Kilimanjaro | The Machame Route

Degree of difficulty

• A relatively tough challenge, participants should be in good physical condition, with experience of hiking for multiple consecutive days for six to seven hours.
• A good degree of ascent is involved in the challenge, and experience walking in mountainous areas would be beneficial. 
• No specific technical climbing skills are required. 

Kilimanjaro accommodation

• Accommodation during the trip is taken in high-quality, high-altitude Mountain Hardware tents. 
• Meals are taken in a separate mess tent, where it's possible to sit comfortably and relax in the evenings. 
• Hotel accommodation is provided when staying in Moshi.

Eating and drinking

• Special menus are designed in order to fulfill the nutritional requirements of climbing Kilimanjaro.
• Meals include fresh fruit and vegetables each day. Fresh meat is available for at least the first part of the trek.
• There's the chance to sample Tanzanian cuisine before leaving the mountain.

Essential information

• A strict 15kg bag weight limit is enforced by Kilimanjaro National Park. This limit includes a sleeping bag. All bags will be weighed before leaving the hotel in Moshi to check for compliance, and items would have to be removed if above the 15kg limit.
• Tanzania observes a ban on all single-use plastic bags. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, passengers may be asked to surrender any plastic bags before leaving the airport.
• It is advisable to travel with US Dollars as the Tanzanian Shillings is a closed currency, not available to purchase before arrival in country. ATMs are available at the airport or en route to the hotel.
• Tipping is customary on Tanzanian trekking adventures, and the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project recommend tips in the range of $6 to $10 per day for each porter. For other roles, $20 per day is recommended for guides, and $12 to $15 per day for assistant guides and cooks. These suggested figures are per group, not per person.

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Kilimanjaro International Airport - KIA (JRO)
Kilimanjaro Airport Road
Makao Mapya
Tanzania

It's best to fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). KLM flies to JRO from all major UK airports, with a number of flights from US international airports.

Machame route Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrival

  Arrival in Tanzania. Private transfers will be arranged from the airport to the hotel. Representatives will meet participants at the hotel for pre-climb briefings. 

• Day 2 | Machame Gate to Machame Camp

  Transfer from hotel to Machame Gate for registration. Start the ascent, climbing the forest trail to Machame Camp at 3000m.

• Day 3 | Machame Camp to Shira Camp

  Leaving the rainforest, crossing valleys and ridges to follow a river gorge to Shira Camp. Expect temperatures below freezing overnight.

• Day 4 | Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

  Climb to 4600m to the base of the Lava Tower as an acclimatisation exercise. The toughest day so far, then sees a descent of almost 650m to reach Barranco Camp. Sublime views of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. 

• Day 5 | Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

  A shorter day on foot, scrambling to the top of the Great Barranco Wall. Traverse scree slopes to the Karanga Valley beneath the icefalls of Heim, Kersten and Decken glaciers.

• Day 6 | Karanga Camp to Barafu Hut

  Leave Karanga camp to join the Mweka descent trail, and continue ascending to Barafu camp. At camp there's time to rest, take dinner and prepare for the summit day. 

• Day 7 | Summit day

  Starting at 2330, to take tea and biscuits in preparation for the climb, start climbing the scree slopes between the Rebman and Ratzel to arrive at Stella Point in time for sunrise at 5732m. Time to appreciate the views, before pushing on to the summit. It's approximately an hour on foot to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak at 5985m. From the summit, descend to Mweka camp side via Barafu for lunch. Later on, enjoy a last meal on the mountain with the group. 

• Day 8 | Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

  Final day trekking, descending to Mweka Gate to collect a well-earned summit certificate. Transfer to the hotel.

• Day 9 | Departure

  Airport transfer to the airport to start the journey home.

Included

• Airport transfers
• Your hotel stay for the nights before and after the climb
• Transfer to and from the mountain
• National Park entry, camping, climbing and rescue fees
• A fully supported climb (average ratio of support staff to climber is 4:1 in open groups)
• All meals and drinking water on the mountain
• A private portable toilet – no long drops for you!
• High quality mess and sleeping tents with a comfortable foam mattress
• Access to emergency oxygen and first aid kit
• A certificate documenting your summit ascent

Not Included

• Flights
• Visas
• Tips for your guides and crew
• Personal items
• Travel insurance (you must be insured specifically for treks up to 6000m)
• Your personal trekking gear
• Your personal medicines or prescriptions
• Snacks on the mountain
• Meals and drinks not on the mountain

This trip takes responsibility seriously and ‘goes the extra mile’ to ensure that your presence in this country is entirely positive.

Central to this is

• Caring for the crew
• Caring for the local environment
• Caring for the local communities

All guides and partners are hand picked to ensure that every aspect of your trip operates to the highest standard and reflect the strong values, ethics and joy of travel.

This commitment to Responsible Travel is mutually beneficial without compromising the countries and communities touched or the depth and uniqueness of your adventure.

Key values of this trip

• Leave nothing behind
• We’re the visitors, let’s be respectful at all times
• Deliver a breathtaking experience
• Let’s benefit local communities and environments

Let’s help keep these wonderful places precious.

Porters and crew

All crew are paid proper wages and are treated with respect and dignity. This trip with IMEC, IPPG and KPAP, all not-for-profit organisations that focus on improving the working conditions of porters.

Friends of Conservation

Travellers are given the opportunity to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of flying by supporting community and conservation initiatives.

Travellers Against Plastic

This trip is a proud supporter of the Leave No Trace and Travellers Against Plastic campaigns, which help educate travellers on the impact of travel and provide practical guidance for enjoying the outdoors responsibly.

Costs

Everything about the entire trip to Tanzania and Kilimanjaro met and exceeded expectations. The staff, from the office to guides to porters, go above and beyond to ensure guests have a truly remarkable experience. I am already talking with friends and family about a repeat trip! | Mark

My trip to Tanzania and to the top of Kilimanjaro was phenomenal. The guides were helpful all along the way giving great guidance and they made sure that we were prepared to summit Kilimanjaro. And they were funny! And they were wonderful people. It was an awesome experience. | Lowell