Tanzania · Trekking

6-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Machame Route to Uhuru Peak

6 Days Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek through Kilimanjaro's lush rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts
02 Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, for breathtaking views
03 Explore unique volcanic landscapes, glaciers, and dramatic crater rims
04 Scramble up the Great Barranco Wall and camp beneath impressive glaciers

Embark on this 6-day Kilimanjaro trek via the Machame Route, renowned for its exceptional scenic beauty and lower crowd levels. This carefully designed itinerary allows for gradual acclimatization as you pass through varied landscapes, including lush rainforests, heathlands, moorlands, alpine deserts, and glacier-covered summit zones. With expert-guided support, a professional mountain crew, and well-organized camps, the trek offers both comfort and safety on your journey to Uhuru Peak.

Reach Stella Point on the crater rim and proceed to Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Machame

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Machame Gate to Machame Camp Through Rainforest

Drive from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha to Kilimanjaro National Park Machame Gate.
Begin the trek through the rainforest on a winding trail up the ridge.
Navigate muddy and slippery sections with the aid of trekking poles and gaiters.
Reach Machame Camp and rest for the night.

Distance: 11 km
Time: 5 - 7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

Day 02

Machame Camp to Shira Camp Across the Moorlands

Continue trekking through moorlands with increasingly sparse vegetation.
Reach Shira Camp, situated on a plateau with views of Kibo and Mount Meru.
Explore the nearby Shira Caves after settling at the camp.

Distance: 5 km
Time: 4 - 6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

Day 03

Shira Camp to Lava Tower and Barranco Camp

Head east into a semi-desert and rocky landscape surrounding Lava Tower.
Ascend towards Lava Tower for acclimatization and enjoy lunch at the designated area.
Descend to Barranco Camp through scenic terrain offering stunning views of the Breach Wall.

Distance: 10 km
Time: 6 - 8 hours
Habitat: Semi-Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

Day 04

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp and Barafu Camp

Scramble up the Great Barranco Wall and traverse ridges and valleys.
Reach Karanga Camp for a brief rest beneath impressive glaciers.
Continue ascending to Barafu Camp, where you will rest and prepare for summit night.
Admire the views of Mawenzi and Kibo volcanic cones from the camp.

Distance: 9 km
Time: 8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

Day 05

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Mweka Camp

Begin the summit ascent in the early hours, navigating glaciers and scree slopes.
Reach Stella Point on the crater rim and proceed to Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point.
Celebrate at the summit with photographs before descending to Barafu for rest and lunch.
Continue descending to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.

Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

Day 06

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return

Continue the final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate.
Collect your summit certificates at the park gate.
Drive back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a well-earned rest and celebration.

Distance: 10 km
Time: 3 - 4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Included.

Where this trip takes you

Machame Gate, Shira Camp, Lava Tower, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro 5 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transportation to and from the mountain gate
Three meals daily while on the mountain
Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA) and Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
Filtered water throughout the trek