Ethical Private Mount Kilimanjaro Climb: Machame Route

This privately-guided, ethical, and carbon-offset climb takes you along the most popular route up Mount Kilimanjaro – the Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route.

Mount Kilimanjaro resides in Kilimanjaro National Park, an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Machame "Whiskey" Route can be completed in 6 or 7 days of climbing, with one day spent in Moshi on either end for arrival and departure. We recommend 7 days of climbing to balance the longer and steeper walks on this well-trekked path. This is a difficult route better suited for adventurous travelers with some hiking or backpacking experience.

There are many routes by which you can conquer Kili! If you're looking for a specific length or difficulty of climb, contact us about the best route options.

• 6-7 day climb routes: Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Shira, Umbwe, and Marangu.
• 8-10 day climb routes: Lemosho, Northern Circuit.

• 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

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.

The best time for this ethical Mount Kilimanjaro climb is June through October and December through 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 - 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.

Please ask us about less-trafficked routes, which help promote tourism dispersal, for a different and more off-the-beaten-path climbing experience.

We pride ourselves on taking good care of our mountain crew, who make our climbs possible, and also giving back to our local community in Moshi.

Environmental practices are a top priority for our company. We are committed to protecting natural habitats, cultural heritage sites, and local communities. We recognize the impact that tourism can have on the environment and are taking steps to minimize our carbon footprint. As a member of Carbon Offsetting Tanzania, we offset the carbon impact of every wildlife safari and provide travelers with a carbon offset certificate. Additionally, we provide Leave No Trace Tanzania training to our workers and donate profits to planting trees in Moshi. We do not engage in animal slavery, cruelty, or luring through bait during wildlife experiences. By prioritizing environmentally responsible practices, we hope to make a positive impact on the world around us.

In addition to our commitment to the environment, we prioritize economic sustainability. We believe that tourism has the power to create economic opportunities for communities. To that end, we have created employment opportunities for more than 400 locals as porters, guides, and chefs. We profit-share with the community so that tourism benefits everyone, and we pay fair and ethical wages to all of our employees. We do not exploit our crew and ensure that the community benefits from the tourism revenue. Our commitment to economic sustainability extends beyond our business operations, as we support disabled children, fund school building projects, and provide financial education to our staff. By prioritizing economic sustainability, we aim to create long-term benefits for the communities we serve.

Finally, we prioritize sociocultural practices that respect local communities and their traditions. We believe that cultural tourism can be a powerful tool for community development, and we strive to combine community development with conservation and cultural tourism. Our dream is to create tours that make places better for people to live in and visit. We stay at lodges that use or are trying to use renewable energy and serve local and organic food to guests. For every client, we provide health insurance for one child in Moshi for one year. By prioritizing sociocultural practices that respect local traditions and support community development, we hope to create a positive impact on the world around us.

It is mandatory to have travel insurance that covers up to 6000 meters above sea level. Proof is required prior to arrival. Coverage is needed in case an emergency evacuation with the Kilimanjaro SAR helicopter is required. We recommend two partners:

• Wanderwell (US travelers only): B-Corp Certified, 1% for the Planet member. Request a free quote for their Wanderwell GO program with the Extreme Sports upgrade.
• World Nomads (All travelers <66 years old): Request a free quote for their Explorer Plan.