Kilimanjaro Trek & Safari

October 14-23, 2026

Climb one of the seven summits!

Progress chart with five ascending bars and the label 'Difficulty 5/5'.

This adventure is rated 5 out of 5 for difficulty level for backpacking trips. For this 7 day trek you must be prepared to hike 10+ miles with elevation gain loss up to 9k feet. As one of the seven summits, you will also be hiking at high elevation. The summit is 19,341 feet and most of the trek is spent at 12k+ feet elevation. You will be staying in tents for this adventure and will be supported by a porter service. For hiking, you will need to carry only a day pack that can fit what’s needed for your day. While no specialized gear is needed for this trip, the trail can be more technical in nature. If you have health conditions that might be a concern for this strenuous of a trek, we ask that you speak to your doctor. Training is required for this trip. Not taking the training seriously endangers not only your safety, but the rest of the guests and the guides leading you. This is one of our most strenuous adventures that we offer.

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!

Camping tents set up on a mountain at dawn with a mountain in the background and a colorful sky with pink, purple, and blue hues.
Group of hikers trekking on a mountain trail with a cloud-filled sky above and rocky terrain on either side.
Group of hikers holding a blue banner in front of a sign at a national park, with trees and vehicles in the background.
Multiple tents set up on a rocky mountainside at sunrise or sunset, with clouds and fog below and a colorful sky overhead.
A group of hikers trekking up a rocky volcano with clouds and a misty atmosphere, and tents visible on the slope in the background.
Group of hikers walking on a mountain trail surrounded by rocky terrain and sparse vegetation.
Camping site with orange tents on rocky terrain, person sitting in a chair, mountain with snow and clouds in background, clear blue sky.
Group of hikers trekking through a rocky, volcanic landscape with cloudy skies.
A rugged mountain landscape with a dry, rocky foreground and a mountain peak in the background under a clear blue sky.
A hillside campsite with numerous colorful tents under a partly cloudy sky, surrounded by sparse vegetation and trees in the foreground.
A mountain with snow on its peak surrounded by a mix of blue sky and clouds, with rocky terrain in the foreground.
A small wooden shelter with a green roof on a rocky hillside covered with shrubs and flowers, with a background of cloudy sky above a layer of clouds.
A mountainous landscape with rocky terrain, sparse vegetation, and a snow-capped mountain in the distance under a blue sky with white clouds and the moon visible.
A mountainous landscape with a hillside campsite featuring numerous colorful tents and some greenery in the foreground, under a partly cloudy sky.
A hiker's view over a rocky, shrub-covered landscape with a large cluster of colorful tents and small buildings on a hillside in the distance.

KILIMANJARO TREK ITINERARY

    • Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). We will have 2 designated private airport transfer times.

    • We will meet for dinner at the hotel and go over any last minute details before our journey begins!

    • Meals included: Dinner

    • This morning, we will take an adventure to visit Chemka Hot Springs, a crystal clear swimming area.

    • The drive is about 1 hour on a dirt road through local Tanzanian villages.

    • We will spend the morning at Chemka (which are not actually hot, but lukewarm) and enjoy lunch nearby.

    • Once we are back to the hotel, we will meet our trekking guide to go through our gear and make sure that everyone is ready for our big trek tomorrow!

    • If for any reason you are missing or forgot something, our guides will have rental equipment available.

    • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

    • Breakfast will be at the hotel before departing for Machame Gate

    • It is a 45 minute drive from Moshi to Machame Gate, the start our of climb in Kilimanjaro National Park.

    • Our guide will need to check in. Depending on how busy the trail is, this can take awhile so we recommend just relaxing and taking in the hustle and bustle.

    • Once we have gone through security, we will start on the trail!

    • Tonight we stay at Machame Camp

    • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

    10.75K /7MI | 5-6  HRS
    Elevation: 1811m/5942ft to 3021m/9911ft 
    Elevation gained: 1210m/3969ft

    • Wake up early for breakfast

    • Once we start our ascent, we emerge from the rain forest and  continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge.

    • This part of the trail narrows and can be a bottle neck because of how steep it is.

    • The route  now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.

    • After a short rest, our guides will take us on a short walk to a viewpoint. These acclimation walks are key to helping prepare you for the rest of the trek.

    • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

    5.3KM/3MI | 4-5HRS
    Elevation: 3021m/9911ft to 3839m/12,595ft 
    Elevation gained: 818m/2,684ft

    • Early morning breakfast and pack up camp

    • 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.

    • Make sure to take a walk out to the point for sunset.

    • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

    10.75KM/6MI | 5-6HRS
    Elevation: 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft 

    • Early breakfast

    • Today, your guide may opt to start very early, or wait for the business to lesson.

    • Barranco Wall is a very steep ascent that meanders up the mountain. It i s considered a Class 4 scramble, which means you will be using all 4 limbs at times to get through this section.

    • 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!

    • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

    5.2KM/3MI | 3- 4HRS
    Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft 
    Altitude gained: 48m

    • Breakfast at camp

    • 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

    • It is summit night! We have been preparing for this evening since we started our slow journey from Machame gate.

    • 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 help us descend back to camp for a hot meal and rest.

    • After lunch and a short rest, we will need to continue another 4-5 miles before we reach Mweka Camp, our home for the night.

    • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

    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

    • You will be tired this morning! Enjoy the last breakfast together while camp gets packed up.

    • This stretch of the trail is steep and can be slippery. It’s quite busy as well since this is a main exit route.

    • We’ll arrive to Mweka Gate, the finish of our trek!

    • You can pay a few dollars to have your boots washed before grabbing a cold soda and looking at a few souvenirs.

    • It is a 30ish minutes drive back to our hotel in Moshi.

    • We will have a final lunch with the crew, give out tips and receive our certificates of completion.

    • That long awaited shower and comfy bed awaits!

    • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

    9.1KM/6MI |3- 4HRS
    Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft 
    Altitude lost: 1473m

    • Breakfast will be at our 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.

    • One transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport will be provided for anyone who is flying out today.

    • If you have chosen to stay for the safari portion, the itinerary continues!

    • Meals included: Breakfast (if continuing onto Safari, dinner is included as well)

Group of climbers on Mount Kilimanjaro holding a blue "Women Who Explore" flag at Uhuru Peak, Tanzania, with a sign indicating the summit at 5,895 meters.
A person is seen from behind, swinging on a yellow swing over a natural water body with lush tropical vegetation in the background.
A group of people hiking on a dirt trail in a dense, lush rainforest with mist and green foliage surrounding them.
Group of hikers at a mountain summit with rocky terrain, a green tent, and a mountain peak in the background, under a clear blue sky, at Mount Kilimanjaro.
A group of hikers climbing a steep, rocky terrain with large boulders during outdoor adventure.
A person with a red cap and white jacket standing on a rocky mountain summit, balancing on one foot with arms raised, holding a blue water bottle, during sunset with clouds and sky in the background.
Group of hikers in outdoor desert landscape under a large, unique plant with thick, elongated leaves and a textured trunk, holding trekking poles and smiling.
A group of hikers climbing a steep, rocky trail on a mountain, wearing backpacks and outdoor gear, with cloudy skies overhead.
Two women swimming in a natural water body surrounded by lush green tropical trees and overcast sky.
A group of hikers walking through a forested trail surrounded by tall trees with a partly cloudy sky above.
Group of people standing and kneeling under an archway at the entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park, with a sign reading "Welcome to Kilimanjaro National Park" above them. They are holding a blue banner that says "Women Who Explore." Trees and visito
A view of a snow-capped volcano in the distance, surrounded by clouds, with a foreground of lush green trees and a single tall palm tree, under a partly cloudy sky.

Optional Safari Extension

October 23-26, 2026

SAFARI ITINERARY

    • Breakfast will be at the hotel.

    • We’ll be picked up by our safari guide mid morning and slowly make our way to Marera Valley Lodge, where we will be staying for the next few days.

    • This drive is about 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.

    • 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.

    • Meals included: Breakfast, dinner

    • We will have an early breakfast this morning.

    • We’ll make our way to Ngorongoro Crater National Park for a half day game drive.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.

    • We’ll we have a picnic lunch in the park.

    • Dinner back at the lodge

    • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

    • We’ll have a leisurely breakfast at the lodge.

    • Our safari guide will pick us up and we’ll make our way to Tarangire National Park.

    • 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.

    • Lunch in the park

    • After we’ve finished our safari, we’ll head back to the lodge for dinner.

    • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

    • Unfortunately, the day has come to say good-bye!

    • Our safari driver will take us directly to the airport.

    • Flights should be booked for mid-afternoon or later.

    • Meals included: Breakfast

A group of baboons sitting and standing on a dry, grassy plain with sparse vegetation, with one baboon in the foreground and several others in the background.
Group of four zebras standing on a dirt path with a landscape of trees and hills in the background.
A group of elephants, including calves, standing on dry grass in a savannah landscape with sparse trees and bushes under a clear blue sky.
A beige Toyota Land Cruiser with a roof rack, parked on a dirt ground under a clear blue sky, surrounded by trees and a black tent.
Close-up of a giraffe standing on sandy terrain with a water body, trees, and elephants in the background under a clear blue sky.
A herd of wildebeest crossing a river in a savannah landscape with distant mountains under a clear blue sky.

Questions? Please reach out to us at info@womenwhoexplore.com

Ready to Book?

Ready to Book?

    • $4,595 USD double occupancy 3-4 star hotels and shared tent on trek.

    • $850 USD single occupancy upgrade.

    • Safari package $2,100

    • If you are traveling solo and book double occupancy, 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.

    • Private fully guided 7-day trek of the Machame Route to the summit of Kilimanjaro

    • 3 nights stay in a 3-4-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

    • All meals from Day 1 dinner to Breakfast on Day 10. If continuing on Safari, meals continue through lunch on Day 13.

    • Drinking water, coffee and hot tea while on trek

    • Tips for your awesome mountain guides, porters and crew (additional tips welcome)

    • 2 airport transfers to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) at the specified arrival/departure day and time.

    • Transfer to/from Kilimanjaro entrance and exit gates

    • Transportation to/from hot springs

    • 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

    SAFARI:

    • 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)

    • 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.

  • 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.

  • This trip requires a minimum number of women 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).

  • Please see our Terms of Service.

    All deposits are non-refundable at the time of booking, but may be transferable if done so within the timeframe outlined in the Terms of Service.

    Once a trip has been confirmed (no matter the booking or trip timeline), the deposit is both non-refundable and non-transferable. Please make sure you are purchasing adequate travel insurance at the time of booking to ensure you are covered in case you need to cancel.

    Please note: some of our trips have a non-refundable fee that will be stated in the trip description. Please make sure to refer to the full Terms of Service to make sure you understand fully the Cancellation Policy of each trip.

  • 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.

  • 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.