The Kilimanjaro trek via the Machame Route is led by expert local guides, offering personalized support, breathtaking views, and a 99% summit success rate. We focus on safety, comfort, and unforgettable cultural connections from start to finish.
Meet us at Kilimanjaro Umoja Tours office in Mfumuni, Majengo, Moshi. Look for our sign and staff in uniform. Arrive 15–20 mins early for check-in and trek prep.
Elevation: 1811m/5942ft to 3021m/9911ft Altitude gained: 1210m Departing from Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through the Village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
Elevation: 3021m/9911ft to 3839m/12,595ft Altitude gained: 818m After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite. Temperatures begin to drop.
Elevation: 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft Altitude gained: 147m Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.
Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft Altitude gained: 676m After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft Altitude gained: 1233m | Descent to: 3106m/10,190ft Altitude lost: 2789m An early start between midnight and 2 a.m. marks the most challenging part of the trek—both mentally and physically. You’ll ascend between Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, pushing through scree in switchbacks toward Stella Point. At the crater rim, a breathtaking sunrise rewards your efforts. Faster climbers may catch it from the summit. From here, a final 1-hour push takes you to Uhuru Peak—Africa’s highest point. Celebrate with photos, smiles, and maybe tears of joy. Afterward, descend steeply to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a quick rest. We recommend gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel and volcanic ash. Enjoy your final night on the mountain at Mweka Camp.
levation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft Altitude lost: 1473m After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes).
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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