Climbing Kilimanjaro via the 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 traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Machame, Kilimanjaro, 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:

• 2 experienced, local hiking guides with extensive knowledge of the area
• Camp crew, a cook, and porters
• A full 7 days of trekking and climbing
• Meals during the climb (3 meals per day)
• Drinking water
• Safety devices
• Emergency rescue
• Transportation to the trailhead and back
• Tents and camping gear
• Park fees and permits

What’s not included:

• Shower/wash tent — available for an additional fee
• Transportation to Arusha, Tanzania
• Airport transfers 
• Accommodations prior to and after the trip

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. Kilimanjaro has plenty of options for beginner climbers, and this 7-day adventure is a demanding trip yet suitable for first-time trekkers with excellent fitness and a desire to push themselves in a mountain environment. Certain sections of the trail are strenuous, steep, and more demanding. Still, it does not require technical skills or mountaineering equipment such as ice axes, crampons, harnesses, and ropes. 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. 

All climbing and camping equipment will be provided by your guiding service. Here’s what you’ll need to bring:

• Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 35-45L bag)
• Rucksack with cover (around a 55-65L bag, for a porter to carry your main gear) 
• Dry bags
• Hiking poles — optional
• Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
• Warm hat and a buff or scarf
• Sun hat 
• Warm gloves or mitts and thin liner gloves are also useful
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Waterproof gaiters
• Warm jacket – fleece or down jacket, potentially ski jacket
• Waterproof jacket over the top
• Fleece tops or hiking shirts/sweatshirts
• Base layers or T-shirts
• Pair of trekking trousers and shorts
• Leggings or thermal bottoms or running tights
• Several sets of underwear – cotton best avoided
• Several pairs of good quality trekking socks
• Waterproof trekking boots 
• Trainers or flip flops/sandals
• Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
• Favorite snack bars
• Headtorch
• Powerpack for charging phones etc
• Wash kit — no showers on the mountain but you can have a bucket wash
• Flask for hot drinks — optional, useful on summit night
• Earplugs — optional
• Sunglasses
• Camera — optional (but recommended)

For camping, you need to bring:

• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping bag thermal liner
• Pillow
• Thick foam mat or self-inflating mat (like a Therm-A-Rest) — can be provided by the guide

Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans. Keep in mind that it can get very cold in some of the camps due to strong winds. 

A porter can carry a max of 18kg/39.6Lbs, including food, accommodation, wages, etc. There will be multiple porters depending on the amount of baggage and in case your baggage weighs more, you can hire another porter for an additional fee.

Group sizes and prices:

• For this group adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 4:1 with up to 8 people in a group. 
• The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family! 

Climbing days on the Machame route 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 airport or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.