Tanzania·1 - 9 June 2025
Climb via the epic Machame Route in the best style imaginable.
BOOK NOWExperience Mount Kilimanjaro like never before with our luxury expedition, designed to combine the thrill of adventure with the utmost comfort, care, and attention to detail. Reaching the majestic Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa and one of the ‘Seven Summits’ is one of the best things you can do in your lifetime and with our unparalleled service, you will feel safe, supported and celebrated every step of the way. Your journey begins and ends at the Gran Melia in Arusha, one of Tanzania’s best hotels. Here, you can relax in beautiful surroundings before setting out on your climb and return to celebrate your success in absolute style. On the mountain, our luxury camp redefines comfort at altitude, featuring the most spacious tents, comfortable cot beds, warmest sleeping bags, personal sinks, hot water bottles, private toilets, showers and every other touch we can think of to delight you. Each meal is a culinary delight, created by our talented head chef, who prepares the best food served at altitude anywhere in the world. Your safety and well-being are our highest priorities. Our experienced experienced expedition doctor, accompanies the adventure for your peace of mind, providing expert care and ensuring that every guest feels confident and secure throughout the climb. And when it’s time to descend after summit, guests will be flown from the high camp back to Gran Melia by helicopter, avoiding the long hike down and getting you to your celebration massage and dinner as quickly as possible. This is more than a trek. It is a meticulously curated, luxury adventure where every detail is designed to help you achieve your dream with ease, comfort, and unparalleled support.
Camping, but in the best style! We have private showers and toilets accompany us, along with many other comforts including double sleeping mattresses and pillows.
True Summit Adventures founder Oliver Browne has 10 ascents of Kilimanjaro and leads this special expedition alongside our Tanzanian Head Guide, John Bosco.
Our doctor, Emmanuel Tesha, has summited Kilimanjaro more than 10 times, is on hand for your safety and peace of mind.
We make our summit bid from the strictly private Kosovo Camp, making the summit push (and descent) one hour shorter.
From the head guide and his assistant guides to the camp manager, high altitude porters & chefs, we have assembled arguably the best team on Kilimanjaro.
The Machame 7 Day route is widely considered the best route on Kilimanjaro in terms of scenery and acclimatisation.
The Gran Melia Arusha, is the best hotel in the area and a great launch pad for the ascent.
Oliver is the Founder of True Summit Adventures, a certified Mountain Leader and an experienced adventurer and alpinist.
Oliver has summited Kilimanjaro 10 times, in 2019, 2022, 3 times in 2023, 4 times in 2024 and once so far in 2025 .
On Kilimanjaro he says, "I think it's one of the best things you can do in your lifetime. It does not matter how many times I climb it, it is always out of this world. I wish for everyone to see it, to experience it."
John is one of the most experienced guides working on Kilimanjaro with over 200 summits, with many coming via the Western Breach, by far and away the most technical route on Kilimanjaro and the most dangerous.
John has an impressive record of getting people to the summit. The oldest client he has guided to the summit to date was 78 years old while the youngest was just 9!
John has an impeccable safety record, undergoes regular First Aid training and is highly experienced at recognising and treating the symptoms of AMS.
John will no doubt impress you with his kind and professional manner, attention to detail and skill on the mountain.
A proud Massai, our head assistant guide Kennedy began working on Kilimanjaro as a teenage porter before attending Mweka Wildlife College and becoming a certified guide.
He has been working as a lead guide on the mountain for 10-plus years, and has been to the summit more than 100 times.
Kennedy lives on his farm in Arusha with his wife and two children where he grows coffee, bananas and avocados.
Dr Emmanuel Tesha, an expert in AMS and high altitude rescue joins the expedition for your safety and peace of mind.
This is Dr Emmanuel's fourth Kilimanjaro ascent with True Summit Adventures, having accompanied private trips in 2022, 2023 and 2024 - in total, he has more than 10 ascents of the mountain.
A graduate of Kibaha College of Health and Allied Sciences, Dr Emmanuel has been a general practitioner for 7 years and has spent two years working with KILIMEDAIR doing medical search and rescue in Tanzania's National Parks.
Steven is one of the most experienced chefs own Kilimanjaro and serves some of the best food we have seen or tasted at high altitude anywhere in the world.
A graduate of the Royal Institute of Tourism in Moshi, Steven has over 15 years of experience cooking on Kilimanjaro. He produces excellent food whatever your dietary requirements.
He lives in Moshi with his wife and four children.
A graduate of Tanzania's National College of Tourism, Arusha-born Mathew started working on Kilimanjaro as a porter when he was in his teens.
With over 15 years of experience running expeditions, Mathew is one of the best logistics managers working in Tanzania.
He will be on hand in Moshi to manage the expedition through its entirety and is responsible for guests should they need to leave the climb early for any reason.
JOURNEY TO THE SUMMIT
The Machame Route is known for its spectacular views, challenging nature, and lower chance of overcrowding.
Technically speaking, the Machame route has some steeper sections, scrambles (including the famous Baranco Wall), and longer distances trekking between camps compared to other routes. However, the topography allows climbers to trek high and sleep low, making acclimatisation easier and contributing to higher summit success rates.
The route starts along the southwest side of the mountain, entering at Machame Camp before proceeding steeply north, and traversing the Shira Plateau. It eventually joins the Shira and Lemosho routes at Shira Camp, and ends at Mweka Gate.
Embark on a luxurious adventure to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Machame Route, combining breathtaking views, expert guides, and exceptional comfort for an unforgettable ascent.
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Welcome to Tanzania and to the adventure of a lifetime.
A True Summit Adventures team member will collect you from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and take you to the team hotel and base in Arusha. We use the excellent Gran Meliá Arusha, the best hotel in the area.
Once settled in, please relax by the pool, hit the gym, have a massage, or maybe head into town for a coffee.
In the evening, we gather for introductions with our team and fellow guests, followed by a hearty dinner to enjoy together.
This exciting itinerary begins with a scenic hike to the stunning Materuni Waterfall, located in the Kilimanjaro region. The waterfall stands at 80 meters high, surrounded by lush greenery, and offers a chance to explore local culture with a visit to a nearby Chaga village.
Alternatively, you can enjoy a walking safari in Arusha National Park, located at the base of Mount Meru. Here, you’ll encounter wildlife like giraffes, zebras, and various bird species while guided by expert rangers.
After these adventures, an expedition briefing and gear check will ensure you’re fully prepared for your upcoming Mount Kilimanjaro climb, covering all safety protocols and confirming your equipment is in top condition.
The day concludes with a relaxing dinner and overnight stay at the luxurious Gran Meliá hotel in Arusha, offering comfort and first-class amenities before you begin your unforgettable Kilimanjaro journey.
Be sure to eat a lot as the climb is long and arduous...
Today is the day and everyone is excited to start!
After breakfast at the hotel we make the 1 hour journey to the Machame Gate.
Here we meet our expert climbing crew; guides, porters and camp teams and complete the necessary park registrations.
Today, the trekking is relatively relaxed. The first section of the climb meanders gently through magnificent, dense rainforest to Machame Camp.
Our guides set a steady, maintainable pace, the best way to enjoy Kilimanjaro and experience this epic journey.
In the evening we adjust to expedition life and get stuck into the best food available on the mountain, courtesy of our excellent Head Chef Steven.
Today we continue steeply up through forest until we reach the Shira Plateau. Here we will enjoy amazing views of Kilimanjaro, directly ahead of us, and Mount Meru in the distance.
Mount Meru is another dormant volcano, close to Arusha, some 70km west of Kilimanjaro. At 4500m its summit normally protrudes from the clouds providing a beautiful backdrop to the climb.
Our day's hiking concludes at Shira Camp, at 3750m. Arriving by 1pm we can enjoy lunch al fresco if the sun is shining. In the afternoon we take a walk to the ancient Shira Cave and push a little higher up the mountain for some added acclimatisation.
Our journey through this diverse landscape continues and today we head above the treeline and onto the high moorland where we traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing under the imposing Lava Tower, where we stop for lunch.
Today we gain some serious altitude - touching 4600m at the Lava Tower, but following the mountaineering code of ‘trek high, sleep low’, we will descend to the Baranco Camp for the night, helping our bodies acclimatise as we continue our push to the roof of Africa.
Today we reach one of the highlights of the whole trek – the famous Baranco Wall. The steepest section of the climb, you should expect epic scrambling followed by stunning views.
By this point you will no doubt marvel at the strength of the Tanzanian porters as they cheerfully haul packs with gravity-defying ease up the steep slopes of the wall.
Tea, coffee and snacks await you at the top before we head towards the Karanga Valley, and a final climb which takes us into camp at 3,963m.
Today we make the short hike to Kosovo Camp our launchpad for the summit.
For this expedition we use the private Kosovo Camp as opposed to the Barafu Camp which gets us higher up the mountain, cutting time to the summit and on the descent.
Most of today will be spent settling in at the camp, fuelling up, and resting as we prepare physically for the long night and day to follow.
After an early dinner, final team briefing and gear check, we aim to get a few hours sleep before a midnight breakfast and the climb to the summit!
The big day is finally here! As people around the world are sleeping in their beds we begin our climb to the top of Kilimanjaro.
Starting just after midnight, we will move collectively over the scree and up towards the summit glaciers. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of sun hit us.
Surrounded by stunning ice cliffs, facing the jagged Mawenzi Peak, and alive with the energy of the mountain – we guarantee it will be moment you'll never forget.
Another hour’s walk takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). Here we will gather to celebrate and take the all important summit photos!
After summiting we return to Kosovo Camp via Stella Point for a well-earned breakfast rest. After your incredible achievement, enjoy a helicopter ride directly to Gran Melia from Kosovo Camp for ultimate comfort.
End the day with hot showers, massages and a well-deserved celebratory dinner, marking the completion of your unforgettable journey.
Today we reach the conclusion of our epic adventure.
We hope that this experience of climbing Kilimanjaro together will be an experience you never forget! That you will feel inspired, energised and full of joy for weeks if not months to come..
Drivers will be on hand to take you the airport. Alternatively, stay on in beautiful Tanzania, nd embark on a safari in one of the National Parks or head to its exquisite Indian Ocean beaches.
You can also visit the child orphanage and baby rescue centre we support in Arusha, Neema Village.
Visiting Neema is a powerful experience; both heart warming and heartbreaking at the same time. But few people who visit are not moved by the vital work being done here by Doris and Michael Fortson.
Nestled between the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro National Parks, the Gran Meliá Arusha is a genuine five-star hotel offering the best place from which to launch your Kilimanjaro ascent.
The Gran Meliá has excellent restaurants and facilities, including spa, pool and gym, for you to enjoy before and after your climb.
It is camping, but camping done in the best possible style in the history of Kilimanjaro. Experience the feeling of freedom and adventure that sleeping under the stars gives you, but with as many comforts, extras and add-ons as you can imagine, including spacious tents you can stand up in with all the best accessories, camp beds, portable showers and private toilets.
Hot drinks are served inside tents before breakfast each morning, with all meals taking place in our dedicated “mess” tent.
Airport transfers
Pre- and post- trip accommodation
Welcome and farewell dinners
Kilimanjaro National Park fees, camping fees and rescue fees
Transportation to and from mountain gate
Tanzanian Guides
One porter per guest for main bag (max weight 20kg)
4-season mountain tents
Sleeping matress
Sleeping bags (-15ºC limit)
3 meals a day on the mountain
Filtered and treated water throughout
Supplemental oxygen if required, plus oximeter
Portable flush toilets
Fair wages for the mountain crew
Dedicated logistics manager
Launch from Kosovo Camp
Portable shower
Full support in Arusha if your trip ends early
Team Doctor
Flights
Travel insurance
Tanzanian Entry Visa ($50 on arrival for British passport holders)
Single supplement
Lunch on arrival / departure day
Alcoholic drinks
Tips to the high mountain crew (At least $350)
Youth is no barrier to climbing Kilimanjaro, but participants must be fit and ready to hike for 6 to 7 hours a day. Fourteen is a sensible age to attempt Africa's highest peak.
Like any mountain, the weather is changeable. It can get very cold at night, and temperatures drop further as altitude increases. Summit temperatures are usually from -3 to -8 degrees Celsius.
Expedition members should be fit enough to hike uphill for six to eight hours a day for multiple days. If you can walk comfortably walk 21km on consecutive days then it is a good sign your fitness is where it needs to be to consider this expedition.
Very good. You can expect lots of high-energy foods such as rice, pasta, and potatoes, along with lots of stews and curry. Our high mountain chefs can cater for vegetarians, vegans, and those on a gluten-free diet.
Kilimanjaro is more difficult than the Everest Basecamp trek due to the (slightly) higher altitude and the camping element which makes rest and recovery harder.
In the unlikely event of you wanting or having to leave the climb early we have a full set of protocols in place to get you safely down the mountain. Our team includes first aiders and we carry a satellite phone at all times in case an emergency evacuation is required. Our logistics manager will also be on hand to deal with any unexpected events and organise your new itinerary.
Yes. This is encouraged and we would be delighted to organise this powerful experience for you.
The weather on Kilimanjaro can be interchangeable so adhere to the kit list and bring the all important poncho in case of heavier rain.
The visa on arrival and the tip to the high mountain crew should be paid in US$.
The climb is achievable for anyone with a good level of fitness and a determined mindset.
With Ngorogoro, Tarangire, and Serengeti National Parks all within striking distance of Arusha, stay on for an epic safari and see the 'Big 5'.
Our "Kili" Blogs
Oliver Browne · Thu 8 Jun 2023
Oliver Browne, True Summit Adventures' CEO, answers the questions on our expeditions to the highest freestanding mountain in the world
Oliver Browne · Mon 14 Nov 2022
A short note on preparing for climbing Kilimanjaro!
Oliver Browne · Sat 25 Jun 2022
Visiting the baby rescue centre Neema Village, Arusha
