Tanzania · Trekking

7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route Climb to Uhuru Peak

7 Days Round trip from Moshi Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek the stunning Machame Route on Mount Kilimanjaro for breathtaking views
02 Experience diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to barren alpine deserts
03 Conquer the famous Barranco Wall, a thrilling climb with rewarding vistas
04 Reach Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point, via a scenic and challenging ascent

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime on this 7-day Machame Route climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the mountain's most scenic and popular routes. Trek through lush rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and high-altitude summit terrain as you follow a carefully paced itinerary designed to support acclimatization. Along the way, take on the famous Barranco Wall, camp at dramatic mountain sites, and make your final push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. This itinerary is ideal for both first-time climbers and seasoned trekkers seeking a rewarding summit experience.

Trek via Stella Point (5,756m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa.

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 Yes

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Machame

Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Machame Gate Through Rainforest to Machame Camp

Drive from Moshi or Arusha to Machame Gate (approximately 1.5 hours).
Register at the park gate and begin the trek through lush rainforest.
Ascend steadily to Machame Camp (2,980m), hiking for 5 to 7 hours.
Observe rich biodiversity and enjoy the scenic forest environment.
Eat dinner and rest overnight at Machame Camp.

Meals: Dinner
Overnight: Machame Camp (2,980m)

Day 02

From Rainforest to Moorland at Shira Camp

Climb out of the rainforest and enter the moorland zone.
Hike across a ridge with expansive views of the Shira Plateau.
Continue ascending gradually to Shira Camp (3,850m), hiking for 5 to 6 hours.
Watch the landscape become more open and dramatic.
Eat meals and rest at camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Shira Camp (3,850m)

Day 03

Lava Tower Terrain and Descent to Barranco Camp

Cross the alpine zone and ascend toward Lava Tower.
Descend through valleys to reach Barranco Camp (3,950m).
Encounter diverse terrain, including lava ridges and alpine desert.
View the imposing Barranco Wall and nearby glaciers.
Relax and recover at camp after 6 to 8 hours of trekking.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Barranco Camp (3,950m)

Day 04

Climb Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp

Climb the Barranco Wall, a steep and exhilarating ascent.
Traverse ridges and enjoy panoramic views of the southern icefields.
Arrive at Karanga Camp (4,035m) after 4 to 5 hours of trekking.
Rest and allow the body to acclimatize to higher elevation.
Enjoy a lighter trekking day to prepare for the summit approach.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Karanga Camp (4,035m)

Day 05

Alpine Desert Ascent to Barafu Camp

Ascend through alpine desert toward Barafu Camp (4,640m).
Pass through barren, windswept terrain with minimal vegetation.
Reach Barafu in 4 to 5 hours and prepare for the summit attempt.
Eat an early dinner and rest ahead of the midnight summit push.
Organize gear and review the summit plan with your guide.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Barafu Camp (4,640m)

Day 06

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent

Wake up around midnight and begin the summit ascent.
Trek via Stella Point (5,756m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa.
Reach the summit after 6 to 8 hours of strenuous climbing.
Celebrate the achievement and begin the descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m).
Descend through alpine desert and moorland for another 5 to 6 hours.
Rest and recover at Mweka Camp after a long and fulfilling day.

Meals: Light Summit Snack, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Day 07

Rainforest Descent to Mweka Gate and Return

Hike for 3 to 4 hours through rainforest to Mweka Gate.
Sign out at the gate and receive your summit certificates.
Drive back to Moshi or Arusha for a post-climb celebration.
Enjoy a hot shower, a cold drink, and reflect on your journey.
Depart or continue with onward travel plans.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Not included (return to hotel or airport)

Where this trip takes you

Machame Gate rainforest, Shira Plateau, Barranco Wall, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Moshi 4 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Guides: Experienced guides and porters (licensed and trained)
Park Fees: Entry fees to Kilimanjaro National Park, camping fees, and emergency evacuation fees
Accommodation: Tents, sleeping mats, and mess tent at camps
Meals: All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks)
Transfers: Transportation to and from Kilimanjaro National Park Gate
Water: Safe drinking water (during the trek)
Porters: Porters to carry gear and food, along with a cook for your meals
Emergency Oxygen: Available in case of altitude sickness (for emergencies)
Summit Certificate: A certificate of achievement when you reach the summit

What's Not Included

International Flights: Flights to and from Tanzania
Visa Fees: Typically around $50-$100, depending on your nationality
Travel & Medical Insurance: Compulsory, including coverage for altitude-related emergencies
Personal Gear: You'll need to bring your own hiking boots, clothing, sleeping bag, and day pack
Tips: Guide, porter, and cook tips (usually $10-15/day for guides and $5-10/day for porters/cooks)
Accommodation Before and After the Trek: In Moshi/Arusha

What to bring

Lightweight, moisture-wicking shirts and pants
Fleece jacket and thermal layers for colder temperatures
Waterproof jacket & pants (for rain)
Warm hat, gloves, and scarf (for summit night)
Hiking boots (broken in and waterproof)
Comfortable socks (plus extra pairs)
Gaiters for wet and muddy terrain
Sleeping bag (rated for at least 0°C/32°F)
Headlamp with extra batteries
Trekking poles (optional, but helpful on steep descents)
Water bottle and hydration system (camelback-style)
Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) & lip balm
Insect repellent (with DEET)
First-aid kit (plasters, bandages, painkillers, altitude sickness meds, etc.)
Snacks (energy bars, nuts, etc.)
Toiletries (toothbrush, wet wipes, etc.)
Valid passport
Visa (if required)
Travel insurance details
Cash for tips or extras

Know before you go

Fitness & Preparation: While the Machame route is moderate in terms of technical difficulty, it requires good physical condition due to the length and altitude. It is recommended to do cardio and strength training and practice hiking with a loaded backpack before your trip.
Altitude Sickness: The key to success on Kilimanjaro is slow acclimatization. The 7-day route is ideal, as it allows more time for your body to adjust. Be aware of symptoms of altitude sickness such as headache, nausea, and dizziness.
Dry Seasons: January-March and June-October are the best months to climb.
Rainy Season: April and November see heavier rains, making trekking more difficult.
Trekking Gear: You will need good-quality hiking boots, warm layers, and a sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures. Packing light but effectively is key. Your porter will carry the majority of your gear (up to 15kg), but make sure to pack the essentials.
Trekking Company: Choose a reputable operator with professional guides and a history of safe, successful climbs. They should provide details about their policies, such as porter treatment and sustainability practices.

Logistics