Mount Kilimanjaro 7-day trek via the Machame Route (9-day trip)

Yes! You can join one of our scheduled group departures, whether you are travelling solo, as a couple or with friends. Choose a published date and send us a booking request.

All published group departures are guaranteed to run, with no minimum number of participants. Even if you are the only person booked, the trip will go ahead. This guarantees the departure, although we cannot guarantee that other climbers will join you.

Groups have a maximum of 10 climbers. If more people book, we split the departure into separate groups.

Joining a scheduled departure is particularly good value for solo travellers, couples and groups of three. Private trips are also available, with prices depending on your group size. If you are travelling with four or more people, ask us to compare the group and private options.

Yes. We strongly recommend travel insurance covering guided trekking up to at least 6,000 metres. Your policy should cover altitude-related illness, emergency medical treatment, search and rescue, evacuation including helicopter evacuation where available, and repatriation.

Ask your insurer to confirm that your Kilimanjaro itinerary is covered, and carry your policy details and emergency assistance number. Cancellation and trip interruption cover are also worth considering.

Tips are not included in the trip price. Our general tipping guidelines recommend the following amounts per crew member, per day:

Lead guide: USD 20–25.

Assistant guide: USD 15–20.

Cook: USD 12–15.

Waiter: USD 10–12.

Porter: USD 8–10.

Summit porter: USD 12–15.

Toilet crew: USD 10–12.

These amounts are shared by the whole group, rather than paid separately by each climber. Tips can be pooled and distributed in labelled envelopes, ideally handed directly to each crew member at the end of the trip.

Yes, drinking water is provided during the climb. Our crew treats water collected on the mountain.

Bring reusable bottles or a hydration system (3 liters in total) and refill before setting off each day.

Additional purification tablets can be carried as a backup, but are not mandatory. Do not drink untreated stream water. Protect your water from freezing during the summit attempt, especially if using a hydration tube.

Yes, rental equipment is available, including sleeping bags, duffel bags, daypacks, trekking poles and selected clothing and accessories.

Contact us before travelling with your equipment list and sizes so we can confirm availability and prices. Check the fit and condition of rented items before the trek, and bring your own broken-in hiking boots whenever possible.

We recommend waterproof hiking boots with good grip and ankle support. Break them in before travelling and check that they fit comfortably with warm socks, leaving enough toe room for long descents.

You can wear your trekking boots throughout the climb. Lighter hiking shoes for the lower stages are optional and should only be used if appropriate for the conditions.

Bring Crocs, sandals or lightweight shoes for camp, preferably something comfortable with warm socks. Gaiters can help keep mud, dust and scree out of your boots.

Technical mountaineering boots are generally unnecessary for the standard itinerary. Follow our final equipment advice if unusual conditions are expected.

Carry on your daypack everything you may need before reaching the next camp: water, snacks, waterproof clothing, a warm layer, sun protection, gloves, a hat, personal medication and a headlamp. Keep valuables and essential documents with you.

Pack your sleeping bag, spare clothing, toiletries and other overnight equipment in your porter-carried duffel. You should not expect access to it during the day’s walk.

A 30–40-litre hiking daypack is a practical choice. Choose one with a comfortable hip belt, adjustable straps and enough room for water, layers and daily essentials. Use a rain cover and waterproof inner bags.

For your porter-carried equipment, bring a soft duffel of around 70 litres, keeping the packed weight within 15 kg. Pack your sleeping bag and rented equipment within this allowance unless we confirm otherwise.

Duffel bags and daypacks are available to rent. Ask us for current prices and availability.

Budget for crew tips, equipment rental, personal snacks and other purchases.

Hotel breakfast is included, but allow for lunches, dinners and drinks before and after the trek. Laundry and an optional shower tent also cost extra.

We coordinate the park registration for your trek, and the package includes the applicable park and camping fees.

Send us the personal and passport information requested before departure, and follow your guide’s instructions at the park gate. Your Tanzanian visa and other entry requirements remain your responsibility.

You need good hiking fitness and the ability to sustain effort over consecutive days. Previous hiking experience is strongly recommended, although technical climbing experience is generally unnecessary.

Train with longer hill walks, sustained climbs and descents, and back-to-back hiking days while carrying your daypack. The summit stage is particularly demanding, combining an overnight ascent with a long descent.

Tell us about your experience and fitness if you are unsure whether the trip suits you.

Allow your body time to adjust, follow your guide’s slow pace and avoid unnecessary exertion. Eat regularly, stay hydrated without forcing excessive amounts of water, and avoid alcohol.

Even very fit hikers can develop altitude illness. Tell your guide promptly about headaches, nausea, dizziness or unusual fatigue. Do not ascend further while experiencing severe altitude illness; worsening symptoms require descent and appropriate medical attention.

Diamox, or acetazolamide, is widely used and can help acclimatisation, but discuss its suitability with your doctor before travelling and use it only as prescribed. Medication does not replace gradual ascent or the need to descend when necessary.

January–February and June–October generally offer the most favourable conditions, with a better chance of drier trails and clearer views. Nevertheless, keep in mind mountain weather remains unpredictable in every season.

Rain is more likely from around mid-March through May and during November.

Machame appeals to hikers looking for varied scenery and a physically engaging trek. Its landscapes include rainforest, moorland and alpine desert, with views across the Shira Plateau.

It is a popular route, so expect to share trails and camps with other groups. Choose it for the combination of scenery, challenge and a supported camping experience.