Kilimanjaro – Machame Route

Before every trek, the Trekking Operations Manager gives you an extensive briefing regarding the route, safety procedures, and health issues.  You will have an opportunity to ask any questions that you have. Next, he will inspect the quality of your trekking gear to ensure your safety and comfort on the mountain. If you need any additional equipment, you can rent it from us.

During the trek, you carry a small backpack with essentials such as water for the day’s hike. Porters will carry all the equipment, food, and additional luggage to set up the camp before you arrive. They are tough climbers and the true heroes of the mountain.  The mountain guides will lead the way and are responsible for your safety. They have trekked Kilimanjaro hundreds of times and receive regular training. They will encourage you throughout the trek. They continually assess the weather and the condition of the trekkers. When extreme weather or altitude sickness or injury occurs, they will call the climb off if necessary.

Cooks are miracle workers. With simple gas cookers, they conjure up 3-course feasts, hot drinks, and snacks to nourish you when you need it most. The mountain crew fetches drinking water from mountain streams and boils it before you drink it. Porters pitch and take down the two-person tents you use. This leaves you to concentrate on getting to the top.  All camping gear is inspected and cleaned regularly.

On day one, following breakfast, you will be driven to the entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park, where your guide will take care of the registration forms and park fees.  Soon after, you will begin trekking through a lush forest to reach your first campsite five to six hours later. Here, you will enjoy a delicious evening meal as you wind down to spend your first night on this captivating mountain.  Each subsequent day starts with a hearty breakfast to fuel up on energy for the big climb ahead. Shortly afterwards, you start trekking.  You will stop midway to rest and enjoy lunch with a view before continuing onwards and upwards to the next campsite.

For the next two to three days, you continue this routine of climbing the mountain for five to seven hours per day. During summit night, you’ll set off at midnight. Ahead of you is a five to six-hour final ascent so that you can arrive in time to witness dawn breaking on top of Africa’s highest mountain.

Having taken in the breathtaking sunrise and summit views, you will descend the mountain for another five to six hours of trekking. This will be the longest day on the mountain but likely the most memorable.  On the final day, you’ll enjoy your last mountain breakfast, followed by a traditional farewell ceremony where you can thank your mountain team.  After the final descent, we will drive you to your lodge to relax and celebrate your achievements. 

The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry season, from July to October. This period offers the best weather conditions and minimises the risk of cloud cover obstructing the view.  However, it is essential to note that the weather can change quickly, and one may experience four seasons in a day. Temperatures drop significantly in the evenings and mornings, and frosts are common, so packing warm clothes is essential.  Tanzania experiences two rainy seasons, namely the long rains from late March to mid-May and the short rains, which occur less predictably between November and December.

The peak season for climbing the mountain is from July to October, and it can get quite busy. However, the shoulder seasons, which occur from the end of May to the end of June and from December to mid-May, are also great options with good weather and fewer trekkers on the mountain. Moreover, the shoulder season is a great time to combine a trek with a safari. It is worth noting that trekking the mountain may not be possible due to unsafe weather conditions in April, May, and November.

Reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro does not require technical climbing skills, but it remains a challenging feat that requires good health and physical fitness.  You should be able to trek for five to seven hours daily. You should also have enough reserve to hike for twelve to fourteen hours on the summit ascent and descent day.  Having the determination and fortitude to make it to the top is also essential.  Altitude sickness may be an issue for some, but adding an extra acclimatisation day to your itinerary will improve your chances of success.

Self-drive travel refers to a type of travel where the traveler rents a vehicle and drives themselves, taking full responsibility for navigating, driving, and managing the trip. It allows for greater independence, flexibility, and control over the itinerary, pace, and stops along the way. Self-drive travel can offer a sense of adventure and freedom, but also requires good driving skills and knowledge of local traffic laws and regulations.

On the other hand, driver-guided travel involves hiring a professional driver who serves as a local guide and takes care of the driving responsibilities. The traveler can focus on enjoying the trip and the destination without the stress of driving. The driver-guide provides local knowledge, expertise, and recommendations, and can offer a more immersive and personalized experience. It can be more expensive than self-drive travel but provides convenience, safety, and local insights.

After booking your trek, we will send you the pre-departure information to assist you in planning your Mount Kilimanjaro trek. The comprehensive packing list is one of the most crucial resources.

Tipping the mountain crew:  The team of mountain guides is exceptional, and they will play a significant role in helping you to reach the summit.  Additionally, you’ll be impressed by the hard work and dedication of the porters, cooks, and waiters, who go above and beyond to ensure you have the best possible experience on your trek.  It is customary to tip the mountain crews. If you think they did a good job and you would like to thank them with a tip, it will be gratefully received.  We will provide instructions on how much to tip, how to do it, and when.

Children below 10 can only hike up to Shira Camp but no further. Since children are more susceptible to altitude sickness than adults, we suggest a minimum age limit of 14-16 years of age, and a parent should accompany them.

There are no age limits for older trekkers, but it is recommended that those over 60 should undergo a comprehensive medical check-up before attempting to climb the mountain.

The mountain rescue services in Tanzania are less advanced than those in Europe. If an accident occurs, the injured person will be transported on a wheeled stretcher off the mountain, as helicopters cannot land at higher altitudes.  It is crucial to obtain comprehensive travel insurance that includes rescue and repatriation coverage.