We Love —
- Embarking on an adventure of a lifetime as we climb Kilimanjaro.
- Taking a break at Barafu camp and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
- Challenging our limits and feeling an incomparable joy once reaching the top.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Mount Kilimanjaro, an iconic African peak, stands as a dream destination for adventurous souls. We've crafted a private tour designed to suit your pace. The route is incredibly scenic, typically spanning at least 6 days. To boost your summit success, we've added an extra day to the climb at Barranco camp or Karanga Valley—this strategic extension is key for effective acclimatisation and increases your odds of reaching the peak.
Your itinerary in brief —
The Machame Road, also called the "Whiskey Road" is the most popular path for adventurous hikers. It's visually stunning but physically demanding, involving climbing and the ascent of the Great Barranco Wall. Accommodation along this route comprises solely of tents.
What sets the Machame Road apart is its rich variety of plant and animal life, along with its diverse hiking paths, distinguishing it from other trails.
Your itinerary :
Day 1: Kilimanjaro International Airport - Moshi
Day 2: Machame camp
Day 3: Shira camp
Day 4: Barranco camp
Day 5: Karanga camp
Day 6: Barafu camp
Day 7: Mweka camp
Day 8: Moshi
Day 9: Moshi - Kilimanjaro International Airport
Please note that the order of activities may be changed without affecting the interest of the programme.
Although Kilimanjaro is not a technical climb, dealing with high altitude poses a significant challenge. It's crucial not to overlook this aspect, especially considering that Uhuru Peak stands 500 meters higher than Everest Base Camp. Managing your climbing pace and ensuring proper acclimatisation will aid your ascent. However, it's vital to be mentally and physically ready beforehand. Regular hiking is among the most effective preparation methods, gradually escalating in frequency and distance as your trek date approaches.
ALTITUDE AND ACCLIMATISATION
Altitudes are generally defined as follows:
- High altitude 2,400 m - 4,200 m
- Very high altitude 4,200 m - 5,400 m
- Extreme altitude - over 5,400 m (Uhuru peak is 5,895 m)
During the trek, it is likely that all climbers will experience at least some form of mild altitude sickness. It is caused by the failure of the body to adapt quickly enough to the reduced level of oxygen in the air at an increased altitude. There are many different symptoms but the most common are headaches, light-headedness, nausea, loss of appetite, tingling in the extremities (toes, fingers) and a mild swelling of ankles and fingers. These mild forms are not serious and will normally disappear within 48 hours.
Your itinerary in detail —
Day 1: Kilimanjaro International Airport - Moshi
- Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Airport transfer
- Breakfast included
- Night at Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel (or similar)
DAY 2: MACHAME CAMP
From Machame Gate (5,905 feet) to Machame Camp (9,840 feet)
Altitude gain: 3 935 ft
Distance: 6,2 miles
- Leave Moshi at 9 am heading towards Machame Gate
- Meet the team including guides, porters, and cooks who will accompany you throughout the trek to Uhuru Peak
- Enjoy a picturesque drive through coffee farms and villages on the way to Machame Gate (approximately 1.5 hours)
- Trek towards Machame Camp, where the porters and cooks will have set up camp upon your arrival
- Take in the scenic views of the surrounding area, including Kibo Peak
Day 3: Shira camp
From Machame Camp (9,840 ft) to Shira Camp (12,600 ft)
Altitude gain: 2,760 ft
Distance: 4.3 miles
- Enjoy several viewpoints offering vistas of the plains, forests below, and the prominent Kibo and Mawenzi peaks above
- Climb the Shira Plateau, formed by the lava flows from Kibo that filled the Shira crater
- Arrive at Shira Camp after lunch, situated between Kibo to the west and Mount Meru to the east, providing a relaxing environment for the remainder of the day
DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP
From Camp Shira (12,600 ft) to Camp Barranco (12,960 ft)
Height gain: 2,264 ft
Distance: 6.2 miles
- Early afternoon climb of approximately 2,260 feet to a height of 14,862 feet before descending to Barranco Camp
- Begin by hiking east on the Shira Plateau, passing the junction for the Shira and Lemosho Routes. Traverse through a barren landscape before a lunch break
- Reach the day's highest point after lunch, followed by a quick descent towards Barranco Camp. Those inclined can take a detour to Lava Tower, a notable 300-foot lava formation
- Arrive at Camp Barranco, situated among stands of Senecio Kilimanjaro, offering picturesque views
Day 5: Karanga camp
Barranco Camp (12,960 ft) to Karanga Camp (13,800 ft)
Altitude gain: 840 feet
Distance: 4.3 miles
- Ascend the Barranco wall, followed by a traverse across scree and ridges into the Karanga Valley at 13,451 ft
- Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Western Breach and the southern glacier along the way
- Arrive at the camp in time for lunch, offering a chance to rejuvenate
- Free time after lunch
DAY 6: BARAFU CAMP
From Karanga Camp (13,800 ft) to Barafu Camp (15,100 ft)
Altitude gain: 820 ft
Distance: 3.7 miles
- Depart Karanga Camp after breakfast for Barafu
- View several of Kibo's glaciers and the junction connecting descent routes
- Barafu Camp provides striking views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks
- Trail to Barafu goes through an alpine desert with sparse vegetation
- Plan to sleep early after dinner for an early wake-up before midnight for the summit hike
Day 7: Mweka camp
Barafu Camp (15,100 ft) to Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft) to Mweka Camp (10,170 ft)
Elevation Gain: 4,240 feet
Elevation Loss: 9,170 feet
Distance: 11 miles
- Commence the final ascent to Uhuru Peak around midnight
- Use headlamps for visibility during the six-hour hike
- From Stella Point to Uhuru Peak, the climb is gradual but tiring due to altitude
- Take pictures at Uhuru Peak before descending to Mweka Camp
- Enjoy panoramic views of the mountain, crater, clouds, and glaciers on the way down
- Stop at Barafu Camp for breakfast and a short break
- Continue the descent to Mweka Camp, which could take 3 to 5 hours
DAY 8: MOSHI
From Mweka Camp (10,170 ft) to Mweka Gate (4,920 ft)
Altitude loss: 5,250 ft
Distance: 6.2 miles
- Post-breakfast, complete the trek by descending to Mweka Gate
- Enjoy a picturesque descent through Kilimanjaro's cloud forest
- Transfer from the lower station of Mweka Gate for the return to Moshi
- Night at Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel (or similar)
DAY 9: MOSHI - KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
- Airport transfer
Important information about your tour and visits: The hotels, which comply with local standards, are indicative and may be changed locally for hotels of a similar category. The itinerary is subject to changes due to compelling reasons such as delayed flights, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is also subject to change.
Essential equipment and travel tips —
NOTE ABOUT HIKING BOOTS
IMPORTANT:
Hiking boots are a critical part of the climbing equipment. You should make sure these are well used and not try to break in a new pair of boots on the climb. Also, you should wear or carry the boots with you on the flight and not keep them in your checked bags. This way, should your bag be delayed by the airline, you will still have your boots (whereas other items such as sleeping bags, rain jackets and gloves can be hired if needed).
PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT
The following first aid materials are important:
• Painkillers (aspirin/paracetamol)
• Antihistamines
• Blister treatment
• Imodium or other antidiarrhoeal tablets
• Plaster/Band aids
• Antiseptic wipes
• Dressings, especially pressure relief for blisters
• Talcum powder
• Malaria tablets
• Sunblock for skin and lips
• Antacids
• Cold cure sachets
• Oral rehydration salts/sachets
• Insect repellent
• Sanitary towels
OTHER HEALTH TIPS
All contact lens wearers should take care to remove the lenses at night, as the eye needs to absorb oxygen from the atmosphere. The rarefied conditions of altitude reduce oxygen levels and in extreme cases a Corneal Oedema can develop.
EMERGENCY EVACUATION:
In the event of an emergency on the mountain, the rescue team plus one of the assistant guides will descend with the casualty to the park gate. At the gate, the casualty will be taken care and the necessary arrangements will be made.
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Camera, whether digital, video or film, need to be protected against the severe cold weather either in a warm pouch or the interior pockets of your clothing. Do not keep it in your backpack at higher elevations. A selection of lenses will aid the final results although weight and bulk will influence your selection. A polarised or neutral density filter is recommended, as is slide film rather than print.
For digital equipment, check with the manufacturer’s specifications for temperature range (especially battery life), water tightness and general hardiness. Remember that there are no electrical outlets on the mountain to use for charging equipment.
HELP TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT:
Waste Disposal: “Pack it in, Pack it out”
Litter is not only ugly but can be harmful to people. Buried litter may be dug up by animals, and burning it is illegal, so – “Pack it in – Pack it out” until the appropriate disposal area.
PROTECT YOURSELF:
In highland areas watch for:
Stinging nettles: - Plants which cause temporary painful irritation to bare skin, and may even sting through clothes. Shorts are not recommended where these occur.
Ants: -These ants are small, shiny, and move swiftly in dense lines. They're carnivorous and if disturbed, they'll crawl up your legs and begin biting. To prevent this, tuck your pant cuffs into your socks and be mindful of where you walk.
DRESS RIGHT:
Be prepared for different physical extremes. In the Lowlands, shade temperatures can reach 35˚C and shade may sometimes be scarce.
In the Highlands, it may freeze at night. Fine weather can change very quickly to fog or rain. To keep you warm, wool and synthetics are better than cotton, but to keep you cool cotton is best. Always protect yourself from the sun…
- A hat reduces the risk of sunstroke.
- Protect your eyes with dark grasses.
- Protect your skin with clothes or sunblock lotion.
PARK ENVIRONMENTS:
- Try to avoid any interaction with wildlife. Wild animals, particularly buffalo and elephants, may attack if surprised or provoked.
- All climbers are asked to please observe all park rules, your guide will explain these rules to you and you can read them on the notice boards at the park gate.
Your hotels —
Hand-picked just for you
Maximum room capacity
Throughout your getaway, you'll be staying in tents at campsites, offering an authentic experience and allowing you to fully embrace the adventure. Before and after the ascent, accommodations will be provided at the Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel (or similar).
If hotels and tents listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
The maximum capacity of the rooms is 3 adults. Single rooms are available at extra cost. Sleeping bags are not included in our prices. See the "Details" tab for a list of hiking equipment available for hire on-site.
Your dining choices
Throughout your incredible Kilimanjaro trek, you'll be provided with nourishing meals and sufficient water for your ascent, averaging around 3 litres per day. At the Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel, before and after your hike, you will enjoy the included breakfast.
Your journey to Tanzania —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking. This flight may include one or more stopovers. The stopover may be technical (without a change of aircraft) or transit (with a change of aircraft).
Luggage information
Baggage, meals and other services on board certain flights may be subject to a charge. You will find out whether your airfare includes baggage when you choose your airline and timetable. If your fare does not include baggage, please go to the airline's website before your departure with your travel file reference to find out the exact fare and purchase your extra baggage. If you choose a low-cost airline, you will be able to add your baggage during the booking process. For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving baggage, so you will have to pay for it at the airport counter. You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your destination —
Kilimanjaro
An emblematic vision of wild Africa, Kilimanjaro, capped with its eternal snow, dominates a landscape of savannas and arid plateaus. Hiking enthusiasts will adore the long trails that lead to the top of what is actually a set of three extinct volcanoes. Up to 2,700 meters above sea level, the landscape is packed with giant trees and orchids. As you continue to climb to 4000 meters, admire vast expanses of heather moors.
