Tanzania · Trekking

8-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Machame Route to Uhuru Peak

8 Days Round trip from Kilimanjaro Airport Rd Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Trek through lush cloud forests on the scenic Machame Route
  • 02 Cross the Shira Plateau with views of plains, forests, and Kibo and Mawenzi peaks
  • 03 Scramble up the Barranco Wall and acclimatize above Karanga Valley
  • 04 See the Heim, Kersten, and Decken glaciers of Kibo near Barafu Camp
  • 05 Reach Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point, on a midnight summit ascent
  • 06 Descend through the cloud forest to Mweka Gate and celebrate your success

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day Kilimanjaro trek via the scenic Machame Route, beginning with airport pickup and a trek orientation in Moshi. Journey through diverse ecosystems, from lush cloud forests and moorlands to alpine desert and glacier views, while hiking between Machame, Shira, Barranco, Karanga, Barafu, and Mweka camps. Along the way, enjoy dramatic scenery across the Shira Plateau, Barranco Wall, and Kibo's high-altitude landscapes. The adventure culminates in a midnight summit push to Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point, followed by your descent through the cloud forest to Mweka Gate.

The adventure culminates in a midnight summit push to Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point, followed by your descent through the cloud forest to Mweka Gate.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Machame
Languages English, French

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Moshi and Trek Orientation

  • Pick up from the airport.
  • Transfer to your hotel in Moshi for trek orientation.

  • Meet the guides for trek details and a gear check.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

2
Day 02

Machame Gate Through Cloud Forest to Machame Camp

  • Depart Moshi at 9 am for Machame Gate.
  • Meet the porters and cooks for the climb.

  • Complete gate registration and wait for the final preparations.

  • Hike through the mossy cloud forest.

  • Observe the changing vegetation and views of Kibo Peak if weather permits.

  • Arrive at Machame Camp and rest.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

3
Day 03

Shira Plateau Hike to Shira Camp

  • Hike uphill on exposed terrain and carry plenty of water.
  • Enjoy viewpoints of the plains, forests, and Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.

  • Notice high-altitude plants such as Senecio kilimanjari and Lobelia deckenii.

  • Cross the Shira Plateau, formed by ancient lava flows.

  • Arrive at Shira Camp and relax.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

4
Day 04

Across Shira Plateau to Barranco Camp

  • Hike east on the Shira Plateau.
  • Pass through barren landscape to the junction of the Shira and Lemosho routes.

  • Reach the highest point of the day before descending to Barranco Camp.

  • Take an optional detour to Lava Tower for faster hikers.

  • Experience scenic Barranco Camp among alpine plants.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

5
Day 05

Barranco Wall and Karanga Valley Acclimatization

  • Scramble up the Barranco Wall, using your hands in some sections.
  • Descend into the greener Karanga Valley.

  • Camp on a ridge above the valley to aid acclimatization.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

6
Day 06

Alpine Desert Trek to Barafu Camp

  • Hike to Barafu Camp through alpine desert.
  • View the Heim, Kersten, and Decken glaciers of Kibo.

  • Pass the junction connecting the Mweka descent route with the Machame trail.

  • Prepare for the midnight summit climb and rest early.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

7
Day 07

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent

  • Begin the final ascent around midnight using headlamp light.
  • Climb steeply to Stella Point at the crater rim.

  • Continue the gradual hike to Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point.

  • Celebrate and take photos at the summit.

  • Descend to Barafu Camp for breakfast and rest.

  • Continue descending to Mweka Camp for an overnight stay.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

8
Day 08

Cloud Forest Descent to Mweka Gate

  • Descend through the cloud forest to Mweka Gate.
  • Sign the register and receive your summit certificate.

  • Transfer back to Moshi for a hot shower, dinner, and rest.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Shira Plateau, Barranco Wall, Barafu Camp, Uhuru Peak

Where this trip takes you

Shira Plateau, Barranco Wall, Barafu Camp, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Kilimanjaro Airport Rd 3 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private transport from the hotel to the park gate (starting point for the climb)
  • All Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees

  • All camping fees

  • Two nights of hotel accommodation (the night before and the night after the climb) with breakfast included

  • Hut fees for the Marangu Route

  • Friendly and competent trained mountain guides, assistant guides, porters, and professional cooks

  • Three full fresh meals daily, with fresh food well prepared by skilled professional cooks, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available

  • Hot drinks and hot water for washing provided daily on the mountain

  • Quality spacious tents, sleeping mats, camping tables, camping chairs, and a mess or dining tent

  • Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for a successful summit attempt

  • Qualified medical guides

  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with hot drinks on the mountain

  • Salaries for guides, cooks, and porters

  • Rescue fees for the Kilimanjaro Park rescue team

  • All applicable government taxes

  • Pickup and drop-off to and from the airport

  • Emergency evacuation services

  • Supplementary portable oxygen and a complete first aid kit for emergency use only

  • Pulse oximeter carried by all chief guides

  • Three to four liters of mineral or treated water provided per climber daily

What's Not Included

  • Items of a personal nature
  • Tips for guides, porters, and cook

  • Personal hiking or trekking gear (some gear is available for rent)

  • Snacks and personal medicine

  • Meals, drinks, and snacks not specified in the hotel

Know before you go

  • Portable toilet is available at an additional cost; public toilets are available on the mountain.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kilimanjaro International Airport, Kilimanjaro Airport Road, Tanzania
Tour start
Kilimanjaro Airport Rd, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in Kilimanjaro Airport Rd.

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