All-Women’s Climbing Along the Kilimanjaro Machame Route

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, please refer to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

What you get on this adventure:

• • An experienced, English-speaking mountain guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • Full 7 days of climbing and 3 days for arrival and departure
  • All technical climbing gear
  • Camping equipment (tents, cooking gear, climbing equipment, medical kit, GPS beacon)
  • All in-country transport
  • Meals on the mountain
  • Breakfasts in Arusha
  • Accommodation in Arusha & on trail —  rates based on double occupancy
  • Logistics and porter support on the mountain
  • Porter support up to 15kg per person

What’s not included:

• • Transportation to Arusha, Tanzania
  • Lunches/dinners in Arusha
  • Travel or rescue insurance
  • Beverages
  • Personal expenses

This climb is best suited for those who have previous experience with endurance endeavors and backpacking, but it is suitable for first-time trekkers and mountaineers as well. Determination and grit may be more critical for a Kilimanjaro summit bid than athletic ability but being in good shape will help you get the most enjoyment out of this trip. All you’ll be needing is determination and the will to get to the summit. The real challenge will be the altitude and the rate of ascent. To ensure you have a good time, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.

The effects of altitude can be felt at elevations as low as 8000ft. Throughout the expedition you will hike and sleep at elevations ranging from 4,600ft (Arusha) to >15,000ft (High Camp) with Kilimanjaro’s summit at nearly 20,000ft. 

No prior experience is necessary, but it is always welcome. Kilimanjaro has plenty of options for beginner climbers, and this 7-day adventure is a demanding trip yet suitable for first-time trekkers with a desire to push themselves in a mountain environment. Above all, your instructor’s number one priority is your safety. As long as you listen to the given instructions, you’ll succeed in completing your climb.

Most of the climbing and camping equipment will be provided by your guiding service. You’ll receive a more detailed gear list after you confirm your booking but here’s a preview of what you’ll need to bring yourself:

• • Backpack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40L bag)
  • Waterproof duffle bag (around 80L)
  • Top Base Layer
  • Bottom Base Layer
  • 4-5 Pairs of Underwear
  • 3-4 Short Sleeve
  • 1 Insulated Trekking Pants
  • 1-2 Long Sleeve Hiking Shirts
  • 1-2 Pairs of Hiking Trousers
  • 1 Insulated Winter Jacket
  • 1 Polartec Fleece Jacket
  • 1 Hard Shell Jacket
  • Warm beanie
  • Sunhat
  • Lightweight gloves
  • Mittens
  • Neck gaiter
  • Trekking shoes
  • Training shoes for camp
  • Gaiters
  • Four-season sleeping bag
  • Sleeping mat and liner
  • Compression sack for sleeping bag
  • Water bottle
  • Snacks you can eat on-the-go (energy bars, electrolytes, sports drinks)
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  • 100% UV Sunglasses
  • Headlamp
  • Extra batteries
  • Adapter
  • Camera — optional

You will need clothes for hiking during the day, resting in the evening, and for sleeping. Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season.

The porters will carry your main duffel bag. The weight of this pack on Kilimanjaro is limited to 15 kg (35 pounds). Overweight or extra luggage will require an extra porter. Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, hand-washable, and quick-drying, which means no cotton.

Group sizes and prices:

• • The group size for this adventure is 6 women with one guide.
  • Cost is per person and it doesn’t decrease as the group grows.

Climbing days in Kilimanjaro can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

Min. age requirements:

• • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to climb on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

To get to Kilimanjaro, you first have to reach Arusha. To get to Arusha, most people fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle. Julius Nyerere International Airport in the capital of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam, is 2 hours away from Arusha by plane. The cheapest way to reach Kilimanjaro is by flying into Nairobi, Kenya, and taking a connecting flight. If you’re feeling adventurous, it is also possible to travel by road from Kenya, as there are numerous bus and shuttle options.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location.