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Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro (5895m) via The Machame Route

Hike the most scenic route to the summit of Africa’s highest peak.

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Trip Ref #9660

Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro (5895m) via The Machame Route

Hike the most scenic route to the summit of Africa’s highest peak.

DURATION

8 nights

LOCATION

Tanzania

ANNUAL LEAVE

8 days off work

SEASON

Dec-Apr, Jul-Oct

GROUP SIZE

Up to 12 people

MEETING POINT

Kilimanjaro International Airport

ACCOMMODATION

Classic

Hotel · Campsite

OVERALL RATING

5.0

Based on 14 reviews
DIFFICULTY

Challenging

All you need is a reasonable level of fitness and a prepared and determined mindset

Climb to the summit that's on every adventurer’s hit-list – the 5895m peak of Mount Kilimanjaro

Surround yourself with a backdrop of endless scenic vistas on a trail that offers a better chance of success than most other routes

Trek through a variety of ecosystems including rainforest, moorland and beneath glaciated precipices

Fancy adding a safari to your summit? Our alternative trip to Climb Kilimanjaro and Go on Safari does just that.

Day 1

Tanzania!

Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your accommodation at the Kili Wonder Hotel where your guide will be waiting for you. After a briefing and equipment check, you can retire for an early night ready for tomorrow’s adventure.

Day 2

Machame Gate

Hiking

5-6hrs · 11.2km · 1220m up

Take a 45-minute drive through the mountain village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate where your ascent will begin. Hike through the rainforest and along winding trails and learn about the local wildlife. Have your gaiters and trekking poles at the ready, as the trail can be muddy and slippery at the lower elevations. Reach your campsite, settle in and enjoy your first night on the trek.

Day 3

Shira Camp

Hiking

4-5hrs · 4.8km · 335m up

Leave the rainforest behind you and take the ascending path through the valley and along a steep rocky ridge. From here, the route turns west into a river gorge which you will follow all the way up to Shira Camp (3847m). Drop off your daypack and climb the slope above camp for a clear view over the surrounding plateau and the alpine landscape that awaits you next.

Day 4

Barranco Camp

Hiking

5-6hrs · 9.6km · 150m up

Spend the day acclimatising as you explore the Shira Plateau. Continue east towards Kibo’s glaciered peak, then south-east towards the lava tower known as the Sharks Tooth (4650m) and then descend slightly to your overnight camp at Barranco ready for dinner and a good night’s rest.

Day 5

Karanga Camp

Hiking

4-5hrs · 5.6km

Another important acclimatisation and contingency day to boost your chances of summit success. After breakfast, follow a steep ridge to the base of the Barranco Wall. This is a challenge both physically and mentally as the wall appears higher than its 257m and slow and deliberate steps are the trick to an easier scramble to the top (most hikers find it easier than anticipated - so fear not!). At the top, look out over the Heim Glacier and then wind up and down the Karanga Valley to reach your base for the night.

Day 6

Barafu Camp

Hiking

2-3hrs · 3.5km · 700m up

Follow a short but steep trail through alpine forest and ever-thinning air to Barafu Camp – your last stop before summit day. 'Barafu' means ice in Swahili and this camp is located on a rocky and exposed ridge. Have an early dinner, get yourself ready for the summit push in the morning and get some sleep. Nearly there!

Day 7

Summit day

Hiking

10-13hrs · 17.7km · 1195m up · 2805m down

Set off at 02:00 and begin the most physically and mentally challenging part of the trek. Ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim, followed by a snowy ascent to Uhuru Peak (5895m) - the highest point on Mt. Kilimanjaro and possibly your greatest trekking accomplishment. After a rest and photographs, descend over terrain forged by volcanic ash to Mweka Camp.

Day 8

Return to Moshi

Hiking

3-4hrs · 9.6km · 1410m down

Continue your descent to the Mweka Park Gate. The weather here will be significantly warmer making the terrain wet and muddy so have your gaiters and trekking poles handy. When you reach the park gate, you’ll be rewarded with your summit certificate before driving back to your hotel in Moshi where you can enjoy a hot shower and celebrate the end of your adventure. Following your trek, there will be a tipping ceremony for the crew who helped you to scale the mountain - see the FAQs for more information.

Day 9

Time to head home

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast to mark the end of a remarkable trip and then head back to the airport or continue your adventure in Tanzania.

Included

Guides

Local, certified guide and support team

Accommodation

6 nights camping and 2 nights in a hotel

Meals

All meals while on the trek, plus breakfast on departure day.

Transfers

To and from the airport and everything in-between

Porterage

Fair and sustainable wages paid to all the cooks and porters

Permits

All permits, taxes and licenses

Not Included

Flights to and from the meeting point

Travel insurance

Tips for your guides

Personal expenses

Visas where required

Day 1

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2 – Day 7

Campsite · Twin tent

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 8

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 9

Departure day

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

Throughout your trip, 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. If you have any special dietary requests, let your host know in advance and they will do their best to accommodate them. Vegan and vegetarian diets can be fully catered for.

What is the accommodation like?

Moshi town

You'll spend your first and last nights in a twin-share room at the Kili Wonder Hotel just 4km from Moshi town and 40km from the airport. This 4-star boutique hotel has an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy an international breakfast and an a la carte dinner, or if you prefer something a little more casual, there’s also the 4th-floor Summit Bar which offers pizza and flame-grilled BBQ with stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Rooms are modern and comfortable with en-suite bathroom and free WiFi.

Machame Route

During the trek, you will camp at a number of sites along the Machame route in a twin-share tent.

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.

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Kilimanjaro Airport

Anytime on Day 1

Ends

Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel in Moshi or Kilimanjaro Airport

Anytime on Day 9

Transfers

Your adventure begins at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) where your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals area. Alternatively, if you’re already in Tanzania, your host can arrange a pick-up from any point upon request (not included). Your adventure ends with another overnight stay at the Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel in Moshi. From here you may decide to continue your adventure in Tanzania or ask your host to arrange a private airport transfer for any flight departing that day. The airport transfer takes around 2 hours.

Travel options

There are frequent flights to Kilimanjaro (JRO) from major airports across the UK and Europe.

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 - Mountain Hardwear Brand Trango 3
  • Foam mattress
  • Dining tents with a solar light
  • Comfy chairs with backrest
  • Oxygen tanks
  • All cooking equipment

What do I need to bring?

  • Waterproof Jacket - breathable with hood
  • Weather rated insulated jacket - synthetic or down
  • Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
  • Long sleeve shirts - light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric (2)
  • Short sleeve shirts - light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric (2)
  • Waterproof Pants - breathable
  • Hiking Pants - convertible to shorts recommended (2)
  • Fleece Pants
  • Shorts (optional)
  • Long Underwear - moisture-wicking fabric recommended (2)
  • Underwear - moisture-wicking fabric recommended
  • Sports Bra (women)
  • Hiking Boots - warm, waterproof, broken-in with spare laces
  • Gym Shoes - to wear at camp (optional)
  • Socks - thick, wool or synthetic (3-5)
  • Sock Liners - tight, thin, synthetic, worn under socks to prevent blisters (3-5)
  • Waterproof gaiters – highly recommended to prevent loose gravel and sand
  • Sleeping Bag - warm, four season rated
  • Sleeping Bag Liner - for added warmth (optional)
  • Trekking Poles (highly recommended)
  • Headlamp with extra batteries
  • Duffel bag, for porters to carry your equipment
  • Daypack to carry your personal gear
  • Brimmed Hat for sun protection
  • Knit Hat for warmth
  • Balaclava for face coverage (highly recommended)
  • Bandana (optional)
  • Warm gloves (waterproof recommended)
  • Glove Liners - thin, synthetic, worn under gloves for added warmth*
  • Sunglasses or Goggles
  • Backpack Cover (waterproof)
  • Poncho (during rainy season - optional)
  • Water Bottle (Nalgene recommended, must have 2-3 Liters combined)
  • Water Bladder Camelback type – note disposable plastic bottles are not allowed on the mountain due to National Park regulations
  • 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
  • Lip balm
  • Sunscreen
  • Mosquito repellent (for in town - it's not usually needed on the mountain)
  • Hot water bottle for the night
  • Extra water purification tablets (water will be purified by your trek team on the mountain so this is optional)
  • Nail brush
  • Trip Receipt
  • Passport
  • Visa (available upon arrival)
  • Insurance Documents

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 camel pack
  • 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 & 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 in the extras section on the booking form or contact your host prior to departure for confirmation of pricing and availability.

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation Double/Twin Room

Payable Before Departure

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation Double/Twin Room

Per Night

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation Single Room

Payable Before Departure

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation Single Room

Per Night

Private room & tent upgrade (nights 1-8)

Payable Before Departure

Private room & tent upgrade (nights 1-8)

Per Person

Private room upgrade (nights 1 & 8 only)

Payable Before Departure

Private room upgrade (nights 1 & 8 only)

Per Person

Private airport transfer - each way

Payable Before Departure

Private airport transfer - each way

- Claire(August 2023)

Wow, this was such an adventure! The summit night is tough, don't underestimate that, but the guides do everything they can for you to achieve getting to the top. They are so attentive, knowledgeable and friendly. We had the best group to climb with and it definitely takes the whole team (26 of them!) for you to summit Kilimanjaro. When we booked we thought it would be pretty basic but we're surprised by the luxurious extras such as tea and coffee brought to your tent to wake up with, hot bowls of water to clean with in the morning, a portable toilet, a dedicated dining tent with 2-3 course meals which were always delicious. The company definitely look after their team with all the porters wearing suitable footwear (unlike some other companies porters we saw), paying a fair wage, and at the end of the climb we had a lunch and beers with the whole team to celebrate and personally give them the tips so you know it's going directly to them.

- Maria(July 2023)

One of the best experiences I've had! An incredible, exhausting, challenging journey for which teamwork is essential. Met amazing, strong, warm people, my teammates and the guides and Kili superheroes that took us through the journey. It was more difficult than expected and I ran into a couple of unfortunate setbacks, being unable to fully acclimatise and then having a fall. But, it is in situations like these where you really test the professionalism and care of your tour operator and guides, and they went above and beyond to make sure I was safe and well taken care of: so grateful to Iza, Ema, Bibi and the team

- Claire(February 2023)

Absolutely loved the hiking group, all of the guides and Kili fighters who went above and beyond to keep us safe, well fed, and in good spirits with lots of singing along the way. The summit night was tough, mostly because of the thin air, but the sunrise at Stella Point was worth it and the whole trip was really fun and a great physical and mental challenge. I was surprised how good the food was. We didn’t go hungry but I recommend taking a lot of snacks for on the walks. I had mild headaches a couple of days due to the altitude. Definitely suggest taking painkillers. Camping was made as comfortable as possible with morning tea and hot water for washing. I’m not used to sleeping on a mat and would maybe take a blow up for next time to go alongside the thin mattress they provide.

- James(January 2023)

As many others have written, this was also a once in a lifetime adventure, and the team were fantastic. Iza was really helpful from the moment I booked. And it's hard to find words to thank the 13 incredible people who enabled just 2 of us to have such an amazing experience. Our guide (a legend of the mountain, Asseno, with over 500 summits!) acclimatised us perfectly so that he could push us safely. That meant we made it to the summit but that it was also the hardest challenge (mentally and physically) of my life. And that's what I was after. Beautiful place. Amazing people. Thank you.

- brett(January 2023)

My first experience with MBA and I was impressed. As expected the trip is sub contracted out to a local well run company. Kili was much harder than I expected and if it wasn't for the team, crew and leaders provided I honestly think I may have failed. Trip of a lifetime

- Marcy(December 2022)

Our trek to Kilimanjaro could not have been more perfect. Iza and his team bent over backwards to make sure we had an amazing (and rewarding) time from the moment we landed until we left 8 days later. Our guides for the hike (lead guide Stephen, along with Colman and Elkenney) were an absolutely blast and made sure we were totally prepared to summit Kilimanjaro. Our whole crew (the porters, the chef, the waiter) were so dedicated to making sure we enjoyed ourselves and could enjoy the mountain they live so much. I felt extra lucky to come across Iza and the team to take us up to the top - I’m not sure anyone else on the mountain was having as much fun as we were!

- James(December 2022)

I wholeheartedly recommend this trip of a lifetime to anyone. The whole experience from start to finish was incredible. The team dynamic was great, the team on the ground in Kilimanjaro were so helpful from Iza, to the lead guide's, Stephen and Coleman. The food was amazing, the service and assistance were even better.

- Nicole(August 2022)

An unforgettable experience with an amazing crew! Thank you!

- Stephanie(July 2022)

I had an amazing time climbing Kilimanjaro with the team. All the staff were fantastic and from tents to food to safety, the service they provided was excellent. My guide Stephen was super-knowledgable and a pleasure to spend 6 days hiking with! I highly recommend both the trip, as it is an unforgettable experience, and the company as they were great!

- Stefan(February 2022)

It was an amazing trip that was expertly planned. A once in a lifetime experience that was challenging, but fun and in the end rewarding! My daughter, who at 15 became one of the youngest persons to climb Kilimanjaro, and I had a great time. It was really awesome to pass through the different climate zones and their terrains and our team of 12 consisted of two guides, a cool, a potty pilot and some strong porters. The food was well tuned to the demands of the climb and delicious. We would highly recommend this trip to anyone seeking an adventure and a bit of a physical challenge!

We've crunched the numbers to work out the total carbon footprint of this trip, and plant enough trees to suck 2x as much back out the atmosphere.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 251kg 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 for 2023 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. For every person booked with us since 2016 we’re planting enough trees to suck at least 2x more carbon out the atmosphere than is emitted by their trips. All native trees, as part of amazing projects that are re-foresting degraded land, tackling the biodiversity crisis and supporting local communities at the same time. We go further than that too, also funding re-wilding projects worldwide to help protect important keystone species from extinction. See the reforestation and re-wilding schemes we support. See our carbon action plan.

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.

Mount Kilimanjaro isn’t a technical climb and anyone with reasonable fitness should be capable of summiting it as long as they are prepared and determined. The main challenge is the high altitude, therefore a slow pace is recommended when ascending.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Guides have been extensively trained at the Mweka Wildlife centre on the routes, terrain and conditions you'll be crossing. 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 2 clients you'll be accompanied by 14 supporting staff members: This breaks down as 1 lead guide, 1 Assistant guide, 1 Cook, 1 Waiter, 1 Pilot (toilet porter) and 9 Regular porters who carry any additional equipment.

It's possible to climb Mt. 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.

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.

Tips are not included in the trip cost, however, we would suggest $350 per guest in 2023 and $400 per guest in 2024. This complies with guidelines provided by the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project, who support the fair and ethical treatment of porters, cooks and mountain guides. This is entirely at your discretion but the norm in Tanzanian culture means there is an expectation to tip for good service.

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.

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 meters above sea level.

No, however, if you would like the peace of mind of a doctor accompanying you, this can be arranged. Please contact your host and book at least 2 months in advance.

Unlike many operators, your host carries oxygen on all climbs and guides perform daily health and pulse oxymeter checks, which measures both your heart rate and the percentage of oxygen in your blood. We want to ensure and monitor your health and safety at all altitudes and your guides are well trained to identify the signs of AMS and resolve them immediately.

When you trek in the mountains, there's always the risk of getting altitude sickness, regardless of how old, young, fit or unfit you are. We would expect most trekkers to feel some mild symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, sleeplessness, heavy breathing) when over 3000m. Our guides are trained to identify the symptoms of altitude sickness so if any more serious symptoms are noted, there is a strict procedure regarding extra care or a rapid descent or evacuation if needed. All of our trips have been designed with altitude best practice in mind so acclimatisation days have been built in and our experienced guides follow advice to ‘walk high and sleep low’.

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 a days walking. If you wish to bring more than 20kg it is best to arrange another bag and an extra porter charge will apply.

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.

We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.

For current advice about travelling in Tanzania, have a read of the UK Foreign Office pages here.

Absolutely! Good thinking. Check out our Climb Kilimanjaro & Go On Safari Adventure.

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

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.

We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

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 in good company. Our adventures are typically made up of a mix of solo travellers and small groups of two or three friends who simply love adventure, pushing themselves and meeting awesome like-minded people. See here for more info about our lovely bunch of Much Better Adventurers.

Want to book a private trip? Just tap ‘Private Group’ in the dates and prices tab.

Your trip is led by carefully curated local hosts and expert guides. See here for more info about the guides we work with.

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