Women’s Adventure Summit Kilimanjaro + Safari Adventure
September 21-29, 2024
+ optional add-ons: early arrival & safari adventure!
Have you dreamed of summiting the tallest mountain in Africa? Women Who Explore is excited to be offering this 7 day trek up the Machame Route… also known as the Whiskey Route! This free-standing behemoth has Seven Summits status at 19,342 feet. The Machame Route is often considered the most scenic of the routes, passing several landmarks including the famed Lava Tower and Shira Plateau. Spending 7 days on this route offers the best success rate for summiting with 2 days spent acclimatizing to the altitude.
Visiting Tanzania wouldn’t be complete without a safari trip! After the 7 day trek, you have the option to add on a 3 day safari package. We will visit Lake Manyara National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park and see lions, zebras, elephants, wildebeest and so much more!
Day 1:
arrive in Tanzania
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) by 11:00 a.m. A private transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel for the evening where you will have some time to settle in, relax, grab lunch or take a nap. Hopefully you had a window seat and the day was clear so you already had your first glimpse of Kilimanjaro!
In the afternoon we will meet with our guide to go through our gear and make sure that everyone is ready for our big trek tomorrow! There is a strict weight limit for the duffel the porters carry and our guides want to ensure we are fully prepared for our trek. If for any reason you are missing or forgot something, our guides will have rental equipment available.
We will meet for dinner at the hotel and go over any last minute details before our journey begins!
Day 2:
MACHAME GATE – MACHAME CAMP: Welcome to the jungle!
Departing from Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through the Village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead. We will enjoy a hearty lunch, take photos in front of the gate and fill our water bladders before our trek starts.
Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
Once we arrive at camp, you will have a moment to wash up for dinner. While the sun is beginning to set, you might just catch a glimpse of the summit!
10.75K /7MI | 5-6 HRS
Elevation: 1811m/5942ft to 3021m/9911ft
Altitude gained: 1210m
Day 3:
Machame Camp-Shira Camp: moorland
After a good night sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. We will pass through some beautiful rock formations and begin to have epic views along the trail. Because this section is steep, it can get a little crowded at times. Don’t worry though, the busy mountain is a vibe. You’ll hear conversations in many different languages and porters singing as they’re passing us by.
The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite. After a short rest, we will have the opportunity for a short walk to a viewpoint. These acclimation walks are key to helping prepare you for the rest of the trek.
5.3KM/3MI | 4-5HRS
Elevation: 3021m/9911ft to 3839m/12,595ft
Altitude gained: 818m
Day 4:
Shira Camp-Lava Tower-Barranco camp: Semi-desert
Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue Southeast towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). You will arrive to coffee, tea, and a hot meal!
After our meal, we will start a sharp decent and make our way to the second junction, where we will continue to descend to Barranco Camp. You will know we are close when we see the prehistoric looking, giant groundsel trees. This particular species has adapted to area and is only found on Kilimanjaro.
Catching first glimpse of Barranco Camp is an exciting moment! Nestled in a beautiful valley, the camp borders right up to a cliffs edge. Make sure to take a walk out to the point for sunset.
10.75KM/6MI | 5-6HRS
Elevation: 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft
Altitude gained: 147m
Day 5:
barranco camp-karanga camp:alpine desert
You probably saw part of the Barranco Wall trail meandering up the mountain, but it’s difficult fully grasp how amazing this trail is until you’re actually on it. This is where three different routes converge so it can be slow going at times, but again, this isn’t a problem since you’ll be amazing watching the crew zip up the wall with such ease.
While this trail does require some scrambling, your guides are there at every moment to ensure your safety. Aside from summiting, this is often considered one of the highlights of the trek.
We will connect with the Mweka Trail and continue to Karanga Camp. You will have another opportunity for a walk before dinner which takes you to an amazing viewpoint of Kilimanjaro, the trail the porters use to collect water, and the view of camp from high above the clouds! Sunset is especially impressive at this location as the clouds turn into a sea of fire before the sun dips below them.
5.2KM/3MI | 3- 4HRS
Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft
Altitude gained: 48m
Day 6:
karanga camp-barafu: alpine desert
Today’s trek to Barafu Camp might seem short, but do not underestimate the trail! Today you will probably feel the elevation a bit more than previous days. We will arrive at camp in time for lunch and then try our best to sleep for the afternoon in preparation of waking in the middle of the night to summit.
We will be awoken for dinner and go over details for summiting. After a full meal, you will head back to your tent to prepare your clothes and backpack.
The time to be summiting varies depending on the group size and speed, but expect to start getting ready around 11pm and starting our push to the top by midnight.
3.3KM /2 MI | 3- 4HRS
Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
Altitude gained: 628m
Day 7:
barafu camp-summit-mweka camp: summit day!
It is summit night! We have been preparing for this evening since we started our slow journey from Machame gate. Our guides instructing us to go “pole pole” (slowly slowly) from the very start will all begin to make since.
This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The ratio of guide to guest is 1/1 so you will have someone to assist you for the entire portion of this trek. The entire team takes pride in the success of their group, whatever that means to each individual. Tonight is when you will rely most on the team which really brings together the entire experience that is Kilimanjaro.
Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit but most will have the most amazing view of Mweka Peak. It’s not long after that you reach Stella Point and from here you have a 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. Our guides will be anxious to get the group down to lower elevation and a hot meal. We will quickly descend from the summit to Barafu Camp where we will have a short nap and lunch. You will want to rest more, but we will need to continue another 4-5 miles before we reach Mweka Camp, our home for the night. While the descent is steep, you will begin to feel more energized as you reach lower elevation. A well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain.
4.86KM/3MI UP | 5-7HRS
11.5KM /7.2MI DOWN | 5-6HRS
Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 1233m
Descent to 3106m/10,190ft
Altitude lost: 2789m
Day 8:
mweka camp-mweka gate: back to the rainforest
You will be tired this morning, but so grateful that you made it all the way to Mweka Camp the previous day. The long previous day means you have a less strenuous day as your last on the mountain. This stretch of the trail is steep and can be slippery. It is also exit day so everyone is anxious to be back home or in a hotel room! We give lots of space to the porters making their way down. Once we have reached Mweka Gate, we will take our photos, grab a cold coke or beer, and maybe a few souvenirs, while we wait for the final paperwork to be completed.
It is about a 30 minute drive back to our hotel in Moshi where a much anticipated hot shower is waiting for you! We will quickly get cleaned up and then head to the tipping ceremony for our guide team. Even though you will feel exhausted, this experience is not to be missed. We will eat dinner with the entire crew and also hand each person their tip for the trek. Any items we have brought over to be donated will also be distributed at this time.
Once we have finished dinner, we will head back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep! If you are staying for the safari add-on, you will meet our guide for the next few days to go over a few details to prepare us for the next adventure!
9.1KM/6MI |3- 4HRS
Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
Altitude lost: 1473m
Day 9:
homeward bound or it’s safari time!
Wake up and enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel. If you are heading home today, it’s time to pack your bags and say your goodbyes to your new friends before making your way to the airport. A transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport will be provided for anyone who is flying out today.
If you choose to extend your stay and join us for an exciting safari adventure, you will be packing up after breakfast and meeting your safari guide. See below for further details on the safari extension.
Optional 4 Day Safari Adventure
September 29-October 2, 2024
Day 9:
Day 1 – Moshi – Marera Valley Lodge
Today we will wake up, eat breakfast at the hotel and slowly make our way to Marera Valley Lodge, where we will be staying for the next few days. This drive is 3-4 hours and you can choose to doze or take in the sites of Tanzania. This drive takes us through the lands of the Masaai. If you’re awake our guide will explain the various cultures and terrain we are passing through.
Once we arrive at the Lodge, you can choose to relax poolside, take a much needed nap, explore the grounds or get a massage (this should be arranged ahead of time). We will meet for dinner between 7-9pm in the main building and you can choose to stay up for a nightcap at the bar next door or head back to your room to relax.
Meet our professional tours guide/driver in Moshi town, who will deliver a short safari info briefing, after which, we travel to the Lake Manyara National Park. We arrive in time for lunch at the lodge. After lunch we head into the Lake Manyara National Park. This impressive park is one of Tanzania’s most dramatically located wildlife areas, consisting of a massive but shallow soda lake (covering two-thirds of the park) at the foot of the Great Rift Valley’s western escarpment. The park’s varied habitat attracts a wide variety of animals, including one of Africa’s largest concentrations of elephants, Manyara’s famous tree-climbing lions, as well as large flocks of flamingos attracted by the algae in the lake.
Dinner and overnight at Marena Valley Lodge.
Non-game viewing travel time: 4 hours
Distance: 226 km
Day 10:
Day 2 – Karatu – Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast we descend 600m into this magnificent crater for a morning, half day game drive. The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most densely crowded African wildlife areas in the world and is home to an estimated 30,000 animals including some of Tanzania’s last remaining black rhino. Supported by a year round water supply and fodder, the Ngorongoro Crater supports a vast variety of animals, which include herds of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, ostrich, warthog, hippo, and giant African elephants. Another big draw to this picturesque national park is it’s dense population of predators, which include lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs and the ever-elusive leopard, which sometimes requires a trained eye to spot. We will enjoy a picnic lunch in the crater, after which we will drive back to our lodge for the evening.
Dinner and overnight at Marera Valley Lodge.
Non-game viewing travel time: 30 min
Distance: 17 km
Day 11:
Day 3 Karatu – Tarangire National Park
After breakfast do we head into the Tarangire National Park for a morning game drive. The park runs along the line of the Tarangire River and is mainly made up of low-lying hills on the Great Rift Valley floor. Its natural vegetation mainly consists of Acacia woodland and giant African Baobab trees, with huge swamp areas in the south. Both the river and the swamps act like a magnet for wild animals, during Tanzania’s dry season. The Tarangire National Park is reputed to contain some of the largest elephant herds in Africa. This African national park is also home to three rare species of animals – the Greater Kudu, the Fringed-eared Oryx, as well as a few Ashy Starlings. Once we have finished today’s adventure, we will head back to our lodge and enjoy our last evening together. You will have time to schedule a massage, facial or pedicure before dinner.
Non-game viewing travel time: 1 1/2 hours
Distance: 95 km
Day 12:
Day 4 – We’re headed home!
After breakfast, we will load up our luggage and head to the airport.
This has been such an epic adventure and while you’ll be ready for home, you’ll already have the feeling of missing Africa.
Optional 2 Day Early Arrival + Chemka Hot Springs Trip
September 20 - 21, 2024
Day 0:
welcome to tanzania! - EArly Arrival
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) on September 23, a day early to get some extra rest and a little relaxation before the big adventure.
A private transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel where you will have the rest of your day to settle in, relax by the pool, and take a nap.
We will meet for dinner by the pool and get to know each other before we start this epic adventure!
Day 1:
Chemka Hot Springs day trip
Wake up and enjoy breakfast at the hotel before packing a day bag and heading out for an adventure.
We will drive about 1.5 hours to Chemka Hot Springs, a local geothermal spring (heated by Kilimanjaro), for a relaxing morning before meeting up with the rest of the climbing crew and our guides for a gear check and safety briefing in the afternoon. You will see many small Tanzanian villages along the way, making for a very interesting start to this adventure.
While this location is called a hot spring, it is more of a very pleasant swimming temperature at around 81 degrees. This jungle oasis has crystal clear water where you can relax in a tire tube or enjoy some fun on the rope swing.
After we have had our fill of this hidden gem, we will enjoy lunch at a local stop near the hot springs.
In the evening we will meet for dinner at the hotel and get to know each other better and share our excitement for the adventure that lies ahead!
Questions? Please reach out to Melissa Wright at melissa@womenwhoexplore.com
Ready to Book?
Ready to Book?
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$4,395 USD double occupancy, single occupancy is not available for this trip.
If you are traveling solo, you will be assigned roommates upon request.
A deposit is due at booking to hold your spot with regular monthly payments. Additional payments may be applied to the trip balance prior to payment due dates.
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• Private fully guided 7-day trek of the Machame Route to the summit of Kilimanjaro
• 2 nights stay in a 4-star hotel in Moshi, Tanzania
• Fully supported 37 mile trek with support staff that includes guides, chefs, porters, etc.
• Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder and CPR certified guide
• Mountain crew consisting of guides, cooks and porters to provide daily support
• Gear transportation, meals and camp set up/break daily provided down by your mountain crew. Includes a toilet!
• All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
• Welcome and farewell dinners in Moshi along with all other meals as noted in itinerary (9 breakfasts, 8 lunches 9 dinners)
• Drinking water, coffee and hot tea
• Tips for your awesome mountain guides, porters and crew (additional tips welcome)
• Airport transfers to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) at the specified arrival/departure days and times
• Transfer to/from Kilimanjaro entrance and exit gates
• Pre-trip Q&A via Zoom with a Kilimanjaro travel expert who has hiked the trek before
• Trip checklists, detailed trip packing list and pre-travel support provided in a private Facebook/WhatsApp group
• WWE Swag to show off on the trial!
• Women Who Explore trip leaders to support you leading up to and during the trek to the summit!
Safari Adventure Add-On Inclusions
Same as trekking trip above plus the includes the following:
• 4 days/3 nights accommodations double occupancy in safari lodge
• Experienced English-speaking guide.
• Toyota Landcruiser 4x4 Safari vehicle with pop up roof, 6 window seats, power adapters, and refrigerator.
• Breakfast and dinners at the safari lodge
• All park entry fees and taxes
• All lunches and drinking water while on safari
• Tips for your awesome safari guides and drivers (additional tips welcome)
Chemka Hot Springs Trip Add-On Inclusions
Same as trekking trip above plus includes the following:
• Transportation to/from hot springs
• Entry fees and taxes
• Meals, breakfast and lunch on Day 1
• Water (1.5L Bottle during tour)
• Tips for your awesome safari guides and drivers (additional tips welcome)
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• Flights to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
• Airport transfers outside of the designated arrival and departure dates ($60 per transfer)
• Personal gear including duffel bag, day pack, sleeping bag, etc. A detailed packing list will be provided and gear may be rented through our guide.
• Emergency evacuation insurance for above 6,000 meters and travel insurance (required)
• Additional nights of lodging at Moshi Hotel and meals if you descend Kilimanjaro early, arrive early or stay longer.
• Alcoholic beverages, specialty beverages, snacks and meals note included in the itinerary
• Visas as applicable - U.S. citizens and Canadian citizens are required to apply for an E-Visa ahead of time. Cost is $110 USD per person. Learn more here.
• Any travel related medical expenses such as immunizations, vaccinations, or required Covid-19 testing (not required for Tanzania as of 2/2023)
• Personal expenses not included in the itinerary such as additional accommodations, transportation, souvenirs, etc.
Safari Adventure Add-On Exclusions
• Same as above
• Lunch and dinner on departure day (Day 12)
Chemka Hot Springs Add-On Exclusions
• Same as above
• Lunch on arrival day (Day 0)
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All meals will be provided as noted in the itinerary. Please reach out to the trip host after booking if you have any food allergies/sensitivities. We always do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions but cannot make any guarantees.
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This trip requires a minimum number of ladies to register in order for it to be confirmed. Once the trip reaches the minimum participant number, you will receive a trip confirmation email and a link to be added a private Facebook group just for trip guests. In this group further trip details will be provided along with pre-travel support. Please let us know if you do not have or use Facebook (see contact information below).
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Please see our Terms of Service.
*Please note: some of our trips have a non-refundable fee that will be stated in the trip description.
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Women Who Explore guests will be required to follow the local Covid-19 guidelines and requirements as set forth by the local governing body of the destination being visited.
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Travel (and medical) insurance is required for anyone traveling on a Women Who Explore adventure. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.
For recommended travel insurance providers click here.
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Please note that the itinerary provided for your adventure is subject to change. While we strive to adhere to the proposed plan, unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, safety concerns, or other factors beyond our control may necessitate adjustments to the itinerary. We prioritize your safety and enjoyment throughout the adventure, and any modifications made will be done with careful consideration. We will make every effort to inform you in advance of any changes and provide suitable alternatives to ensure a fulfilling experience.