Overview
Embark on a 6-Day Private Trek along the Machame Route. Begin your journey in the lush, vibrant forest and ascend through breathtaking landscapes, immersing yourself in the true wilderness of Mount Kilimanjaro. As you reach higher elevations, enjoy unforgettable views of Mount Meru and the surrounding peaks—a once-in-a-lifetime experience for adventurers.”
Day 1: :
Picked from Arusha/ Moshi to the trek Gate! We’ll begin walking through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea, as the trail can be muddy or slippery lower down. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp. Habitant; Forest.
After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing a little valley and walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west towards a river gorge. Dinner and overnight at the Shira campsite. Habitant; Moorland.
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Habitat: Semi-desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite for a hot lunch. From Karanga, we hit the junction connecting to the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this point. Habitat: Alpine desert
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. We’ll head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting).
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Later in the evening at the Mweka camp, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. Habitat: Arctic
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. A vehicle will meet you and drive you back to Arusha/ Moshi dropped off.
From Stella Point (18,600ft) you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. We enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. Habitat: Arctic
Include & Exclude
Cost Include
- All meals
- Drinking water
- Accommodation at mountain huts
- Professional mountain guides, porters, and cooks
- Park entrance fees, hut fees, and rescue fees
- Transports
- Government Taxes
Cost Exclude
- Personal hiking/trekking gear
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Flights
Frequently asked Questions
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world and the highest mountain in Africa. Its highest point is Uhuru Peak on the Kibo crater at 5895m above sea level.
None, but previous hiking or climbing experience will help. You need to be fit and healthy and have a good pair of worn-in hiking boots. The fitter you are the more you are likely to enjoy it.
You don’t need mountain climbing gear. You can rent most of the clothing and equipment you need in Tanzania, but bringing your own clothes, well worn-in boots and a good sleeping bag is best. You will need a small day pack with enough space for wind and rain clothes, some first aid, 3 litres of water and snacks.
Warm clothes (fleece, wind and waterproof layers), good polarised sunglasses, sunscreen and a head lamp should be included in your packing list. You might prefer to use walking sticks and gaiters, but these can be rented from your trekking operator. Even thermal underwear and down jackets can be rented from us. If think you do not have the correct clothing and gear, please contact us for advice.
Getting to Tanzania and hiking up Kili is not cheap. But the once in a lifetime experience is worth every penny. Costs (usually quoted in USD) will depend on the tour operator and what you need. Luxuries such as portable toilets and glassware will cost more. Land costs should include transport to and from Kili, full board, porters, guides, cooks, national park fees and permits. Do not choose the cheapest operator, choose an operator who discloses all costs and who offers value for money.
You will eat normal food: potatoes, rice, pasta, vegetables, eggs, sandwiches, cheese and fruit. When you book a trek, let your tour operator know about food allergies or medical conditions that require special diets. Non-vegetarians will be served sausages, chicken and meat. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate will be available as well.
From the mountain. Porters collect water from the streams and it is boiled before use. This water will be used to fill your water canisters. You don’t need to use purification tablets, but it is recommended. Some operators offer bottled water – at extra cost as porters have to carry this up the mountain.
No. There are no hotels on the mountain and no cable cars to the top. You will most probably sleep in tents, or in basic huts if you take the Marangu route. Tents and sleeping mats are carried and set up by the porters. You do need to bring a very warm sleeping bag or rent it from Us.
You might experience symptoms of altitude sickness – headaches, nausea, loss of appetite and dizziness. Apart from obvious injuries that can occur when walking in uneven terrain and in very cold conditions, you will not be in danger of mugging, attack by animals or malarial mosquitoes.
Yes, it is expected and much appreciated. The amount depends on the amount of days, but can range from $150 and $300 per hiker. Tips are pooled and shared amongst the crew. Bring US dollar bills.
A good level of fitness and a positive, determined attitude will ensure success. Also, you will need good support and the right gear.
You have a 50% chance – to make it or not. Of the 40 000 visitors Kili attracts each year, between 50 and 75% turn back before reaching the summit according a report by the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation. The main reason for this is cold, dehydration and altitude sickness. You will increase your chances by choosing the right route, allow an extra day for acclimatising to the height, good protection against cold and good guides to help you acclimatise and pace yourself.
