Duration
7 days
Tour type
Shared tour
Max per vehicle
30
Group size
1-30 people
Physical level
Challenging
Customizable
Yes, request changes
Languages
English, Swahili, Spanish, German, Chinese, French, Arabic, Portuguese
Airport transfer
Available for an extra cost
Extra accommodation
Can be arranged for an extra cost
Are you ready to challenge yourself and stand on the Roof of Africa? Join our 7-day group trek via the Machame Route and take on the adventure of reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 metres. This trek is about determination, teamwork and pushing your limits. You will meet fellow adventurers, encourage one another along the trail and share the experience of climbing one of the world's most famous mountains. The journey starts in the beautiful rainforest before continuing through moorland, the Shira Plateau, rocky alpine landscapes and the dramatic Barranco Wall. As the altitude increases, every day brings a new challenge and a different view of the mountain. With our experienced mountain guides, cooks and porters supporting the group, you will follow a carefully planned route with time for acclimatisation. On summit night, we begin the demanding climb towards Uhuru Peak, working steadily through the darkness towards sunrise. Reaching the summit is a moment to celebrate the effort, courage and teamwork that brought you there. After enjoying the views from the top, we descend the mountain and return to Moshi with memories and friendships that will last long after the trek. This adventure is best for travellers with good physical fitness, a positive attitude and a willingness to prepare for high-altitude trekking. Group members should understand that altitude affects everyone differently, and reaching the summit cannot be guaranteed. Come and take the challenge with Kiwia Africa Tours. Train, climb and encourage one another as you aim for Uhuru Peak together.
$1,810Per person
Trip type
High-altitude trek, not a technical climb: no ropes or climbing experience needed
Fitness level
Good general fitness and the ability to walk 5 to 8 hours a day for multiple days in a row
Age
Recommended for ages 12 and up due to walking distances
Health notes
Consult a doctor if you have heart, lung, or blood pressure conditions. Altitude affects everyone differently regardless of fitness.
After breakfast in Moshi, we drive to Machame Gate, where we complete registration and meet our mountain guides and support crew. Once everyone is ready, we begin trekking through the lush rainforest, following winding trails beneath tall trees, moss-covered branches and thick vegetation. Keep an eye out for birds and, occasionally, colobus monkeys. The trail can be muddy and slippery, so the group will walk at a steady pace and support one another along the way. By afternoon, we arrive at Machame Camp, where the crew prepares our tents and dinner. We spend the evening getting to know our fellow climbers, sharing our first-day experiences and preparing for the next stage. Altitude: 1,800 m → 3,010 m Distance: Approximately 11 km Trekking time: 5–7 hours Environment: Montane rainforest
After breakfast, we leave the rainforest behind and climb along a steeper, rocky trail into the heath and moorland zone. The trees become fewer, the vegetation changes, and the mountain views open up around us. Our destination is the Shira Plateau, a remarkable landscape formed by ancient volcanic activity. On clear days, we may enjoy views towards Mount Meru and the surrounding plains. Although the distance is shorter than yesterday's, the increasing altitude makes it important to walk slowly, drink water and take breaks when needed. At camp, we enjoy a meal together and prepare for the following day's important acclimatisation challenge. Altitude: 3,010 m → 3,850 m Distance: Approximately 5 km Trekking time: 4–6 hours Environment: Heath and moorland
Today, we climb across the Shira Plateau towards Lava Tower, an impressive volcanic rock formation at approximately 4,630 metres. This is an important part of our acclimatisation plan: we climb higher during the day before descending to sleep at a lower altitude. After a rest and lunch around the Lava Tower area, we continue towards Barranco Camp. The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, with rocky slopes, deep valleys and giant groundsels that make this part of Kilimanjaro especially distinctive. For the group, this is a day to practise patience and teamwork. Everyone should move at a comfortable pace and tell the guide immediately if they experience symptoms such as headache, nausea or dizziness. Altitude: 3,850 m → 4,630 m → 3,960 m Distance: Approximately 10 km Trekking time: 6–8 hours Environment: Alpine desert and rocky volcanic terrain
After breakfast, we face one of the most memorable sections of the Machame Route: the Great Barranco Wall. It looks steep from below, but the route follows a non-technical scrambling trail. Our guides lead the way and help the group navigate the trickier sections carefully. At the top, we enjoy spectacular views of the mountain and surrounding valleys. We then continue over ridges and descend into Karanga Valley before climbing towards Karanga Camp. The trail has several ups and downs, so we take breaks and look out for one another. By the time we reach camp, we will have completed another important stage of our journey towards the summit. Altitude: 3,960 m → approximately 4,000 m Distance: Approximately 5 km Trekking time: 4–5 hours Environment: Rocky ridges and alpine desert
After breakfast, we continue uphill towards Barafu Camp, our base for the summit attempt. The landscape is rocky and exposed, with sparse vegetation and impressive views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Although today's walking distance is relatively short, the altitude makes the climb more demanding. We move slowly, drink water regularly and follow the guide's instructions. At Barafu Camp, we eat, rest and prepare our equipment for summit night. We check our warm clothing, gloves, headlamps and water, then try to sleep early because the final ascent usually begins around midnight. The group should focus on resting and preparing mentally for the biggest challenge of the trek. Altitude: Approximately 4,000 m → 4,673 m Distance: Approximately 4 km Trekking time: 3–5 hours Environment: High-altitude alpine desert
This is the most demanding day of our adventure. We wake around midnight, put on our warm layers and begin climbing slowly through the darkness. The trail is steep, the air is thin and temperatures can be extremely cold. Our guides set a careful pace, and the group supports one another with encouragement and patience. We climb towards Stella Point on the crater rim before continuing to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. If conditions allow and we reach the summit, we celebrate together, take photographs and enjoy the unforgettable feeling of achieving something we have worked hard for. Reaching Uhuru Peak cannot be guaranteed. If anyone develops concerning altitude symptoms or conditions become unsafe, the guides may require a descent. Safety must always come before the summit. After the summit, we descend to Barafu for a short rest and continue to Mweka Camp. It is a long day, so careful footing and listening to the guides are essential. Altitude: Barafu Camp 4,673 m → Uhuru Peak 5,895 m → Mweka Camp approximately 3,100 m Distance: Approximately 17 km Trekking time: Approximately 12–17 hours in total Environment: High-altitude rocky slopes, arctic summit zone and rainforest on descent
After breakfast, we begin our final descent through the rainforest towards Mweka Gate. The trail can be muddy, but the warmer air and green surroundings make a welcome change after the high-altitude terrain. At the gate, we complete the exit procedures. Climbers who reach the required summit point receive their appropriate certificates. We then transfer back to Moshi, where our mountain adventure comes to an end. The group can celebrate the journey, share photographs and reflect on the teamwork, determination and friendships built along the trail. Altitude: Approximately 3,100 m → 1,640 m Distance: Approximately 10 km Trekking time: 3–4 hours Environment: Montane rainforest
Starts in Moshi, Tanzania, ends in Moshi, Tanzania.
Other stops
What's arranged for you to sleep and eat each night of the trip.
What this operator recommends bringing on the trip.
The group meets in Moshi before travelling to Machame Gate for registration and the start of the climb. Airport transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Moshi can be arranged at an additional cost. After completing the trek and exiting through Mweka Gate, the group returns to Moshi.
