Tanzania · Trekking

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

6 Days Round trip from Moshi Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek through lush rainforest from Machame Gate to Machame Camp
02 Ascend moorland terrain and camp on the Shira Plateau with panoramic views
03 Climb the Barranco Wall and traverse alpine desert to reach Barafu Camp
04 Summit Uhuru Peak at sunrise and descend to Mweka Camp

Embark on a rewarding 6-day Kilimanjaro trek from Machame Gate to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. This route takes you through lush rainforest, moorland, semi-desert, and alpine desert landscapes, with strategic overnight camps to support acclimatization along the way. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru before reaching the summit for sunrise.

Reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters for sunrise after 6 to 8 hours of hiking.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Machame

Languages English, French, German, Italian, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Moshi and Pre-Climb Preparation

Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to Panama Garden Resort in Moshi.
Attend a pre-climb briefing and complete a gear check with your guide.
Rest and acclimatize at the resort.
Enjoy resort amenities such as the swimming pool, rooftop views of Mount Kilimanjaro, gardens, Wi-Fi, and restaurant.

Day 02

Machame Gate to Machame Camp Through Rainforest

Begin the trek from Machame Gate at 1,800 meters elevation.
Hike approximately 11 kilometers through lush rainforest for 5 to 7 hours.
Observe diverse flora and fauna along the trail.
Arrive at Machame Camp at 3,000 meters for the first overnight stay on the mountain.

Day 03

Machame Camp to Shira Camp Across the Moorland

Ascend from Machame Camp to Shira Camp at 3,850 meters elevation.
Hike 5 kilometers through moorland habitat for 4 to 6 hours.
Enjoy panoramic views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru from the Shira Plateau.

Camp overnight at Shira Camp.

Day 04

Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Climb to Lava Tower at 4,630 meters for acclimatization.
Descend to Barranco Camp at 3,960 meters.
Cover a distance of 10 kilometers in 6 to 8 hours through semi-desert terrain.
Apply the "climb high, sleep low" principle to aid altitude adjustment.

Day 05

Barranco Wall, Karanga Camp, and Barafu Camp

Climb the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical ascent.
Hike 5 kilometers to Karanga Camp at 4,035 meters elevation.
Continue to Barafu Camp at 4,673 meters elevation.
Complete approximately 9 kilometers of hiking in 7 to 9 hours through alpine desert habitat.

Rest and prepare for the summit attempt the next day.

Day 06

Summit Uhuru Peak at Sunrise and Descend to Mweka Camp

Begin the summit climb around midnight from Barafu Camp.
Reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters for sunrise after 6 to 8 hours of hiking.
Celebrate the achievement and start the descent to Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters.
Hike approximately 17 kilometers (ascent and descent combined) through arctic and moorland habitats.

Rest overnight at Mweka Camp.

Where this trip takes you

Machame Gate rainforest, Shira Plateau and Kibo Peak, Uhuru Peak sunrise

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Moshi 3 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Certified, English-speaking professional mountain guides with extensive Kilimanjaro experience
Mountain crew including cooks, porters, and assistant guides for full support during the climb
All park fees, including Kilimanjaro National Park entrance, camping, rescue, and crew fees
All camping equipment, including high-quality tents shared by two, sleeping mats, a dining tent, table, and chairs
Fresh and nutritious meals daily (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), with dietary options available
Treated and safe drinking water throughout the trek
Accommodation before and after the climb, with one night in a hotel in Moshi or Arusha on a bed and breakfast basis
Airport transfers for pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Emergency oxygen and a first aid kit for altitude-related or other emergencies
Hot water for washing daily on the mountain
Daily health monitoring using pulse oximeter checks
Free luggage storage for extra luggage not needed on the mountain

What's Not Included

International and domestic flights
Visa fees for Tanzania
Travel and medical insurance (highly recommended)
Personal hiking and trekking gear such as sleeping bags, boots, and appropriate clothing
Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
Any additional hotel accommodation before or after the climb if not included in the package
Lunch and dinner in Moshi or Arusha before and after the trek
Snacks, drinks, and personal expenses
Portable toilet rental if requested
Any additional excursions or activities not included in the itinerary
Emergency evacuation costs if not included in your insurance

What to bring

Moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms (2-3 sets)
Short-sleeve shirts (synthetic or merino wool)
Long-sleeve shirts for layering and sun protection
Fleece or soft-shell jacket
Down or synthetic insulated jacket (for summit night)
Insulated pants (optional, helpful for summit night)
Waterproof and windproof jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
Waterproof pants (full-zip preferred for layering)
Lightweight hiking pants (2-3 pairs)
Shorts (optional for lower altitudes)
Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots (well broken in)
Camp shoes or sandals (for evenings and river crossings)
Warm socks (wool or synthetic, 4-5 pairs)
Gaiters (optional, helpful in muddy or snowy areas)
Warm beanie or fleece hat
Sun hat with wide brim or cap
Buff or neck gaiter
Headlamp with extra batteries
Lightweight liner gloves
Insulated, waterproof gloves or mittens
4-season sleeping bag (rated to -10°C/14°F or colder)
Sleeping bag liner (adds warmth)
Inflatable or foam sleeping pad (some outfitters provide)
Daypack (25-35L) with rain cover
Duffel bag (80-100L) for porters to carry
Dry bags or stuff sacks (for organization and waterproofing)
Trekking poles (highly recommended)
Sunglasses with UV protection
Water bottles (2-3 liters total capacity)
Hydration bladder (optional, may freeze above 4,000m)
Water purification tablets or filter (optional; some outfitters provide)
Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Lip balm with SPF
Wet wipes or baby wipes
Quick-dry towel
Toothbrush and toothpaste, small soap
Toilet paper (a few rolls in ziplock bags)
Hand sanitizer
Personal medications (painkillers, altitude meds, etc.)
Energy bars, trail mix, or favorite snacks
Electrolyte tablets or drink mix
Notebook and pen
Power bank or solar charger
Lightweight camera or smartphone
Travel documents and cash for tips
Lightweight crampons or microspikes (check season)
Earplugs (for noisy camps)
Book or Kindle
Small first aid kit

Know before you go

Visa. Most travelers need a visa. It is available online as an e-visa or on arrival.
Vaccinations. Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from an endemic country. Routine vaccines are recommended. Malaria prevention is advised.
Currency. Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the official currency. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels. Cash is best for local use.
Language. Swahili is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Weather. The dry season from June to October is best for safaris and hiking. Wet seasons from March to May and November bring rains.
Safety. Tanzania is generally safe. Stay alert, especially in cities. Use licensed guides. Avoid walking at night.
Local Etiquette. Dress modestly, especially in rural and Muslim areas. Greet others with respect.
Connectivity. SIM cards are inexpensive and offer good coverage. Wi-Fi is common in cities and lodges.
Transport. Domestic flights are common. Roads can be rough. Use reliable transport services.

Logistics