Climb Mount Kilimanjaro (5895m) via The Machame Route and Go On Safari
Summit Africa's highest mountain via the scenic Machame route, then recuperate on safari.
This is the stuff adventurer’s dreams are made of; you’ll take the popular Machame route to the summit of Africa’s highest peak to a backdrop of endless scenic vistas. As if that wasn’t enough, you’ll then embark on a 3-day game safari through true Tanzania, witnessing elephants, rhinos and lions in their raw habitat.
You can also do the climb without a safari, or consider the lesser-climbed Northern Circuit route.
Your hassle-free adventure includes
- 7 days trekking
- 3 days of game safari
- 6 nights camping
- 3 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi
- 2 nights farmhouse-hotel accommodation
- Local, certified trekking guide
- Local, certified safari guide
- Fair and sustainable wages for cook and porters
- Meals and drinking water
- Local transfers
- Airport transfers
- All taxes, insurances and licenses relative to the trip
Perfect for
Hikers looking to gain a remarkable achievement and conquer a notorious peak on a popular route with a high summit success rate and great interest in Tanzania’s diverse wildlife.
Need To Know
Over the three days on the safari, your guides will try their best to find the perfect spot to witness the following wildlife in their natural habitat. You can expect to see:
- Lions
- Cheetahs
- Giraffes
- Elephants
- Buffalos
- Rhinos
- Flamingos
- Birds
Please note that you can be sure to see a lot of wildlife, however, it cannot be guaranteed that all of the above will be spotted. Yet the experience of your guides will increase the chances tremendously.
For 2 clients you’ll be accompanied by 14 supporting staff members:
- 1 lead guide
- 1 Assistant guide
- 1 Cook
- 1 Waiter
- 1 Pilot (toilet porter)
- 9 Regular porters, who carry any additional equipment
Guides have been trained at Mweka Wildlife centre to learn everything about the routes. With over 10 years of experience, they have been to the summit over 100 times. Additionally, all of the guides are certified First Aid Responders and CPR trained.
Yes, you host is one of the pioneers in the field of ethical tourism in Tanzania. They are 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 with implementing procedures that ensure fair and ethical treatment of their porters.
The following are not included in the trip price:
- Flights to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Visa fees
- Equipment hire
- Energy snacks and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Mount Kilimanjaro isn’t a technical climbing mountain; anyone of reasonable fitness should be capable of summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro. You just need to be prepared and determined. The main challenge of the climb is the high altitude, therefore a slow pace is recommended when ascending.
You can climb on your own if you wish, or you can choose to join a bigger group with a maximum of 12 people. The trip requires a minimum of 2 participants to be guaranteed to run for the advertised price.
It is possible to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro all year round, however, the months outside of the rainy seasons are more desirable. The best months are from December to March, and July to October. The finest weather is usually at the beginning of the year from January to March, which are typically the warmest and driest months of the year.
The following equipment is provided by your host:
- Sleeping Tents are Mountain Hardwear Brand Trango 3
- Mattresses, which are made foam material in Tanzania
- Dining tents to accommodate enough people with a solar light on
- Comfy chairs with backrest
- Oxygen tanks on each climb
- All cooking equipment
Please see our ‘optional extras’ for a list of items that can be hired upon arrival.
If you need to be taken down to a lower altitude as a matter of urgency, there are two options.
In most instances, steel framed, mobile stretchers can be pushed by porters to descend quickly. Most people feel immediate relief at lower altitudes. You will be evaluated and if the guides determine you are well enough, you will wait for others in your group at a lower camp or taken to the gate for transfer to Moshi for rest and medical treatment if necessary.
For more serious concerns, through a partnership with Kilimanjaro SAR, emergency helicopters can be deployed within 5 minutes for evacuation, 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 ideal for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Please ensure you have appropriate insurance coverage for trekking with evacuation coverage up to 6,000 meters above Sea Level.
No, you are accompanied by experienced mountain guides. However, if you would like the peace of mind of a doctor to accompany you, this can be arranged. Please contact your host to 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 percentage of oxygen in your blood. We want to ensure and monitor your health and safety at all altitudes. Your guides are well trained to identify AMS signs and to resolve them immediately
Due to Tanzania’s proximity to the equator, this region doesn’t typically experience the extremes of winter and summer weather but has dry and wet seasons instead. The local weather conditions on Kilimanjaro can be somewhat unpredictable to say the very least; rainfall varies from 2100mm per year in the rainforest belt to less than 120mm per year in the summit zone. Similarly, daily temperature changes are unexpected when compared to normal weather cycles, and are largely dependent on altitude.
During your trip, a team of experienced chefs will cook and serve you nutritious meals.
Breakfast: Fruit juice and fruit, cereal, porridge, eggs prepared at request, breads and toast with jam margarine and honey, French-toast, pancakes, sausage, bacon, teas, coffee, drinking chocolate.
Snacks: peanuts, crisp, popcorn, cookies, chocolate, dried fruits.
Lunch: Sliced vegetables, fruit, boiled egg, meat cutlets, various sandwiches options (egg/ cheese/tomato/tuna/meat/peanut butter), macaroni and meat sauce and breads.
Dinner: soup of the day, breads, salads, rice, pastas, potatoes, roast or fried chicken, beef or fish, currys, mixed vegetables, lentils, fruit salad, fruit with custard, teas, coffee, drinking chocolate.
On summit night, you’ll enjoy a midnight snack with juice, soup, hot chocolate, tea or coffee and biscuits. When you return to base camp, a nice meal will be waiting for you to reward all your hard work.
If you have any special requests, let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.
There is a limit to the weight that the porters can carry and your kit bag must be a maximum of 20Kg. You will also have a rucksack that will contain 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.
Your host can advise you on what to pack before setting off, and you can leave excess luggage securely at the base before you set off for the trek.
You do not require any technical equipment on Mount Kilimanjaro; however you will experience changing weather conditions and be exposed to temperatures ranging from +30 degrees to -25 degrees, so you should be prepared for this. You should take thin layers that can be added, or taken away depending on the weather conditions.
The list below provides a good overview of what you need to bring:
Technical Clothing
- 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, briefs (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
- Sports Bra (women)
Footwear
- 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)
- Gaiters, waterproof – highly recommended to prevent loose gravel and sand
Equipment
- Sleeping Bag, warm, four season rated*
- Sleeping Bag Liner, for added warmth (optional)
- Trekking Poles (highly recommended)
- Head lamp, with extra batteries*
- Duffel bag, for porters to carry your equipment*
- Daypack, for you to carry your personal gear*
Headwear
- Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
- Knit Hat, for warmth
- Balaclava, for face coverage (highly recommended)
- Bandana (optional)
Handwear
- Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended)*
- Glove Liners, thin, synthetic, worn under gloves for added warmth*
Accessories
- 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 per National Park regulations
- Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional)
- Pee Bottle, to avoid leaving tent at night (highly recommended)
- Stuff Sacks or Plastic Bags, various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate
Paperwork
- Trip Receipt
- Passport
- Visa (available upon arrival )
- Yellow fever vaccination card
- Insurance Documents
Sure can! A lot of people do, and it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
You must ensure you have travel insurance which covers high altitude trekking, with evacuation coverage up to 6,000 meters above Sea Level. Please be aware that coverage and eligibility requirements for this benefit differ by policy.
We’ve teamed up with the guys at World Nomads to offer insurance designed for adventurous travellers across 140 countries that includes overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities. To get yours sorted, click here
TANZANIA PLASTIC BAGS BAN
Plastic Bag Ban with effect from 1st June 2019: Tourists can face very heavy fines for using Plastic bags. The use, manufacture or importation of plastic bags, including garbage bags and shopping bags, is illegal and convicted offenders, including tourists, can face very heavy fines, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
Visitors are advised to avoid packing any plastic bags in their suitcases or in carry-on hand luggage before flying to Tanzania. Items purchased at the airport before boarding the aircraft should be removed from plastic bags. Please check your hand luggage before disembarking at entry points and any plastic bags should be left in the plane.
Similarly the transparent “zip-lock” plastic bags that some airlines require passengers to use for keeping liquids, cosmetics, toiletries etc separately in hand luggage are also not permitted to be brought and should be removed and left on the plane before disembarking.
Got a question not covered here? Contact the host.
Location
There are six established routes to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro - Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai and Umbwe. The Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west of the mountain; the Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes all approach from the south; and the Rongai route approaches from the north near Kenya. All routes, except Marangu, descend via Mweka.
The Machame route, also known as the whisky route, is considered one of the most scenic routes on Kilimanjaro. Its paths will take you through forests and moorlands with endless panoramic views along the way. Whether it be due to the steady incline or the scenery, this route has one of the higher summit success rates.
Tarangire National Park covers 2850sq. miles and is the sixth largest national park in Tanzania. This well-watered park is famous for its diversity of wildlife; large herds of wandering elephants and tree climbing pythons often spotted in the branches of its massive iconic baobab trees.
This park is worth a visit to experience the perfect diversity of East Africa and Tanzania between July and December when large numbers of animals migrate from Lake Manyara.
The Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to approximately 25,000 large mammals and a huge variety of smaller species making it a target for discerning safari goers. Due to the plentiful water and food available on the crater floor throughout the year, the area is packed with game. The vast escarpments and flat grassy plains, yellow barked Acacia trees, wetlands and lakes attracting massive Flamingo migrations with over 300 species of birds to make this park an awe-inspiring sight as one of the natural wonders of the world.
Start point
Kilimanjaro Airport - Anytime
Your adventure begins at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) with your private airport transfer at any time of the day. Your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals area. Once arrived, you’ll be met by your guide for a quick gear check and meeting at your hotel in Moshi.
Alternatively, if you’re in Tanzania already, your host can arrange a pick-up from any point in Tanzania upon request (not included). You’ll meet your fellow adventurers the next day for the start of the trek.
Finish point
Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel in Moshi - Anytime
Your adventure ends with an 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 circa 2 hours.
What to Expect
Day 1: Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport
On your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be met by your host and transfer you to your accommodation for the night at the Kili Wonder Hotel.
Here, your guide will meet you for a briefing and equipment check before you retire for an early night ahead of tomorrow’s adventure.
Day 2: Machame Gate – Machame Camp
After breakfast, you’ll leave the town of Moshi for the 45-minute drive through the mountain village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate.
Today’s trek will begin through rainforest and windy trails as your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. Have your gaiters and trekking poles at the ready as the trail can be muddy and quite slippery at these lower elevations.
After 5-6 hours of trekking, you will reach your first camp.
7 miles trekking, 5-6 hours, elevation: 1830m to 3050m
Day 3: Machame Camp – Shira Camp
After breakfast at camp, you’ll leave the rainforest behind and take an ascending path to cross the valley along a steep rocky ridge.
From here, the route turns west onto a river gorge which you will follow all the way to Shira Camp.
You’ll reach camp on the southern edge of the plateau at 3847m; climb the slope above camp for a clear view over the plateau and the alpine landscape that awaits you.
3 miles trekking, 4-5 hours, elevation: 3050m to 33850m
Day 4: Shira Camp – Barranco Camp
After breakfast this morning, you’ll spend the day acclimatising whilst you explore the Shira Plateau.
From the plateau, you’ll continue east towards Kibo’s glaciered peak, then switching to south-east towards the lava tower known as the Sharks Tooth (4650m).
You’ll begin to descend slightly to your overnight camp at Barranco for a good night’s rest.
6 miles trekking, 5-6 hours, elevation: 3850m to 4000m
Day 5: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
An important acclimatisation and contingency day this one which boosts chances of summit success. After breakfast, you’ll continue on a steep ridge to the Barranco Wall which will take a steady 1-2 hours to scale.
This is a challenge of both physical and mental agility; the wall appears higher than its 257m, and although it is a challenge, slow and deliberate steps are the trick to an easier scramble to the top. Most hikers find it was easier than they anticipated - so fear not!
At the top of the Wall, you will have a great view of Heim Glacier. The trail then winds up and down in the Karanga Valley to reach your base for the night.
3.5 miles trekking, 4-5 hours, elevation: 4000m to 4000m
Day 6: Karanga camp - Barafu Camp
Continue your trek towards Barafu Camp – the last camp before summit day. The trek is a short but steep one through alpine forest and ever-thinning air.
“Barafu” in Swahili means “ice” and this camp is located on a rocky, exposed ridge. You’ll have an early dinner, get yourself ready for the summit push in the morning, and get some sleep. Nearly there!
2.2 miles trekking, 2-3 hours, elevation: 4000m to 4700m
Day 7: Summit day and Mweka Camp
Summit day arrives early at 02:00 as you begin the most physically and mentally challenging part of the trek.
You’ll ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim before a 1-hour snowy ascent to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point on Mt. Kilimanjaro and possibly your greatest trekking accomplishment.
After a rest and photographs, you’ll descend over loose gravel and volcano ash terrain to Mweka Camp; have your gaiters and trekking poles ready for some steep and tricky paths.
Up: 3 miles, 5-7 hours, elevation: 4700m to 5895m Down: 8 miles, 5-6 hours, descent to 3090m
Day 8: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi
After breakfast this morning you’ll continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate. The weather 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. Your transfer will be waiting for you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Mochi (30-minute drive).
Arrive at the hotel to enjoy a hot shower and dinner to celebrate incredible adventure.
6 miles trekking, 3-4 hours, elevation: 3090m to 1680m
Day 9: Moshi – Lake Manyara National Park
You’ll leave your hotel this morning and make your way to the Lake Manyara National Park to start the second part of your adventure, visiting three Tanzania’s top five wildlife hotspots on this spectacular game safari.
You’ll arrive at Lake Manyara National Park in time for lunch before you head out; this impressive park is one of Tanzania’s most dramatically located wildlife areas and is home to a shallow soda lake which covers a huge two-thirds of the park.
The park’s varied habitat attracts a wide variety of animals, including one of Africa’s largest concentrations of elephants, tree-climbing lions, and large flocks of flamingos.
After a mesmerizing day, you’ll make your way to the Ngorongoro Farm House where you’ll enjoy dinner and stay for the night.
Day 10: Lake Manyara National Park – Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast this morning, you’ll descend 600m into Ngorongoro Crater. One of the most densely populated wildlife areas in Africa, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to approximately 25,000 large mammals, including some of Tanzania’s last remaining black rhino, and countless smaller species.
Supported by year-round water supply and fodder, the area is packed full of game to spot including herds of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, warthog, hippo and elephant, as well as their predators such as lions, hyenas, jackals and cheetahs.
You’ll enjoy lunch in the crater before making your way back to the Ngorongoro Farm House for a relaxing evening.
Day 11: Tarangire National Park Before You Head Home
Breakfast this morning, you’ll make your way to the Tarangire National Park for a morning game drive. Covering 2,850sq. miles, Tarangire is the sixth largest national park in Tanzania and is famous for its diversity of wildlife.
The area around you will be hilly but keep your eyes peeled and you’re likely to see large herds of elephants wandering through the long elephant grass and tree-climbing pythons in the massive baobab trees above. The Tarangire National Park is also home to three rare species of animals –the Greater Kudu, the Fringed-eared Oryx, as well as a few Ashy Starlings.
Bringing your Tanzanian game safari to the perfect end, you’ll leave Tarangire National Park and be taken back to Moshi for a final farewell dinner.
Day 12: Time to Head Home
Breakfast this morning will mark the end of this remarkable trip; you may decide to continue your adventure in Tanzania, but if it’s time to go home, your transfer will be ready to take you back to the airport.
Note: This itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, and weather conditions and forecasts.
Don’t want to include the safari? No problem! Join us on the Kilimanjaro ascent via the Machame or Northern Circuit Route ending in Moshi.
Accommodation
Your first and final nights will be spent at the Kili Wonder Hotel just 4km from Moshi Town and 40km from the airport.
This 4-star boutique hotel has a restaurant on-site where you can enjoy an international breakfast and a la carte dinner. If you fancy something a little more casual, there’s the 4th-floor Summit Bar offering live cooking of fresh pizzas and flame grilled BBQ meats, as well as a stunning view of Mt. Kili and Moshi Town.
The rooms are modern and comfortable with en-suite bathroom and free WiFi.
During the trek, you will camp at a number of camps along the Machame route.
During the safari, you’ll stay at the Ngorongoro Farm House. This quaint hotel boasts hand plaited thatched rooftops, ample verandas and colonial interiors.
There are a lounge and on-site restaurant which holds buffet-style meals offering a variety of dishes prepared with the fresh vegetables from the farm’s gardens.
The hotel has 52 chalet-style rooms with rustic décor. Rooms have an en-suite bathroom and a balcony with incredible views.
You will be sharing a twin room for hotel nights and a tent will be provided per two people for camping nights. There is the option to upgrade to a private room or tent if you would like to do so - please see Optional Extras.
Dates & Prices
Prices include
Accommodation · Airport Transfers · Equipment · Guide · Local Transport · Meals As Described · Happiness Guaranteed · 100% Financial Protection
Please note: Flights are NOT included and must be purchased separately.
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Optional Extras
Make your life easy. Once you have reserved your space, your host can help you arrange the extras you’ll need. Here are some guide prices which can be confirmed with you during booking.
| Manyara Treetop Walkway | Payable Before Departure |
|---|---|
| Manyara Treetop Walkway | · · · Per Person |
| Mtu Wa Mbu Excursions | Payable Before Departure |
|---|---|
| Bike Tour through Mto Wa Mbu Village - 2h | · · · Per Person |
| Bike Tour through Mto Wa Mbu & Great Rift Village - 3h | · · · Per Person |
| Guided Local Walk through Mto Wa Mbu Village | · · · Per Person |
| Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Safari over Serengeti | Payable Before Departure |
|---|---|
| Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Safari over Serengeti | · · · Per Person |
| Equipment Hire | Payable In Resort |
|---|---|
| Waterproof cover for day pack | · · · |
| Waterproof cover for duffle bag | · · · |
| Day pack | · · · |
| Duffel bag (for porters to carry) | · · · |
| Water camel pack | · · · |
| Head torch | · · · |
| Walking poles | · · · |
| Sleeping bag | · · · |
| Poncho | · · · |
| Gaiters | · · · |
| Hiking boots | · · · |
| Thick ski gloves | · · · |
| Thin glove liners | · · · |
| Sunglasses | · · · |
| Heavey fleece jacket | · · · |
| Light fleece jacket | · · · |
| Windbreaker / Ski trousers | · · · |
| Walking trousers | · · · |
| Waterproof pants | · · · |
| Fleece pants | · · · |
