India, Tanzania · Trekking

8-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via Machame Route to Uhuru Peak

8 Days Round trip from Moshi Hard pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Trek through lush rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts on the Machame Route
  • 02 Acclimatize with an extra day at Karanga Camp to improve summit success
  • 03 Climb to iconic landmarks such as Lava Tower and Barranco Wall
  • 04 Experience breathtaking views of Shira Plateau, Kibo Peak, and Mawenzi Peak
  • 05 Summit at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa

Embark on an 8-day climb of Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Machame Route. Trek through diverse landscapes, including lush rainforests, heath and moorlands, and alpine deserts, guided by experienced local guides who ensure your safety and success. Benefit from an extra acclimatization day at Karanga Camp to increase your chances of reaching the summit. Witness breathtaking views of the Shira Plateau, Kibo Peak, and Mawenzi Peak along the way, before summiting at Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point.

Climb to Stella Point and continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters), the highest point in Africa.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Hard
Accommodation Included · Budget
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Machame
Languages English, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Moshi and Pre-Climb Briefing

  • Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
  • Transfer to your hotel in Moshi.

  • Attend a pre-climb briefing and complete gear checks.

  • Enjoy a welcome dinner.

Overnight at a hotel in Moshi.

2
Day 02

Machame Gate Trek to Machame Camp

  • Drive to Machame Gate.
  • Trek through lush rainforest, observing colobus monkeys along the way.

  • Reach Machame Camp at 3,000 meters elevation.

  • Duration: 5 to 7 hours; Distance: 11 km.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Overnight in a tented camp.

3
Day 03

Shira Plateau Ascent to Shira Camp

  • Ascend through heath and moorland vegetation.
  • Enjoy views of Kibo Peak as you trek.

  • Arrive at Shira Camp on the Shira Plateau at 3,850 meters.

  • Acclimatize with short walks around the camp.

  • Duration: 4 to 6 hours; Distance: ~5 km.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Overnight in a tented camp.

4
Day 04

Lava Tower Acclimatization and Barranco Camp

  • Climb to Lava Tower (4,600 meters) to aid acclimatization.
  • Descend to Barranco Camp at 3,950 meters.

  • View the Western Breach and glaciers along the route.

  • Duration: 6 to 8 hours; Distance: 10 km.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Overnight in a tented camp.

5
Day 05

Barranco Wall Climb to Karanga Camp

  • Scale the Barranco Wall, a challenging rock face.
  • Trek to Karanga Camp at 3,985 meters for further acclimatization.

  • Enjoy hot meals and rest.

  • Duration: 4 to 5 hours; Distance: 5 km.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Overnight in a tented camp.

6
Day 06

Alpine Desert Trek to Barafu Camp

  • Trek through alpine desert to Barafu Camp at 4,680 meters.
  • View Mawenzi Peak during the journey.

  • Rest at camp and attend the summit briefing.

  • Duration: 3 to 4 hours; Distance: 4 km.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Overnight in a tented camp.

7
Day 07

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent

  • Begin the summit attempt at midnight.
  • Climb to Stella Point and continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters), the highest point in Africa.

  • Descend to Barafu Camp and continue down to Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters.

  • Duration: 10 to 14 hours; Distance: 5 km ascent, 12 km descent.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Overnight in a tented camp.

8
Day 08

Descent to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi

  • Trek down to Mweka Gate (10 km).
  • Receive your summit certificate at the gate.

  • Drive back to Moshi town (approximately 1 hour).

  • End of services.

Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, Uhuru Peak

Where this trip takes you

Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Moshi 3 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Airport transfers
  • Pre-climb tour
  • Moshi accommodation (2 nights)
  • Camping equipment
  • Guides, porters, and cook
  • All meals during the climb
  • Park fees
  • Summit certificate
  • Water and soft drinks

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Visas
  • Personal gear (available for rent)
  • Tips ($20-$25 per day for guides, $10-$15 per day for cooks, $10 per day for porters)
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Personal expenses
  • Meals during the stay at the hotel

What to bring

  • Warm clothing
  • Hiking boots
  • Trekking poles
  • Sleeping bag (-15°C)
  • Headlamp
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Medications
  • Backpack (20-30L)
  • Water bottles (3L)

Know before you go

  • Choose the 7-day Machame Route, known as the "Whiskey Route," for a scenic and challenging climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft).

  • Benefit from an 85-90% summit success rate due to excellent acclimatization.

  • Trek approximately 62 km through diverse terrains, including rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic zones.

  • Expect moderate to challenging difficulty suitable for fit hikers with some trekking experience.

  • Experience highlights such as Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, and Uhuru Peak.

  • Enjoy an extra acclimatization day at Karanga Camp to boost summit chances.

  • Book through TourHQ's "Plan My Holiday" feature and communicate preferences via chat.

  • Confirm booking with a deposit of $350-$700; balance due 60 days before departure or at trek start.

  • Cancellation policy offers full, partial, or no refunds based on timing.

  • Price ranges from $2,100 to $2,608 per person, lower for groups of 10 or more.

  • Inclusions cover Kilimanjaro National Park fees, camping gear, all meals on the mountain, certified guides and porters, transfers, emergency oxygen, and 2 nights in a 3-star hotel with breakfast.

  • Exclusions include international flights, Tanzania visa, travel insurance, crew tips, personal gear, beverages, and personal expenses.

  • Plan to tip the crew $200-$300 total per climber, distributed among guides, porters, and cooks.

  • Prepare physically with 3-6 months of cardio, strength training, and practice hikes carrying a backpack.

  • Monitor altitude health daily; emergency oxygen and pulse oximeters are provided.

  • Best climbing seasons are January-March and June-October for dry weather and clearer skies.

  • Pack layered clothing, sturdy boots, trekking poles, a sleeping bag rated to -15°C, a headlamp, and adequate water capacity.

  • Carry a duffel bag (max 15 kg) for porters and a daypack for personal items.

  • Ensure you have a valid passport and Tanzania visa, and obtain necessary vaccinations and travel insurance.

  • Follow safety protocols, including a slow hiking pace and immediate reporting of altitude sickness symptoms.

  • Engage respectfully with local culture; greet locals and dress modestly in Moshi/Arusha.

  • Support sustainability with Leave No Trace practices and fair wages for the crew.

  • Stay hydrated with 3-4 liters of water daily.

  • Prepare mentally and physically for the cold, long summit night climb.

  • Consider adding a safari or Zanzibar extension post-trek.

  • Book early and communicate any special needs through TourHQ chat.

  • Contact the guide via TourHQ chat or support email for questions before and after booking.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kilimanoor Junction, Kilimanoor, Pazhayakunnummel, Kerala, India
Tour start
Moshi, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in Moshi.

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