
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro (5895m) via The Machame Route & Go to Zanzibar
Hike this iconic trail to summit the tallest peak in Africa, before hitting Zanzibar’s turquoise waters for some post-trek relaxation
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All trekking with local, certified guides and a support team, plus a local support in ZanzibarHotel & Camping
6 nights camping and 5 nights in hotelsMeals
All breakfasts, 7 lunches and all dinnersInternal Flight & Transfers
Flight from Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar; airport transfers and everything in betweenPermits & Porterage
All permits, taxes and licenses; porters to carry your overnight luggage and camping equipment on the trekSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?






Hike to the top of Africa’s 5895m 'Seven Summit' along trails running through a diverse variety of ecosystems
Bask in a backdrop of endlessly epic vistas on a route that offers a great success rate compared to shorter treks
Hit the paradise sands of Zanzibar at the end of the trip for some well-deserved R&R, where you can snorkel and swim in tropical seas
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Tanzania!

Land at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your driver will be waiting to transfer you to your accommodation. After meeting your guide for a detailed briefing and equipment check, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner and then get some rest in preparation for the adventure beginning tomorrow.
Day 2
Machame Gate (1800m) to Machame Camp (3050m)

Hiking
Take a 45-minute drive to the mountain village of Machame and the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate, where your ascent will begin. Hike through the lush rainforest and along winding trails, eyes peeled for the odd blue monkey or a tree hyrax. Make sure your gaiters and trekking poles are handy as the trail can get a bit muddy and slippery at lower elevations. Once you reach your campsite, kick back and soak up the vibes of your first night on the trek.
Day 3
Machame Camp (3050m) to Shira Camp (3800m)

Hiking
Bid farewell to the rainforest as you ascend to the Shira Plateau, an alpine moorland landscape situated above 3000m. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, particularly birds of prey, as you traverse this rugged terrain. Follow the route west into a river gorge which you will follow all the way up to Shira Camp. Take the rest of the afternoon to relax and recharge before hopefully witnessing an unforgettable sunset.
Day 4
Shira Camp (3800m) to Barranco Camp (3950m), via Lava Tower

Hiking
Get ready for another day of important acclimatisation. It's time to climb up to the Lava Tower (4640m), a chunk of volcano that popped up about 150,000 years ago during Kilimanjaro's most active volcanic phase. Settle in for lunch at the base of the tower before you carry on with your trek through moorland, where you'll spot unique Giant Senecio trees. Finally, you'll head down to your camp for the night at Barranco, where a big dinner and a cosy tent await you.
Day 5
Barranco Camp (3950m) to Karanga Camp (4000m), via the Barranco Wall

Hiking
Continue getting used to the altitude today before you tackle the higher camps and summit. After fuelling up on breakfast, you'll head up a steep ridge to the bottom of the Barranco Wall. It's a bit of a test for both your body and your mind, as the wall looks taller than its 257m. Taking it slow and steady is the key to making the scramble to the top easier (most find it less daunting than they expected, so don't fret!). Once you're at the top, if the clouds play ball, you'll get a great view over the Heim Glacier. Then, it's a bit of up and down through the Karanga Valley until you reach your base for the night at Karanga Camp.
Day 6
Karanga Camp (4000m) to Barafu Camp (4650m)

Hiking
Take a short but steep hike through the increasingly thin air up to Barafu Camp ('barafu' is the Swahili word for 'ice') – your final pitstop before summit day. This camp sits on a barren, rocky ridge. Grab an early dinner, prep yourself for the big summit push tomorrow, and catch some z's. You're almost there!
Day 7
Summit day

Hiking
Get ready for the toughest leg of the trek, kicking off in the dead of night. With head torches lighting the path, slowly climb through rocky scree towards Stella Point (5756m) on the crater rim. Then, keep pushing to Uhuru Peak (5895m) – the highest spot on Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest peak in Africa, and quite possibly your most epic trekking triumph. Take a moment to catch your breath, snap some photos, then begin the long descent over dusty volcanic terrain, eventually winding back down to moorland as you reach Millennium Camp (3800m) for a well-deserved rest!
Day 8
Descend from Millenium Camp (3800m) to Mweka Gate

Hiking
Continue your descent towards the Mweka Park Gate, trekking through the forest – keep an eye out for fluffy black and white colobus monkeys as you descend to lower levels. Things will be a lot warmer down here, with the terrain getting wet and muddy, so make sure your gaiters and trekking poles are close at hand. Once you reach the park gate, you'll pick up your summit certificate before heading back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can finally enjoy a hot shower and have a well-deserved celebration. After your trek, there'll be a tipping ceremony for the crew who helped you make your way up the mountain – check out the FAQs below for more on this local custom.
Day 9
Welcome to paradise

Now that your summit quest is done, it's time for some well-earned R&R, as you head to the tropical island of Zanzibar for a few days on its idyllic shores. After breakfast, you'll be taken to Kilimanjaro Airport for the hour-long flight to Zanzibar. You'll be met by a driver at Zanzibar Airport and transferred to Marumbi on the eastern side of the island, where you can settle into your beachside accommodation. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and dinner at the beach-side restaurant or a drink by the pool as you relax into island life.
Day 10
Hit the turquoise waters

Wake up and decide how to spend your first day in Zanzibar. After the climb, you've earned the right to do anything you please today! Perhaps relax at the beautiful Marumbi beach, swimming and snorkelling whenever you wish, or if you're keen to pack more adventure in, there are plenty of activities – contact your host and they'll help organise these for you. Snorkelling trips to Mnemba Island (at northern tip of Zanzibar) are a popular option thanks to the abundance of tiger fish, parrot fish, the occasional turtle and, if you're lucky, dolphins. Alternatively, you could visit a spice plantation – Zanzibar was once the spice capital of the world and there are still many places on the island where cinnamon, turmeric and black pepper are grown.
Day 11
Explore Zanzibar

Today is another day to spend however you would like. Perhaps board a traditional dhow (sailing boat) through the tropical waters to the south of Zanzibar, exploring islets, sand bars and the abundant coral and sea life that make up the Menai Bay Conservation Area. Or maybe visit the exotic port town of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the historic heart of the island. Its winding streets and old colonial architecture make for a great day of exploration.
Day 12
The end of an epic adventure

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast to mark the end of a remarkable trip. You are free to head back to Zanzibar Airport at any time for your flight home.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Kilimanjaro Airport
Any time on Day 1
Ends
Zanzibar Airport
Any time on Day 12
Transfers
Your adventure begins at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) where your driver will be waiting for you outside the Arrivals area. The transfer from the airport to your hotel in Moshi takes around an hour. Airport transfers are included in the price if you arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport on Day 1. Alternatively, if you’re already in Tanzania, your host can arrange a pick-up from any point upon request (not included). Your adventure ends at Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ), so you'll need to make sure that your departing flight is booked from here. Transfers are included on Day 12 whatever time you depart.
For those arriving early or wanting to stay on longer, extra nights at the hotels and private airport transfers can be arranged with your host at an additional cost. Please see Optional Extras for more information.
Travel options
There are frequent indirect flight options to Kilimanjaro (JRO) from major airports across the UK and Europe; and likewise for the return flight from Zanzibar (ZNZ). Most of these will connect via either Europe (Paris, Amsterdam and Frankfurt), the Middle East (Dubai, Istanbul or Doha) or via larger African cities (Addis Ababa, Nairobi).
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 9 – Day 11
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 12
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?

Throughout your trek, a team of experienced chefs will cook and serve you nutritious meals. Breakfast will usually be some combination of fruit, cereal, porridge, eggs, bread, French toast, pancakes, sausage, bacon, tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Lunch will be a mix of vegetables, fruit, boiled egg, meat cutlets, various sandwich options (egg/cheese/tomato/tuna/meat/peanut butter), macaroni and meat sauce and bread. Dinner, meanwhile, will usually consist of soup, bread, salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, roast or fried chicken, beef or fish, curry, mixed vegetables, lentils, fruit salad and fruit with custard. On summit night, you’ll enjoy a midnight snack with juice, soup, hot chocolate, tea or coffee and biscuits, and when you return to base camp, a nice meal will be waiting as a reward all your hard work. In Zanzibar, breakfast and dinners will be taken at the hotel where there are several restaurants to choose from, serving a variety of local and international cuisine.
If you have any special dietary requests, let your host know in advance and they will do their best to accommodate them. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten free diets can be fully catered for.
What is the accommodation like?

Moshi
You'll spend your first and eighth nights of the trip in a twin-share room at Weru Weru River Lodge, located on the quiet outskirts of Moshi Town around 30km from the airport. Rooms are modern and comfortable with ensuite bathrooms and free WiFi. Some departures also use the Panama Garden Resort or Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel which are located more centrally in Moshi.

Along the Machame Route
During the trek, you will camp at a number of sites along the Machame Route in twin-share tents, with camping and cooking equipment provided (you'll need to bring your own sleeping bag, or hire one, though). You'll also have a mess tent where you'll be served all your meals. Your team of porters will set up and break down camp for you each day, so you can save your energy for the trek.
There are now several permanent public ‘long-drop’ toilets in most of the camps along the Kilimanjaro routes. In addition to this, when at camp, your porters will set up a private portable and flushable toilet especially for your group complete with washing station and bin. In between camps, you will need generally to find a convenient boulder or shrub. Whilst this is all part of a wilderness adventure, it can have a negative impact on the surrounding environment, if not practiced carefully.

Marumbi, Zanzibar
In Marumbi on the Zanzibar coast, you'll be staying at the Zanzibar Bay Resort. Hidden away in a quieter corner of the island, the resort has a stunning swimming pool, bar and restaurant with views over the Indian Ocean, and direct access to the white sand beach. You'll be staying in comfortable, ensuite twin-share rooms.
Upgrades
For solo travellers wanting their own space, there is the option to upgrade to a private room or tent if you would like to do so, subject to availability. See Optional Extras for prices.
This trip has been rated as Challenging
With consecutive days of around 6 or 7 hours trekking and plenty of elevation gain at high altitudes, this is an epic challenge. Mount Kilimanjaro (5895m) isn’t a technical climb, but the route can be steep and rough underfoot. It is also important to note that trekking at altitudes above 3000m is more demanding on the body than walking at low elevations, and this will be the main challenge. Your guide will set the pace and as with all altitude treks, the theme is ‘pole pole’ ('slowly, slowly' in Swahili) to help you adjust to the high altitude.
Given the nature of the trip it is necessary to have some previous hiking experience under your belt. We would recommend working on your hill fitness over several weeks or months before attempting this climb. This would involve developing a reasonable base of cardio and strength fitness combined with some specific hiking preparation in the hills. Think of a few weekends of back-to-back walking days with as much up and down as you can fit in, if you want to make it harder carry a heavy backpack! This preparation will set you up to get the most out of your trek and enjoy yourself on your adventure.
This trip follows the Machame Route over seven days on the mountain, however Much Better Adventures also offers you the chance to climb Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route (which spends 8 days on the mountain) or the Rongai Route (also 7 days). See the FAQs below for more details on the individual routes.
What will I need to carry?
Your porters will carry your main kitbag, meaning you'll only have to carry a day pack with your basic kit for each day of walking. There is a limit to the weight that the porters can carry however, therefore your main kitbag must be no heavier than 20kg. If you wish to bring more than 20kg it is best to arrange another bag and an extra porter charge will apply.
It's possible to climb Mount Kilimanjaro all year round; however, the months outside of the rainy seasons are more desirable. The best climbing months are from December to March and July to October. The best weather is usually at the beginning of the year from January to March, which are also typically the warmest and driest months.
Thanks to Tanzania’s proximity to the equator, the region doesn’t typically experience the extremes of winter and summer weather you might expect and instead has dry and wet seasons. The local weather conditions on Kilimanjaro can be somewhat unpredictable (to say the least) and rainfall varies from 2100mm per year in the rainforest belt to less than 120mm per year in the summit zone. Daily temperature changes are also unpredictable when compared to normal weather cycles, and are largely dependent on the altitude.
In contrast, Zanzibar boasts a stable tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Situated near the equator, the island experiences two distinct seasons: a wet season from March to May plus the month of November, featuring occasional heavy rains, and a dry season from June to October. These sun-drenched days are ideal for beach activities, with temperatures typically ranging between 25-30ºC.
We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
Itinerary Activities
- 7 days of guided trekking to the summit of Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route
Guides
- Experienced, certified, local guides and porters
- Local support team in Zanzibar
Accommodation
- 2 nights in a modern, lodge-style hotel in Moshi
- 6 nights camping along the route
- 3 nights in a beachside hotel in Zanzibar
Meals
- All (11) filling breakfasts
- 7 hearty lunches
- All (11) tasty dinners
While on the trek, all your meals will be prepared for you by your own cook.
Internal Flight
- One-way flight from Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar
Transfers
- Arrival transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport at any time on Day 1
- Departure transfer to Zanzibar Airport at any time on Day 12
- All road transfers during the trip
Porterage
- Porters to carry your overnight luggage during the trek
- Porters to transport all the camping equipment (including a mess tent and toilet tent), food and water
Permits
- All permits, taxes and licenses
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Additional Costs
For the Zanzibar section of this trip: the Zanzibar authorities require all visitors to purchase a mandatory insurance plan exclusively from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). It costs $44 (USD) and is valid for 90 days. This should be purchased online prior to travel.
Tips
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are, of course, entirely at your discretion but the norm in Tanzanian culture means there is an expectation to tip for good service. This particularly applies to climbing Kilimanjaro: while fair and sustainable wages are paid to all the support team, tipping culture is deeply ingrained and an important custom. Even if it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. After your climb, there will be a ‘tipping ceremony’ in which you’ll have the opportunity to show your gratitude to the team who have supported you along the way.
We would suggest a minimum tip of $400 per guest. This complies with local guidelines to support the fair and ethical treatment of porters, cooks and mountain guides.
The tipping ceremony is a celebratory affair, and will take place after you share a meal with your support team following the climb. Your host will provide guidance on the appropriate split of the money between the team members. Each individual will be presented with their portion of the tip in a sealed envelope, and in turn you’ll be presented with your Kilimanjaro summit certificate.
In Tanzania, many banks and businesses refuse notes that are old or damaged in any way, so tips with bills that are no more than 15 years old and in good condition are gratefully received.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine, as their insurance offers all of the above.
Visas
You are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice. Information about visas can also be found on the Tanzanian Immigration website. Please note that a mandatory insurance must be bought for Zanzibar; for more information please see 'Additional Costs' above.
Personal Expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like extra meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities in Zanzibar, and laundry.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Tent
- Foam mattress
WHAT CAN I HIRE?
- Walking poles
- Headtorch (you will need to bring your own AAA batteries)
- Sleeping bag
- Day pack (with or without waterproof covers)
- Duffel bag
- Nalgene water bottle/water bladder
- A range of clothing (fleece pants, waterproof pants, walking trousers, windbreaker/ski trousers, waterproof jacket, light fleece jacket, heavy fleece jacket, down/ski jacket, hat, thermal top and bottoms, scarf, sunglasses, thin glove liners, thick ski gloves, hiking boots, gaiters, poncho, socks). Pricing ranges from $5-$50 per item for the whole trip. Please request any items you would like to hire with your host via your booking prior to departure for confirmation of pricing and availability.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Mountain environments can be unpredictable. A layering system works best so that you can put on and remove items to adjust your temperature.
CLOTHING
- Waterproof jacket (good quality, breathable with hood)
- Weather rated insulated jacket (synthetic or down, with hood)
- Waterproof trousers (breathable)
- Hiking boots (warm, waterproof, broken-in with spare laces)
- Lightweight trainers/sneakers (to wear at camp and in Zanzibar)
- Sandals (for Zanzibar)
- Fleece or soft-shell jacket
- Long sleeved tops (lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric)
- Short sleeved t-shirts (lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric)
- Hiking trousers
- Fleece/thermal trousers
- Shorts
- Swimwear
- Knitted beanie hat
- Buff/balaclava/bandana (for face/neck coverage)
- Warm gloves (waterproof recommended)
- Something to sleep in (warm layers for camping at altitude)
- Underwear (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
- Sports bra
- Socks (thick - wool or synthetic)
- Sock liners (tight and thin, worn under socks to prevent blisters - synthetic)
OTHER
- Duffel bag (for porters to carry your clothing and equipment)
- Backpack to carry your personal gear during the day (25-35 litres)
- Backpack cover (waterproof)
- Sleeping bag (warm, four season rated)
- Trekking poles (highly recommended)
- Waterproof gaiters / trail gaiters (highly recommended to prevent loose gravel and sand)
- Water bottle (Nalgene recommended) AND a water bladder (CamelBak type) - must have 2-3 litres combined; please note that disposable plastic bottles are not allowed on the mountain due to National Park regulations
- Headtorch with extra batteries
- Sun protection (sunglasses, sun hat/cap, sunscreen - SPF 35+ recommended))
- Lip balm
- Hand sanitising gel
- Mosquito repellent (for Moshi and in Zanzibar - not usually needed on the mountain)
- Mobile charger
- Universal plug adaptor
- Personal medication and first aid kit
- Earplugs
- Power bank
- Book/Kindle/playing cards, for downtime
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
OPTIONAL
- Extra bag (to contain items needed for Zanzibar and leave in Moshi during the trek)
- Sleeping bag liner (for added warmth - optional)
- Liner gloves (thin, synthetic, worn under gloves for added warmth - optional)
- Poncho (during rainy season - optional)
- Towel (lightweight, quick-dry - optional)
- Pee bottle (to avoid leaving tent at night - highly recommended)
- Stuff sacks or lightweight dry bags (various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate - highly recommended)
- Hot water bottle for the night (optional)
- Extra water purification tablets (water will be purified by your trek team, so this is optional)
- Extra energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
Extra night in Moshi (twin / double)
Payable Before Departure
Extra night in Moshi (twin / double)
… Per Night
Extra night in Moshi (single)
Payable Before Departure
Extra night in Moshi (single)
… Per Night
Extra night in Zanzibar (single) - Half Board
Payable Before Departure
Extra night in Zanzibar (single) - Half Board
… Per Night
Extra night in Zanzibar (twin/double) - Half Board
Payable Before Departure
Extra night in Zanzibar (twin/double) - Half Board
… Per Night
Optional Private Room & Tent Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room & Tent Upgrade
… Per Person
Private airport transfer (Zanzibar) - Airport to Marumbi - each way
Payable Before Departure
Private airport transfer (Zanzibar) - Airport to Marumbi - each way
…
Private airport transfer - Kilimanjaro to Moshi - each way
Payable Before Departure
Private airport transfer - Kilimanjaro to Moshi - each way
…
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 270kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
Much Better Adventures offers three routes on Kilimanjaro. Depending on your preferences you can choose a route that is best suited to you; whether that's escaping the crowds on the quieter sides of the mountain, spending more time in Kilimanjaro's forest and moorland environments for best wildlife spotting, and of course finding a trip that suits the time and budget you have available.
Rongai Route (7 days on the mountain): A much quieter and more remote trek away from the crowds. Approaching from the north, your climb starts on Kilimanjaro's second peak, Mawenzi, before crossing a high saddle onto the main peak, Kibo, where you reach the same high point of the other routes, Uhuru Peak. The days are generally considered more moderate, with gradual climbs and avoiding the Baranco Wall scramble. However, the challenges of altitude and a long summit day remain. To reach the start of the Rongai Route involves a 3-4 hour drive.
Lemosho Route (8 days on the mountain): Our longest route with the highest success rate, if you have the extra day available this is probably the best all-round route for most. The Lemosho Route starts to the west of Kilimanjaro and enjoys three days of relatively quiet trails before joining the Machame Route at Lava Tower. These first days are through temperate forest, with good potential for wildlife spotting, before climbing up and across the Shira Plateau. With the extra day on the mountain, it is a more complete experience, seeing all sides and zones of the mountain, as well as allowing more time to adjust to the altitude – it is the route with the highest success rate and growing in popularity because of this.
Machame Route (7 days on the mountain): Considered to be very scenic, the Machame Route strikes a good balance between a safe acclimatisation profile and an efficient itinerary – the Machame Park Gate is only a 45-minute drive from Moshi, so it's the quickest to get to. As with Rongai and Lemosho, you have a different descent route for your way down the mountain.
See our guide to the Best Routes on Kilimanjaro for the full lowdown.
Your host does everything they can to give you the best chance of summiting Kilimanjaro successfully and safely. From the routes chosen, to the care and food provided on the mountain, our local host is very well placed to get you to the top with an average summit success rate of around 95% for all routes.
The guides have been extensively trained at the Mweka Wildlife Centre and are familiar with the routes, terrain and conditions. With over 10 years' experience, they have also been to the summit more than 100 times. Additionally, all of the guides are certified First Aid Responders and CPR trained.
For every customer, you'll be accompanied by approximately four supporting crew members. For example, a group of eight is likely to be accompanied by 33 support crew. This is broken down as one lead guide, three assistant guides, one cook/chef, one waiter, one pilot (toilet porter), one tent crew, four summit porters (to carry day packs on summit day) and 21 regular porters who carry any additional equipment.
Yes, your host is one of the pioneers of ethical tourism in Tanzania. They are also part of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project which works to raise public awareness regarding the proper treatment of porters on Kilimanjaro and assists climbing companies to implement procedures that ensure fair and ethical treatment of their staff.
If you have any hiking gear that’s in good condition but you don’t need after your trek, donations to your team of porters will be gratefully received. Talk to your host if you’d like donate any of your gear.
If you need to be taken down to a lower altitude as a matter of urgency, there are two options in place. In most instances, steel-framed, mobile stretchers can be pushed by porters to descend quickly. Most people feel immediate relief at lower altitudes where you will be evaluated and if the guides determine you are well enough, you will wait for your group at a lower camp or be taken to the gate for transfer to Moshi for medical treatment (if necessary). For more serious concerns, through a partnership with Kilimanjaro SAR, emergency helicopters can be deployed within 5 minutes for evacuation, complete with in-flight medical treatment. If you require further medical attention upon landing, you will be taken to their modern, private High Altitude Medical Clinic, designed to tackle Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Please ensure that you have appropriate insurance coverage for trekking with evacuation coverage for up to 6,000 metres above sea level.
Yes! Oxygen cylinders are carried on all of the climbs for emergency use only. In addition to this, your guides will perform daily health and pulse oxymeter checks, which measure both your heart rate and the percentage of oxygen in your blood. Ensuring and monitoring your health and safety at all altitudes is your host's top priority, and all guides are well-trained to identify the signs of AMS and act accordingly.
There is a limit to the weight that the porters can carry and your kitbag must be no heavier than 20kg. You will also have a rucksack to hold your basic kit for each day of walking. If you wish to bring more than 20kg it is best to arrange another bag and an extra porter charge will apply.
Your team of porters will provide you with boiled and filtered water throughout the trek.
Your time in Zanzibar is left free for you to do as you wish. We have made suggestions of the most popular day trips that people do; however, you are welcome to just relax on the beach, of course! Whilst you will not have a main tour guide whilst in Zanzibar, you will have the support of a local representative should you need any assistance during your stay or have any questions regarding your time there.
Yes! Just mention this in the enquiry form when you book or message your host after you have booked and they can help you to arrange this. Prices are shown above in the Optional Extras section.
In this case the optional single room charge would be halved.
A plastic bag ban went into effect across Tanzania from 1st June 2019 and the use, manufacture or importation of plastic bags, including garbage bags and shopping bags, is now illegal and convicted offenders, including tourists, can face heavy fines, imprisonment for up to two years, or both. Visitors are advised to avoid packing any plastic bags in their suitcases or hand luggage before flying to Tanzania. Items purchased at the airport before boarding the aircraft should also be removed from plastic bags. Please check your hand luggage before disembarking at entry points and any plastic bags should be left on the plane. Similarly, the transparent zip-lock plastic bags that some airlines require passengers to use for keeping liquids, cosmetics, toiletries etc are also not permitted and should be removed and left on the plane before disembarking.
You can securely leave any excess luggage at your host's base before setting off on the trek.
This trip visits locations at or above 4500m. At this altitude some people may experience symptoms associated with Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). The likelihood of more severe conditions, such as HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) and HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema), increases at higher altitudes. Previous experience at high altitude is not necessarily an indicator of future performance. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with altitude, by carefully managing the rate of ascent and the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided. Owing to the nature of this trip, it is essential that your personal travel insurance policy provides cover up to the maximum altitude visited on this trip as well as emergency medical evacuation by helicopter.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.

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DEPARTURE DATES
Sunday 27th July 2025
to Thursday 7th August 2025
Early Bird Offer - Next 1 spot available at 10% off
