Dawn arrives in shades of orange and blue; you will your legs to take one more step, one more; and then you see it, a simple sign with the word “Congratulations.” As you look upon the quilted land far below you, a profound peace settles over your tired body; you’ve done it, you have climbed Kilimanjaro.
Feel the exhilaration as you become a member of an elite group, those who have stood on the highest point in all of Africa. The Machame route is challenging but the rewards are great, with sweeping views and a variety of striking habitats that stimulate your senses as you climb. Dirt trails snake through lush pine forests; moorlands give way to semi-deserts which give way to alpine deserts which, finally, give way to a rocky, ice-capped summit. Evenings on Kilimanjaro are meant for contemplation and star gazing, and you’ll do both from your pup tent.
You’ll slowly begin to ascend from the forest zone into the heath zone, allowing your body to acclimatize. As you make your way to the first camp, you’ll bear witness to events some 60,000 years ago when a large section of the mountain collapsed. Continuing on, ascending into alpine desert, where the only green you’ll see are tussock grasses and curious moss balls, you’ll enjoy splendid views of Mawenzi peak. Depart just before midnight for the final summit bid so you reach the top as the first rays of dawn make their glorious appearance. Be sure to snap plenty of pictures so you can show the world what you’ve accomplished!
Kensington Tours offers local support in each region you visit, another reason we deliver unbeatable value. Enjoy a personalized vacation that best suits your needs, developed by one of our experienced destination experts. Relax during your trip with our 24/7 support and expert local guidance
Highlights:
- Climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro with a team of specially trained excursion guides.
- Overnight camps set up each night for your comfort.
- Featuring a charming lodge pre-climb in Arusha
DAY 1: ARUSHA
Your private, English-speaking driver will meet you in the public waiting area after passing through baggage claim to transfer you to your hotel.
Prior to departing on your first day of activities, a trip representative will meet you at your hotel (often in the morning) to give you a briefing on the details of your trip.
While you are in the care of Kensington Tours, your safety and security are our number one priority. As such, in the unlikely event of serious illness or injury, all Kensington Tours clients are covered by “Flying Doctors” Insurance policy. This emergency evacuation insurance covers the cost of the evacuation flight back to Nairobi for treatment. This insurance policy however DOES NOT cover the cost of any medical treatment received. We highly recommend travel insurance for full coverage.
Accommodation: The Arusha Hotel
The Arusha Hotel is nestled in the most beautifully landscaped gardens in Arusha. With rolling lawns, abundant trees, a large variety of exotic plants and stunning iridescent birdlife, the gardens of The Arusha Hotel provide an oasis from the bustling town. The 86 rooms and suites offer gorgeous mountain or garden views. Overlooking the gardens, the Parachichi Restaurant, meaning ‘avocado’ in Swahili, is the perfect place for breakfast, lunch or dinner and with the sublime climate, the outdoor terrace offers a tranquil setting. Relax with a cocktail at Bustani Bar or The Hatari Bar, situated next to the swimming pool. Enjoy swimming or sun-bathing at the large and inviting swimming pool, or relax in the open-air Jacuzzi. There is also a fitness centre available to guests that features a variety of machines and weights.
DAY 2: KILIMANJARO
Every excursion team is equipped with a fully operational safety kit. The kit includes a portable altitude chamber (on crater ascents), first aid kids, pulse oximeters, oxygen with regulator & mask, neck brace, mobile phone, satelite phone (on shira & crater), water filter, stethascope, portable stretcher, guest & crew AMS monitoring sheets.
Excursion guides and crews are specifically trained and instructed to ensure, wherever possible, that our guests can walk off the mountain, unaided, themselves. They are also trained extensively on monitoring systems and also management of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), and more advanced forms of mountain sickness such as HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) and HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema).
In the morning you are picked up at 8am from your hotel and drive to Machame gate to collect your permits. There is then an hour drive to the Umbwe gate where after checking in you set off up through the forest zone. This first day of hiking is not overly difficult but certainly steepens towards the latter end of the day. In the late afternoon you arrive in the first camp for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Lightweight Tent
An overnight camp area will be set up in a clearing on the trail. Clients must provide their own sleeping bag, however clients will be provided with:
Client Tent: a lightweight 2-person "pup" tent used for 2 people (unless specifically booked for single occupancy), as well as a foam pad for sleeping. Tent is 52" high, 92" front to back, 82" across. Floor area: 48 sq. ft.
Mess Tent: communal lightweight mess tent, lightweight table and stools.
Cooks will be on site to provide meals.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3: KILIMANJARO
The second day ascends from the forest zone into the heath zone and there are some very steep sections here. Taking it easy is essential to allow your body to acclimatise. A picnic lunch is taken on route and then in the afternoon you arrive into Barranco camp in time to relax for a while before dinner. The views of the Barranco wall and western breach pertain to events some 60,000 years ago when this whole part of the mountain collapsed.
Accommodation: Lightweight Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4: KILIMANJARO
Today is a walk-high sleep-low day. You ascend into alpine desert and for those that are feeling strong you can even head up to Lava Tower before descending to the Barranco Camp. Lunch is taken as a picnic lunch on route. This is long day but pays dividends later on - great acclimatisation day!
Accommodation: Lightweight Tent
DAY 5: KILIMANJARO
Today is another half day ascending to Barafu Camp. Once again lunch is taken in camp allowing plenty of time to relax before the summit bid. Desolate alpine desert and at times strong winds rip over this camp and yet in the evening splendid views of Mawenzi peak are the norm. A relatively early dinner is taken before heading to rest for the evening.
Accommodation: Lightweight Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6: KILIMANJARO
Most people depart just before midnight for the final summit bid. Patience and persistence is the name of game to reach the summit and by dawn as the first rays of light start to appear, most arrive near the rim. Ascending via Stella Point affords a relatively short final section to Uhuru peak, the Roof of Africa! What goes up must come down and your goal today is to reach Mweka Camp before dusk.
Accommodation: Lightweight Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7: KILIMANJARO - ARUSHA
After breakfast you descend once again through montane forest and around mid day after saying farewell to your crew, you are picked up and transfer back to your accommodation.
You'll have access to a day room prior to your international departure. Clean up from the road, take a nap, use the room as a base while you explore, or simply relax before checking out at 6pm and heading on to check into your international flight home.
You’ll enjoy an airport transfer between your Arusha hotel and Kilimanjaro International Airport with a private vehicle and English speaking driver.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard)
Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.
