7-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Arrival in Arusha⌄

   Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, one of our Dakik Expeditions representatives will greet you holding a sign with your name. You’ll be transferred to your hotel in Arusha, where you’ll meet your mountain guide for a detailed briefing, equipment check, and safety overview. Our team will assist with any last-minute gear rentals or purchases to ensure you’re fully prepared for your Kilimanjaro adventure.

   Meals: Dinner: Team welcome dinner!

   Overnight: Sanna Boutique Hotel

2. 2Machame Gate to Machame Camp⌄

   After breakfast, drive (approx. 2 hrs) through local villages and plantations to Machame Gate, where the climb officially begins. Our team handles registration, permits, and weighing of porter loads. Begin trekking through lush rainforest, spotting black-and-white colobus monkeys and tropical birds. Arrive at Machame Camp, where your tents are already set up and a hot meal awaits all prepared by our mountain chef. Duration: 5–7 hours Elevation Gain: +1,200 m Distance: 11 km

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Machame Camp! (Tented)

3. 3Machame Camp to Shira Camp⌄

   Climb out of the forest into heather and moorland, with stunning views of Mount Meru and the Shira Plateau. Our guides set an easy pace, ensuring proper acclimatization. On arrival, our camp crew will have your tents ready, with warm water for washing and hot tea waiting. Duration: 4–6 hours Elevation Gain: +840 m Distance: 5 km

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Shira Camp! (tented)

4. 4Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp⌄

   Today is a crucial acclimatization day. Trek across alpine desert to Lava Tower for lunch, then descend to Barranco Camp for the night, the famous “climb high, sleep low” approach. Your guide monitors oxygen levels and pacing to keep you safe and comfortable. Expect panoramic views of the Western Breach and Barranco Valley. Duration: 6–8 hours Elevation Gain: +790 m / –670 m Distance: 10 km

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Barranco Camp. (tented)

5. 5Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp⌄

   Start your morning scaling the iconic Barranco Wall, a short but exciting scramble that rewards you with breathtaking views of the glaciers above. Traverse rolling ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp, the last water point before the summit. On arrival, your camp crew will serve a warm lunch followed by an afternoon of rest and acclimatization. Duration: 4–5 hours Elevation Gain: +35 m Distance: 6 km

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Karanga Camp. (tented)

6. 6Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp⌄

   Ascend through barren alpine terrain to Barafu Camp, your final base before the summit. You’ll see Mawenzi Peak in the distance, Kilimanjaro’s rugged twin. Our crew prepares an early dinner and hot drinks as you rest and mentally prepare for your midnight summit attempt. Your guide briefs you on layering, pace, and oxygen checks. Duration: 3–5 hours Elevation Gain: +678 m Distance: 4 km

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Barafu Camp.

7. 7Barafu to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp⌄

   Your summit push begins around midnight under a blanket of stars. Follow your guide slowly to Stella Point (5,739 m) for sunrise and a warm cup of tea, an unforgettable moment. Then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa! Celebrate your incredible achievement before descending to Mweka Camp for a hot meal and rest. Our team ensures your safety throughout, offering steady guidance, encouragement, and full support.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Mweka Camp (tented)

8. 8Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha⌄

   Descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your official summit certificate. Our driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Arusha for a well-deserved rest or onward travel. Celebrate your success with your team, you’ve conquered Kilimanjaro!

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch

   Overnight: Sanna Boutique Hotel

9. 9Departure Day⌄

   After breakfast in Arusha, enjoy a relaxed morning depending on your flight schedule. Our team will arrange your airport transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or assist you in continuing your Tanzanian adventure, whether that’s a luxury safari in Serengeti and Ngorongoro or a beach escape in Zanzibar. Your guide will ensure a smooth farewell and help with any last-minute arrangements.

   Meals: Breakfast