Women-Only Ethical Mount Kilimanjaro Climb (Machame Route) & Safari

From $2,750 pp

  • Duration

    11-15 days
  • Departure Date

    Jul 16, 2024
  • Trip Style

    Small Group
  • Country

    Tanzania
  • Physical Rating

    Mildly Strenuous

Overview

Calling all adventurous ladies! This ethical, carbon-offset, and women-only climb takes you up to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via the popular 7-day Machame Route and then back down to reward you with a leisurely safari.


On this trip, you’ll first spend 7 days climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the popular Machame Route and then relax afterward with a classic 4-day safari in the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route, is one of the most popular paths up Mount Kilimanjaro. This is a difficult route better suited for adventurous travelers with some hiking or backpacking experience.

The best part? You'll be conquering Mount Kili with active, like-minded ladies - and we do our best to have as many women as possible on the climb's support team!

The total trip length is 11 days if you join for the climb only: arrival day, rest day, 7-day climb, charity day, departure day.

The total trip length is 15 days if you join for the climb & safari: arrival day, rest day, 7-day climb, charity day, 4-day safari, departure day.

Highlights

  • Have free time to explore the town of Moshi
  • Summit the tallest mountain in Africa
  • Trek through jungles and ravines
  • Soak in incredible panoramic views
  • See fabulous moorland views
  • Enjoy healthy, fresh-cooked meals designed for climbers
  • Support an ethical climbing company
  • Visit the Serengeti National Park
  • Visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area
  • See the Big 5 safari animals

In addition to employing local guides and adhering to high standards of safety and reliability, we specialize in small-group, women-only trips. Experiencing Tanzania this way is special and we can’t wait for you to join us! (Please note: We do have female porters and guides, but not enough are working in this industry to guarantee an all-female Mountain Crew. Therefore, it’s possible your Mountain Crew will either be mixed or comprised of men.)

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).

As you climb, you'll be nourished by three full meals daily. We provide plentiful, fresh food on the mountain and it’s well prepared by skilled professional chefs who join us on the trek. We also consider the choice of food that you would prefer (vegetarian and non-vegetarian). The menu is specially designed for climbers.

After you descend the mountain, you’ll spend a day in Moshi where you’ll visit some community projects our company supports. We’re very involved in profit sharing and spreading out tourism revenue across the Moshi community, and we love to show our travelers this first-hand.

The following day, we’ll leave for our 4-day safari. We will visit both Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Serengeti is also classified as a Biosphere Reserve and is one of Tanzanaia's main attractions for visitors looking to view big game animals. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to the Ngorongoro Crater, well-known for being the biggest undisturbed volcanic crater in the world and attracting many popular animals. You should see all Big 5 safari animals on this safari: lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and buffalo.

We respect the animals on our game drives by not feeding them and informing our guests about the consequences of feeding the wildlife. We never lead hunting safaris; and we never participate in off-roading, which can kill some species.

Departure Dates

  • Jul 16, 2024 - Jul 26, 2024
  • Aug 11, 2024 - Aug 21, 2024
  • Sep 14, 2024 - Sep 24, 2024
  • Dec 25, 2024 - Jan 4, 2025

Seasonal Notes

The best time for this ethical Mount Kilimanjaro climb is June through October and December through March. The best time for big game viewing on a safari is June through October, January, and February.

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 - this can cause it to lose some of its splendor. Unfortunately, traveling during the shoulder season during April, May, and November is not advisable due to bad weather that can cause safety hazards.

Itinerary

Day 1 Moshi [Tanzania] (arrival day)

Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be met by our guide at the airport and transferred to the hotel in Moshi. Hotel accommodation includes storage facilities for excess luggage during hikes.

Accommodation: Panama Garden Resort
Room plan: Double Occupancy

Day 2 Relaxing Day in Moshi

After a long flight, this day you will relax at your hotel and spend the day stroll around or you can walk to this small town of Moshi with view of the mountain is as good as it reveals. We will gather in the late afternoon for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check.

Accommodation: Panama Garden Resort

Room plan: Double Occupancy

Included Meal: Breakfast

Day 3 Start Trek. Moshi (1890m) - Machame Hut (3100m)

A one-hour drive from Moshi lays the gate to the Machame Route, where you will complete park formalities, meet your crew of porters, and start to climb! The first section of the route climbs steadily and involves real jungle bashing through magnificent forests.

This path is less well-trodden and is often wet and muddy underfoot.

  • Trekking Time: 4-6 hours
  • Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
  • Altitude Gain: 1210 m

Accommodation: Camping at Machame Hut (3100 m)
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4 Machame Hut (3100m) - Shira Caves (3840m)

The route continues up through the forest until reaching the steep ascent on the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you will be able to see Mt. Meru rising high above Arusha town.

  • Trekking Time: 4-6 hours
  • Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
  • Altitude Gain: 740 m

Accommodation: Camping at Shira Caves (3840 m)
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5 Shira Caves (3840m) - Lava Tower (4600m) - Barranco Camp (3900m)

Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. You will traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach, finally reaching Barranco Camp (3900 m).
The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600 m), but you will have followed the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to avoid altitude sickness by aiding your body in acclimatization.

  • Trekking Time: 6–7 hours
  • Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
  • Altitude Gain: 60 m

Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 6 Barranco Camp (3900m) - Karanga Valley (4000m)

Start the day by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. Then exit steeply, up what has been termed the Breakfast Wall, which divides you from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It is a climb over rocks, although not technical. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, head towards the Karanga Valley (4000 m) to camp overnight.

  • Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
  • Altitude Gain: 100 m

Accommodation: Karanga Valley
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 7 Karanga Valley (4000m) - Barafu Camp (4600m)

The day is characterized by a short hike on terrain formed by scree. Walk through arid land towards Barafu Camp (4600 m) where you have the entire afternoon to rest before ascending towards the summit.

  • Trekking Time: 2-4 hours
  • Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
  • Altitude Gain: 600 m

Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 8 Barafu Camp (4600m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Millennium Camp (3000m)

We avoid walking too long in the heat of the sun today by starting around midnight and walking steeply upwards to the summit glaciers.
You will be climbing scree for 5 to 6 hours, but you gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. You should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5750 m) as the first rays of the sun emerge. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround you and the views to Mawenzi Peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walk takes you to your goal, the summit of Uhuru (5896 m), the highest point. Uhuru means freedom in Swahili.

  • Trekking Time: 6-8 hours
  • Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
  • Altitude Gain: 1296 m

After a quick celebration and photos at the top, you will begin the descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on Scree Slope back to Barafu Camp for breakfast and a short rest before finally heading down to Millennium Camp (3000 m) for a well-earned rest. On the descent, you will have fabulous views of the plains and Mawenzi Peak.

  • Trekking Time: 6-8 hours
  • Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
  • Altitude Loss: 289 m

Accommodation: Millennium Camp
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 9 End Trek. Millennium Camp (3000m) - Mweka Gate (1640m)

A gentle trek takes you down through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate (1640 m), where park formalities will be completed, you will be met by our vehicles, and receive your certificate of ascent courtesy of the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority. Thereafter, drive back to Moshi where you can treat yourself to a well-earned shower and a cold beer or two.

  • Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
  • Altitude Loss: 1360 m

Accommodation: Panama Garden Resort
Room plan: Double Occupancy
Included Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 Charity Day in Moshi

This day all women will visit some community projects that we support.

Accommodation: Panama Garden Resort
Room plan: Double Occupancy
Included Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 Moshi (departure day), or extend your trip

For those ladies who only do the climb, we have to say goodbye and transfer you from the hotel to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) where you will fly back home.

Included Meal: Breakfast

Day 11 Start Safari. Moshi - Serengeti National Park

For those extending their stay for the safari, after breakfast we'll head towards the central Serengeti National Park, also known as the Seronera. We descend into the heart of wild Africa with its endless plains rolling into the distance as far as the eye can see. We'll cross the Masaai Steppe and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, entering the Serengeti via Naabi Hill Gate. The Seronera area, one of the richest wildlife habitats in the park, features the Seronera River, a valuable water source to this area. Thanks to this water source, the area attracts wildlife that represents most of the Serengeti species very well. In the afternoon, will be doing game drives in Serengeti until late afternoon when you drive and check in to Tented Safari Camp for dinner and overnight. 


Accommodation: Embalakai Tented Lodge or similar tented camp in the Central Serengeti

Room plan: Double Occupancy

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 12 Serengeti National Park

Wake up for a full day of game drives in the Serengeti plains with a picnic lunch taken at one of the designated sites, or if you wish, you can do an early morning game drive and then go back to the lodge/tented camp for breakfast, then relax until in the afternoon. You can then go for a sunset game drive in the endless plain.


Accommodation: Embalakai Tented Lodge or similar tented camp in the Central Serengeti

Room plan: Double Occupancy

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 13 Ngorongoro Crater - Karatu

After breakfast in the morning, we drive back slowly through the Central Serengeti with game viewing on the way until Naabi Hill Gate where we check out of the Serengeti National Park. We drive down the Ngorongoro Crater walls to the Crater floor where we will spend the better part of the day doing game drives in this 8th wonder of the world also referred to as the Eden of Africa. Here we will get the chance to spot the animals that we might have missed at Serengeti with a little luck you can spot the Big 5 that is; Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Buffaloes, and Rhinos, in a single day’s game drive. Later in the evening, we will drive to Karatu overnight.


Accommodation: Eileen's Tree Inn or a similar lodge in Karatu

Room plan: Double Occupancy

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 14 End Safari. Tarangire National Park - Moshi

After breakfast, we will drive to Tarangire National Park then we will register at the gate and continue with game drives for the rest of the day as we explore the African wilderness for the last day of our safari. This park is famous for its large populations of elephants and its gigantic age-old baobabs, but it has much more to offer in terms of many animals and birds that are resident to this park. We expect to see lions, cheetahs, warthogs, gazelles, dik-diks, the rare long-necked gerenuks, and many more. Later in the afternoon, we shall drive back to Hotel in Moshi where your safari ends.


Accommodation: Panama Garden Resort or similar accommodation in Moshi

Room plan: Double Occupancy

Included Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 15 Moshi (Departure day)

We will transfer you from the hotel in Moshi to the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) where you will fly back home. If you have more time you can extend your tour to Zanzibar for an additional cost.

Included Meal: Breakfast

Route Map

A route map for Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, showing all of the possible climbing and trekking routes, color-coded by route.

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • 2-way transfer to/from Kilimanjaro Airport.

  • 5 nights in a Moshi hotel.

  • 2-way transfer to and from the route gate(s).

  • 14 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 9 dinners.

  • 3-4 liters of mineral water (per climber) provided daily during the climb.

  • Hot drinks and hot water for washing are provided daily during the climb.

  • All park, camping, & team fees.

  • Guides, cooks, & mountain support crew for your trek.

  • Crew's equipment for the trek.

  • Pulse Ox meter for blood-oxygen level readings, carried by the chief guide.

  • Porter to carry your duffel bag.

  • Sleeping mattress pad(s) and tent(s).

  • Dining tent(s).

  • Portable toilets with a tent.

  • Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summiting aid).

  • Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only).

  • Emergency evacuation with the Kilimanjaro SAR helicopter (see Health & Safety section).

  • Kilimanjaro National Park rescue team fees.

  • Carbon offset certificate.

  • Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt.

  • Professional, licensed, English-speaking safari guide.

  • Full boarding at safari lodges or tented camps as per itinerary.

  • Wine & beer during the safaris.

  • 03 x 0.5L mineral water per person per day during game drives.

  • All wildlife reserve entry fees.

  • Concession fees.

  • Government taxes.

  • Tanzania 18% VAT on tourism activities and park fees.

  • International flights to/from Tanzania.

  • Travel insurance.

  • Extra nights at the hotel (ask for pricing).

  • Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary.

  • Drinks and beverages in the Moshi hotel.

  • Airport taxes (amount depends on where you’re flying from).

  • Tipping for the Mountain Crew.

  • Visa fees, to be paid upon arrival (ranges from $50 to $100 USD).

  • Personal hiking/trekking gear – you can rent some gear in Tanzania.

  • Snacks, personal medicine, and water purifying tablets.

Pricing

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

TIPPING RECOMMENDATION

  • Climbing Guide - $15 to $20 per day.
  • Climbing Assistant Guide - $10 to $15 per day.
  • Climbing Cook - $10 to $15 per day.
  • Climbing Porters - $5 to $8 per day per porter.
  • Safari Guides & Lodge Staff - please tip ~$30-50 USD per day per car. Cars hold 4-7 passengers.

Prices vary based on whether you do only the 7-day Mt. Kili climb or also add on the 4-day safari.

  • Deposit per person

    30% of trip price

  • [Small Group Climb] Shared room - sleeps 2 - price per adult

    $2,750 pp for Climb only

  • [Small Group Climb] Shared room - sleeps 2 - price per adult

    $4,850 pp for Climb + Safari

  • Single Supplement

    $250 for Climb only $450 for Safari only

Optional Add-ons

Climb:

  • Sleeping bag rental (Mountain Hardware Lamina, synthetic -30F): $50 per person.
  • Telescopic trekking poles rental: $20 per trip.
  • Extra porter (personal porter) for excess gear: $30 per day.

Safari:

  • Visits to the Olduvai Gorge or Maasai Village: ~$30-50 per person.
  • Hot Air Balloon Safari: ~$650 USD per person; typically starts around sunrise and lasts for 3 hours. Can be done on the first safari day, in the early morning, and then travelers can meet up with the game drive.

Sustainability

Our View on Sustainable Travel
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.

Carbon Offsetting
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.

Local Crew
Our company has created employment opportunities for more than 400 locals (porters, guides, chefs), which helps with Tanzania's unemployment problem.

Fair Wages
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.

Animal Welfare
We do not indulge in animal slavery, cruelty, or luring through bait during the wildlife experiences.

Local Projects

  • For every client, we ensure one child in Moshi gets health insurance for 1 year.
  • 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.)

Accommodation
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

Health & Safety

Be sure you have traveler's insurance that covers up to 6000 meters above sea level! Insurance partners like World Nomads can provide this. Proof is required before arrival. This is needed in case an emergency evacuation with the Kilimanjaro SAR helicopter is required.

FAQs

What does the Physical Rating of "Mildly Strenuous" mean?

Kilimanjaro climbing involves physical training. You will have to be fit for this trip as it involves hiking for long hours. The safari portion is easy as it involves sitting in the car and watching animals during game drives.

What are the accommodations like?

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. During the safari you will be staying in tented lodges or camps.

Is this tour fully escorted?

Yes, this trip is fully guided by a professional Mountain Guide who will escort you throughout the climb, as well as the adequate and appropriate number of guides, porters, and cooks. Your safari will include an English-speaking guide.

Is this trip safe for solo travelers?

Yes, it is safe and feasible for solo travelers. This is a women-only, small-group trip, so you can book your place and meet other ladies here upon arrival!

Do I need a visa?

Yes, you will need a visa upon arrival in Tanzania.

How much can my bag weigh? (For the climb)

Your bag that a porter will carry for you from one camp to the next can have a maximum weight of 15kg / 32 lbs.

How frequently will our blood-oxygen levels be checked? (For the climb)

The Pulse Ox meter, carried by the chief guide, will be used to take blood-oxygen level readings twice a day.

Reviews

Kris B.

Mar 13, 2023

8 Days Kilimanjaro Climb (Lemosho Route) + 4 Days Safari

Hilary assisted me in finding the perfect Kilimanjaro climb and safari! The trip was everything we dreamed of.

Guides and Porters were amazing and friendly and helped us make it to the top as well as see every African animal! Food was good and energizing but repetitive. We were eating for sustenance.

Would recommend Yugen Earthside.

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