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Feeling inspired, uplifted and connected, the 9-day exhilarating climb deliver the quintessential Mount Kilimanjaro experience on the most popular Machame Route. En route to Uhuru Peak (5895m), conquering one of 'Seven Summits' on earth, represents one of the greatest personal journeys of fulfillment for many keen hikers. Following the tough and challenging "Whiskey Route", submerge into breathtaking high-alpine desert with spectacular vistas of ice fields, glaciers and lava-forged landscapes to inspire you as you achieve a personal once-in-a-lifetime goal.
Arrive in Moshi where your journey begins on the south west side of the mountain and traverses around to the south east side. Embrace Mount Kilimanjaro landmarks including the famed Lava Tower, Barranco Wall and pristine Shira Plateau. Not for the faint hearted it is one of the more challenging yet the ...
Arrive in Moshi where your journey begins on the south west side of the mountain and traverses around to the south east side. Embrace Mount Kilimanjaro landmarks including the famed Lava Tower, Barranco Wall and pristine Shira Plateau. Not for the faint hearted it is one of the more challenging yet the most scenic route to the summit, boasting the best Mount Kilimanjaro has to offer. Your journey allows for additional days of acclimatisation to aid your success in summiting the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro.
Trek with comfort, safety and trust throughout your journey to the peak. With personal and reliable support, the goal of our local crew is to increase your chances to success. They will motivate and care for you each step of your climb and will not hesitate to descent if conditions make it necessary. Summit Mount Kilimanjaro with your safety and health as the highest priority.
Your classic climb includes 8 nights' accommodation. The climb is fully supported and catered. You only need to carry a daypack and the porters will transfer your luggage throughout the whole journey. Camp in comfort with private portable toilet and tent complete with sleeping mat, pads and sleeping bag. Indulge in all-inclusive fresh meals daily from English-styled breakfast to three course dinners.
Summit the highest point of Africa and tackle the most rewarding and fulfilling climb of your life. This climb will delight the wilderness lover and challenge keen hikers. A challenging, rewarding and memorable adventure in Africa's most famous and iconic landscape.
Dates or itinerary don't fit?We are specialising in bespoke "tailor-made" luxury or private journeys to Red Centre. Please contact us for a "tailor-made" itinerary for your perfect adventure.
This tour is eligible to earn ONLYLUXE reward points.
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Your grand hiking adventure begins with a pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport to the capital of the region, Moshi, your gateway to the splendours of Mt Kilimanjaro.
You’ll stay at the quaint Chanya Lodge, nestled on the outskirts of Moshi Town and at the foothills of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. Unwind in your semi-bungalow styled rooms complete with ensuite bathroom, hot rain shower, mosquito net and a private verandah perfect for rejuvenating amid fresh mountain air and abundant green tropics. Cool off with a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool before indulging in its multi-cuisine open-aired restaurant.
This evening, delight your tastebuds with a dining experience bursting of locally inspired flavours paired with Indian and Continental delights at the hotel’s restaurant.
Climb from Park Gate Machame 1790m (5872 feet) to Machame Camp 3010m (9875 feet)
Approx. 9km, (5.6 miles), 6-7 hours walking. Elevation gain: 1220m (4002 feet)
Enjoy breakfast before leaving the city life behind as you begin your ultimate journey to the highest point on the African continent. Today, you’ll hike the lower slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro to Machame Camp.
Journey to Machame National Park Gate where your guides and porters pack the luggages and perform formalities to begin your trek. The next 4-5 hours see’s you traversing serene lush forests and partly heath before reaching the Machame camp at an altitude of 3100m. Settle into camp and absorb the surrounding picturesque views of Mount Shira and Kibo.
Tonight, indulge in a delicious and freshly cooked three course camp dinner lovingly prepared by your guides. Fuelled for your first day out on the tracks, retire in your comfortable sleeping bags complete with sleeping mat and pads beneath the stars in a true state of zen.
Climb from Machame Camp 3010m (9875 feet) to Shira Camp 3845m (12614 feet)
Approx. 7km (4.3 miles), 5-6 hours walking. Ascent: 835m (2739 feet)
Fuel your morning with a hearty English-styled breakfast. You'll leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone of giant heather. Journey a steady ascent through a valley and along steep cliffs giving way to sweeping views. Be captivated by the natural splendours on the three peaks of Kilimanjaro: Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira. The next 4-5 hours passes the ‘Shira Cathedral’, a short-ridge summit, before arriving at your camp for tonight on one of the highest plateaus on Earth, the Shira Plateau. Absorb the spectacular views of Mount Meru as she floats among the clouds. A mystical sight to witness.
Climb from Shira Camp 3845m (12614 feet) to Barranco Camp 3960m (12992 feet)
Approx. 10km (6.2 miles), 6-7 hours walking. Ascent: 700m (2296 feet) Descent: 600m (1968 feet)
Kick start your morning with a piping hot coffee or tea paired with a warm full breakfast. Today is a long day but with emphasis on acclimatisation as you climb high with sleep low. Traverse incredible alpine desert before embarking on an acclimatisation hike to a tall volcanic rock formation at Lava Tower, 4600m. Along the way enjoy a picnic lunch with picturesque vistas before descending to Barranco Camp through the serene Senecio Forest. The scenery is breathtaking today, passing through an array of mountain zones.
Climb from Barranco Camp 3960m (12992 feet) to Karanga Camp 4035m (13238 feet)
Approx. 15km (9.3 miles), 8-9 hours walking. Ascent: 250m (820 feet), Descent: 175m (574 feet)
Take pleasure to a little sleep in this morning before enjoying a relaxed breakfast under the warmth of the African sun. Today, you’ll continue to acclimatise and let your body adjust to these higher altitudes in preparation for your upcoming summit push.
Begin with a short scramble up the steep Barranco Wall. From the top, continue another three hours, meander a series of hills and valleys beneath the serene icefalls and along glacier springs before descending sharply into Karanga Camp.
Indulge in another delicious camp dinner, soak in the serene views and savour the peace amongst the mountains as you watch the sky light before you.
Climb from Karanga Camp 4035m (13238 feet) to Barafu Camp 4640m (15223 feet)
Approx. 4km (2.5miles), 3-4 hours walking
Begin with a pleasant and picturesque walk boasting stunning views of the Karanga Valley, mountain peaks and majestic glaciers. Journey though intriguing desolate desert and valley before rising to Barafu Camp embraced by volcanic foothills. Absorb the scenery on a moraine with views of sublime Mawenzi Peak at 5100m and looming Kibo Peak overhead. Embrace views of surrounding scenic desert terrain that is largely mineral and features some lichens and moss.
Indulge in an early hearty dinner before turning in early this evening. A rise before midnight see’s you making a thrilling start to the summit!
Climb from Barafu Camp 4640m (15223 feet) to Uhuru Peak 5895m (19340 feet), descent to Millennium Camp 3790m (12434 feet)
Approx. 16km (9.9 miles), 11-13hours walking. Ascent: 1255m (4117 feet), Descent: 2105m (6906 feet)
The long-awaited moment. Today is the day you make your own history and summit the magnificent and mighty Mount Kilimanjaro!
A midnight hike will see you beginning the summit, a constantly steep and exhausting rise over pebble leads to Stella Point at 5745m on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging section of the trek as your body will feel the high exposure of the altitude. The magnificence of your surrounds is revealed with the first sun rays lighting over the majestic mountain peaks. A magical moment to witness and one to inspire your spirits and reward all your efforts! A short 150m walk, throw your hands to the heavens on Uhuru Peak at 5895m. Celebrate in victory as you finish what you set out to do – summit the mighty Kilimanjaro! Soak in the moment before descending via Stella Point to Millennium Camp.
This evening, delight your tastebuds to a well-deserved three course camp dinner as you celebrate in a convivial affair a monumental day. Unwind to one final magical evening in the mountain under a canopy of stars.
Descent from Millennium Camp 3790m (12434 feet) to Park Gate Mweka 1680m (5511 feet)
Approx. 13km (8.1 miles), 4-5 hours walking. Descent: 2110m (6922 feet)
Savour your last mountain breakfast before an easy descent through dense lush rainforest to Mweka Gate and be rewarded with your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Bid Kilimanjaro National Park farewell and be transferred to your hotel in Moshi for a glorious well deserved hot shower.
Unwind at the lodge, laze by the pool and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. Reward yourself with a celebratory dinner at its multi-cuisine open-aired restaurant or journey into Moshi town filled with endless restaurants bursting of local and international flavours (at your own expense).
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and take time to savour final views surrounding the lodge. A perfect time to reflect on your incredible achievement and journey before a transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward journey.
NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.
Departure daily on request. Please contact us for group bookings or private departures. Peak/festival season surcharge applies.
- The departure and finish point is Moshi in Tanzania
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Moshi
Day 1: Arrive in Moshi
Day 2: Approximately 9 km (5.6 miles), 6-7 hours; Elevation gain: 1790m-3010m
Day 3: Approximately 7 km (4.3 miles), 5-6 hours; Elevation gain: 3010m-3845m
Day 4: Approximately 10 km (6.2 miles), 6-7 hours; Elevation gain: 3845m-3960m
Day 5: Approximately 15 km (9.3 miles), 8-9 hours; Elevation gain: 3960m-4035m
Day 6: Approximately 4 km (2.5 miles), 3-4 hours; Elevation gain: 4035m-4640m
Day 7: Approximately 16 km (9.9 miles), 11-13 hours; Elevation gain: 4640m-5895m-3790m
Day 8: Approx. 13km (8.1 miles), 4-5 hours; Descent: 2110m (6922 feet)
The Mount Kilimanjaro climate is generally cool and temperate. As hikers climb from the base of the mountain to the peak, they will see a large amount of climate variety. The best time to climb Kilimanjaro are the months of January through early-March and June through October. The clear skies, great views, and sunshine make for spectacular photo-opportunities and comfortable hiking conditions. These are also usually the drier months of the year and the busiest.
The weather on Mount Kilimanjaro can vary from very hot to extremely cold within the same day although it does not experience wide temperature changes from season to season. Instead, the temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro are determined more by the altitude and time of day. At the base of the mountain, the average temperature is around 21 to 27 °C and at the summit, Uhuru Peak, the night time temperatures can range between 20 and -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 to -29 degrees Celsius). Like all great mountains, Kilimanjaro creates its own weather which can be extremely variable and difficult to predict. Hikers need to be prepared for warm, sunny conditions, and rain, wind, cold, and even snow.
Classic Camping: is set up with spacious tents complete with sleeping pads, sleeping bag and portable toilet.
Luxury Camping: is set up with slightly larger tents complete with camp beds and pillow, extra sleeping pad or 1 double thick pad and a hot water bottle in sleeping bag. It includes solar panel for charging USB devices and portable toilet as well as a portable camp shower. Dine in style with a dining tent complete with dining chairs with back and armrest.
- Requirements of Kilimanjaro: The ascent of Kilimanjaro is not very demanding in terms of mountaineering skills. However, a high degree of endurance and altitude tolerance is required. The walking times of the individual daily stages amount to approx. 5 -7 hours (on the summit day mostly between 12 and 14 hours) in extremely different terrain. Morass, thicket, rock and scree have to be overcome. The increasingly thin air, cold and the steeply ascending path of the last stage to the summit demand a good condition and physical fitness. It is advisable to have your heart and circulation checked before starting the trip, as exertion and high altitude put a lot of strain on the body
- Travel: Travel in a developing country can be fraught with the unexpected. Tolerance, patience and camaraderie are important prerequisites for a good tour and unforgettable experiences. A spirit of adventure will help you overcome tour delays or even changes due to bad weather, sovereign orders, technical defects or other reasons. On the Kilimanjaro climb there are very basic outhouses in the camps.
- Age Restrictions: Minium age for this tour is 10 years old
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.Payment DetailAll pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.Single SupplementAll accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.General Cancellation Policies- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurancePlease Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.LiabilityThe participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.Child PolicyPlease consult travel consultant on age limit.Changes to ItinerariesLocal conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.Changes in PricesWhile we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age LimitsYou need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.Cancellation by The Tour OperatorThe walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.Force Majeure'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.EvacuationsIn rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.Travel InsuranceIn view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.