7 Days to Uhuru Peak via the Machame Route

A scenic ascent through forests, moorland and snow to Africa’s roof.

OVERVIEW


The Machame route is now the most popular route on the mountain. Compared with Marangu, the days on Machame are longer and the walks are steeper. The Machame route is considered a difficult route, and is better suited for more adventurous folks and those with some hiking or backpacking experience.

The route begins from the south, then heads east, traversing underneath Kilimanjaro's southern ice field before summiting. The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, although seven days is recommended.

The Machame route is scenically beautiful and varied. However, due to the heavy crowds, it loses some of its splendor.

ITINERARY


Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m) – Machame Camp (3,000m)

Hiking time: 5–7 hours

Distance: ~11 km

Habitat: Rainforest 🌿

Start the trek through lush montane forest, spotting monkeys and exotic birds before reaching Machame Camp.

Day 2: Machame Camp – Shira Camp (3,840m)

Hiking time: 4–6 hours

Distance: ~5 km

Habitat: Moorland 🌾

A steep climb brings you out of the forest into moorland with stunning views of Shira Plateau.

Day 3: Shira Camp – Lava Tower (4,630m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m)

Hiking time: 6–8 hours

Distance: ~10 km

Habitat: Alpine desert ⛰️ → Moorland 🌾

Climb high to Lava Tower for acclimatization, then descend to Barranco Camp below the famous Barranco Wall.

Day 4: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (4,035m)

Hiking time: 4–5 hours

Distance: ~5 km

Habitat: Alpine desert ⛰️

A thrilling climb up Barranco Wall, followed by ridges and valleys before reaching Karanga Camp.

Day 5: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp (4,640m)

Hiking time: 4–5 hours

Distance: ~4 km

Habitat: Alpine desert ⛰️

A short, steep trek to Barafu, the base camp. Early dinner and rest in preparation for the summit attempt.

Day 6: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Hiking time: 10–14 hours

Distance: ~17 km

Habitat: Arctic ❄️ → Rainforest 🌿

Start at midnight for the summit push via Stella Point. After celebrating at Uhuru Peak, descend to Mweka Camp.

Day 7: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate (1,640m)

Hiking time: 3–4 hours

Distance: ~10 km

Habitat: Rainforest 🌿

Final descent through lush forest. Collect your climbing certificates at Mweka Gate before returning to Moshi/Arusha.

Included ✔: All park fees (conservation, camping/hut, and rescue fees) • Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters • Camping equipment (tents, dining tent, chairs, tables) • Meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinking water) • Transfers to/from the trailhead • Camping/hiking equipment (tents, tables, chairs – where applicable) • Oxygen cylinder & first aid kit • Kilimanjaro climbing certificate after a successful summit

Not Included ✖: International flights • Visa & travel insurance • Tips • Personal climbing gear (sleeping bags, trekking poles, boots, clothing, etc.) • Personal expenses • Extra hotel nights before/after the climb (unless arranged)

TRANSFERS


Transfers can be arranged between the airport, Arusha/Moshi, between hotels, restaurants and attractions, either on a seat-in-coach basis, or the private hire of an entire vehicle. All pick-up times are arranged to tie in with flight departures and scheduled tours. Our guides work to this timetable, collecting guests from each hotel en route to their intended destination.

TREKKING TOURS


2 Days Mount Longido
4 Days Mt. Meru Trek
6 Days Marangu Route
7 Days Lemosho Route
`7 Days Machame Route

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