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.

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

Day 1

Tanzania!

Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your accommodation at the Kilimanjaro Wonders 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 Moshi 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 your hotel 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.

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. 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 diet can be fully accommodated.

What is the accommodation like?

Moshi Town

You'll spend your first and last nights in a twin-share room at the Kilimanjaro Wonders 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 bathrooms 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 Marera Valley Lodge, a countryside hotel with landscaped gardens and great views across the valley. There is a lounge, bar, on-site restaurant and swimming pool. The lodge has 18 cottage-style rooms with en-suite 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

Anytime on Day 1

Ends

Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel in Moshi or Kilimanjaro Airport

Anytime on Day 12

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 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
  • Lip balm
  • Hot water bottle for the night
  • 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 (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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tips are not included in the trip cost, however, we would suggest $350 per guest in 2023 and $400 per guest in 2024 for the hike. This complies with guidelines provided by the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project, who support the fair and ethical treatment of porters, cooks and mountain guides. 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.

These are entirely at your discretion but the norm in Tanzanian culture means there is an expectation to tip for good service.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our adventures. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure.

Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you, your travel companion or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.

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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You can choose to pay for this trip in as many installments as you like, with no interest or fees.

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