Tanzania · Trekking

8-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek to Uhuru Peak at Sunrise

8 Days Round trip from Kilimanjaro Airport Rd Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Climb Africa's highest peak on the iconic Machame Route
02 Trek through diverse landscapes from rainforest to alpine desert
03 Experience better acclimatization with the "climb high, sleep low" profile
04 Reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise for unforgettable panoramic views

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the famous Machame Route, one of the most scenic and popular trails to Africa's highest peak. Trek through lush rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts while enjoying breathtaking views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. This route follows a "climb high, sleep low" profile, giving trekkers a better chance of summit success. Experience the thrill of reaching Uhuru Peak at sunrise before descending through diverse landscapes back to Moshi.

Experience the thrill of reaching Uhuru Peak at sunrise before descending through diverse landscapes back to Moshi.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

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

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Moshi or Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport and meet your driver.
Transfer to Meru View Lodge in Usa River.
Relax at the lodge or take a short trip to Arusha town if you arrive early.

Meet the operations staff for a trek briefing and equipment check.

Day 02

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate (1790 m).
Begin the trek through lush rainforest with rich flora and wildlife.
Arrive at Machame Camp (3020 m) for the night.

Elevation: 1790 m to 3020 m. Distance: ~11 km. Hiking time: 5-7 hours.

Day 03

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Leave the forest and ascend into moorland and open landscapes.
Enjoy views of Mount Meru and Kibo Peak.
Arrive at Shira Camp (3845 m) on a high plateau.

Elevation: 3020 m to 3845 m. Distance: ~5 km. Hiking time: 4-6 hours.

Day 04

Shira Plateau, Lava Tower and Barranco Camp

Cross the Shira Plateau and ascend to Lava Tower Hut (4640 m).
Experience the "climb high, sleep low" acclimatization profile.
Descend to Barranco Camp (3960 m) beneath the Great Barranco Wall.

Elevation: 3845 m to 4640 m down to 3960 m. Distance: ~10 km. Hiking time: 6-8 hours.

Day 05

Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp

Start with the challenging but rewarding Barranco Wall climb.
Trek along ridges and valleys with great views.
Arrive at Karanga Camp (4035 m) and rest.

Elevation: 3960 m to 4035 m. Distance: ~5 km. Hiking time: 4-5 hours.

Day 06

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Continue the gradual ascent toward Barafu Camp (4640 m).
Take in panoramic views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
Rest and prepare for the summit climb at midnight.

Elevation: 4035 m to 4640 m. Distance: ~4 km. Hiking time: 3-4 hours.

Day 07

Uhuru Peak Summit and Descent to Mweka Camp

Begin the summit attempt around midnight.
Reach Stella Point and continue to Uhuru Peak (5895 m), the highest point in Africa.
Celebrate your summit with breathtaking sunrise views.
Descend to Barafu for rest, then continue to Mweka Camp (3080 m).

Elevation: 4640 m to 5895 m down to 3080 m. Distance: ~19 km. Hiking time: 10-14 hours.

Day 08