Overview
Kilimanjaro: The Roof of Africa
Kilimanjaro, by any name, is a symbol of East Africa’s awe-inspiring beauty. One glimpse of its snow-capped peak rising above the savannah, and you’ll understand why so many are drawn to its heights.
Our Kilimanjaro trek is carefully designed to give you the best possible chance of reaching the summit—without rushing past the unforgettable landscapes, wildlife, and cultural encounters along the way. It’s not just about reaching the top, but truly experiencing the journey.
We partner with expert African guides and a local Tanzanian operator whose values align with ours: ethical business practices, fair wages, and respect for people and the environment. All staff are highly qualified and paid above-average rates, and we never cut corners on equipment, vehicles, park fees, or safety standards.
Why We Use the Machame Route
Climbing Kilimanjaro is more about acclimatisation than fitness. That’s why we follow the Machame Route—a longer, more scenic path that allows your body to adapt gradually to the altitude. While it adds two extra days compared to the Marangu Route, it’s far less crowded, more varied in terrain, and most importantly, significantly increases your chances of a successful summit. In fact, over the past five years, more than 96% of our trekkers have reached the top.
Yes, it costs a little more and takes a bit longer—but when you’ve come this far, why risk altitude sickness and miss the summit?
Safari Extension: Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
To round out your East African adventure, we also include a tented safari into the world-renowned Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater—two of the most iconic wildlife reserves on the planet. After the climb, relax and soak in the vast savannahs, dramatic landscapes, and extraordinary wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and perhaps even the elusive leopard.
It’s the perfect balance of challenge and reward: summit Africa’s highest peak, then unwind with an unforgettable safari under the stars
What to Expect
NOTE: During the trip; weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors, that are beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimise its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.
What's Included
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1:
Arrive in Arusha
Transfer from airport to hotel.
Day 2:
Arusha
Relaxation day in Arusha. Take a dala dala (taxi) or shuttle to Grand Central Station, check out the open air markets, and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Don't miss the Masai Market and get your bargaining skills ready!
Day 3:
Arusha - Macham
Ascent: 1,182m
From Arusha drive to the Machame Park gate, then a gentle climb up through the original montane forest, carpeted with unique "busy lizzie" flowers, begonias and ferns. First camp amongst the giant heather at 3,000m.
Day 4:
Machame - Shira
Ascent: 808m
Emerge from the giant heather zone and hike through fine open moorland to camp by the Shira Cave at 3,840m. There may be herds of eland up here (& occasional lion!) and there are fascinating geological features in the old volcanic caldera which can be viewed during a half hour optional walk in the afternoon.
Day 5:
Shira - Barranco
From Shira, climb towards the main peak Kibo, with the western glaciers clearly visible across the rugged high-altitude desert of volcanic rocks and boulders. Skirting around its base and under the imposing Western Breach, descend into the sheltered Barranco Valley for mid-way camp at 3,900m.
Only 70m total ascent - but having climbed higher and dropping back down assists acclimatisation.
Day 6:
Barranco - Karanga
Up the steep Barranco Wall with some sections of very easy scrambling and drop down again to the Karanga Valley. This is a short walking day, around 3 hours, and again you climb about 300m but drop back down again to around 4,100m. There's an optional further acclimatisation hike in afternoon up onto the scree below the glaciers.
Day 7:
Karanga - Barafu
Up to a new camp about 100m above Barafu Hut perched high on a rocky bluff at 4,330m. Fantastic views across to Mawenzi peak, and a bit less to climb tomorrow morning! This is another short walking day, about 4 hours with a 230m height gain, and time for a good rest in the afternoon immediately before the hard summit day.
Day 8:
Barafu - Summit - Mweka
A bracing 1am start to climb the steep frozen scree. This is unavoidable on any route but we aim to reach Stella Point on the crater rim for sunrise - another 40 mins and you're at the highest point on the continent, usually in warm sunshine.
We return on the Mweka descent route. Walking time 7 hours and 1,300m ascent to the summit, 6-8 hours and 2,800m descent to our camp in a clearing amongst the giant heather at Mweka.
This is a long and hard day - you'll feel tired but absolutely ecstatic after you've done it.
Day 9:
Mweka - Arusha
A 4-5 hours descent through the forest to Mweka Gate to collect our certificates and meet our vehicle. Return to Arusha, arriving early to mid afternoon.
Day 10:
Arusha - Lake Manyara
We transfer into Lake Manyara for morning game drive and lunch, a classic safari picnic, and enjoy our final glimpse of the great wilds of the Northern Tanzania. Lake Manyara offers an insight into the Great Rift Valley system and the adaptation of many herd animals and magnificent bird life. We continue Esilalei Maasai Village to explore the area and our school project. In the late afternoon, we zig zag our way up the Rift Valley Escarpment and onto the crater highlands for overnight.
Day 11:
Lake Manyara - Ngorongoro
Short drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Ngorongoro is collapsed volcano - an incredible natural amphitheatre, 25 km across and teeming with all of the African big game. Early morning descent into the crater for spectacular scenery and game viewing in what has been described as the eighth wonder of the world. Tonight we are staying on the crater rim, it is quite common for zebra, buffalo and even elephant to be grazing right outside the lodge.
Day 12:
Ngorongoro - Serengeti
We depart after breakfast to the endless plains of the Serengeti, via exploration of the Ndutu area. Upon entering the Serengeti, we are able to game drive all the way to our special camp area. The camp option is recommended to suit the season of travel.
Day 13:
Serengeti
We enjoy further exploration of the endless plains. The habitats are natural and we can game drive with a picnic lunch to explore further afield. There are resident cats and herd animals for us to observe.
Day 14:
Serengeti
We depart after breakfast to the airstrip for our flight back to Arusha.
Day 15:
Depart
Transfer to airport for departure.
