KILIMANJARO
Seven days, from rainforest to glacier.
DURATION
7 days
6 possible
DISTANCE
62 km
Gate to gate
SUMMIT
5,895 m
Uhuru Peak
DIFFICULTY
Demanding
No climbing skills needed
SLEEP
Private camps
Tents, every night
IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
Machame climbs high and sleeps low by design, so your body adjusts as you go. It is demanding, varied and beautiful, and it is the route we recommend first.
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING ELSE?
Machame is the route I recommend without hesitation.
Never been on a mountain? This is where you start. The climb high, sleep low profile does the work for you, and by summit night your body has had every chance to be ready.
Rawan Dakik
FOUNDER · ALL SEVEN SUMMITS
THE CLIMB
You meet your crew at the gate and walk up through thick rainforest, often with colobus monkeys overhead. Camp sits right at the edge of the forest.
A steeper climb out of the forest onto open moorland, with your first wide views of Kibo and, on a clear afternoon, Mount Meru floating above the clouds.
The key acclimatisation day. You climb to Lava Tower at 4,630 m, then walk down to sleep in the Barranco valley beneath the glaciers. Climb high, sleep low.
The famous Barranco Wall: a steep scramble with your hands on the rock, but no technical climbing. Most of our guests say it is their favourite morning on the mountain.
A short walk to high camp. A summit briefing, an early dinner and a few hours of rest before the summit push.
You set off around midnight by headlamp, reach Stella Point as the sun rises, then Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. Then the long walk down to Mweka Camp.
A last walk down through the forest, a farewell with your crew, and your summit certificate at the gate.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
INCLUDED ON EVERY CLIMB
NOT INCLUDED
LUXURY CLIMB
$3,100 per person
Everything above, plus:
WHEN TO GO
Dry, clear and quieter than August. June to October and January to February are all great. In the rainy months we’ll usually suggest another route.
FROM THE SUMMIT
I had the chance to climb Kilimanjaro with Dakik Expedition’s team, and the entire experience was exceptional from start to finish. They made what could be a very challenging adventure feel smooth, well-organized, and enjoyable. The guides were extremely supportive and motivating throughout the climb, always encouraging us and ensuring our safety.
It looks dramatic, but it is a scramble rather than a climb: you use your hands on the rock in a few places, with your guide beside you. No ropes or climbing experience are needed.
We recommend 7. The extra day at Karanga gives your body more time to adjust, and it makes summit night noticeably easier, especially on a first climb.
It is one of the most popular routes, especially in August. Your camp is always private to your group.
It is Machame's nickname, compared with Marangu, the Coca-Cola Route. Machame is the harder, more rewarding of the two.
START PLANNING
Tell us a little about your plans and we’ll get back to you within a few hours.
Let's talk about your Tanzania.