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Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro (5895m) via The Machame Route & Go On Safari

Summit Africa's highest mountain via the scenic Machame route and then recuperate on safari

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Trip Ref #9866

Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro (5895m) via The Machame Route & Go On Safari

Summit Africa's highest mountain via the scenic Machame route and then recuperate on safari

DURATION
11 nights
LOCATION
Tanzania
ANNUAL LEAVE
10 days off work
SEASON
Dec-Mar | Jul-Oct
GROUP SIZE
Up to 12 people
MEETING POINT
Kilimanjaro International Airport
ACCOMMODATION
Classic

Hotel · Campsite

OVERALL RATING

4.8

Based on 22 reviews
DIFFICULTY
Challenging

All you need to tackle the summit is a reasonable level of fitness and a good helping of determination

Tackle a multi-day trek to stand on the highest point of an entire continent: the stuff an adventurer’s dreams are made of

Hike the popular Machame Route to the summit, traversing varied climactic zones against a backdrop of endless vistas

Embark on a three-day game safari to see elephants, rhinos, giraffes, lions and more in their raw and natural habitat

Day 1

Welcome to Tanzania!

Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your accommodation at the Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel, where your host will be waiting for you. After meeting your guide for a detailed briefing and equipment check, you can get to know your fellow travellers and then retire for an early night, ready for tomorrow’s adventure.

Day 2

Machame Gate (1800m) to Machame Camp (2835m)

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 lush rainforest and along winding trails and learn about the local wildlife, perhaps even spotting a blue monkey or a tree hyrax. 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

Machame Camp (2835m) to Shira Camp (3750m)

Hiking

4-5hrs · 4.8km · 915m 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. Drop off your daypack in your tent and climb the slope above camp for dramatic views over the surrounding plateau and the alpine landscape that awaits you next.

Day 4

Shira Camp (3750m) to Barranco Camp (3900m), via Lava Tower

Hiking

5-6hrs · 9.6km · 150m up

Spend the day acclimatising as you continue the route along the alpine desert of the Shira Plateau. Hike east towards Kibo’s glaciated peak, then southeast towards Lava Tower (also known as the Shark's Tooth) at 4600m. You'll stop for lunch here to aid with acclimatisation before continuing your trek through moorland dotted with Giant Senecio trees, descending slightly to your overnight camp at Barranco where you'll have a hearty dinner and a good night’s rest.

Day 5

Barranco Camp (3900m) to Karanga Camp (3995m), via the Barranco Wall

Hiking

4-5hrs · 5.6km · 95m up

Today is 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. 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

Karanga Camp (3995m) to Barafu Camp (4673m)

Hiking

2-3hrs · 3.5km · 700m up

Follow a short but steep trail through the ever-thinning air to Barafu Camp – your last stop before summit day. This camp is located on a rocky and exposed ridge, 'barafu' means 'ice' in Swahili. 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 in the dead of night to begin the most physically and mentally challenging part of the trek. With head torches on, ascend slowly through heavy scree towards Stella Point (5756m) on the crater rim, followed by a further ascent to Uhuru Peak (5895m) – the highest peak on Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in the whole of Africa and possibly your greatest trekking accomplishment. After a rest and some photographs, begin the long descent over dusty terrain forged by volcanic ash, eventually dropping back down into moorland as you reach Mweka Camp (3100m) for a well-deserved rest.

Day 8

Descend from Mweka Camp (3100m) to Mweka Gate

Hiking

3-4hrs · 9.6km · 1410m down

Continue your descent to the Mweka Park Gate through lush forest – eyes peeled for fluffy black and white colobus monkeys as you reach the lower elevations. 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 collect your summit certificate before driving back to your hotel in Moshi where you can enjoy a hot shower and celebrate the end of the first part of your adventure. Following your trek, there will be a tipping ceremony for the crew who helped you to scale the mountain – please see the FAQs below for more information on this important local custom.

Day 9

Lake Manyara National Park

Driving

4hrs

Wildlife Watching

3hrs

Travel to the second part of your adventure – visiting three of Tanzania's top wildlife hotspots on a spectacular game safari – beginning with the beautiful Lake Manyara National Park. This impressive reserve is one of Tanzania's most dramatically located wildlife areas, with an enormous soda lake that covers two-thirds of the entire park. It's home to a wide variety of animals – including tree-climbing lions, one of Africa’s largest concentrations of elephants and at certain times of year, large flocks of flamingos. After a mesmerizing day, head to your countryside lodge where you’ll enjoy dinner and a good night's sleep.

Day 10

The spectacular Ngorongoro Crater

Wildlife Watching

7hrs

Well rested after a comfy night and hearty breakfast at your lodge, you'll head out early to drive up and over the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Descend 600m to the crater floor, into one of the most densely populated wildlife areas in Africa. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the conservation area is home to approximately 25,000 large mammals, including some of Tanzania's last remaining black rhino. Supported by year-round water and food, the crater is packed with game animals, including herds of wildebeest, zebras, buffalos, warthogs, hippos 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 in the afternoon, to enjoy another relaxing evening.

Day 11

Tarangire National Park

Driving

4hrs

Wildlife Watching

5 hrs

Travel into the Tarangire National Park for a morning game drive. Covering 2,850 square kilometres, Tarangire is the sixth-largest national park in Tanzania, famous for the diversity of its wildlife, which congregates here thanks to its freshwater sources. Keep your eyes peeled as you’re likely to see large herds of elephants wandering through the long grass, giraffes munching on acacia trees, and if you're lucky, tree-climbing pythons in the massive baobab trees. 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.

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

Visas where required

Day 1

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2 – Day 7

Campsite · Twin tent

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 8 – 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. On the trek, breakfast will usually be some combination of fruit, porridge, eggs, bread, French toast, pancakes, sausage or bacon with tea, coffee and hot chocolate available. Lunch will be a mix of vegetables, meat stews or sauces, boiled eggs, soups or broths, rice 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, and fruit. 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 for all your hard work.

On safari, you'll have international and local options at breakfast and dinner in the lodge. You'll enjoy a hot picnic lunch in the national parks whilst you are out spotting wildlife.

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 accommodated.

What is the accommodation like?

Moshi Town

You'll spend your first, eighth and last nights of the trip in a twin-share room at the Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel, located 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 Mount Kilimanjaro. Rooms are modern and comfortable with ensuite bathrooms and free WiFi.

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, and a toilet tent used only by your group. Your team of porters will set up and break down camp for you each day.

On Safari

You’ll stay in a twin-share room at the Marera Valley Lodge, a countryside hotel with beautiful landscaped gardens overlooking the valley. There is a lounge, bar, restaurant (where they serve vegetables grown in the hotel's gardens) and swimming pool. The lodge has 18 large, cottage-style rooms with ensuite bathrooms and private decks with incredible views.

Upgrades

For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and tent can be requested for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price.

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Kilimanjaro Airport

Any time on Day 1

Ends

Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel in Moshi or Kilimanjaro 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. 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 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 an airport transfer for any flight departing that day. The airport transfer takes around an hour.

Airport transfers are included in the price if you arrive on Day 1 and depart on Day 12. For those arriving early or wanting to stay on longer, extra nights at the hotels and airport transfers can be arranged with your host at an additional cost. Please see Optional Extras for more information.

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 do I need to bring?

  • Waterproof jacket - breathable, with hood
  • Weather rated insulated jacket - synthetic or down
  • Soft jacket, fleece or soft-shell
  • Long-sleeved shirts - light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric (2)
  • Short-sleeved shirts - light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric (2)
  • Waterproof trousers - breathable
  • Hiking trousers - convertible to shorts recommended (2)
  • Fleece leggings
  • 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 mud, 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, to be worn under gloves for added warmth
  • Sunglasses or goggles
  • Backpack cover (waterproof)
  • Poncho (during the rainy season - optional)
  • 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
  • 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 and on safari - 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 optional)
  • Nail brush
  • Clothing to wear on safari - avoid blue and black coloured garments, as these attract biting tsetse flies
  • 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 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 & 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.
*Requests for optional extras can be made after booking on your “My Bookings” page

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 (whole trip)

Payable Before Departure

Private room & tent upgrade (whole trip)

Per Person

Private airport transfer - each way

Payable Before Departure

Private airport transfer - each way

- Ashley(March 2023)

An awesome experience start to finish!

The Machame route is an epic climb with stunning scenery. Reaching the summit will give you such a buzz! Of course it's no easy task but is well worth it!

The safari was a brilliant experience too. Seeing so many different animals in their natural habitat is something special. Our guide was so friendly, knowledgeable and happy to answer all our silly questions.

Highly recommend trip.

- N(March 2023)

What an epic adventure!! The walk to the top of Kilimanjaro was really hard work but worth it. The whole support group were amazing and the 3 who summited with us were really positive and supportive and we all made it! The safari was a brilliant experience and we were so lucky to see so many animals in their natural habitat - and so many close up as well. I would definitely recommend this trip.

- Mike(January 2023)

Use extreme caution if considering using Much Better Adventures for this tour. I booked the Kilimanjaro and Safari through Much Better Adventures (MBA), and their go to guide company for this trip is Trek2Kili. All was going well until the fourth night of the trek, and I became ill. I was told that I was experiencing Acute Mountain Sickness, but that didn’t explain the 102 temperature I was experiencing as well. Unfortunately, one of the Lead Guides, who admittedly had the flu, exposed us to his illness. Long story, short, I was told to evacuate the mountain immediately, on foot, which was over 12 miles and took me approximately 10 hours to descend, in which I collapsed, and the porters had to carry me out the last two mile on their backs!!! After reaching the doctor’s office later that night, test were taken, in which I had a blood infection, respiratory infection and intestinal infection…I’m lucky to be ALIVE!!! Again, use extreme caution if considering this company!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MBA response:

Hi Mike,

We are so sorry that your trip to Kilimanjaro fell short of our usual high standards. We understand that you went through a very challenging experience, whilst being unwell, and one that anyone would have found extremely difficult.

We are pleased, however, that you accepted our compensation offer as part of our Happiness Guarantee.

Helicopter evacuation would normally be the preferred choice of evacuation from the mountain in your circumstances, however, your hosts were advised that the helicopter was unable to land due to the weather conditions at the time, which therefore led to your evacuation on foot.

After our thorough investigation into your experience, we were satisfied with how seriously the local host reacted to your feedback. They have handled another evacuation off the mountain since your trip & this customer had the following to say about their experience with the local team:

“I have loved my time in Kilimanjaro. All the staff on the mountain have been first class. I was very dehydrated coming down the mountain and the staff spotted it straight away and helped me for the last few miles… Once again the staff were first class. I have had a fabulous time and will definitely use the company again.”

Naomi & the MBA Team

- Catherine(January 2023)

Beautiful hike though I only made it to base camp due to a combination of Flu/gastroenteritis and altitude sickness. The Safari was great, Josephite was extremely knowledgeable, could spot animals at a distance and made the experience highly enjoyable. We saw 4 out of the big 5 and many more. Ngorongoro crater is amazing.

- Tom(December 2022)

Wow, an incredible challenge! Whilst the earlier days of the trek shouldn't be underestimated, several having climbs in excess of 1000m over mixed terrain, reaching the summit will quickly become the centre of focus. After four fairly serene days, we were hit overnight with the "worst winds for 30 years", meaning our only hope of summiting was combining days 5 & 6 in the daylight. Physically and mentally the climb was tortuous, gasping for breadth every 10 or 20 steps. Without the support, encouragement and motivation from our amazing guide Stephen, there's no way I would have made it to the top!

Throughout, the local team went out of their way to give us the easiest and most enjoyable experience possible. Our guides Stephen and Eliakeney regularly checked in on the group for any signs of acute mountain sickness and kept morale high with their energy and positivity. The chef and waitor brought huge quantities of delicious and nutritious food to our table three-meals-a-day, whilst a pilot ensured we had our own private luxury toilet on the mountain! The heroic porters, carrying 20kg each, would race from one camp to the next to set up ready for our arrival. Thank you all!

After such an exhausting trek, the safari was the perfect antidote to relax and enjoy the scenery and wildlife from the comfort of the land cruiser. Our guide Josephad worked tirelessly to give us the best possible sightings of Africa's Big 5, including up-close encounters with elephants and a male lion! The Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge was the perfect place to unwind by the pool at the end of a long day in the bush.

All in all, an unforgettable couple of weeks covering several of Tanzania's highlights in a single, well-organised package!

- Emma(December 2022)

A trip of a lifetime. Much Better Adventures have thought of everything, and I was grinning from ear to ear most of the time. It's a big investment but worth it and the sense of achievement is amazing. The trip was harder than I expected, not physically or even mentally because of the mountain, but more preparing yourself mentally for the cold and the camping. Be sure to do your research on kit before you leave, especially if you feel the cold (a hot water bottle is a must). The team supporting us were amazing and very knowledgable. Booking to do Kilimanjaro and a safari is a must. The safari was the perfect way to wrap up the trip, the accommodation is second to none and the safari itself feels like you have been dropped into another world. From leopards, to a Black Rhino, we saw everything on our list, our guide really knew his stuff. Seeing the elephants was one of those moments which really took your breath away.

- Ryan(October 2022)

Such an amazing adventure. I’ve climbed Kili twice now and I forgot how tough it is. Anyone can make it though, you just need to dig deep! The safari was great too as we saw everything that you possibly can see. The team including the guides, porters and drivers were all so friendly and helpful, we couldn’t have done it without their enthusiasm and energy. I would highly recommend you take numerous small ($5 and $10…at least 10 of each) notes for tipping everyone.

- Kat(October 2022)

This is a trip of a lifetime.

The climb is of course hard (particularly the cold nights) but the guides and porters were an amazing team who kept morale up, kept us well fed and watered and made sure we would get to the summit for the most spectacular sunrise and all important photo at the peak. Such an incredible feeling that makes every ache and pain worth it. Special mention to our guides Stephen and Isaya and our "waiter" Shafii who all went above and beyond at times.

The safari was also bucket list stuff and the cherry on the Kili cake. It was great to visit three different areas, and we saw all big 5 (without unnecessarily stalking the animals like some of the other jeeps did...). Our driver/guide Josephad was very knowledgeable with a great eye.

Overall, another great experience with much better adventures, teaming up with another great (and ethical) local company.

- Rachel(August 2022)

An incredible experience, the safari an absolute must after the mountain. The guides were brilliant and great care was taken of the group through the challenges of the climb. Veganism was catered well for and the food was amazing, especially given we were up a mountain! Take a nail brush tho, it’s a dusty environment. And get clear on tipping from the start.

- Peter(August 2022)

This was one unforgettable holiday from start to finish! Where do I begin? Tanzania is a wonderful country with such beautiful people, scenery and wildlife. The trek up Kilimanjaro - whilst not easy - was made all the more manageable due to a supportive team of porters and guides for whom nothing was too much trouble. I really must praise our guides, Stephen and Ferrida, for everything they did - they were EXCELLENT! Summit night was tough - be prepared to be sleep-deprived and to feel the effects of the high altitude - this is normal. However, it is all worth it for the truly magical views that await you on Uhuru Peak. The food provided throughout was delicious - a real credit to the cook who is essentially preparing meals on the side of a mountain. Top tips: bring LOTS of layers, a WARM down jacket, the warmest sleeping bag you can find, a hot water bottle (what a treat when it's cold on a night!), plenty of sunscreen and lip balm, painkillers, and make you drink LOTS! The safari part of the trip was also unforgettable. We were treated to so many sightings of animals in the wild across three days and three national parks. Our driver/guide - Josephad - was simply a wealth of knowledge on the wildlife and a real gentleman when it came to ensuring we were comfortable. If you're looking for the holiday of a lifetime, this is it!

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 504kg 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. However, this doesn't mean it is easy: 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.

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.

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. The animals you may see include:

  • Lions
  • Cheetahs
  • Giraffes
  • Elephants
  • Water buffalos
  • Rhinos
  • Hippos
  • Monkeys
  • Flamingos, and a wealth of other birds

While it cannot be guaranteed that all of the above will be spotted, your guide's experience will increase your chances tremendously.

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.

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.

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.

Your team of porters will provide you with boiled and filtered water throughout the trek. Drinking water will also be provided whilst you are on safari.

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, where 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.

For the trek: we would suggest a minimum tip of $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.

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.

For the safari: $70 per vehicle, per day for your driver (so $210 for the safari in total, split between the total number of people in the vehicle).

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 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.

For every customer, you'll be accompanied by approximately 4 supporting crew members on the trekking part of your trip. For example, a group of 8 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.

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 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.

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.

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 two 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. Ensuring and monitoring your health and safety at all altitudes is your host's top priority, and your guides are well-trained to identify the signs of AMS and resolve them immediately.

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.

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

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

You can securely leave any excess luggage at your host's base before you set off on the trek and again before you go on safari.

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.

If you are eligible for an e-visa and are required to provide the address of your accommodation, please use the following details: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel. Address : Plot No 1, Block K Section, Kigoma Street, Shanty Town, Moshi, Tanzania. Postal code: 25102. Email : [email protected]. Phone +255272751984. PO box 8964.

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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