Tanzania · Trekking

7-Day Kilimanjaro Trek to Uhuru Peak via the Machame Route

7 Days Round trip from Machame Hard pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Experience diverse landscapes on the challenging and rewarding Machame Route
  • 02 Traverse lush rainforests, alpine deserts, and stunning glaciers on your journey
  • 03 Conquer Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, with breathtaking summit views
  • 04 Tackle the steep Barranco Wall and enjoy an exhilarating ascent to Uhuru Peak
  • 05 Celebrate your achievement with a farewell lunch and descent through beautiful rainforests

Embark on an unforgettable 7-day Kilimanjaro adventure via the Machame Route, journeying through lush montane forests, mystical moorlands, and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Acclimatize along the way with stunning hikes through Lava Tower, Barranco Valley, and the Barranco Wall as you make your way toward Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Enjoy panoramic views of Kibo Peak, remarkable alpine flora, and the breathtaking sunrise from the summit before descending through beautiful rainforest back to Arusha.

The climb is strenuous due to the altitude and cold, but the reward of sunrise from the summit is unforgettable.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Hard
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Machame
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival and Hike to Machame Hut

  • Morning: Depart for the Machame trailhead.
  • Check in with the park rangers.

  • Afternoon: Begin the hike through the lush montane forests, with dense vegetation and towering trees. As you ascend, the forest transitions into a mystical mossy jungle.

  • Camp: Arrive at Machame Hut Camp.

  • Highlights: Diverse flora of the montane forest, the excitement of starting the climb, and serene wilderness camping.

2
Day 02

Machame Hut to Shira Camp

  • Morning: After a hearty breakfast, continue the hike.
  • Trek: Ascend through the forest, transitioning into the moorlands.

  • Scenic views: Enjoy panoramic views of Kibo Peak and unique vegetation, including giant groundsels and lobelias.

  • Camp: Arrive at Shira Camp.

  • Highlights: The forest-to-moorland transition, stunning views of Kibo Peak, and unique flora on the Shira Plateau.

3
Day 03

Shira Camp via Lava Tower to Barranco Valley

  • Morning: Start the hike toward Lava Tower for acclimatization.
  • Trek: Pass through different climate zones, with a variety of stunning landscapes.

  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Lava Tower (~15,190').

  • Afternoon: Descend to Barranco Valley, soaking in the dramatic landscapes and unique rock formations.

  • Camp: Set up at Barranco Camp.

  • Highlights: Acclimatization at Lava Tower, diverse scenery, and the dramatic landscapes of Barranco Valley.

4
Day 04

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

  • Morning: Tackle the steep Barranco Wall, a non-technical but challenging climb.
  • Trek: Continue over ridges and valleys, offering stunning views and more acclimatization opportunities.

  • Camp: Arrive at Karanga Camp, where you can rest and enjoy the afternoon.

  • Highlights: Barranco Wall ascent, breathtaking views from the ridges, and a relaxing acclimatization afternoon.

5
Day 05

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

  • Morning: Begin the trek toward Barafu Camp, the final stop before the summit.
  • Trek: Traverse ridges and valleys, with ups and downs as you approach Barafu.

  • Camp: Arrive at Barafu Camp, have an early dinner, and prepare for the midnight summit push.

  • Highlights: Scenic ridges and valleys, final preparations for the summit, and resting at high altitude.

6
Day 06

Summit Day from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Mweka Camp

  • Midnight: Begin the ascent to Stella Point and then to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
  • Trek: The climb is strenuous due to the altitude and cold, but the reward of sunrise from the summit is unforgettable.

  • Summit: Reach Uhuru Peak, take photos, and celebrate.

  • Descend: Begin the descent to Mweka Camp.

  • Highlights: Reaching Uhuru Peak, a breathtaking sunrise, a strong sense of accomplishment, and descending to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.

7
Day 07

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Departure

  • Morning: Final descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate.
  • Check out and, after signing out, share a farewell lunch with your mountain crew.

  • Afternoon: Drive back to Arusha.

  • Celebration: Enjoy a hot shower and reflect on your incredible achievement with a celebratory dinner.

  • Highlights: Rainforest descent, farewell lunch, and celebrating the accomplishment back in Arusha.

Lava Tower acclimatization, Shira Plateau vistas, steep Barranco Wall, Uhuru Peak sunrise

Where this trip takes you

Lava Tower acclimatization, Shira Plateau vistas, steep Barranco Wall, Uhuru Peak sunrise

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Machame 3 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All nights' accommodation
  • Private safari guide
  • Private 4x4 Land Cruiser
  • All park fees
  • All government taxes
  • Unlimited drinking water
  • Thermos with hot tea/coffee
  • Medical kit
  • Soft drinks in the safari jeep

What's Not Included

  • Alcoholic drinks at accommodation
  • Personal needs
  • AMREF (Flying Doctors Insurance)
  • Tips
  • Any changes that attract extra costs
  • Visa fees ($100 for U.S. citizens and $50 for other nationalities)
  • Personal items
  • Laundry service
  • Drinks at accommodation

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Machame, Tanzania
Tour start
Machame, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 7 days finish where they began, in Machame.

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