- Clear sustainable travel policy
- Social / Environmental Impact
- Small Group Travel
This ethical climb takes you along the most popular route up Mount Kilimanjaro – the “Whiskey” route. Plus, your climb will be carbon offset!
Highlights:
- Summit the tallest mountain in Africa
- Trek through jungles and ravines
- Take in incredible panoramic views
- Enjoy healthy, fresh-cooked meals designed for climbers
- Support a climbing company that takes good care of their Mountain Crew and the local community in Moshi
Mount Kilimanjaro resides in Kilimanjaro National Park, itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Machame Route is also known as the “Whiskey” route. Compared with the Marangu route, the days on Machame are longer and the walks are steeper. The Machame route is considered a difficult route and is better suited for more adventurous folks and those with some hiking or backpacking experience.
The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, although seven days is recommended (this climb has 7 walking days). We will stay in Moshi for one night both before and after the trek.
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).
Route Alternatives:
Other routes available for 6-7 day climbs: Lemosho, Rongai, Shira, Umbwe, and Marangu.
Other routes available for 8-10 day climbs: Lemosho, Northern Circuit, Crater Camp.
If interested in a climb of a different length or via a different route, contact us!
Seasonal Notes: The best time for this Kilimanjaro climb is June through October, and December to 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. Unfortunately, traveling during the shoulder season during April, May, and November is not advisable due to bad weather that can cause safety hazards.
Related Trips:
- [13 days] Mount Kilimanjaro Climb & Safari – Climb + Safari
- [6 days] Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari – Safari Only
- [11-15 days] Women-only Kilimanjaro Climb (& Safari) – Special for International Women’s Day each year!
📋 Itinerary
This is a set itinerary. Download detailed itinerary to read more.
Day 1: Moshi [Tanzania] (arrival day)
Day 2: Moshi (1890m) to Machame Hut (3100m)
Day 3: Machame Hut (3100m ) to Shira Caves (3840m)
Day 4: Shira Caves (3840m) to Lava Tower (4600m), then to Barranco Camp (3900m)
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3900m) to Karanga Camp (4000m)
Day 6: Karanga Camp (4000m) to Barafu Camp (4600m)
Day 7: Barafu Camp (4600m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m), then to Millennium Camp (3000m)
Day 8: Millennium Camp (3000m) to Mweka Gate (1640m)
Day 9: Moshi (departure day)
🌱 Sustainability
We focus on organizing responsible and ethical tours that make places better for people to both live in and visit. Our dream is to combine community development with cultural tourism and conservation. We believe that the tourism industry has an obligation and a great opportunity to protect the world's natural habitats, cultural heritage sites, and communities.
We are a member of Carbon Offsetting Tanzania and for every climbing trip done with us, we offset the carbon impact and travelers will receive their carbon offset certificate. We provide Leave No Trace Tanzania training to our workers and donate some of our profits to planting trees in Moshi.
Our company has created employment opportunities for more than 400 locals (porters, guides, chefs), which helps with Tanzania's unemployment problem.
We do not believe in "cheap climbs." Our prices reflect fair and ethical wages for all. We do not exploit any of our Mountain Crew (porters, guides, and chefs), without whom our climbs would not be possible. To ensure this, we are a member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) which requires that our Mountain Crew are paid fair wages, receive proper equipment and sleeping conditions, and are fed well. KPAP audits our climbs raises public awareness of fair treatment of porters. We also collaborate with KPAP to provide financial education to our Mountain Crew about saving, spending, and investing their money.
We profit share with our community to ensure they benefit from the tourism revenue as well (for example, we support disabled children and help fund the building of schools.)
For every client, we ensure one child in Moshi gets health insurance for 1 year.
We stay at hotels that use or are trying to use renewable energy and eco-friendly cleaning products. We also stay in tents during the climb.
- Adhere to Strict Environmental Standards
- Conserve Ecosystems/Preserve Biodiversity
- Use Environmentally Friendly Products
- Use Renewable Energy
- Local/Organic Restaurants
- Participate in Certified Carbon Offsetting
- Focused on Minimizing Waste
- Responsible Waste Management
- Support Suppliers Managing Waste Properly
- Use 100% Renewable Energy
- Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
- Provide Local Employment
- Fair Wages / Fair Trade
- Ensures Good Working Conditions
- Supports Local Businesses
- Tours Benefit Local Community
📌 Location
Use the Google map to orient yourself about where in the world this trip is. The location indicates the starting point for this trip.
A specific route map is included in the downloadable detailed itinerary.
🏷️ Pricing
Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.
See the full list of price inclusions and exclusions in the downloadable detailed itinerary.
ℹ️ Other Info
If you're ready to book this trip, or if you still have some questions, contact us to let us know!
To reserve your spot on a tour, a non-refundable deposit equal to 30% of the trip price will be required. If you need to cancel, your deposit will be kept as a lifetime credit which can be used on a future trip.
This trip has a variable start date, so you can plan a departure date that suits you.
This is a private tour, meaning you will only be traveling with those you book the trip with.
Be sure you have traveler's insurance.
Please be fully vaccinated and boosted before traveling. You may also need proof of a negative Covid test before arrival to the country. Keep a mask and hand sanitizer with you at all times.
Special precautions:
EDUCATION
- All our mountain crews have been given Covid-19 safety training to ensure our client's safety during the trek.
- We will brief all our mountain crew in advance of meeting the trekkers to ensure all procedures are understood and will be complied with.
- Our guidelines are to protect both our clients and our mountain crew.
TEMPERATURE CHECK DURING CLIMB
- We will do temperature checks twice a day for both our clients and our Mountain Crew.
MASKS
- Our Mountain Crew will wear masks during the climb.
- Masks are not to be worn while trekking. They should be worn in camp and when near other individuals such as the gate, weighing scales, etc.
- Our guides will wear a mask during the briefing/ interpretation or when interacting with clients.
HAND WASHING
- We make sure our clients and Mountain Crew do regular handwashing throughout the climb.
- We will provide a separate handwashing station for our clients and our mountain crew.
- The kitchen will have its own separate handwashing station.
- We will provide hand sanitizer at higher camps where temperatures are too cold for water.
- We will have “Covid Porter” who will be responsible for regular cleaning.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
- Social distance guidelines of 1.5 meters will be maintained.
- Only guides, waiters, and personal porters should interact with clients while maintaining a distance.
- Our Mountain Crew will avoid interacting with the crew of other companies.
- Our Mountain Crew will avoid unnecessary movements and gatherings (neither singing nor playing games).
MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENTS
- All equipment will be sterilized/disinfected before being issued to the Mountain Crew.
- Contact points will be cleaned regularly.
- Any rental equipment, including a sleeping bag, Thermarest, or cot will be designated to you throughout the climb.
BAGS AND LUGGAGE
- We will ensure that luggage is packed inside the sterilized rubberized kitbags.
- All luggage will be sprayed with a sterilization solution before weighing.
- There will be one porter who will be responsible for the client bags.
SLEEPING ACCOMMODATIONS ON MOUNTAIN
- We will avoid overcrowding in sleeping tents of the porters and guides on the camping route.
- Our porters will maintain a social distance of 1.5 meters from one another when in huts.
FOOD AND DINING
- The food items will not be mixed with other equipment and all utensils, cups, etc will continue to be sanitized throughout the climb.
- Only the mountain cook and waiter will handle food; no other members of the crew are permitted in the kitchen tent at any time.
- Meals can be eaten outdoors or in your tent, upon request.
- For private groups, a dining tent is available for private or socially distant meals.
TRANSPORT VEHICLES
- Our Porters will have separate transport than clients for the remote route (Lemosho, Rongai, and Marangu routes).
- Our transport vehicles will be cleaned in advance before our clients and the Mountain Crew board them.
- We will provide hand sanitizer so everybody can wash their hands prior to entry into the vehicle.
- All of our Mountain Crew will wear masks when in transport.
DURING YOUR CLIMB
- While out on the trail, social distancing will be maintained, and you may choose not to wear a mask in the fresh air. This is a personal decision.
- You must wear a mask when interacting with the guides or crew at camp.
- You may occasionally be reminded to keep socially distant or don your mask in areas where mandated by the Tanzanian government or requested by your guide.
Remember that this is your once-in-a-lifetime trek. Simple, common-sense practices implemented by both guests and the Mountain Crew will help everyone feel at ease – without intruding on your enjoyment of this awe-inspiring experience!!
Q: What does the Physical Rating of "Mildly Strenuous" mean?
A: Kilimanjaro climbing involves physical training. You will have to be fit for this trip as it involves hiking for long hours.
Q: What are the accommodations like?
A: 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.
Q: Is this tour fully escorted?
A: Yes, this trip is fully guided by a professional Mountain Guide who will escort you throughout the climb.
Q: Is this trip safe for solo travelers?
A: Yes, it is safe and feasible for solo travelers. Solo travelers can book this as a private tour.
Q: Do I need a visa?
A: Yes, you will need a visa upon arrival in Tanzania.
Duration: 9 days; guests choose their desired start date.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Transportation: We will use a Hiace (small van) to transfer you to the trailhead.
Accommodation: 3-4 star hotels, tents.
