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Price Guide
13 Nights - £3,595pp

Flight Inclusive Price from UK

Tour Info
  • International Flights
  • Domestic flights
  • 12 nights accommodation
  • Guided Kilimanjaro Group climb - Machame Route
  • All meals on climb
  • Meal basis as chosen in Zanzibar
  • Arusha National Park visit
  • All Park fees & Climbing Permits
  • Based on 2023 - 24 prices

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Kilimanjaro & Zanzibar

Kili Summit

Kili Summit

Climbing Route

Climbing Route

Relax in Zanzibar

Relax in Zanzibar

Kilimanjaro view

Kilimanjaro view

Swim with wild dolphins, Zanzibar

Swim with wild dolphins, Zanzibar

 

Climbing Kili, Africa's highest peak is a non-technical straightforward and achievable trek but one which shouldn't be taken lightly.

With a peak at a little under 6,000 metres and with steep ascents at altitude, a degree of fitness is required and a carefully planned route and organised group climb.

This itinerary is based on the most popular Machame Route up Kilimanjaro, fully guided by professional guides.

Begin this Mount Kilimanjaro climb holiday with 2 nights in Arusha. This offers the chance to get over the flight, enjoy a spot of wildlife viewing and mentally prepare for climbing Kili.

The climb up Kilimanjaro is a 7 day 6 night trek with camping en-route. The itinerary is carefully planned with aclimatisation in mind.

After the climb spend a night in Arusha before flying to Zanzibar for 4 well-earned nights in a boutique hotel.

This itinerary is flexible for those who would like to extend or substitute Zanzibar or Arusha. Just let us know how you would like to adjust things.

At a glance

  • International flights from the UK
  • All taxes
  • Airport Transfers
  • 3 nights Arusha
  • 6 nights Kilimanjaro Trek
  • 4 nights Zanzibar
  • All meals on climb
  • Arusha National Park
  • All climbing permits
  • Group climb with professional guides, porters

Day 1: Fly UK to Kilimanjaro

Overnight flight to Kilimanjaro.

Day 2: Kilimanjaro – Arusha

On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your chosen accommodation.

Overnight Arusha. Breakfast included.

Day 3: Arusha National Park

Enjoy a morning excursion into the Arusha National Park.

In the afternoon, relax and get prepared for your trek up Kili!

Overnight Arusha. Breakfast included.

Day 4: Machame Route

Depart after breakfast for the transfer to the National Park Gate at Machame and complete the registration formalities before entering the Park.

Trek through a heavily rooted forest area parallel to a flowing stream, eat lunch along the way and by mid-afternoon reach the first camp.

Trekking Distance: 8.2 km

Altitude: 1,840 – 3,022 m

Time: 5 - 6 hours

Overnight Machame Camp. All meals included.

Day 5: Machame – Shira Two

Steep, rocky and dusty are the adjectives for this day.

Leaving the grassland behind, the trail enters a more barren landscape, winding slowly uphill up and down over a series of ridges, with a backdrop of Giant Senecias.

This day is a great introduction to acclimatizing on Kilimanjaro.

Trekking Distance: 5 km

Altitude: 3,022 – 3,830 m

Time: 5 - 6 hours

Overnight Shira Two Camp. All meals included.

Day 6: Shira Two – Barranco

Start out this morning with a gentle hike before encountering rocks and boulders, which require a bit of maneuvering around.

Reach Lava Tower (4530m) by lunch and enjoy a meal before having the option to ascend Lava Tower which offers a fantastic view down to the team and across to our camp for the night.

Trekking Distance: 10.4 km

Altitude: 3,830 – 3,900 m

Time: 8 - 9 hours

Overnight Barranco Camp. All meals included.

Day 7: Karanga Valley Camp

Immediately on the outskirts of the camp cross a small stream before being faced with the sheer wall of Barranco - infamously known as ‘Breakfast’!

It takes just over an hour of scrambling up the steep climb but the views are breathtaking and it is a thrilling experience.

You will be able to see far below where the previous night’s camp was and the porters as they pack it up.

Fall into a rhythm of ascending and descending a series of ridges and cross the last water point and arrive into the green valley of Karanga.

Trekking Distance: 5.1 km

Altitude: 3,900 – 4,100 m

Time: 3 - 4 hours

Overnight Karanga Valley Camp. All meals included.

Day 8: Barafu Camp

The route today is short and steep, through a barren landscape of boulders and shattered rocks.

Reach a fork along the route, up to Barafu and down to Mweka. Naturally, it’s “up”.

After about half an hour reach camp beside sheer cliffs and large rocks. Today is an early dinner and early bed - although you may find it difficult to sleep.

It’s a midnight start to the summit – and it can be tough going.

Trekking Distance: 3.5 km

Altitude: 4,100 – 4,330 m

Time: 3 - 4 hours

Overnight Barafu Camp. All meals included.

Day 9: Barafu – Summit – Mweka

This is summit day – wake around midnight for a quick snack.

Start out on rocky ground, which soon turns to snow nearing the Crater rim.

Slowly, slowly here and you will start to feel fatigued, especially entering the volcanic scree area which can be hard going.

Reach the rim at Stella Point around sunrise and continue onto the Summit at Uhuru Peak, not long after.

Only a short time is spent here before returning down the steep track for brunch and resting back at Barafu Camp.

After this, it’s a comfortable but dusty walk down to Mweka.

Trekking Distance: 17.4 km

Altitude: 4,330 – 5,895 – 3,075 m

Time: 13 - 15 hours

Overnight Mweka Camp. All meals included.

Day 10: Mweka - Arusha

On a clear morning, you can wake up to the peak of Kibo in the background of the camp – a great photographic opportunity.

The last morning of the trek is usually a fun morning and enjoying the last moments with your ‘Kili’ team before heading down through the steep forest to the National Park gate.

Complete signing out formalities before saying good-bye and boarding the transfer vehicle to Arusha. After a short rest and wash, meet for a trek debriefing.

Trekking Distance: 8.8 km

Altitude: 3,075 – 1,645 m

Time: 3 - 4 hours

Overnight Arusha. Breakfast included.

Day 11: Zanzibar

Transfer to the airport for the fight to Zanzibar.

On arrival you will be met and transferred to your chosen resort in Zanzibar.

Overnight Zanzibar. Breakfast included.

Days 12 – 14: Zanzibar

OK, so you’ve definitely earned the relaxation time in Zanzibar. Enjoy the resort, beach and optional activities as you wish.

Overnight Zanzibar. Breakfast included.

Day 15: Fly to UK

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK

Day 16: Arrive UK

Arrive back in the UK

The Machame Route

We consider Machame the best route for climbing Kilimanjaro, considering acclimatisation, scenery, logistics and cost.

Of the different routes for climbing Kilimanjaro (Kili), Machame is the most popular and in our opinion the best option for getting to the summit.

The shorter routes for climbing Kili include Umbwe (the shortest), Marangu and Rongai. These routes are shorter, but the gradients make them harder going.

The Londorossi Route via Shira Plateau is the longest approach, with an 8 to 10 day trek and longer acclimatisation.

The Machame route includes 4 days high up and a “climb-high-sleep-low” routine on the summit circuit.

The Marangu Route up Kili is a popular budget climbing route (and there are huts as well) but it's straight up and down the same way.

Staying at Kibo (4,700m) for two or more nights is not permitted so the acclimatisation day on this route is at Horombo (3,700 m), which is just not high enough for most trekkers to offer real acclimatisation.

Fewer than 25% of climbers make it to the summit on this route as they are often rushed and ill prepared.

Londorossi/Shira offers great scenery and the first three days are in a more remote and seldom visited area with a hike across the other-worldly Shira Plateau.

This route links with the Machame route around the summit circuit skirting the spectacular Western Breach.

The Marangu route does have great views of Mawenzi - but you see that as well from Barafu on the Machame route.

The Umbwe Route has nothing on the way up until the moorland except the walls of a steep gorge.

The Rongai Route is logistically convenient if you come from the Kenya side - but fairly unexciting scenically.

Baggage:

  • Large Rucksack (for equipment to be carried by porter)
  • Daysack (for personal use on mountain; ready-access items)
  • Sleeping Bag (minus 10 degrees Centigrade rating). We can organise rental.
  • Waterproof rucksack liner or heavy duty plastic sack
  • Elasticated waterproof rucksack cover

Clothing:

  • Sweat-wicking T-shirts / vests Fleece.
  • Insulated down jacket or similar. We can organise rental.
  • Down mittens or similar. We can organise rental.
  • Thermal long-johns for summit night.
  • Lightweight walking trousers (avoid jeans or heavy cotton as they chafe and dry slowly).
  • Underwear (briefs are usually better than boxer shorts which gather and chafe).
  • Very good quality hiking socks and thin liner socks. (We advise that socks should be at least a size too small otherwise they stretch and bunch causing blisters)
  • Breathable lightweight waterproofs (jacket and trousers). We can organise rental.
  • Waterproof walking boots, sturdy and worn-in.
  • A Gore-tex membrane or similar is advised.
  • Calf gaiters
  • Balaclava
  • Sun hat

Hygiene:

  • Toothbrush, toothpaste & deodorant
  • Flat packed Wet Ones in sealed packets of 20.
  • Toilet paper, eg. Kleenex tissues in plastic travel pouches
  • Hairbrush / comb Sanitary products
  • Lip salve with UV protection
  • Vaseline, to prevent chafing skin and heel friction blisters

Health:

  • Malaria Tablets (if you choose to take these. Most will seek advice from their GP. Note that some anti-malarial courses need to commence several weeks before departure)
  • Factor 30+  sun cream Sun barrier cream white / blue for nose and ears

Documents:

  • Passport (with additional 6 months’ validity after proposed expedition return date)
  • Tanzanian Entry Visa
  • Cash in US dollars in denominations of $10 and $20 and $1 (tipping allowance and local purchases, taxis, meals, etc)
  • Credit Card (recommended for eventualities only)
  • Travel Insurance Documents Vaccination Certificates (Yellow Fever, if visiting a ‘risk zone’ prior to entering Tanzania)

Other Items:

  • Camera and film or Digital Camera
  • Sunglasses with UV-filter lenses
  • High Energy Snacks (Cereal bars, dried fruit and nuts)
  • Spare Contact Lenses and fluid, if worn.
  • Watch Torch with spare batteries and bulb.
  • A Head torch is required for summit night Water Bottles & Camelbak (3 litres carrying capacity).
  • Water Purification Tablets / Iodine drops
  • Ear Plugs and Blindfold (to aid sleep on afternoon before summit night)
  • Plastic bags (for dirty washing, wrappings, etc.)
  • Telescopic walking poles (optional)
  • Mobile phone. There is signal reception on most parts of the mountain. It is a good idea to unlock your phone before you come out so that a local sim card can be used.
  • Personal Small First Aid Kit Pain Killers (Ibuprofen)
  • Diamox (Acetazolamide) if you choose to use this.
  • Paracetamol Zinc oxide tape and small scissors.
  • Compeed Blister Pads Loperamide Diahorrea Tablets Any medication you normally use Dioralyte sachets or similar rehydration packs.
  • Note that your guide will carry a more comprehensive medical kit containing additional Acetazolamide, Ibuprofen, Anti-inflammatory gel, bandages, Loperamide, Amoxycilin, Oral Dexamethasone, and several other items.

7 Days Safari Menu

Day 1:

Picnic Lunch

  • Mango packet juice
  • Chicken and Cheese Sandwiches for non-vegetarian OR pancakes
  • Tomato or egg Sandwiches for vegetarian.
  • Deep fried cold Chicken (non-veg) or Vegetable cutlet for vegetarians
  • Boiled egg
  • Snacks: Potato crisp, Chocolate bar, Biscuits
  • 1-2 Fruits in season

Dinner

  • Soup: Cream of mushroom soup
  • Main course: Bolognese sauce
  • Vegetable burger pattie for vegetarians
  • Accompanied with; cheese spaghetti, Onion fried snow peas and buttered carrot/peas
  • Dessert: Fruit cuts
  • Tea or Coffee.

Day 2:

Breakfast

  • Assorted Fruit plate
  • Cereal with milk
  • Oat porridge.
  • Squash juice (pineapple flavor)
  • Plain omelet eggs, sausages and baked beans, Pancakes, breakfast potatoes and Toast.
  • Tea, coffee, chocolate

Lunch (served hot).

  • Soup: Brown onion soup
  • Main course: Breaded fish fillets for non-veg
  • And vegetable burger for vegetarians
  • Accompanied with: Buttered parsley potatoes. Kales and carrot fingers
  • Dessert: Fruit salad
  • Tea or coffee.

Dinner

  • Soup: Cream of leak onion soup
  • Main course: Stir fried beef in gravy for non-veg
  • And vegetable Spring rolls for vegetarians
  • Accompanied with Roast potatoes, Buttered greens and onion fried spinach.
  • Dessert: Banana fritters in custard
  • Tea and coffee.

Day 3:

Breakfast

  • Assorted Fruits plate
  • Squash juice (orange flavor)
  • Muesli natural cereal with milk
  • French toast, breakfast potato, Sausage, scrambled egg and Toast. Tea, coffee, chocolate

Picnic Lunch.

  • Apple packet Juice
  • Cheese/tomato and Ham sandwiches for non-veg
  • Cucumber and lettuce sandwich for vegetarians
  • Beef Burger for non-veg and Vegetable Burger for vegetarians
  • Scotch egg for non-veg and vegetable Samosa for vegetarian.
  • Snacks: Potato crisp, Chocolate bars, cake
  • 1-2 Fruits in season

Dinner

  • Soup: Cream of tomato
  • Main course: Steak in pepper sauce for Non-veg and Brown beans stew for vegetarian
  • Accompanied with Chapati, Risi bisi Rice, Aubergine in garlic sauce (egg plant), tossed cauliflower and onion fried French beans.
  • Dessert: English Triffle and banana fritters (both with custard)
  • Coffee or tea.

Day 4:

Breakfast

  • Early morning coffee or tea with Madazi and biscuits  
  • Full breakfast
  • Fresh Mango juice and Fruit platter
  • Muesli natural cereal with milk and millet porridge
  • Vegetable/cheese omelet, Ngwachi (sweet potatoes), baked beans, salami and toast
  • Tea coffee or drinking chocolate

Picnic lunch

  • Passion packet Juice
  • Cold boiled mutton and ham slices for non-veg
  • Carrot/pea & macaroni salad for all
  • Vegetable spring rolls for vegetarians
  • Snacks: Arrow Root Crisps, Buttered bans, Chocolate bars, Biscuits
  • 1-2 Fruits in season

Dinner

  • Soup: Butternut cream soup
  • Main course: Onion fried chicken for non-veg
  • Vegetable pie for vegetarians
  • Accompanied with: mixed vegetable masala, green gram stew, mashed potato and onion fried kales and steamed cauliflower.
  • Dessert: Orange caramel and assorted fruit cuts.
  • Tea or coffee.

Day 5:

Breakfast

  • Pineapple flavor squash
  • Assorted Fruit
  • Cereal and oat porridge
  • Mushroom on toast, fried egg, Bacon, Pancakes, Nduma (arrow roots) and toast.
  • Tea, Coffee or drinking chocolate

Lunch (served hot).

  • Soup: Mixed vegetable soup
  • Main course: Fish Ala Orly for non-veg
  • Cowpeas sauce for vegetarians
  • Accompanied with; Lyonnaisse potatoes, cooked mixed vegetables and spicy Githeri (mixed of soft corn, bean and peas),
  • Dessert: Banana in warm mocca sauce

Dinner

  • Soup: Cream of carrot soup
  • Main course: Beef zingara in coconut sauce for non veg
  • Or rice/green lentils for vegetarians
  • Accompanied with: Parsley Potatoes, Irio (mashed soft maize/beans/greens & potatoes), Fried French beans and steamed cabbage
  • Dessert: Glazed pineapple with honey sauce.

Day 6:

Breakfast

  • Orange flavored squash
  • Fruit plate
  • Muesli natural cereal with milk and millet porridge
  • Scrambled egg on toast, Sausage, Sweet Potatoes, Arrow Roots Spring rolls
  • Tea, chocolate, or coffee

Picnic Lunch

  • Pineapple Juice
  • Cheese sandwiches for non-veg
  • And Egg /tomato and mixed vegetable sandwich for vegetarians
  • Chicken for non-veg and Vegetable pie for vegetarians.
  • Snacks: Potato crisps, cake, Chocolate bars, Biscuits
  • 1-2 Fruits in season.

Dinner - African Nite (if possible)

  • Vegetable soup
  • Grilled Goat, beef and chicken for non-vegetarians
  • And grilled banana and vegetable balls for vegetarians
  • Accompanied with: Brown bean sauce, Matoke (bananas and potato stew), ugali (maize meal bread), carrot peas sauce and sukuma wiki (kales).
  • Dessert: Fruit salads

Day 7:

Breakfast

  • Assorted Fruit plate
  • Cereal with milk
  • Oat porridge.
  • Squash juice (pineapple flavor)
  • Plain omelet or eggs, baked beans, Pancakes, breakfast potatoes and Toast.
  • Tea, coffee, chocolate

These are sample menus to give you an idea of the kind of food offered during the trek.

Menus are subject to change at any time.

Fitness Requirements

When people speak of this degree of difficulty, they are mainly referring to one single part of the climb, which is the six to eight hour section up to the summit. This part really is tough, mainly due to the extreme altitude.

For the most part, the days that precede this ascent are not too physically demanding for anyone with a reasonable degree of fitness.

That is not to say that this is easy. A combination of adverse factors such as bad weather, altitude sickness and general tiredness arising from being out on the mountain can make even the easiest walking days very tough indeed.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is therefore as much about perseverance and will to succeed as it is about sheer physical fitness.

That is not to say that you should take this as an excuse not to get yourself into good physical shape before the climb.

Any reasonable exercise is good, but especially walking. You should be able to walk for several hours on consecutive days without too much problem.

Add to this some more aerobic activities such as cycling or running and you should be getting towards the kinds of fitness levels that you will need for a serious attempt on the mountain.

Fit to Climb?

Even if you achieve extreme levels of fitness, this will not give you protection against altitude sickness, which seems to hit a proportion of people more or less indiscriminately, regardless of age or fitness.

**SUGGESTION**

Basic Fitness Test: maximum best time of 15 mins 30. This is a mile and a half run (2.4km), usually including an incline.

However, we suggest you test yourself either on a treadmill at a gym, or by running 6 times around an athletics track.

Although no running is required on the expedition, nonetheless, a BFT is a good indicator of cardio-vascular output, a reasonable level of which is required on Kilimanjaro.

Choosing the right route is probably the single most important decision that you will make when planning your trek on Kilimanjaro.

The Kilimanjaro park management plan has quite a complicated traffic strategy, which aims to provide climbers with routes, which are good for both acclimatisation and rescue. Climbers are required to follow one of several established routes.

Arusha:

  • Onsea House

Zanzibar:

  • Matemwe Beach Village

13 nights Kilimanjaro & Zanzibar - Standard:

  • Price from £3,595 pp

This is a guide price only, based on travel in low season.

Prices will vary according to choice of hotel and seasonal airfare and hotel surcharges. Please ask us for any current special offers.

Contact Us:

All of our Tanzania Holidays are completely tailor made and we can put together any kind of itinerary to suit your interests and budget.

Call us now to speak to a Tanzania holiday expert about your Tanzania holiday or honeymoon to Tanzania.

Call us now on 0333 7000 747

Click to enquire by email

We're open from 9 until 9 daily and our 0333 number is a local rate number included in most call packages.