Climb Mount Kilimanjaro (5895m) via The Machame Route and Go On Safari
Summit Africa's highest mountain via the scenic Machame route and then recuperate on safari
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro (5895m) via The Machame Route and Go On Safari
Summit Africa's highest mountain via the scenic Machame route and then recuperate on safari
11 nights
Tanzania
10 days off work
Mar, Jun—Nov
Up to 12 people
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Hotel · Campsite
Challenging
All you need to tackle the summit is a reasonable level of fitness and a good helping of determination.
Stand on the highest point of an entire continent - the stuff an adventurer’s dreams are made of
Take the popular Machame route to the summit and a backdrop of endless scenic vistas
Embark on a 3-day game safari and see elephants, rhinos and lions in their raw and natural habitat
Included
Guides
Local, certified trekking and safari guides
Accommodation
6 nights camping, 3 nights in a hotel and 2 nights in a farmhouse-hotel
Meals
Munch on tasty food throughout
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
Personal expenses
Tips for your guides
Travel insurance
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Kilimanjaro Airport
Anytime
Ends
Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel in Moshi or Kilimanjaro Airport
Anytime
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.
What about all the carbon?
We mitigate 4x the carbon generated by all our customer flights annually through our partnership with Cool Earth.
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 – Day 10
Hotel · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 11
Hotel · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 12
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.
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 alongside stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Rooms are modern and comfortable with en-suite bathroom and free WiFi.
The Machame Route
During the trek, you will camp at a number of sites along the Machame route in a twin-share tent. Cooking and camping equipment will be provided.
Safari
You’ll stay in a twin-share room at the Ngorongoro Farmhouse, a quaint hotel with hand-plaited thatched rooftops, ample verandas and colonial interiors. There is a lounge and an on-site restaurant which serves buffet-style meals prepared with fresh vegetables from the farm’s gardens. The hotel has 52 chalet-style rooms with rustic décor, en-suite bathroom and a balcony with incredible views.
Upgrades
There is the option to upgrade to a private room or tent during the hike if you would like to do so - see Optional Extras for pricing.
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 windy 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
Back 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 Mochi where you can enjoy a hot shower and celebrate the end of the first part of your adventure.
Day 9
Lake Manyara National park
Travel to the beautiful Lake Manyara National Park and the start of the second part of your adventure - visiting three of Tanzania's top five wildlife hotspots on a spectacular game safari. This impressive park is one of Tanzania's most dramatically located wildlife areas, home to a shallow soda lake that covers two-thirds of the entire park and 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, head to the Hotel Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge where you’ll enjoy dinner and a good night's sleep.
Day 10
Ngorongoro Crater
Descend 600m into the Ngorongoro Crater - one of the most densely populated wildlife areas in Africa and home to approximately 25,000 large mammals, including some of Tanzania's last remaining black rhino and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Supported by year-round water and food, this area is packed with game animals, including herds of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, warthog, hippo and elephants, as well as their predators such as lions, hyenas, jackals and cheetahs. Enjoy lunch in the crater and then make your way back to the hotel and another relaxing evening.
Day 11
Tarangire National Park
Travel into the Tarangire National Park for a morning game drive. Covering 2,850sq. miles, Tarangire is the sixth largest national park in Tanzania, famous for the diversity of its wildlife. The area around you will be hilly but keep your eyes peeled as you’re likely to see large herds of elephants wandering through the long grass, as well as tree-climbing pythons in the massive baobabs. The Tarangire National Park is also home to three rare species of animals – the Greater Kudu, the Fringed-eared Oryx and a few Ashy Starlings. Leave this wonderful park behind and return to Moshi for a final farewell dinner with your team.
Day 12
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.
Please Note
All our adventures take place in wild places. Things can go wrong in wild places. Your perfectly planned itinerary may change a bit (or a lot) if the weather turns, someone gets hurt, or a volcano erupts. Usually though, changes make it all the better.
15% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 15% discount on us to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock, Runner's Need, and Cycle Surgery.
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 the 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 Plastic Bags - various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate
- Trip Receipt
- Passport
- Visa (available upon arrival)
- Yellow fever vaccination card
- Insurance Documents
Tips are not included in the trip cost, however, we would suggest the following
For the trek itself: $200 per guest. For the safari: $70 per vehicle, per day for your driver: so $210 in total, split between the total number of people in the vehicle.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but the norm in Tanzanian culture means there is an expectation to tip for good service.
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 50% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
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.
We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.
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.
We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book the trip, just to cover you for any last minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
For current advice about travelling in Tanzania, have a read of the UK Foreign Office pages here.
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.
Over the three days on safari, your guides will try their best to find the perfect spot to see the local wildlife in their natural habitat including -
- Lions
- Cheetahs
- Giraffes
- Elephants
- Buffalos
- Rhinos
- Flamingos
- And while it cannot be guaranteed that all of the above will be spotted, your guide's experience will increase your chances tremendously.
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.
Guides have been extensively trained at the Mweka Wildlife centre about 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You can securely leave any excess luggage at your host's base before you set off on the trek.
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.
Transferrable Deposits
Cancel up to 31 days before departure and we'll transfer your deposit into credit for a future booking.
Free Date Changes
Free date changes up to 31 days before departure.
Similar Trips
Why Us?
Here’s why we’re rated the UK’s ‘Best for Experiences’
PROPER
ADVENTURES
All our adventures get you out of the city to explore the wilder side of our world
EXPERT LOCAL
GUIDES
Get places you wouldn’t yourself. Our guides know where to go, what to do and how to stay safe
HASSLE
FREE
Route planning? Transport? Accommodation? Equipment? It’s all taken care of
SMALL GROUPS
OF GOOD PEOPLE
Join a diverse global community, bound by a shared love of the outdoors