To the rooftop of Africa, Uhuru peak!!! A sight to behold, There is more to this mountain than the height and the ultimate point itself. Am talking about the six days life-changing climb to Uhuru Peak standing at an impressive 5895M above sea level, at first it’s the rain forest, then the moorland, the alpine desert and finally the blinding cotton wool like snow coated peak if we are lucky. The experience, well where do I start? It’s the fun, the laughter, the fatigue, the endless trek, the frustration, the cold, then more cold and finally acceptance, then a big THEN a place of peace. It’s the reason we are here, all because it’s possible. 

Itinerary
Day One:
Travel from Nairobi to Moshi using a public shuttle.
Day Two:
8.00am We link up with our Tanzanian contacts for the climb. Soon we head out for Machame gate to start the exciting journey up one of the world’s most coveted peaks.
Machame Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,200 meters, 3,935 feet
Distance: 9 kilometers
At 9am, leave Moshi for Machame Gate, here we meet the support team of guides, porters and cook that will spend the next seven days trekking with us to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. At the gate, we enjoy our packed lunch as we wait for the lead guides to process our tickets to enter the park and start the hike and the porters/guides make final preparations.
Our first day’s destination is Machame Camp, each day the support team will walk ahead to set up the camp in time for our arrival. On this day we hike through the moss-covered trees of Kilimanjaro’s rain forest. The forest will thin at the end of the hike and vegetation will change to include heathers, tussock grass, and beautiful mountain flowers. If the weather is clear, view the surrounding area and your ultimate destination, Uhuru Peak.

Day Three:
Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft) to Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft) Elevation
Gain: 840 meters, 2,760 feet
Distance: 7 kilometers
Although considered to be the easiest day on the Machame Route, today’s trek includes several uphill sections. Carry plenty of drinking water, as the exposed hike can be hot on a clear day. There are several viewpoints from which you can see the plains and forests below and Kibo, Shira and Mawenzi peaks above.
As you gain altitude, notice the change in vegetation. The trees diminish in size, giving way to Kilimanjaro’s famous high altitude plants, Scenecio Kilimanjaro and Lobelia deckenii. After eating lunch, trek the lower parts the Shira Plateau, created when Kibo’s lava flows filled the Shira crater. Continue to Shira Cave amp, where you will relax for the rest of the day. Kibo lies to the west and Mount Meru to the east.

Day Four:
Shira Cave Camp (3,840m/12,600ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)
Total Elevation Gain: 690 meters, 2,264 feet
Distance: 10 kilometers
Although this up and down day ends with an elevation gain of only 110 meters, by early afternoon you will have climbed 690 meters to a height of 4600 meters before beginning your descent to Barranco Camp. This day is crucial for acclimatization.
After breakfast, hike east on the Shira Plateau before reaching the junction where Lemosho trail joins Machame. We continue on through the barren landscape before aiming for our lunch spot by the Lava Tower, a 300-foot lava formation out of the mountainside. On a clear the lunch spot also offers epic views of the Kibo peak. Shortly after lunch we start again down to
Barranco Camp, set among stands of Senecio kilimanjari, is considered to be the most scenic campsite on the Machame Route. This is where the long day ends for a good rest.

Day Five:
Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) Via Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft)
Elevation Gain: 650 meters
Distance: 13 Kilometers
We leave Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with a 1.5 hour scramble up Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day and the better part of it we will have to use our hands to pull the body up. After reaching the top, the platform offers the best views of Mt. Meru and the Barranco Valley. Behind us is the Kibo peak still inviting. After a few minutes rest we make a short descent into the greener Karanga Valley and to the last water point on this route. We refill our bottles and start up a sharp ascent into Karanga Camp. Lunch is served to refuel ourselves for the final push into Barafu camp. After lunch and a good rest, we begin again the hike to Barafu Camp.
On the way to Barafu, view several of Kibo’s glaciers as well as the junction that connects the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame trail. During day four, hike by the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. Although the trail to Barafu passes through alpine desert with little vegetation, Barafu Camp offers stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. After 2 hours we check in to Barafu camp. Its time for a snack then take an hour or two of rest and early dinner is served at 6.00pm. Its time to try catch some sleep and prepare for the summit push just before midnight.

Day Six:
Barafu Camp (4,680m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)
Elevation Gain: 1215
We will rise early to leave camp at around 11.30pm and after a warm drink and a light snack, we will begin the most difficult though most rewarding day of the trek – your hike to the roof of Africa. After approximately 6 hours of slow but strenuous hiking, we will reach the rim of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5685m. At this point we stop to rest, eat some snacks and take in the views over the clouds.
From Stella Point the trail is normally snow-covered, and every step of the 2 hour final ascent to Uhuru peak is challenging. Passing alongside the Rebmann and Tarzel glaciers we reach Elveda Point (5882) we can see Uhuru Peak now only minutes away. The roof of Africa is within our grasp.
Arriving at the summit you feel a huge sense of elation and accomplishment you have done it, you have made it to the highest point in Africa. We spend as much time as you need to appreciate your accomplishment, as this is a day to remember for the rest of your life! The time you will spend on the summit will depend on the weather conditions and temperature.
We start back down the same trail, and descend to Barafu camp. Here we will have a well earned but short rest and remove some of our many layers of clothing as the day begins to heat up.
We head down the rock and scree path into moorland zone, reaching the forest, and eventually arriving at Mweka Camp in the late afternoon where a hot meal awaits. This day is the longest, and the most mentally and physically challenging of the trek. But a life changing day that will stay with you forever, as you conquered yourself on the heights of Kilimanjaro.

Day Seven:
Mweka Camp(3100M) to Mweka Gate (1640M)
Descent; 1460M
Distance; 12Km
This is our last day in this iconic African Mountain; it’s a more relaxed trek down the descent from Mweka camp through the moss covered forest of Kilimanjaro to Mweka gate. At the gate we board our vehicle and back to the boring normal world. At the hotel we get a hot shower and meals as we pat ourselves in the back and narrate our experiences.
Day 8;
Travel back to Nairobi from Moshi.

Visa Application’

Tanzanian Visa can be obtained on arrival at Namanga border point; the cost is USD 50.00 for Non- East African Residents except for the US citizens which is USD. 100.00. Kindly apply at least 10days before the departure.

Water on the trail

We usually source from the streams on the trail, kindly carry some water purifier tablet.