The total distance covered along the Machame Route from start to finish is roughly 62 kilometers (37 miles), encompassing the entire ascent and descent.

The elevation gain from the starting point to the peak measures 4,157 meters. It is climbed over 6 consecutive days, with each day’s trek lasting approximately 5 to 7 hours.

The six camps along the Machame Route are:

• Machame Camp (Altitude 3,000m)
• Shira Camp (Altitude 3,850m)
• Barranco Camp (Altitude: 3,950m)
• Karanga Camp (Altitude 3,950m)
• Barafu Camp (Altitude: 4,600m)
• Mweka Camp (Altitude: 3,800m)

Although Kilimanjaro does not require any technical mountaineering ability it should be remembered that it is 5,895m high and is a serious physical undertaking.

You will spend a minimum of 7 days trekking (depending on your itinerary) with most of those days at altitude.

You should be physically fit enough to be able to walk for at least 12 hours if not longer. Your summit day for example will be a physically and mentally challenging day with a large ascent followed by a considerable descent also.

Why not check out our blog – How difficult is the Everest Base Camp Trek?

For most, the fitter you are the more you will enjoy your experience and although it is difficult to train for trekking at altitude there are forms of exercise that will at least help you prepare.

Advice will be available when booking on how best to train for this trek. Increasing your general fitness level from time of booking to departure would be of great benefit for the trek.

Whilst in country we often use a range of transport depending on the requirements needed, group size
and other considerations.

This can range from private taxi, minibus, tourist coach and safari jeep. We appreciate that vehicle standards can differ outside of the UK but work to ensure that vehicles used in country are fit for purpose and safe.

This way your journey will be as comfortable as possible. If vehicles are not deemed fit for purpose alternative options will be sought.

Porters, guides and your cooks will be a vital part of your trek on Kilimanjaro.

They will carry your bags, set up and pack up camp whilst your cooks will prepare your meals.

It is important to us that they are treated fairly.

We only use porters who are employed under the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project’s Proper Porter Treatment guidelines. The project works to ensure the working conditions are improved for porters and monitors those companies using porters to ensure the fair treatment guidelines are met.

The porters and guides are there to support you as much as possible and also look out for your welfare. Each day, porters and cooks will walk ahead to set up the camp in time for your arrival so when you arrive you can relax and take in your surroundings however high up you might be.

Guides, porters and cooks are paid a wage however it is customary to tip them at the end of your trek. If you think about it, they will have carried all your kit (possibly on their head) for 7 days, cooked and cleaned for you also so a little extra is most likely deserved.

There are guidelines to tipping amounts and usually provided in US dollars. Further guidance will be provided closer to your trek.

Note: tips are not included in the cost of your trek. Mountaineerin Ltd is also a Partner for responsible travel with the Kilimanjaro Porters Association Project, which ensures that we along with our in country partners treat porters fairly and inline with specific guidelines. For more information visit: http://www.kiliporters.org

Old Kit – Many of our porters do not have quality personal kit such as fleeces, boots, jackets etc. If you have any old kit you would like to gift to our porters then please bring this with you. Any kit and any size will be considered as long as it is not damaged. We’ll take it off you when you arrive.

The package includes 2 nights B&B accommodation (1 day before and 1 day after the trek.) This will be provided in same sex twin rooms (please advise if you would prefer a double room).

Single rooms are available subject to availability however there may be an additional charge. Please ask for details.

Accommodation during the trek is provided in tents at several camps on the mountain.

Tented accommodation is normally in same sex 3 person tents (2 sharing).

Also provided is a mess tent for meal times, toilet tent, tables and chairs so you can relax after a tough day on the trail.

Kilimanjaro has two main trekking seasons, which avoid the wet/rainy season. This does not mean that it doesn’t rain during these times but it’s usually drier than the wet season.

January to March and June to October are regarded as the best options especially if wanting to experience cloud free
summits.

This does not mean to say you cannot go outside of these months however there is a greater chance of spending long days in the rain and experiencing cloud covered summits.

Temperatures during the January/March season are often lower than June/October and there is a possibility of encountering snow on the paths higher up.

Although we hope you do not incur delays in your outbound and homebound journeys to and from the start/end points we can never rule them out.

There are not necessarily any arrangements in place for such an issue but your trip guide and Mountaineerin Ltd will do everything possible to support you should this happen.c

Footwear

After reviewing our kit list, risk assessments and procedures, it would not be defensible to go against the recommendations set out. 

With this in mind Mountaineerin will be advising that all participants need to wear walking boots with ankle support as per our kit list.

The terrain can be rocky and uneven, and given the nature of the event with people progressively getting more fatigued boots provide the best way of reducing the risk of strains, sprains or worse. We appreciate an ankle injury is not always a major problem however in mountain terrain far from help it can pose significant logistical issues and seriously impact the event. 

As per our kit list all participants are expected to be suitable equipped with the correct recommend footwear which is walking boots. You may be refused participation if you do not have the appropriate footwear. 

Clothing

You do not need any specialist equipment for climbing Kilimanjaro however specific mountain clothing would benefit you greatly rather than hoodies and sweatshirts.

The best system for mountain walking anywhere is to have several layers that you can put on and take off as and when you get too hot or too cold. Each layer traps a certain amount of air, which over time, your body heats up therefore insulating your body.

Luggage

Your kit will be put into 2 bags for the trek, 1, which you will carry (your daysack) and 1, which your porter will carry (normally a larger rucksack or duffle bag).

You will carry all the items you need for each day in your daysack whereas the porters will carry everything else, such as group equipment, sleeping bags, extra clothes, food etc.

Kit List

A complete kit list will be provided upon booking.

Personal trip insurance is essential for a trip of this kind and you should be specific in telling your insurer about what you are doing. For example most insurers cover you as standard up to a certain height on well known trekking routes.

The highest point of this trek is 5,895m high and it is unlikely that an ascent of this kind would be covered under a standard policy due to the increased risk.

You should read any policy very carefully before committing to it and make sure it covers everything you expect it to. If you are unsure about any sections then contact the insurer for clarification prior to purchasing any policy.

You will be asked to provide your policy number and insurance details prior to the trek should we need to contact them in the event of an emergency.

We advise reading any policy fully before committing to it.

Personal trip insurance is available from Travel & General and a quote can be obtained by following this link.

Travel & General Insurances Services Limited (t&g) is a specialist intermediary focused on the travel industry. t&g have been providing travel bonds and travel insurance to travel organisers in the UK and Irish travel markets since 1983 and have gained a wealth of experience over the last thirty years making t&g an ideal insurance partner.

Note: You are welcome to choose whichever insurer suits your needs however it should include suitable
cover for evacuation in case of emergency.

We reserve the right to refuse any participant whom we do not feel has obtained suitable insurance or who is unwilling to share details of the policy.

Mountaineerin ltd is fully insured for all the activities and packages it offers. If you require any further information regarding out policy details please contact us.