Tanzania Climb Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trekking Tour

Experience the ultimate African adventure with MT Sobek on Mount Kilimanjaro's famous Machame Route. As pioneers in adventure travel since 1969, we guide you through lush rainforests and across the Shira Plateau to Uhuru Peak at 19,341 feet. Our signature Crater Camp overnight offers an unmatched, serene approach to standing on the "Roof of Africa" at sunrise.

Crater Camp Advantage: Overnight at 18,800 feet beside the Furtwangler Glacier, replacing an exhausting midnight summit push with a short, inspiring 541-foot pre-dawn climb to Uhuru Peak at sunrise.

Machame Route & Meru Acclimatization: Enjoy a 10-day itinerary featuring two nights at our private Itikoni Camp on Mount Meru for superior acclimatization before stepping onto Kilimanjaro's southern circuit.

Pioneering Legacy: Benefit from over 55 years of high-altitude expedition leadership across five distinct climate zones with unmatched guide expertise and field support.

Unrivaled Field Ratios: Trek with a high guide ratio of at least one Wilderness First Responder-certified guide for every three guests, supported by a crew of at least five porters per guest.

Ethical Porter Commitment: As active members of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project, we ensure fair treatment, ethical wage standards, and strict load limits for our dedicated mountain crew.

Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed year-round along the Machame Route, though conditions vary across two distinct dry seasons. Designing our departures during these dry windows provides the most favorable trail conditions, clearer skies for sweeping views, and safer high-altitude trekking across the Shira Plateau and up the steep summit cone.

June to October: These months feature crisp, clear skies with daytime temperatures in the 30s to 60s°F at mid-elevations and daytime bush highs in the 70s and 80s°F, though mountain nights regularly drop to 10°F.

December to March: This summer window offers pleasantly warm days with daytime highs typically in the 80s°F in the bush. Mountain temperatures average 5 to 10 degrees warmer than winter, though sudden summit snowfall remains possible.

High-Altitude Extremes: Above 12,000 feet and at Crater Camp (18,800'), severe wind chills and sub-zero nighttime temperatures can drop below 0°F in any month, with snowfall possible year-round.

The standard minimum age for this trip is 18. This itinerary is designed with adult travelers in mind, based on daily activity levels, accommodations, and overall group experience. Families or groups with children as young as 17 should check out our private departures .

As a Level 5 ultimate challenge expedition, this trip requires exceptional physical endurance and mental grit for consecutive days of remote mountain activity. Guests navigate up to 8 miles per day over steep, rugged volcanic terrain at extreme elevations reaching 19,341 feet.

Extreme High Altitude: Trekking begins at 5,380 feet and ascends continuously to Crater Camp at 18,800 feet and then on to Uhuru Peak at 19,341 feet, where oxygen levels drop significantly.

Massive Elevation Gain and Loss: This itinerary features nearly 14,000 vertical feet of ascent and the same on descent.

Long Mountain Days: Daily trekking ranges from 6 to 10 hours on rugged mountain trails, culminating in up to 8 miles of strenuous hiking on summit and descent days.

Challenging Footing and Scrambling: You will need to navigate steep volcanic gravel, loose scree, ice fields, and execute a non-technical 1,000-foot scramble up the Barranco Breakfast Wall using three points of contact.

High-Altitude Wilderness Camping: The trip involves seven consecutive nights of backcountry camping in four-season dome tents without standard hotel amenities, demanding strong physical recovery capacity.

We design our three distinct paths up Kilimanjaro to offer varying balances of time, scenery, and solitude, though all share our exceptional safety standards and expert guiding. Here is how they compare across key logistics:

Machame Route: Known as the "Classic Climb," this is a 10-day total itinerary with eight days spent on the mountain. It enters from the southeast slope via the Machame Gate at 5,380 feet. On arrival day, guests are provided a transfer directly from JRO airport to our private Itikoni Camp at 6,440 feet for two nights of acclimatization before heading to the Machame gate to begin the trek. This route was made popular by the renowned Kilimanjaro IMAX film and includes the exhilarating Breakfast/Barranco Wall scramble on Day 6. It is the shortest of our Kilimanjaro offerings while still providing considerable acclimatization time.

Lemosho Route: Celebrated as our "Scenic Western Traverse," this 11-day itinerary provides eight days on the mountain. It begins with a picturesque traverse of the Shira Plateau, starting at a higher elevation of 7,545 feet for a gentler early ascent through pristine forest. To help guests adjust from international flights, it builds in a recovery night at a comfortable lodge on arrival day and adds a game drive in Arusha National Park on Day 2. It offers a gentler approach in the early days of the ascent towards the summit while still having the same number of days on the mountain and acclimatization time.

Northern Circuit: This "Grand Traverse" is our most remote and longest itinerary, spanning 12 days total with nine days on the mountain. It shares the western forest entry with Lemosho at 7,545 feet then breaks away to circumnavigate the mountain's more remote northern and eastern slopes. You will find fewer trekkers along this lesser-trodden route. It bypasses the Breakfast/Barranco Wall entirely to trace a 360-degree loop over an incredible alpine desert landscape. Like Lemosho, it includes an arrival recovery night at a comfortable lodge and a game drive. It provides an extra day of acclimatization as it allows more time to reach the summit and is the only route that gives trekkers unparalleled views of all four sides of the mountain.

With over five decades of heritage, MT Sobek provides an unmatched foundation of safety and mountain expertise:

A Founding Mountain Legacy: We are the pioneers of adventure travel. Leading commercial treks on Kilimanjaro since 1974, we are among the first operators responsible for opening this historic peak to our guests.

The High Success Rate: Our carefully crafted Kilimanjaro experiences include ample acclimatization before and during the trek. This contributes to achieving an incredible 98% summit success rate—while keeping your safety as our number one priority—compared to compressed 6-day routes that fail 50 to 60% of the time.

Our Crater Camp Advantage: Virtually no other operator utilizes Crater Camp (18,800') as a standard overnight stop. By eliminating the exhausting midnight summit slog from below, our guests enjoy stunning panoramic sunset views at camp, and a much shorter ascent to the summit the following morning, in time for sunrise.

Rigorous In-Field Safety Protocols: Our expert guide teams carry advanced safety gear on every single departure, including portable hyperbaric chambers, supplemental oxygen cylinders, and satellite phones. We also perform mandatory pulse oximetry checks to record your blood oxygen saturation at every camp, every morning and evening.

Unrivaled Guide Tenure: Our local guides are true career professionals who are recertified annually in Wilderness First Response (WFR) and Wilderness First Aid (WFA). Our senior leaders have guided with us for 10 to 20+ years, each personally commanding well over 100 to 200 successful summit bids.

Ethical Porter Advocacy: We are long-standing partners of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Program (KPAP). We guarantee top-tier fair wages, clean mountain clothing, and healthy meals, ensuring your crew is treated with genuine dignity. MT Sobek holds a bi-annual meeting with all porters and KPAP staff to evaluate our performance and porter care standards. Due to strict porter welfare regulations, your trekking duffel can weigh at most 28 pounds (or a maximum of 36 pounds including the porter's outer carry bag, provided sleeping bag, and pad).

Once your reservation with MT Sobek is finalized, we'll notify you of your trip's status. After your departure is confirmed to operate, flights and travel arrangements may be purchased. While we can often confirm departures in advance, some decisions may be finalized closer to final payment.

We strongly advise checking directly with your Adventure Coordinator before purchasing any non-refundable air arrangements. For expert assistance with your flight plans, we recommend reaching out to Exito Travel at 800-655-4053 or via email at [email protected].

Once your booking is finalized with MT Sobek and your trip has been confirmed to operate, flights may be purchased. Be sure to consult with your Adventure Coordinator prior to purchasing non-refundable flights.

Arrival: Plan your flight to arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) after 8:00 pm on Day 1 to join our complimentary group transfer meeting the KLM flight from Amsterdam arriving at approximately 8:25 pm.

Departure: Schedule your departing flight from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) after 7:00 pm on Day 10, coinciding with our complimentary group transfer connecting with the KLM flight to Amsterdam departing at approximately 9:30 pm.

Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), an MT Sobek representative will meet you in the arrivals area to welcome you. If you are arriving on the scheduled KLM flight from Amsterdam, you can join our complimentary group transfer directly to the property. Please see Section C below for additional information on transfers and refer to your Final Details, sent about three weeks before departure, for precise meet-up instructions and your arrival contact information.

If you plan to arrive early or extend your stay in the region, we can book additional nights for you at either our private Itikoni camp in Arusha National Park or at an area lodge, as well as extra activities. Please note that you will need to arrange a private transfer. Our Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti Safari Extension is a great way to extend your trip post-climb, if you are considering spending more time in Africa. Your Adventure Coordinator can share current pricing, availability, and tailored lodging options.

A valid passport is required to enter Tanzania. Most countries require that passports be valid for at least six months beyond the end of your trip and contain at least one blank page for entry stamps.

US citizens need a visa to enter Tanzania. Non-citizens should consult their local embassy or consulate to confirm current entry requirements. The current fee for US citizens is $100 for a 12-month multiple-entry tourist visa, which can be obtained on arrival or in advance.

If you choose to get your visa on arrival, the payment must be made in cash using exact change with new, clean, crisp US dollar bills (larger denominations preferred) that have no tears or markings, preferably issued after 2016. This airport process involves passing through three separate queues to obtain a government control number, pay the fee, and have the visa issued, which typically takes 1 to 2 hours.

Alternatively, you can apply for an Electronic Visa ( eVisa ) online in advance. Please note that eVisas can take 2 to 6 weeks to issue, though travelers with eVisas generally move through immigration more quickly than those obtaining visas on arrival. Your Adventure Coordinator will provide visa application details.

This is an exceptionally demanding Level 5 expedition designed for experienced hikers with strong cardio endurance, who have trained for this trek. The itinerary requires navigating up to 8 miles per day on rugged mountain trails, with daily trekking times ranging from 6 to 10 hours at high elevation.

High Altitude Trekking: Trekking occurs almost entirely at high altitude starting at 5,380 feet with a continuous ascent to the summit at an altitude of 19,341 feet, where the air is thin and conditions are more challenging.

Massive Elevation Gain & Loss: This trek involves nearly 14,000 vertical feet of ascent and descent.

Challenging Footing and Scrambling: Hikers must cross varied alpine terrain including steep volcanic gravel, loose scree, ice fields and slippery surfaces, and execute an invigorating 1,000-foot non-technical scramble requiring three points of contact up the steep Barranco Breakfast Wall.

Wilderness Camping: Guests face consecutive days of backcountry activity with two nights of comfortable camping and seven nights of rustic camping at high altitude, meaning your body must be thoroughly conditioned to recover overnight without standard hotel amenities.

Preparing for this ultimate challenge requires a minimum six-month training program focused on building exceptional cardiovascular endurance and leg strength. Training must emphasize back-to-back active days and weighted-pack outdoor hiking to simulate mountain conditions, ensuring your joints and muscles are prepared for 13,000 vertical feet of ascents and descents.

Dedicated Timeline: Begin your customized training routine at least 6 months before your scheduled departure date.

Aerobic Consistency: Commit to steady cardio workouts 3 to 5 times each week, maintaining each session for 40 to 60 minutes at 65% to 90% of your maximum heart rate.

Weekly Endurance Hikes: Complete a full-day outdoor trail hike at least once a week, incorporating back-to-back hiking days closer to your departure to simulate trip conditions.

Weighted Pack Progression: Hike using the daypack you plan to wear on the trek, starting with 5 pounds and increasing in 2- to 3-pound increments up to 15 to 20 pounds.

Downhill Muscle Focus: Prioritize explicit downhill training on steep trails or staircases to prepare your knees for the nearly 14,000-foot descent over two days.

On Day 6, your itinerary features the climb up the Barranco Wall, also known as the legendary Breakfast Wall. This exciting stretch is a non-technical, 1,000-foot hands-and-feet scramble that stands out as one of the most memorable and rewarding adventure moments on the southern approach.

Meals on the mountain are designed to be both a delicious highlight and a powerful source of clean energy to fuel your high-altitude climb. We get two re-supplies along the way, which means our guests are eating nutritious fresh vegetables at high elevation rather than canned. For breakfast, you can choose from hearty porridge, granola, eggs, toast, fruit, and occasionally pancakes or French toast, accompanied by fresh hot coffee and tea. Trail lunches feature a wonderful spread of cold cuts and fresh vegetables for custom sandwiches, and hot homemade soup is served at sit-down lunches. Evenings bring multi-course dinners served in our custom dining tent, featuring hot soups, fresh salads, and main courses that feature chicken or fish early and late in the trek, shifting to specialized, carbohydrate-rich pasta and rice dishes at high elevations to maximize your physical recovery.

Yes, a limited number of single rooms are available on this trip. About a third of our travelers go solo, and single room inventory often books up quickly! You can find more information on solo traveler options here .

Triple rooms are not offered on this trip to ensure all accommodations meet MT Sobek standards for your comfort.

The highest camp you will sleep at is Crater Camp, which sits at an extreme elevation of 18,800 feet. Nestled safely beside the Furtwangler Glacier, sleeping at this unique elevation is a defining MT Sobek advantage. It positions you a mere 541 vertical feet below Uhuru Peak (19,341'), replacing the traditional, exhausting midnight summit slog with a short, inspiring pre-dawn walk to the top at sunrise.

Packing appropriately for Kilimanjaro means focusing on a layering system that accommodates dramatic temperature shifts, from warm tropical sun to extreme sub-zero cold. Essential trail gear includes moisture-wicking synthetic or wool thermal base layers (no cotton), a warm synthetic-fill insulation jacket, a high-quality waterproof/breathable rain jacket with a hood, and waterproof rain pants. You will also need robust mountain gloves, a warm beanie, high-altitude glacier sunglasses, a reliable headlamp with spare batteries, and a personal medical kit. A complete, highly detailed packing list will be provided.

Tanzania has completely banned plastic bags. Do not pack plastic bags, or you may be subject to fines and/or additional punishment. The ban technically includes grocery bags, Ziploc, and duty-free bags, and while you can pass through TSA security when departing the US, we advise you avoid packing them entirely. Re-usable cloth or silicon bags or stuff sacks are recommended. Many airports require you to place your 3-oz. liquids in a small plastic bag to pass through security and these bags are permitted in Tanzania, but they should NOT be discarded in Tanzania —be sure to take them home with you.

Clothing with camouflage-style patterns should be avoided, as camouflage is not permitted for civilians in Tanzania; only the national military and anti-poaching units are allowed to wear camouflage print. The restriction applies not only to clothing, but also to bags and other gear.

Knee-length gaiters and collapsible trekking poles are essential items; poles provide critical balance on loose scree and significantly reduce structural strain on your knees and joints during the nearly 14,000-vertical-foot descent. A heavyweight sleeping bag (rated to -20F), a Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad, and hard mountaineering helmets for the summit will be provided. In snowy conditions, our guides are quite adept at cutting steps through the snow with ice axes so you can traverse. Careful movement is safer than using crampons, unless you are experienced using them. We do not carry crampons or ice cleats on the climb for guests. If you would like to bring your own lightweight set of ice cleats, such as MICROspikes, feel free to do so.

Regardless of the month you depart, a high-quality waterproof rain jacket and wind-resistant layers are required at all times due to Kilimanjaro's unpredictable weather. You may encounter snowpack on the ground, so we recommend bringing knee-length gaiters.

Snowfall is possible at higher elevations year-round. On the June and July departures there may be heavier snowpack on the ground. In snowy conditions, our guides are quite adept at cutting steps through the snow with ice axes so you can traverse it. Careful movement is safer than using crampons when you are inexperienced. We do not carry crampons or ice cleats on the climb for guests. If you would like to bring your own lightweight set of ice cleats, such as MICROspikes, feel free to do so. Prior to your trip you should practice putting them on and walking around in them a few times to ensure a snug and secure fit, as having one fall off while hiking can be dangerous. If you’re not experienced with using cleats but decide to bring them, you should advise your guides at the beginning of your trip so they can give you a briefing before they’re needed.

Selecting the correct footwear is one of the most critical preparation decisions you will make for this expedition. You will need sturdy, high-cut, fully waterproof hiking boots that offer substantial ankle support and solid soles. It is absolutely vital that your boots are thoroughly broken in months before departure to prevent painful trail blisters. We strongly recommend pairing them with synthetic or wool wicking socks and friction-reducing liner socks. Additionally, pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes or sandals for relaxing in camp. We suggest wearing your primary hiking boots on your international flight, so a luggage delay never disrupts your climb.

Yes, we strongly recommend packing a well-stocked personal medical kit to keep in your daypack. While our expert guides carry a comprehensive group first aid kit, having immediate access to your own supplies ensures your comfort on the trail. Your kit should contain personal prescription medications, over-the-counter pain relievers, a DEET-based insect repellent, high-SPF sunscreen, lip protection, hand sanitizer, small tissue packets, and water-flavoring electrolytes. It is also highly important to include dedicated foot-care items such as moleskin, bandage strips, and blister patches to address hot spots immediately on the trail.

Yes, you can absolutely rent gear for your adventure. Your sleeping bag (synthetic, rated to -20°F) and a Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad are already included in your trip cost. Additional mountain equipment is available for rental and payable directly in Tanzania in cash only.

Please contact your Adventure Coordinator in advance for pricing and to arrange your rentals so that we can ensure your chosen gear and sizing selection are on hand. Your guide will deliver these items directly to you at your camp or hotel on your arrival in Tanzania. When packing, remember to leave extra space and weight in your duffel for any rented items. Finally, be sure to factor this cost into your cash budget, as the outfitter providing the gear does not accept credit card payments.

Gear available for rent:

GORE-TEX WINDRAIN SHELL
Rain jacket
Rain pants

WARM UPPER BODY LAYER
Lightweight crew, long sleeve
Mid-weight zip, long sleeve
Fleece jacket

WARM LOWER BODY LAYER
Mid-weight pants
Fleece sweatpants

ACCESSORIES
Hiking poles
Gloves
Balaclava
Gaiters
Backpack
Water bottle

Kilimanjaro controls its own complex weather system, creating massive temperature and climate shifts across different elevations. While the lower plains remain pleasantly warm, conditions transition rapidly into arctic environments as you ascend, making high-quality waterproof rain protection and an adaptable layering system absolutely essential for safety and trail comfort year-round.

June to October: Lower slopes feature daytime temperatures in the 30s to 60s°F, while the lower bush remains clear in the 70s and 80s°F, with mountain nights regularly dropping to 10°F.

December to March: Daytime conditions are typically 5 to 10 degrees warmer than June to October, reaching the 80s°F in the plains, though high-altitude mountain nights remain intensely cold.

High-Altitude Alpine Zone: Camps situated above 12,000 feet experience severe wind chills and sub-zero nighttime temperatures that frequently plummet well below 0°F, regardless of the month.

Uhuru Peak Summit Conditions: The highest peak reaches the mid-40s°F during full daytime sun, but evening temperatures routinely plunge between -5 and 20°F with potential year-round snowfall.

While Wi-Fi and cell access are available at the Arusha area properties, there is no cell service or Wi-Fi access on Mount Kilimanjaro itself. We strongly suggest turning your phone off or keeping it strictly in airplane mode while climbing to avoid roaming charges and to conserve your battery life. Please download all critical documents, trail details, or reading materials for offline access before leaving home.

Tipping your adventure guides is a customary and deeply appreciated practice that recognizes their expertise and dedication to your safety and wellbeing. On our Kilimanjaro expeditions, we recommend tipping each of your MT Sobek guides $10 to $15 per day, per guest, paid entirely in US dollars cash. Gratuities for drivers, hotel staff, restaurant workers, and your mountain porter crew are already included in your land price. Tipping is always entirely optional and at your personal discretion. Please remember that our crew cannot accept digital payments (such as Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal), credit cards, or personal checks, so all tips must be handled in cash. Please note that MT Sobek is not able to forward tips to your guides post-trip, so please be prepared with sufficient cash.

Yes, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips. Travel insurance can help cover trip cancellations or interruptions, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, travel delays, and other unexpected situations. We offer travel insurance with Arch RoamRight and will be happy to provide you with a quote. Please see our Travel Resources page for more information.

On a peak challenge expedition to extreme altitudes, comprehensive protection is an essential safety net. Because you will be traveling through remote wilderness areas where specialized hospital facilities are far away and field evacuations can be prolonged, complicated, and very costly, having dedicated emergency medical evacuation coverage provides profound peace of mind.

Trekking at very high altitudes (14,000 to 18,000') and extreme altitudes (18,000' +) introduces severe environmental challenges. Predicting an individual's physical performance at these levels of altitude is difficult. Because lung and heart capacity naturally decrease with age while blood vessels narrow, travelers over the age of 60 should be exceptionally fit, exercise regularly, and possess prior altitude experience before attempting treks above 16,000 feet.

Please review these critical health and medical guidelines before booking:

Cognitive and Physiological Risks: At extreme elevations, limited oxygen can cause forgetfulness, slight confusion, and impaired judgment. Unmanaged altitude sickness can escalate into life-threatening conditions: High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), which causes fluid accumulation in the lungs and suffocating breathlessness even at rest, or High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), which causes brain swelling, severe confusion, lack of coordination, and altered behavior.

Absolute Medical Contraindications: Due to safety risks in a group environment, the following conditions are considered absolute contraindications for trekking at these elevations:

Congestive heart failure or troublesome cardiac dysrhythmias
Angina brought on by exertion
Emphysema or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Insulin-dependent diabetes
Sleep apnea or pulmonary hypertension
Thromboembolic problems or sickle cell disease
Serious psychiatric problems

Relative Medical Contraindications: The following conditions require a transparent, serious discussion with your physician to fully understand the risks before participating:

Prior cardiac bypass surgery
Cold or exercise-induced asthma
Adult-onset (Type 2) diabetes
Anemia, polycythemia, or obesity
Chronic migraines or recurrent pneumothorax
Nasal polyps
Pregnancy

Medication Review: Many common prescriptions can increase your risk profiles at extreme elevations. Ensure your doctor reviews any use of diuretics (which risk dehydration and low potassium), birth control pills or estrogen (which increase thromboembolism risks), and beta-blockers (which decrease exercise capacity).

Pre-Trip Screening Recommendations: An extreme altitude trekker requires optimal red blood cell counts, clear lungs, a strong heart, healthy kidneys, and well-controlled blood pressure. A resting electrocardiogram (EKG) is often inadequate to evaluate your cardiopulmonary function under stress. An exercise "stress" test is strongly suggested for anyone with cardiac risk factors, a history of heart disease, or any traveler over 50 who does not perform regular, sustained aerobic activity.

On-Trail Support: To manage these elevated risks, our expert guiding teams are fully equipped with safety gear, including supplemental oxygen and a Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC).

Climbing Kilimanjaro presents significant environmental and physiological challenges. The primary risk is extreme altitude up to 19,341 feet; thin air can cause Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and can escalate to dangerous conditions like HAPE or HACE if unmanaged. Additional challenges include rugged alpine footing over volcanic gravel and scree, intense equatorial sun, severe wind chills plummeting below 0F, and dusty trail conditions. We mitigate these through a paced acclimatization itinerary, close health monitoring, and specialized emergency equipment.

While staying at the lodge or our private Itikoni camp, you have access to standard running water facilities. Once you are on the mountain trail, MT Sobek will have dedicated, private camp toilet tents for the group at each high camp location. For any necessary trail stops between camps, our crew follows strict Leave No Trace field principles to protect the local ecosystem.

Yes, exceptional trip extensions are available for this itinerary! If you are planning to arrive early or stay late independently, your Adventure Coordinator can help you think through timing and logistics.

We offer customizable pre-climb options featuring extra hotel nights and targeted local activities based out of either an Arusha-area lodge or our permanent camp in Arusha National Park. We also offer an incredible post-climb safari, Tanzania Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti Safari Extension , as well as a Zanzibar Beach Escape Extension. Please contact your Adventure Coordinator directly for current pricing and booking availability.