Duration
Ethical Private Mount Kilimanjaro Climb: Machame Route
From $3,200 pp
Bookable From
June - October December - March
Trip Style
Privately Guided
Country
Tanzania
Physical Rating
Mildly Strenuous
Overview
This privately-guided, ethical, and carbon-offset climb takes you along the most popular route up Mount Kilimanjaro – the Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route.
Mount Kilimanjaro resides in Kilimanjaro National Park, an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Machame "Whiskey" Route can be completed in 6 or 7 days of climbing, with one day spent in Moshi on either end for arrival and departure. We recommend 7 days of climbing to balance the longer and steeper walks on this well-trekked path. This is a difficult route better suited for adventurous travelers with some hiking or backpacking experience.
There are many routes by which you can conquer Kili! If you're looking for a specific length or difficulty of climb, contact us about the best route options.
- 6-7 day climb routes: Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Shira, Umbwe, and Marangu.
- 8-10 day climb routes: Lemosho, Northern Circuit.
Highlights
- Summit the tallest mountain in Africa
- Trek through jungles and ravines
- Soak in incredible panoramic views
- See fabulous moorland views
- Enjoy healthy, fresh-cooked meals designed for climbers
- Support an ethical climbing company
The Machame Route is scenically beautiful and varied. You’ll go through the jungle, see a fabulous view of the moorland, and have a panoramic view of the Shira Plateau. You’ll be able to see Mt. Meru, ravines, and glaciers before finally reaching the spectacular summit of Uhuru (which means “freedom” in Swahili).
As you climb, you'll be nourished by three full meals daily. We provide plentiful, fresh food on the mountain and it’s well prepared by skilled professional chefs who join us on the trek. We also consider the choice of food that you would prefer (vegetarian and non-vegetarian). The menu is specially designed for climbers.
Seasonal Notes
The best time for this ethical Mount Kilimanjaro climb is June through October and December through March.
June through October will have less rain than December to March. Temperatures are relatively consistent year-round (around 75-80°F / 24-27°C), being on the warmer end from December to March. Please note that this route is very popular, which means it can be crowded at times - this can cause it to lose some of its splendor. Unfortunately, traveling during the shoulder season during April, May, and November is not advisable due to bad weather that can cause safety hazards.
Please ask us about less-trafficked routes, which help promote tourism dispersal, for a different and more off-the-beaten-path climbing experience.
Itinerary
Day 1 Moshi [Tanzania] (arrival day)
Day 2 Moshi (1890m) - Machame Camp (3100m)
Day 3 Machame Hut (3100m) - Shira Caves (3840m)
Day 4 Shira Caves (3840m) - Lava Tower (4600m) - Barranco Camp (3900m)
Day 5 Barranco Camp (3900m) - Karanga Camp (4000m)
Day 6 Karanga Camp (4000m) - Barafu Camp (4600m)
Day 7 Barafu Camp (4600m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Millennium Camp (3000m)
Day 8 Millennium Camp (3000m) - Mweka Gate (1640m)
Day 9 Moshi (departure day)
Route Map
Inclusions & Exclusions
2-way transfer to/from Kilimanjaro Airport.
2 nights in a Moshi hotel.
2-way transfer to and from the route gate(s).
8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners.
3-4 liters of mineral water (per climber) provided daily during the climb.
Hot drinks and hot water for washing are provided daily during the climb.
All park, camping, & team fees.
Guides, cooks, & mountain support crew for your trek.
Crew's equipment for the trek.
Pulse Ox meter for blood-oxygen level readings, carried by the chief guide.
Porter to carry your duffel bag.
Sleeping mattress pad(s) and tent(s).
Dining tent(s).
Portable toilets with a tent.
Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summiting aid).
Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only).
Emergency evacuation with the Kilimanjaro SAR helicopter (see Health & Safety section).
Kilimanjaro National Park rescue team fees.
Carbon offset certificate.
Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt.
Government taxes.
Tanzania 18% VAT on tourism activities and park fees.
International flights to/from Tanzania.
Travel insurance.
Extra nights at the hotel (ask for pricing).
Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
Drinks and beverages in the Moshi hotel.
Airport taxes (amount depends on where you’re flying from).
Tipping for the Mountain Crew.
Visa fees, to be paid upon arrival (ranges from $50 to $100 USD).
Personal hiking/trekking gear – you can rent some gear in Tanzania.
Snacks, personal medicine, and water purifying tablets.
Pricing
Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.
Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.
TIPPING RECOMMENDATION
- Climbing Guide - $15 to $20 per day.
- Climbing Assistant Guide - $10 to $15 per day.
- Climbing Cook - $10 to $15 per day.
- Climbing Porters - $5 to $8 per day per porter.
Deposit per person
30% of trip price
[Private Climb] Shared room - sleeps 2 - price per adult
$3,200 per adult
[Private Climb] Shared room - sleeps 2 - price per child
$2,610 child (5-15 years old)
Single Supplement
$250 for Climb only
Optional Add-ons
- Sleeping bag rental (Mountain Hardware Lamina, synthetic -30F): $50 per person.
- Telescopic trekking poles rental: $20 per trip.
- Extra porter (personal porter) for excess gear: $30 per day.
Sustainability
We pride ourselves on taking good care of our mountain crew, who make our climbs possible, and also giving back to our local community in Moshi.
Environmental practices are a top priority for our company. We are committed to protecting natural habitats, cultural heritage sites, and local communities. We recognize the impact that tourism can have on the environment and are taking steps to minimize our carbon footprint. As a member of Carbon Offsetting Tanzania, we offset the carbon impact of every wildlife safari and provide travelers with a carbon offset certificate. Additionally, we provide Leave No Trace Tanzania training to our workers and donate profits to planting trees in Moshi. We do not engage in animal slavery, cruelty, or luring through bait during wildlife experiences. By prioritizing environmentally responsible practices, we hope to make a positive impact on the world around us.
In addition to our commitment to the environment, we prioritize economic sustainability. We believe that tourism has the power to create economic opportunities for communities. To that end, we have created employment opportunities for more than 400 locals as porters, guides, and chefs. We profit-share with the community so that tourism benefits everyone, and we pay fair and ethical wages to all of our employees. We do not exploit our crew and ensure that the community benefits from the tourism revenue. Our commitment to economic sustainability extends beyond our business operations, as we support disabled children, fund school building projects, and provide financial education to our staff. By prioritizing economic sustainability, we aim to create long-term benefits for the communities we serve.
Finally, we prioritize sociocultural practices that respect local communities and their traditions. We believe that cultural tourism can be a powerful tool for community development, and we strive to combine community development with conservation and cultural tourism. Our dream is to create tours that make places better for people to live in and visit. We stay at lodges that use or are trying to use renewable energy and serve local and organic food to guests. For every client, we provide health insurance for one child in Moshi for one year. By prioritizing sociocultural practices that respect local traditions and support community development, we hope to create a positive impact on the world around us.
Health & Safety
Be sure you have traveler's insurance that covers up to 6000 meters above sea level! Insurance partners like World Nomads can provide this. Proof is required before arrival. This is needed in case an emergency evacuation with the Kilimanjaro SAR helicopter is required.
FAQs
What does the Physical Rating of "Mildly Strenuous" mean?
Kilimanjaro climbing involves physical training. You will have to be fit for this trip as it involves hiking for long hours.
What are the accommodations like?
This is a mid-range tour that includes 3 to 4-star hotels at Moshi. While on the climb you will be sleeping in a four-season tent.
Is this tour fully escorted?
Yes, this trip is fully guided by a professional Mountain Guide who will escort you throughout the climb, as well as the adequate and appropriate number of guides, porters, and cooks.
Is this trip safe for solo travelers?
Yes, it is safe and feasible for solo travelers. Solo travelers can book this as a private tour.
Do I need a visa?
Yes, you will need a visa upon arrival in Tanzania.
How much can my bag weigh?
Your bag that a porter will carry for you from one camp to the next can have a maximum weight of 15kg / 32 lbs.
How frequently will our blood-oxygen levels be checked?
The Pulse Ox meter, carried by the chief guide, will be used to take blood-oxygen level readings twice a day.
Can children climb for cheaper?
Yes! Children 5-15 years old climb for less, see pricing details. Adult pricing applies to climbers 16 years old and above.
Reviews
Maddi S.
Jul 29, 2024
Unforgettable, environmentally conscious experience
Amazing experience with Yugen Earthside for my Kilimanjaro climb and safari! An unforgettable experience in Tanzania with extremely attentive and kind staff. The practices were ethical and environmentally conscious. I would highly recommend!
Kris B.
Mar 13, 2023
8 Days Kilimanjaro Climb (Lemosho Route) + 4 Days Safari
Hilary assisted me in finding the perfect Kilimanjaro climb and safari! The trip was everything we dreamed of.
Guides and Porters were amazing and friendly and helped us make it to the top as well as see every African animal! Food was good and energizing but repetitive. We were eating for sustenance.
Would recommend Yugen Earthside.