7-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via Machame Route to Uhuru Peak

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Begin the trek through lush montane rainforest with chances to spot black-and-white colobus monkeys
• 02 Acclimatize effectively with a high-altitude climb to Lava Tower followed by a descent to Barranco Camp
• 03 Cross diverse ecological zones, including alpine desert and arctic summit terrain
• 04 Summit Uhuru Peak (5,895m) at sunrise for unforgettable views across the African continent
• 05 Descend through tropical forest to Mweka Gate, completing the full vertical journey of Kilimanjaro

Embark on a thrilling 7-day Kilimanjaro climb via the Machame Route, known for its scenic beauty and varied landscapes. Journey through lush montane forests, surreal alpine deserts, and glacier-covered ridges as you acclimatize through gradual elevation gain. Tackle the famous Barranco Wall and summit Uhuru Peak at sunrise for panoramic views from Africa's highest point. Complete your expedition with a rewarding descent through tropical rainforest and celebrate your successful climb with comfort and pride.

Wake very early and begin the final ascent to the summit under the stars.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Machame

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Machame Gate to Machame Camp Through Montane Forest

• Depart from your hotel after breakfast and drive 45 minutes to Machame Gate.
• Complete registration procedures while observing mountain teams preparing for their trek.
• Begin your hike through dense montane forest filled with ancient trees, ferns, and colobus monkeys.
• Ascend steadily for 5 to 7 hours until reaching Machame Camp.
• Relax at the campsite and enjoy a hot dinner prepared by the mountain chef.
• Distance: 18 km
• Hiking Time: 7 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest

2

Day 02

Machame Camp to Shira Camp Across the Shira Plateau

• Wake early and begin your ascent through moorland terrain.
• Watch the landscape shift from green rainforest to open heathland.
• Hike across the Shira Plateau with views of Kilimanjaro's glaciers and ridges.
• Arrive at Shira Camp by mid-afternoon and rest for the evening.
• View the sunset over the Shira Plateau and prepare for the next day's trek.
• Distance: 9 km
• Hiking Time: 6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

3

Day 03

Shira Camp to Lava Tower and Down to Barranco Camp

• Begin a gradual ascent from the Shira Plateau into alpine desert.
• Reach Lava Tower at 4640m and pause for rest and acclimatization.
• Descend into the scenic Barranco Valley filled with giant lobelias and senecio plants.
• Arrive at Barranco Camp after 6 to 7 hours of trekking and enjoy dinner.
• Rest and recover at camp with views of the towering Barranco Wall.
• Distance: 15 km
• Hiking Time: 7 hours
• Habitat: Semi-Desert

4

Day 04

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp via the Barranco Wall

• Conquer the Barranco Wall just after breakfast with guidance from your support team.
• Traverse over ridges and valleys with views of Kibo's glacier always in sight.
• Ascend the final slope to reach Karanga Camp in time for lunch.
• Take the afternoon to rest or complete a short acclimatization hike.
• Dine and sleep at Karanga Camp before the push to higher altitude.
• Distance: 5 km
• Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

5

Day 05

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp on the Southern Circuit

• Continue your trek through moon-like alpine desert terrain.
• Reach the junction that meets with the Mweka descent trail.
• Ascend to Barafu Camp and complete the Southern Circuit.
• Rest, hydrate, and eat an early dinner in preparation for summit day.
• Sleep early to conserve energy for the midnight summit attempt.
• Distance: 4 km
• Hiking Time: 2 to 3 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

6

Day 06

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Down to Mweka Camp

• Wake very early and begin the final ascent to the summit under the stars.
• Climb through heavy scree to reach Stella Point and continue to Uhuru Peak.
• Celebrate your achievement at the highest point in Africa with breathtaking views.
• Begin your descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and hot meal.
• Continue the long descent to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight stay.
• Distance: 30 km (7 km ascent, 23 km descent)
• Hiking Time: 14 to 16 hours total (7 to 8 up, 7 to 8 down)
• Habitat: Arctic to Montane Forest

7

Day 07

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi or Arusha

• Resume your descent through lush montane forest alive with birdlife.
• Reach Mweka Gate and sign out from Kilimanjaro National Park.
• Walk a short distance through coffee and banana plantations to Mweka Village.
• Meet your vehicle and transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
• Celebrate your successful climb with a hot shower and cold beverage.
• Distance: 15 km
• Hiking Time: 3 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Private transportation to and from your selected Kilimanjaro route
• Pre- and post-trek accommodation
• Airport pick-up upon arrival
• Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tent (for camping routes)
• Certified, experienced, English-speaking mountain guides
• All Kilimanjaro National Park entry, camping, and rescue fees
• Government-imposed climbing taxes
• All hot meals freshly prepared by a professional mountain cook while on the mountain
• Fair salaries for guides, porters, and cooks
• Adequate number of porters to carry all group and personal gear
• Personalized summit certificate signed by Kilimanjaro National Park and your lead guide

What's Not Included

• Personal items and toiletries
• Hotel accommodation (available as an optional add-on)
• Transfers (available as an optional add-on)
• Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothing, etc. (available for rent)
• Tips for guides, porters, and cook
• International airfares and airport departure taxes
• All personal expenses such as telephone calls, faxes, emails, etc.
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Visa fees and international flight ticket costs

What to bring

• Sturdy, waterproof backpack (40-50L capacity)
• Daypack rain cover
• Four-season sleeping bag rated to at least -10°C
• Insulated sleeping pad or mat
• Moisture-wicking base layers (tops and bottoms)
• Insulating mid-layers (fleece or down jacket)
• Waterproof and windproof outer shell (jacket and pants)
• Trekking pants and breathable shirts
• Warm hat, balaclava, or neck gaiter
• Sun hat or cap with neck protection
• Waterproof gloves and glove liners
• Warm socks (several pairs) and liner socks
• Broken-in, waterproof hiking boots
• Camp shoes or sandals for evening use
• Trekking poles (adjustable and collapsible)
• Headlamp with spare batteries
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and SPF lip balm
• Water bottles or hydration bladder (total capacity of at least 3 liters)
• Water purification tablets or filtration system
• Personal toiletries and quick-dry towel
• Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
• Small first aid kit (include blister care, altitude meds, and pain relief)
• Personal medications
• Energy snacks (nuts, bars, chocolate, dried fruit)
• Passport and copies, travel insurance documents
• Cash for tips and personal expenses
• Power bank or solar charger
• Lightweight book or journal
• Earplugs and eye mask
• Zip-lock bags or dry bags for organization and waterproofing

Know before you go

• Multilingual guides are available on request (French, Spanish, German, etc.) at a supplement of $25 per day, subject to availability.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Hotel in Moshi or Arusha

Tour start

Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.