Hiking Mt Kilimanjaro is a chance to forge a profound connection to the stunning power of the Earth.
Guided Adventure
DEPARTS EVERY MONDAY (Minimum is 2 guests).
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9 Days - 8 Nights
Connect with culture, history, community and yourself.
Priced from:
$3998USD
Questions?
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Call Us. +1 623.561.0846
TEXT Us. +1 623.800.3649
per person, double occupancy
$500 USD Deposit Due With Registration
Walking
MOVING YOUR FEET
TAKES A LOT OF HEART
What does it mean to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro? Trekking to 19,341 feet above sea level on the Roof of Africa is the only way to find out! Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest elevation peak on the African continent and is one of the Seven Summits.
The dormant volcano commands respect as its impressive prominence makes it visible for hundreds of miles around. As a challenging and 43-mile trek with no technical climbing, Mt. Kilimanjaro is the crowning jewel atop many an adventurer's dream sheet.
Connection
UNLOCK YOUR INNER SPIRIT
The Machame Route is incredibly scenic. Each of the seven days on the mountain offers plenty of time to take in the grand majesty of the mountain itself as well as the small details that your guide will point out along the way.
The ascent begins in lush Afromontane forest, continues across the Shira Plateau which offers stunning views of Mt. Mawenzi and Mt. Meru. The half-way point, Uhuru Peak is Mt. Kilimanjaro's summit and it feels like you can see all of Africa from its summit.
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CHOOSE TO FINISH WHAT YOU START...
Machame is the most popular route to the summit but still requires the strong leadership of a professional guide team to assist you in successfully navigating the well-worn path and returning home safely.
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Your Adventure - Machame Route
Guest Itinerary*
Please note that the details of this itinerary are subject to change. Many of the planned activities are organized according to availability, events or seasonal dates, appropriate weather conditions or the discretion of our guides. We make every effort to provide the experience described in the itinerary with the understanding that some things may change.
Mt. Kilimanjaro Highlights
IT TAKES A TEAM
Trekking the Machame Route requires a team of 7- 9 support staff including professional guides, porters, equipment & camp managers, food service & cooks for each hiker. A team of up to 8 hikers takes a cast of more than 60 for a safe and successful journey.
A MORE FULL EXPERIENCE
Your journey along Machame will challenge you on many different levels. Our professional guide team leaders have over 300 summits underfoot before you ever take a step on the Mountain with them. Just as they are experienced with the varied terrain you'll walk across, they are equally experienced with helping you successfully navigate your journey. They seem to know when you need a push, when you need a rest, when to hand you a much-needed snack and after dinner, when to let you win a hand at UNO.
BETTER WALKS, BETTER LIFE
Your adventure is about YOU walking and traveling in a rich historical and challenging where you are defined by the landscape you are crossing. On the outside this is a challenging adventure that will test your physical preparation. On the inside it is an adventure that will cause you to come to terms with the very tangible reasons you chose to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro. Our goal is to help make this adventure uniquely yours.
Your Adventure
Adventure expeditions with the Walking Connection are geared toward your success and enjoying them from “Top To Bottom,” (Canyoneering), “Bottom To Top,” (Mountaineering) and “From One End To The Other,” on multi-day treks.
Key parts of that success are the preparation, physical training and extensive planning that goes into every journey before it ever begins. With the Walking Connection, you only have to do the first two; prepare yourself and physically train. We do the planning!
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We offer a goal-oriented program that describes where you should be with regard to your physical capabilities in order to have the best chance at accomplishing your goal. It is designed to help you over three months and includes benchmarks for walking, hiking and endurance preparation.
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We provide a comprehensive pre-trip planning guide that includes a guest orientation, gear list, recommendations for everything you will need and want on your adventure such as inoculations, what it is like to travel in Tanzania, personal safety information, etc. Our detailed “Know Before You Go,” covers all of the logistics, your personal itinerary, and more travel recommendations that will help you succeed and enjoy your adventure.
Day-By-Day
Please note that the details of this itinerary are subject to change. Many of the planned activities are organized according to availability, events or seasonal dates, appropriate weather conditions or the discretion of our guides. We make every effort to provide the experience described in the itinerary with the understanding that some things may change.
DAY 1
Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you are met and transferred to your lodge in Arusha. The lodge is set among ancient trees on the slopes of Mount Meru right on the outskirts of town and offers spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro. There is a comprehensive briefing and equipment check with the Climb Manager and trip guide.
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Meals Included: Dinner
Accommodation: Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge
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DAY 2
Kilimanjaro - Machame
From Arusha, set out in a vehicle to the starting point at the Machame Gate. Here you meet the rest of your crew and set off through verdant afromontane forest. A picnic lunch is taken on trail, while resting from the challenging climb.
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Distance: 11 km / ~4000 ft net elevation gain
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Machame Camp
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DAY 3
Kilimanjaro - Shira Plateau
From Machame Camp ascend to Shira 2 Camp. Gain significant altitude in the morning during a steep and challenging climb through the heath zone. A picnic lunch is taken on trail. Take time to check out the attractive Helichrysum and lobelia plants along with some interesting geologic features including lava tubes and glacial valleys.
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Distance: 5 km / ~ 3100 ft net elevation gain
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
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DAY 4
Kilimanjaro - Barranco Camp
Ascend into alpine desert and spend some time acclimatizing at higher elevation (around 15,000 ft). Choose to take an optional trek up to the Lava Tower, if you're feeling ambitious. A picnic lunch is taken en route, before descending to Barranco camp, and spending the night around 13,000 feet.
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Distance: 10 km / ~ 500 ft net elevation gain (Don't be fooled)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
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DAY 5
Kilimanjaro - Karanga Camp
You now have a relatively short day to Karanga Camp, after conquering the Barranco Wall. The selection of Karanga Camp is strategic – significant time at altitude is essential for safe acclimatization and in the late afternoon you arrive in camp. Sunsets here are particularly spectacular with views of the southern glacial valleys and ice fields towering 1000 meters (over 3000 feet) above.
Distance: 5 km / ~ 100 ft net elevation gain
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
DAY 6
Kilimanjaro - Barafu Camp
Spend a half day ascending to Barafu Camp, arriving before lunch. Desolate alpine desert surrounds the camp and splendid views of Mawenzi peak are the norm. High winds commonly sweep through the area. Dinner is served relatively early, allowing for an evening of rest before the summit bid.
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Distance: 4 km / ~ 2200 ft net elevation gain
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
DAY 7
Kilimanjaro - Uhuru - Mweka
A true summit bid begins with an Alpine Start! Departing just before midnight for the final push. Patience and persistence is the name of game to reach the summit and most arrive near the rim, in perfect time to view the sunrise. Ascending via Stella Point affords a relatively short final section to Uhuru peak, the Roof of Africa!
What goes up must come down and the goal is to return to Mweka camp before dusk.
Distance: 5 km ascent / ~ 4045 ft net elevation gain
12 km descent / ~ 9300 ft net elevation loss
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
DAY 8
Kilimanjaro - Mweka - Arusha
After breakfast, descend once again through montane forest and return to the trailhead around mid day. Say farewell to the guide crew, before transferring back to the lodge for a well-deserved shower and celebratory dinner!
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Distance: 10 km / ~ 4600 ft net elevation loss
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge
WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE?
• Challenging and an exemplary itinerary designed for optimal acclimatization and maximum success rate.
• 8 nights lodge and camp accommodations, as indicated in the itinerary. • 3-person tent (double occupancy), 3-inch mattress, and -30 degree sleeping bag with liner, prepared at each camp before your arrival. • Daily meals, as indicated in the itinerary, and treated drinking water, tea, coffee & hot chocolate. • Walk-in mess tent – table, backed chairs, and cutlery. • Toilet tent – cleaner and more private facilities. • Resident local guides with extensive safety and altitude training, camp managers, cooks, and porters. • Supplemental oxygen (if needed) and pulse oximeters. •Airport transfers. • National Park entry fees, taxes. • Detailed Know Before You Go information, including recommended website, reading lists, packing list, and weather forecast.
WHAT DOES THE PRICE NOT INCLUDE?
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Local guide gratuities. All international and domestic airfares with tax (not listed in the above inclusions).
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All items of a personal nature, including beverages and shopping.
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All passport and visa application fees, vaccination, and medical consulting fees
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All international departure taxes collected at the airport of departure.
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Additional hotels stay pre- or post- scheduled itinerary.
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Early check-in or late check-out of rooms
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Optional tours.
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Photographs or phone calls.
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Discounts/Refunds on any unused portion of the tour.
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Travel Insurance.
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Hospital bills of international evacuation in case of emergency.
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Anything that is not expressly stated in the itinerary or on the inclusion list above.
CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICIES.
Cancellation, Penalty & Refund Policies: Should you have to cancel your tour the following terms will apply: Due to the exclusive and small group nature of this adventure, for all cancellation requests the following applies.
Updated 5/2021 Covid-19 Policy: For this trip, your initial deposit of $500.00 USD will be fully refundable or transferable up until 61 days prior to departure. If your initial deposit was a credit from a previous trip postponement, it can only be used as a credit for a future trip, no cash refunds.
Due to the current unpredictability and volatile nature of today’s world due to the COVID pandemic, 65 days prior to departure we will evaluate whether the trip will be confirmed and or if in our sole discretion the group travel dates need to be adjusted; or if any policies need to be modified going forward. We will notify you at that time so you can adjust your scheduling accordingly.
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0-60-Day policy for trip cancellations for scheduled departures. On your behalf, the Walking Connection makes non-refundable deposits and payments to complete your reservation with our vendors and suppliers. That is why your deposit(s) and final payments are non-refundable during this period.
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Due to COVID, travel restrictions are often enacted by governments, airlines, and agencies often with little or no notice. Should this occur during the time period of 0-60 days prior to your trip, we have made arrangements with our vendors and ground team on the Mt. Kilimanjaro Adventures to provide a credit equal to your payments and apply it to another date and similar trip in 2021 or 2022. Your reservation will be transferred on a space-available basis. This credit cannot be used for any other Walking Connection adventure or exchanged for a credit card or a cash refund.
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For cancellations 60-31 days prior to the trip, 50% penalty of the total trip cost.
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For cancellations 30-15 days prior to the trip, 75% penalty of the total trip cost.
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For cancellations 0-14 days, and no shows, no refunds.
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No refunds will be made for any unused portion of the tour.
WHO'S GOING ON
THIS TRIP?
Our adventures typically have between 4 and 12 guests. Walking Connection travel experiences are inclusive for a variety of abilities of positive and like-minded guests, happy to enjoy nature, culture, history and fantastic food along the way including solo travelers, couples and friends traveling together. This trip will be hosted by co-founders Jo Ann and Gene Taylor -- Come Walk With Us!
We're Here To Help!
Call us at (623) 561-0846 to speak with a Walking Connection Adventure Expert.