Kilimanjaro - Team Work

Kilimanjaro Moorlands

Kilimanjaro - Celebrations

Kilimanjaro - Team Work

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The Machame Route is one of Kilimanjaro’s most celebrated trails, known for its breathtaking scenery, ever-changing landscapes, and rewarding challenges. Sleeping under the stars in tents, you’ll experience true mountain adventure while enjoying excellent acclimatization conditions to boost your summit success.

At Genes Adventures, we offer the Machame Route in both 6-day and 7-day versions. While the trail itself remains the same, we highly recommend the 7-day option — giving you an extra day at altitude to adapt, enjoy, and maximize your chances of reaching the Roof of Africa!

Machame Route

6 days - 5 nights

Day 1

After breakfast, depart for Machame Gate, where your guide secures the necessary permits while you enjoy a fresh coffee or tea. Begin your trek through the lush rainforest blanketing Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes—an enchanting world of towering trees, vibrant plants, and playful black-and-white colobus monkeys. After about 5–6 hours of trekking, arrive at Machame Camp where you can freshen up with warm water before a hearty mountain dinner.

Overnight at:

Machame Camp

Altitude:

2,980 meters

Meal plan:

Full board

Day 2

Today’s hike takes you out of the rainforest and onto a rugged ridge lined with heath and moorland. As you ascend, marvel at sweeping views of Mount Meru floating in the distance. Walking 5–6.5 hours with a scenic picnic lunch en route, you reach the open landscapes of Shira Plateau.

Overnight at:

Shira Camp

Altitude:

3,840 meters

Meal plan:

Full board

Day 3

Fuel up with a delicious breakfast before venturing into the Alpine zone. Trek through bizarrely beautiful landscapes of lava ridges and rocky deserts. Reach the Lava Tower at 4,630 meters—a crucial acclimatization point—before descending into the sheltered valley of Baranco Camp. Expect 5–7 hours of walking, taking it slow to let your body adjust to the higher altitudes.

Overnight at:

Baranco Camp

Altitude:

3,900 meters

Meal plan:

Full board

Day 4

Start the day with the scenic Baranco Wall ascent—an exhilarating climb offering jaw-dropping views. Traverse the southern face of Kilimanjaro through barren alpine desert toward Barafu Camp. After 4.5–6 hours of trekking, settle in early to rest and hydrate—you’ll need your strength for summit night!

Overnight at:

Barafu Camp

Altitude:

4,600 meters

Meal plan:

Full board

Day 5

Summit Day! Begin in the dark, guided by stars and determination. Push onward to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) just in time for sunrise—a moment that will stay with you forever. After celebrating at the roof of Africa, descend to Horombo Hut for a well-earned night’s rest.

Overnight at:

Mweka Camp

Altitude:

2,985meters

Meal plan:

Full board

Day 6

On your final day, stroll down through the forest, where lush greenery and lively birdlife welcome you back. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, celebrate your success with a festive champagne brunch hosted by Genes Adventures. Afterwards, transfer back to your hotel for a well-deserved shower, rest, and time to relive your incredible journey.

Overnight at:

Hotel/lodge

Altitude:

n/a

Meal plan:

Half board

2025

1 pax:

2 pax:

3 pax:

4 pax:

5 pax:

6 pax and more:

$2,040

$1,930

$1,860

$1,850

$1,840

$1,810

2026

1 pax:

2 pax:

3 pax:

4 pax:

5 pax:

6 pax and more:

$2,065

$1,955

$1,885

$1,875

$1,865

$1,835

2027

1 pax:

2 pax:

3 pax:

4 pax:

5 pax:

6 pax and more:

$2,090

$1,980

$1,910

$1,900

$1,890

$1,860

Please note: The above prices are indicative and refer to the climb only. For a complete, tailor-made package including transfers, accommodations, and more – contact us for a personalized quote! All our published prices are subject to our Terms and Conditions. For full details, we kindly invite you to review them by clicking [here].

Inclusive:

Park entry, and rescue fees
Services of a professional mountain guide, chef, and support crew
Shared accommodation in tents
Cooking equipment provided
Emergency evacuation coverage
Access to emergency oxygen
All transfers and activities as outlined above

Exlusive:

Tipping can be a sensitive topic in many European/Western countries, but it is a common practice in the tourism industry in East Africa. Check our Tipping Guideline below!
Beverages (treated and boiled drinking water provided on the mountain)
Personal snacks such as energy/protein bars, sweets, crisps, etc.
Personal climbing gear, including sleeping bag and sleeping pad (e.g., Thermarest)
Visa fees and airport departure taxes
International flights and airport transfers
Personal items and anything not specified in the itinerary above

Tipping Guideline Kilimanjaro Climb:

Head Guide: $25-$30 per day / group
Assistant Guide: $15-$20 per day / group
Porters: $7-$10 per porter per day / group
Cook: $12-$15 per day / group
Camp Master: $10-$12 per day / group
Toilet Master: $10-$12 per day / group
Waiter: $12-15 per day / group

Hydration:

Drink Plenty of Water: Aim for at least 3 liters daily, or more at higher altitudes. Soups are excellent for warming up.
Avoid Dehydrating Drinks: Skip energy drinks that cause dehydration, as well as coffee and powdered milk. Instead, opt for tea with honey or glucose, which is available in Arusha.
Insulated Bottles: At higher altitudes, keep an insulated water bottle in your sleeping bag or wrapped in clothing to prevent freezing.
Hydration Systems: Water bladders (like Platypus) are convenient at lower altitudes but may freeze higher up. Always carry an alternative container.
Purification: All drinking water is boiled and purified with tablets.

Staying Warm and Dry:

Clothing: Specialized clothing is crucial. Pack a spare set of thermals in a dry bag for evening use.
Layering: First and second layers are essential during walks. Evening clothing should include heavier layers such as a thicker fleece or Polartec sweater. Insulated gloves, hats, and socks are vital.
Daytime Wear: You'll often climb in shorts and breathable T-shirts (avoid cotton, which retains moisture and freezes overnight). Opt for quick-drying, synthetic tops.
Evening Wear: Heavier jackets and layers will be necessary after sunset.
Packing Motto: "Better to have more than less." Modern technical clothing is lightweight and packs down small.

Tips for Altitude and Walking:

Day Pack: Carry only essentials (jacket, water, snacks) in a 20–30L backpack with a hip strap.
Walking Poles: Great for balance, uphill leverage, and reducing downhill impact on knees.
Pacing: Walk at a comfortable, steady speed. Breathe deeply, syncing breaths with steps (e.g., 2-3 steps per breath). Avoid rushing.
Breaks: Short stops to catch your breath are fine; drink water and enjoy the view. Avoid sitting down unnecessarily.
Energy Snacks: Bring high-energy foods like chocolate and muesli bars for quick boosts.

Summit Day:

Clothing: Specialized clothing is crucial. Pack a spare set of thermals in a dry bag for evening use.
Layering: First and second layers are essential during walks. Evening clothing should include heavier layers such as a thicker fleece or Polartec sweater. Insulated gloves, hats, and socks are vital.
Daytime Wear: You'll often climb in shorts and breathable T-shirts (avoid cotton, which retains moisture and freezes overnight). Opt for quick-drying, synthetic tops.
Evening Wear: Heavier jackets and layers will be necessary after sunset.
Packing Motto: "Better to have more than less." Modern technical clothing is lightweight and packs down small.

Gear Recommendations While Walking:

1st Layer: Thermal tops and leggings (polypropylene or geothermal materials).
2nd Layer: Lightweight Polartec or similar long-sleeved sweater.
3rd Layer: Lightweight wind-stopper fleece.
4th Layer: Breathable, waterproof shell (e.g., Gore-Tex).
Waterproof Overpants: Essential for wet or windy conditions.

Gear Recommendations At Camp:

1st Layer: Dry thermals (a second pair is necessary).
2nd Layer: Heavier Polartec or similar sweater.
3rd Layer: Heavier fleece or down jacket.
4th Layer: Fleece overpants or jogging bottoms.
5th Layer: Breathable wind-stopper shell
6th Layer: Breathable wind-stopper overpants.

Final Notes:

This guide covers the essentials. If you have further questions or need to rent specialized equipment, please let us know in advance. Best of luck from all of us at Genes Adventures!

This itinerary is just an example of the climb only!

Your Kilimanjaro adventure will be fully customized based on your preferences, group size, travel dates, and acclimatization needs. We’re here to help you reach the Roof of Africa in comfort and safety!