trail before stopping for a break.
• After lunch, embark towards Lava Tower, an incredible 300 ft tall volcanic plug that transforms into a passageway.
• Then take a rapid descent towards your campsite in the Great Barranco Valley, where you'll settle into a scenic campsite encompassed by massive valley walls and the stunning Kibo massif. Looming glaciers reflect the sunlight while giant lobelias and groundsels dominate the otherworldly landscape.
• Then sit back and enjoy a warm, delicious meal before settling into a deep sleep.

4

Day 04

Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley via Barranco Wall

• This section of the Machame Route is filled with thrilling exploration and life-changing scenery.
• You'll start the day climbing up the lofty eastern wall of a gorge and soak in the dramatic view: Kilimanjaro's ice fields are covered by blankets of frost.
• Then brace yourself for a 90-minute climb up the magnificent Barranco Wall, also known as the Breakfast Wall, after which you'll continue along a calm trail until you reach the Karanga Valley.
• Here you'll settle in and mentally prepare for the final stretch of your journey.

5

Day 05

Karanga Valley Camp to Barafu Base Camp

• Your last day on the Kilimanjaro Machame Route before reaching the summit gets off to a gentle start.
• You'll begin a gradual ascent through the tranquil Karanga Valley before encountering the granite floors of the lava ridge.
• Along the way, the temperature will drop and the vegetation will become more and more sparse.
• You'll set up camp in an exposed zone along a smooth edge of the ridge. An energy-dense meal will be served in preparation for your midnight ascent to the Mount Kilimanjaro summit.

6

Day 06

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Down to Mweka Camp

• You'll embark shortly after midnight on your last push to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Journey amid luminous sapphire glaciers to Stella Point while a spectacular sunrise illuminates the peaks of the summit.
• Relish the final hours of your unforgettable journey before reaching your final destination, Uhuru.
• Standing on the rooftop of Africa, you'll be filled with a sense of exhilaration and triumph as you look down over the swirling cloudscape and oceans of ice.
• Celebrate with your support team and soak in the beauty before retracing your steps to Barafu Camp. After a short break, continue to Mweka Camp, where a hot, welcoming meal will await your arrival.
• There you'll spend your last night on the mountain lounging beneath the stars.

7

Day 07

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi

• Wake up on the mountain slopes refreshed and victorious - you've just conquered Mount Kilimanjaro!
• After breakfast, you'll stroll back to Mweka Gate, taking time to admire the deep green forest scenery draped in morning mist.
• Farewell your guides and porters, then board the transfer.
• You'll be transported back to Moshi, where a hot shower, comfy mattress, and a clean set of clothes await.
• We will transfer you to Kilimanjaro Airport, where you will bid farewell to Tanzania and its people. If you've chosen to continue on a safari, that's a new adventure, and we'll arrange that for you as well.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• All applicable park entry fees as per the program
• Government taxes, VAT, and local levies
• Services of highly experienced English-speaking guide(s), porters, and a cook
• Camping equipment such as a mountain tent, mattress, chairs, etc. (except for the Marangu Route)
• Transport from the hotel to the park gate, as well as from the park gate to the hotel
• Meals on a full-board basis during the trek, as indicated in the program
• Unlimited drinking water (as specified in the day-by-day section)
• Accommodation type: camping, or hut on the Marangu Route
• Rescue fees, emergency oxygen, a pulse oximeter, and a first aid kit
• Guides' and porters' accommodation, meals, and entry fees on the mountain
• Fair wages for guides and porters as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority

What's Not Included

• International flights (from/to home) and domestic flights
• 2-night accommodation in Arusha before and after the trek
• Pick-up and drop-off at the airport
• Tips (tipping guideline: guide USD 10-20 pp per day; cook and porters USD 5-10 pp per day)
• Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa entry fees upon arrival at the airport or online USD 50-100 per person per entry depending on nationality, etc.)
• Any extra orders at meals are not included
• Set menu meals are part of the package
• Government-imposed increases in taxes or park fees
• Medical/luggage insurance
• Portable flush toilet
• Sleeping bag

What to bring

• Camera and memory cards
• Sweater or fleece pullover to keep warm
• Sturdy boots or sandals
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• T-shirts or polo shirts (2-5, depending on how often you want to change)
• Long-sleeve shirts (lightweight)
• Shorts
• Long trousers
• Socks
• Sleepwear
• Travel towel
• Thermal underwear, gloves, and a warm hat (during May-Sept)
• Raincoat and rain trousers (during the rainy season, Mar-May and Oct-Dec)
• Binoculars
• Sunscreen
• Wet wipes
• Insect repellent
• Personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, eye drops, etc.)
• Malaria tablets
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Chargers and extra batteries for your camera, phone, etc.
• Power adapter to fit the UK-style electrical socket

Know before you go

• This tour starts and ends in Arusha.
• The operator can help select your international or domestic flights, but you must book them yourself.
• Fly to/from Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO - check price) near Arusha. Or fly to/from Arusha Airport (ARK - check price) via Dar es Salaam or Nairobi (Kenya).
• A transfer from and back to the airport is included.
• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Moshi, Tanzania

Tour start

Barangata, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.