On our 7-day climb of Mt Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route, you’ll be professionally guided and supported by some of the most experienced guides in the business. All the finer details will be taken care of, so you can focus on climbing and taking in the unique adventure experience. At the end of each day, your tents will be ready at each camp, and your cook will prepare all your meals. We have an impeccable track record of successful summits due to our pre-training formula, high altitude experience and the effort we put into preparing our clients for the notable challenges of the climb. At the end of your climb, take the opportunity and go on a safari and explore the fantastic and beautiful wildlife that calls the Serengeti and surrounding areas home.
DIFFICULTY
Moderate-High
FITNESS
Medium-High
ELEVATION
5,895m
DURATION
10 Days Total
COST
A$4,750.00
Departure Dates
| 2024 DATE | SPOTS LEFT | BOOKINGS | GTD DEPART |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 07 - Aug 16 | Half Full | Book Now | Yes |
| 2025 DATE | SPOTS LEFT | BOOKINGS | GTD DEPART |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 07 - Aug 16 | Places Available | Book Now | No |
Only a 30% deposit is required to secure your position unless the departure date is within 60 days, and then the full payment is required. If the date is not guaranteed to depart yet, please do not book flights until we have confirmed the date as guaranteed in the box.
Mt Kilimanjaro Overview and Itinerary
ADVENTURE OVERVIEW
Join us on this 7-day exclusive, fully supported and professionally guided climb of Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. If you’re an avid adventurer, Mt Kilimanjaro is one of those adventures that should be ticked off your bucket list.
Picture this. You’re 5,895 metres high and standing on the ‘Roof of Africa’. You’re just about to take your final steps onto Urahu Peak, the summit of the world’s highest free-standing mountain — the beautiful majestic Mt Kilimanjaro. As you reach the summit, the memories, the challenges and tribulations of the past seven days come flooding back and culminating in one euphoric emotion. At that moment, the feeling of achievement and success in reaching your summit goal is almost overwhelming – you feel alive! For the past seven days, you have experienced many emotions as you battled and pushed through new personal, physical and mental barriers. Having climbed Mt Kilimanjaro, it is impossible not to be changed by the experience positively – you will go home a new person. You uncovered much more about yourself, your personal strengths, and your limitations on the journey. Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro is not just about reaching the summit. It is a journey of self-discovery from the day you commit to doing it to the day you return home; the memories and the experience will last a lifetime.
Mt Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s most accessible high summits, a beacon for visitors worldwide. Most climbers reach the crater rim with little more than a walking stick, proper clothing and determination. And those who reach Uhuru Point, the actual summit, or Gillman’s Point on the lip of the crater, will have earned their climbing certificates. And their memories. But there is so much more to Kilimanjaro than her summit. The ascent of the slopes is a virtual climatic world tour from the tropics to the Arctic. Even before you cross the national park boundary (at the 2,700m contour), the cultivated foot slopes give way to lush montane forest, inhabited by elusive elephants, leopards, buffalo, the endangered Abbot’s duiker, and other small antelope and primates. Higher still lies the moorland zone, where a cover of giant heather is studded with otherworldly giant lobelias. Above 4,000m, a surreal alpine desert supports little life other than a few hardy mosses and lichen. Then, finally, the last vestigial vegetation gives way to a winter wonderland of ice and snow – and the magnificent beauty of the roof of the continent.
Highlights
- Climb the tallest free-standing mountain in the world
- Explore rainforests, heather moors, lava formations, and glaciers
- Complete one of the famous ‘7 Summits’
- Immerse yourself in the local Tanzanian culture
- Learn about the unique flora and fauna of the mountain with local naturalists
- Personally supported by some of the most experienced adventure guides in Australia and Tanzania
- Celebrate with your fellow climbers in Moshi at the end of the climb
- After the climb, organise a local safari and try and spot the ‘African Big 5’ in their natural habitat.
DAY 1 & 2 - ARRIVE TANZANIA
Day 1 & 2 – Arrive in Moshi, Tanzania and Transfer to Hotel and Prepare for the Climb
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: hotel – twin share
On arrival at Kilimanjaro airport, you will be greeted by our team and transferred to your hotel. The next morning, you will have a climb briefing after breakfast and organise your equipment for the climb. You can hire any additional equipment required for the climb at the hotel. Most of the day will be used to prepare your equipment and get yourselves organised for the climb.
DAY 3 - MACHAME GATE TO MACHAME CAMP
Day 3 – Your Adventure Begins.
We have decided to take the Machame Route to the summit for all our climbs. We have chosen the Machame Route for all our climbs because, from our experience, it provides the best acclimatization program for moving high and sleeping low, has a diversity of scenery and, more importantly, gives us options to descend quickly if one of our team members succumbs to altitude sickness. This route is sometimes called the ‘Whisky Route’. This is a popular route up steep paths through magnificent forests to gain a ridge leading through the moorland zones to the Shira Plateau. The track then traverses beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern Icefields to join up with the Barafu Route to the summit. Finally, the Mweka Route is used for the descent from the summit.
Drive Moshi (915m) to Machame Gate (1,490m), then Trek Machame Gate (1,490m) to Machame Camp (2,980m)
Walking Time: 5-7 hours
Meals Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: two-person mountain tent – twin share
Your day starts early with a briefing, breakfast, and a 50-minute drive from Moshi to the Machame Village (1,490m), where your guides and porters prepare and pack your equipment and supplies. You will receive a lunch pack, and you can also buy drinks in the village. If the road is very muddy, it may be impossible to drive from the village to the Machame Gate, and in this case, it will take us an extra hour to complete the muddy 3 km walk to the gate. After registering at the park office, you immediately start your ascent and enter the rainforest. Heavy rains on this mountainside often transform the trail into a soggy, slippery experience, so good footgear, trekking poles and gaiters are useful. You will enjoy a welcome lunch stop halfway up, and we will reach the Machame Camp in the late afternoon. Your porters will arrive at camp before you and will erect your tent before you arrive. The porters boil drinking and washing water in the evening while the cook prepares your dinner. Nighttime temperatures can drop to freezing at the Machame Camp.
DAY 4 - MACHAME CAMP TO SHIRA CAMP
Day 4 – Climb Machame Camp (2,980m) to Shira Camp (3,840m)
Walking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: moorland
Meals Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: two-person mountain tent – twin share
You rise early at Machame Camp and climb for an hour to the top of the forest after breakfast, then for two hours through gentle moorlands. After a short lunch and rest, you continue up a rocky ridge onto the Shira Plateau, where you can see Mt Kilimanjaro’s great Western Breach with its stunning glaciers. Sometimes, the walls of the Western Breach are draped with extensive ice curtains. You are now west of Kibo on the mountain’s opposite side from the Marangu Route. After a short hike west, you reach the Shira Camp. The porters will boil drinking and washing water before serving dinner. The night at this exposed camp will be colder, with temperatures dropping below freezing.
DAY 5 - SHIRA CAMP TO BARRANCO CAMP
Day 5 – Climb Shira Camp (3,840m) to Lava Tower (4,630m), then Lava Tower (4,630m) to Barranco Camp (3,950m)
Walking Time: 7 hours
Meals Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: two-person mountain tent – twin share
After breakfast, you will hike east up a steepening path above the highest vegetation toward Mt Kilimanjaro’s looming massif. After several hours, you walk through a rocky landscape to reach the prominent landmark called Lava Tower at 4,630m. This rugged remnant of Mt Kilimanjaro’s earlier volcanic activity is several hundred feet high, and the trail passes below it. For extra credit, the sure-footed can scramble to the top of the tower. After a lunch stop near Lava Tower, you’ll descend for two hours below the lower cliffs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall to Barranco Camp at 3,950m. This climb offers numerous photo opportunities, especially if the walls are garlanded with ice. Barranco Camp is in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Walls, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while you wait for your dinner. On this day, be careful to notice any signs of altitude sickness.
DAY 6 - BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA VALLEY
Day 6 – Climb Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Karanga Valley (4,000m)
Walking Time: 6 hours
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: two-person mountain tent – twin share
After spending the night camped under the imposing Great Barranco Wall, you climb this awesome natural feature, which turns out to be easier than it looks. Topping out just below the Heim Glacier, you can now appreciate how beautiful Mt Kilimanjaro is. Continue along Karanga Valley, and you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many angles. For now, all eyes are still on the summit. We will spend the night at the Karanga Valley Camp to acclimate more before heading higher up the mountain to camp above 4,000m.
DAY 7 & 8 - KARANGA VALLEY TO BARAFU HUT & BARAFU HUT TO UHURA PEAK & UHURA PEAK TO MWEKA CAMP
Day 7 & 8 – Climb Karanga Valley (4,000m) to Barafu Camp (4,550m), then Barafu Camp (4,550m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), then Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Walking Time: 2 hours to Barafu Camp – 8 hours to the summit, 7-8 hours down to Mweka Camp
Meals Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: two-person mountain tent – twin share
When we wake in the morning, we will hike up the ridge for another couple of hours to Barafu Camp, where we will rest for the day and most of the night. There is no water at Barafu Camp, even though Barafu is the Swahili word for ‘ice’. The famous mountain snows of Mt Kilimanjaro are far above Barafu Camp near the summit. Your tent will be pitched on a narrow, stony, wind-swept ridge, so make sure you familiarise yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid accidents. Prepare your equipment and warm clothing for your summit climb. This should include replacing your headlamp and camera batteries, and to prevent freezing, consider carrying your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed by 7:00 PM and get a few hours of precious sleep, as the next day will be the biggest day of the adventure. You will rise around 10:30 PM, and after some steaming tea and biscuits, you shuffle off into the night.
Your six-hour climb, northwest up through heavy scree between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers to Stella Point on the crater rim, is the most challenging part of the route for most climbers. At Stella Point (5,685m), you stop for a short rest and a chance to see a supremely spectacular sunrise. At Stella Point, you join the top part of the Marangu Route; but do not stop here too long because it will be tough to start again due to the cold and fatigue. Depending on the season and recent storms, you may encounter snow on your remaining hike along the rim to Uhuru Peak. However, on the summit, you can enjoy your accomplishment and know you are creating a day you will remember for the rest of your life. After your three-hour descent from the summit back to Barafu Camp, you will have a well-earned but short rest and collect your gear. You then walk down a rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually through the forest to Mweka Camp (3,100m). This camp is in the upper fore so you can expect mist or rain in the late afternoon. Dinner and washing water will be prepared, and the camp office will sell drinking water, soft drinks, chocolates and beer!
DAY 9 - MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE
Day 9 – Walk Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,980m), then Mweka Gate (1,980m) to Moshi (890m)
Walking Time: 3 hours
Meals Included: breakfast
Accommodation: hotel – twin share
After a well-deserved early breakfast, it is a short three-hour scenic hike back to the park gate. We strongly recommend not to tip your porters until you and all your gear have safely reached the gate. At Mweka Gate, you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their Mt Kilimanjaro summit certificates. In addition, those climbers who reached Uhuru Peak (5,895m) receive gold certificates. From the Mweka Gate, you will continue into the Mweka Village, usually a muddy 3 km (one hour) hike. In the Mweka Village, there will be refreshments and hot food. You will now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations. You will stay overnight at the hotel.
DAY 10 - DEPART TANZANIA, OR DEPART ON A SAFARI
Day 10 – Depart Tanzania for Home, or Take an Amazing Safari
Meals included: Meals at your own cost
Today you will book out of your hotel in Moshi and be driven by shuttle to Kilimanjaro Airport for your return flight home. Some of you may be staying on to participate in a safari.
Additional Information
WHY CLIMB WITH US
Peak Potential Adventures operates small group adventures both in Australia and overseas and was founded by a group of experienced adventurers who have built a solid and well-regarded reputation. Our experience outdoors has been built from the ground up over many years. Adaptability, planning, logistics, transparency and professionalism are our strengths and qualities. Our priorities are meeting your expectations, servicing your needs, keeping you safe, and delivering value for money adventure experience. Taking on an adventure can sometimes seem a bit daunting, so one of our most important qualities is that we are approachable and always available to answer any questions or provide advice – with us, you’ll always get a personalised level of service.
Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one, and the Peak Potential Adventures Team will be there every step of the way to encourage and support your journey from start to finish.
- We provide experienced guides with extensive high altitude and climbing experience – the number of guides depends on group size
- Our senior Tanzanian guide has had more than 300+ Mt Kilimanjaro summits and is an integral part of the Peak Potential Adventures Team and family
- The opportunity to join some of our other local adventures to assist in your fitness preparation (we highly recommend this option)
- We have extensive experience working with teams and helping individuals reach their goals
- We will provide ongoing fitness advice leading up to the climb, being qualified personal trainers and experts in high altitude preparation
- We ensure the team gets to know each other before the climb, so you know who you are climbing with, and you feel like you are part of a team before you depart
- We provide personalised and individual advice about gear/equipment to ensure that your gear won’t let you down on the mountain
- Our guides will provide medical support on the climb if required and arrange a helo extraction if required
- We prepare you extensively for the climb mentally as well as physically
- We are very passionate and dedicated about getting everyone to the summit safely and back down in a very safe and enjoyable operating environment
- We are fully licensed and accredited in the areas of our adventure operations.
ADVENTURE INCLUSIONS
- Local guides with extensive high altitude and Mt Kilimanjaro climbing experience – number decided on group size
- An experienced Australian guide may accompany the team if the group size is greater than 8
- Transport, airport transfers, and private vehicles used throughout the adventure
- 3x nights twin share accommodation in a very comfortable hotel in Moshi – two nights before the climb and one night after the climb (Please contact our team if you would like to pay extra for a single supplement room)
- All meals as indicated in the travel itinerary
- All park fees and our own selected national park-approved guides & porters
- Double-skinned mountain tents for two people – twin share
- Stools, a mess tent and hot water for washing
- Personal fitness training support and preparation from the Peak Potential Adventure Team, who are qualified personal trainers with extensive high-altitude experience
- Certificate of completion
- Ongoing equipment advice on whether to purchase or hire in Moshi
- Emergency remote communications and group first aid kit.
ADVENTURE EXCLUSIONS
- Return international airfares to Tanzania, Africa.
- Personal items (e.g. phone calls, laundry, tips, incl. early departure or mountain rescue)
- Travel insurance (it is compulsory for all team members to have Cover-More travel insurance for this adventure)
- Meals and drinks outside of the adventure package (Please refer to the trip itinerary)
- Local Guide and Porter tipping (USD$350.00 for the whole trip)
- Personal expenditure
- Passport and visa costs
- Vaccinations, medical checks and medication requirements.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Testimonials of others are important when you are considering taking on an adventure either here in Australia or in another part of the world. We pride ourselves on not just ensuring our clients succeed in fulfilling their adventure dreams safely, but we also ensure they have a positive experience from the time they sign up for one of our adventures, to when they arrive home.
Please refer to the customer reviews page on our website.
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
Terrain Difficulty: Moderate-High
Fitness Grade: Medium-High – You should be able to walk at least 11-14 hours with a daypack of up to 6kg. This is a trek and requires no prior trekking experience. A moderate to a high fitness level is required, even though most days will involve climbing with a daypack. The route is non-technical but will reach a maximum altitude of 5,895m.
(Weight will depend on your personal gear requirements for the day. Porters will carry up to 15kg of your personal equipment). The Peak Potential Adventures Team will work with you personally to ensure you are fully prepared for the climb physically and mentally.
Support
With any adventure, preparation is vital for success. Peak Potential Adventures provides an ongoing training and equipment support program during the lead-up to the climb. Regular contact and support will be provided through the Peak Potential Facebook page, as well as by email, phone and personally as required. We strongly suggest that you find a local training and trek partner to undertake this challenge with you. This will go a long way in providing vital ongoing motivation for training and support, not just leading up to the climb but also during it as well.
Fitness Preparation
Sticking to a fitness program months before climbing Mt Kilimanjaro is vital to preparation. Indeed, attempting to become as fit as possible may not ultimately help with the prevention of acute mountain sickness (AMS), but an increased level of fitness will ensure the body’s ability to cope with the change in atmospheric pressure is amplified, making both acclimatisation and the walking itself far less strenuous. More important than anything else when it comes to climbing is one’s cardiovascular (CV) fitness. Cardiovascular fitness refers to the fitness level of the most important muscle in the body – the heart. Exercising between 20 and 40 minutes approximately 4 times a week will significantly increase CV fitness, leading to more efficient oxygen consumption by the body’s tissues. This will result in more effective energy supplies, substantially improving your chances of a successful summit attempt.
Activities such as jogging, cycling, swimming and boxing all increase the heart rate and improve your CV fitness. The best option is to attempt to include activities that you enjoy, which will improve the chances of actually continuing with a fitness program. Performing the same exercise every time is not recommended, as sooner or later, the body becomes accustomed to the training and is thus no longer challenged by it. Effective methods of training include cross-training and interval training. Cross training involves performing at least two different forms of exercise in one session, whilst interval training includes varying your effort level substantially every couple of minutes during a single session. Both of these techniques keep the heart challenged on an ongoing basis, ensuring that your CV fitness is constantly on the increase.
The closer it gets to the climb, the longer cardio sessions should last. Ideally, a month before the climb is due to commence, you should be training for around 45 minutes at least three times a week. Closer to the commencement of the climb, it is advisable to include activities such as steep hill climbing and long hikes to build up your endurance. Any training similar to the Mt Kilimanjaro experience will be beneficial, even a short hill climb every second weekend. Purchasing a day pack long in advance and taking it on ‘practice runs’ will help to prepare your body for the conditions it will experience on the mountain. If you cannot get out into the mountains regularly, find a gym that has a summit climber in their equipment line-up. These machines work the climbing muscles that will be used during the climb. Also, as previously mentioned, try and do the climb with an adventure partner. A partner is not only a great source of motivation leading up to the climb, but you will be a great support for each other on the mountain – making the whole experience more enjoyable.
The Peak Potential Adventures Team will be available leading up to the climb to provide training advice and ensure you are physically prepared for the climb. They will also provide valuable advice on mental preparation and what to expect on the mountain. Mental preparation is vital if you are to succeed, not just on the mountain but leading up to the climb.
EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
After you have booked, the Peak Potential Adventures Team will discuss with you personally your requirements and your budget.
The extra luggage you do not wish to take on the mountain can be left in a locked storage room at the Hotel in Moshi free of charge. Valuables should be left in a safety deposit box at the Hotel. The Peak Potential Adventures Team will discuss your equipment requirements to determine your budget and potential future use to decide whether to hire equipment in Moshi or purchase it before the climb. Our team is very familiar and experienced with most outdoor equipment brands, their performance suitability and where you can obtain the best pricing deals.
Points to Remember
- The pack that the porters carry is limited to 15 kg (35 pounds)
- Overweight or extra luggage will require an extra porter
- Group tipping at the end of the climb US$350 each
- Store electronics in sealed water-proof bags (double sealed if possible)
- Wrap clothing in plastic bags or waterproof stuff sacks
- In the daypack, take along water, sunglasses, a camera, a waterproof jacket and trousers at a minimum. Add any other items you might need during the day because you may not see the porters and the rest of your gear until the end of your trek for that day. Also, carry with you snacks like energy bars etc.
Luggage
- Day pack, for you to carry (25-35 litres) – preferably with a 2-3 litre water bladder
- Large backpack (70-85 litres) or durable collapsible expedition duffel (80 -120 litres) for porters to carry
- Plastic bags or waterproof stuff sacks
- Combination locks.
The easiest way to travel is with a large suitcase or 120-litre wheeled duffel with your 80-120 litre collapsible expedition pack or backpack that you will use on the mountain inside it and use your daypack as carry-on luggage. You can leave your large suitcase or 120-litre wheeled duffel at the hotel, locked with any gear you won’t take on the mountain.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like to discuss.
Clothing
You want your inner layer to be wicking material—not cotton. The next layer should be insulating and warm like fleece, and the top layer should be waterproof but breathable like Gortex or Event. You can get away with cheaper non-breathable wet weather gear. You will need clothes for hiking during the day, lounging in the evening, and sleeping. Layers are important as temperatures vary greatly on the mountain. Kilimanjaro may be on the equator, but it gets cold up there!
- Shorts, for the first and last day only
- Long trousers, for hiking and for the evenings (zip-off leg trousers work well, and saves taking shorts)
- Short-sleeved wick t-shirt
- Long-sleeved wick shirts for hiking and the evenings
- Thermal long underwear and top
- Fleece jacket or wool sweater – (preferably fleece)
- Fleece trousers
- Down jacket with hood or thick ski parka that is suitable for temperatures below freezing plus wind chill
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Mittens and/or gloves (waterproof, one thin pair, one thick pair that can be layered together)
- Woollen hat or Balaclava and/or neck scarf
Footwear
Please make sure to break in your boots before the climb!
- Trekking boots for hiking during the day, preferably warm, waterproof, and with ankle support – not too light or heavy. Have a look at the Salomon or Hoka boots.
- Comfortable shoes or sandals for lounging in the evening
- Gaiters
- Hiking socks for warmer conditions
- Wool socks for colder conditions
- Sock liners to wick away moisture
Note: Boots are a personal preference, and everyone’s feet are different, so try a few different brands. Make sure they are not too tight at the front; give yourself plenty of room for coming down without hitting your toe on the front of the boot. If you have problems with your feet, like blisters, we suggest trying on the Salomon mid-high ULTRA 4 GTX or Hoka Anacapa, which we personally use. They are more like a runner, so they may be more comfortable. Also, try the leather boot options because they can be very durable but take longer to break in properly. If you decide to go with the Salomon ULTRA 4 GTX or Hoka Anacapa, please use some thicker summit socks, as the boots are a bit lighter, so a thicker summit sock will ensure your feet stay warm.
Sleeping
- Cold weather sleeping bag rated -10 degrees Celsius or colder (comfort rating)
- Fleece sleeping bag liner if you are a cold sleeper
- Inflatable sleeping mat with a suitable R-Value for colder conditions.
Other Items
- Largemouth water bottles (2x 1 litre). The large Neglane largemouth water bottles work better on summit night because they won’t freeze
- You can use a Camelpack for convenience lower on the mountain, but they will most likely freeze on summit night, so having some largemouth drinking bottles is important
- Keep your water source inside your jacket to prevent freezing on summit day
- Water purification tablets
- Earplugs for sleeping
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses (preferably polarised)
- Money (see tipping guidelines in the FAQ’s)
- Waking poles (not necessary, but some people prefer them)
- Headlamp or torch
- Camera or phone for taking photos and videos
- Bring enough batteries for your headlamp/flashlight and camera because cold weather shortens their life
- Energy bars, boiled sweets, snacks, and comfort foods
- Playing cards for around the camp at night or shorter days
- Plastic bags and zip-lock bags for waterproofing
- Salt, pepper, and spices for bland food
- Toilet paper (preferably biodegradable)
- Baby wipes
- Small bottles of hand sanitiser.
First Aid
One of the senior guides will carry a large first aid kit for the group containing all of this medical equipment, but we highly recommend that you carry a small personal first aid kit containing these basic items.
- Panadol, Ibuprofen or Aspirin
- Throat lozenges
- Large and small bandaids
- Sunscreen (SPF 50) & lip balm with sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Disinfectant, antiseptic cream
- Diarrhea medication
- Antihistamines
- Melatonin (1-3mg) or other sleep aid
- Malaria pills (talk to your doctor)
- Diamox (talk to your doctor)
Food and Snacks
- Breakfast bars or muesli bars
- Porridge satchels
- Lollies
- Energy Gels
- Condensed milk coffee tubes
Note: Please try to conserve your sugar-based foods for higher up the mountain. As you gain altitude, your appetite may decrease, particularly on summit night, so having a good supply of energy bars, muesli bars, breakfast bars, and energy gels will keep your body fueled on the summit push. Having easy-to-manage and easy-to-get food will make it much easier for consumption, particularly if it is very cold weather. Consuming regularly on your summit push is important, as you will be burning energy quickly, keeping warm and climbing. Many people fail to reach the summit due to poor food and water management.
Gifts for Guides, Porters and Locals
You can gift equipment at the end of the adventure that you don’t wish to take home.
Note: Please feel free to contact the Peak Potential Adventures team to discuss any equipment you may be looking at purchasing to ensure it will be suitable on the mountain. To make it easier, please email a link to the item so we can assess the technical aspects of the item. The two main pieces of equipment we emphasise most to ensure a comfortable climb are outer down jackets and boots.
MT KILIMANJARO HISTORY
Mt Kilimanjaro. The name itself is a mystery wreathed in clouds. It might mean Mountain of Light, Mountain of Greatness or Mountain of Caravans. Or it might not. The local people, the Wachagga, don’t even have a name for the whole massif, only Kipoo (now known as Kibo) for the familiar snowy peak that stands imperious, overseer of the continent, the summit of Africa. Mt Kilimanjaro, by any name, is a metaphor for the compelling beauty of East Africa. When you see it, you understand why. Not only is this the highest peak on the African continent; it is also the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, rising in breathtaking isolation from the surrounding coastal scrubland – elevation around 900 metres – to an imperious 5,895 metres (19,336 feet).
SAFETY AND REGULATIONS
Safety and Regulation Requirements
Peak Potential Adventures has a 100% safety record on Mt Kilimanjaro
Our guides carry communication equipment and communicate with our team during and at the end of each day
Our guides are some of the most experienced and well regarded on the mountain, so they have access to local resources and assistance if required
If necessary, we can arrange for a helo evacuation if required under your travel insurance policy
Our Australia adventure operations meet the highest professional standards and accreditations which also applies to our international adventure operations.
FURTHER INFORMATION?
If you have any further questions or would like more information about our Kilimanjaro trek.
You can contact our team at [email protected]
You can also get in contact with us on our Facebook and Instagram feeds.
Alternatively, please click here to go through to our contact page.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
Please ensure that you read our booking terms and conditions below.
FAQ’S
If there’s a question that we haven’t covered for you, we are just an email or phone call away.
Adventure Dates
How often do you run the adventure?
We operate only a couple of Mt Kilimanjaro climbs a year. This allows us to ensure proper training and preparation are undertaken to ensure a successful outcome. We pride ourselves on delivering on our service because it is a big investment for you, so we want you to succeed. And for us, it's all about quality, not quantity.
Please also check our Facebook and Instagram feeds because we also announce new trek dates there.
What if the fixed dates don't work, can you organise a group custom climb?
Yes, if the dates that we have organised don't work, we can organise a custom date that would suit you. We would recommend this option for groups only.
What is the best time of year to climb Mt Kilimanjaro?
There are two distinct climbing seasons that constitute the best time to climb Mt Kilimanjaro. They are January-March and June-October. January-March is generally colder than June-October, and there is a higher probability of encountering snow on the summit.
The Adventure
How hard is the actual climb?
With the right preparation, guides and support team, the climb is very achievable. We choose the Machame Route over a 7-day and 6-night itinerary because we feel that gives our team the best chance of summit success through acclimatization. Big adventure achievements will never come easy, so there will be some challenges. We put a lot of emphasis on pre-training, so the climb will be much easier. Most of the people you speak to that didn't summit have a common theme, lacked preparation, were poorly guided, and had limited to no teamwork on the mountain.
Why do you choose the Machame Route?
We choose the Machame Route for all our treks because, from our experience, it provides the best acclimatization program for moving high and sleeping low, diversity of scenery and, more importantly, gives us options to descend quickly if one of our team members succumbs to altitude sickness.
What is a typical day like on the mountain?
A staff member will wake you up each day at around 6.00 AM. You will get dressed, pack for the day’s walk, and have your duffel ready for your porter before breakfast, usually at 7:00 AM. The support team will pack up your tent. The aim will be to leave the campsite and be on the trail by 8:00 AM. On the trail, you will carry a small daypack (20-40L weighing around 5kg) with your personal items, water, warm clothing, wet weather gear and camera equipment. We will have lunch on the way to the next camp. You will be given a lunch pack for the day to carry in your day pack. Your tent and gear will already be set up at the next camp for your arrival. Dinner is usually at 6:00 PM, and most trekkers read, play cards or head to bed early to prepare for the next day’s adventure.
Can I stay on after the climb?
Yes, you can extend your stay to explore more of Africa or to participate in a safari. These arrangements would need to be made by you and would be at your own cost. We are happy to discuss post-climb ideas with you.
Food, Accomdodation & Facilities
What is the accommodation like in Moshi?
The accommodation in Moshi, Tanzania, is a comfortable and clean hotel and will be on a twin-share basis. If you would like to book your own room, please let us know when you book, but there will be additional costs. However, if the group size is an odd number, there will be no extra cost if you end up in your own room. The hotel will have wifi and excellent security.
What is the accommodation like on the Mountain?
The accommodation on the mountain is expedition-style camping in tents on a twin-share basis. If you would like to book your own tent, please let us know when you book, but there will be additional costs. If the group size is an odd number, there will be no additional cost if you end up in your own tent.
What type of food do we eat in Moshi?
There will be plenty of food on the climb. At the hotel, a buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner are served each day. You also have the option to go into the town of Moshi and eat at any of the takeaway establishments. We highly recommend that you try and keep your diet fairly staple to avoid any potential pre-climb sickness. You are advised to either drink bottled water or treat your drinking water with purification tablets.
What type of food do we eat on the mountain?
On each climb, a designated head and assistant cook will prepare your meals each day. The food will vary depending on the season, but it will be high in carbs and protein and prepared from local fresh produce to maintain your energy levels. We suggest perhaps taking some favourite breakfast type cereal like oats and snacks. We would also suggest taking your prefered coffee sachets.
What facilities are there in Moshi?
Moshi is a large town for the area, so there are facilities like banking, general grocery stores, restaurants etc. You can purchase trekking equipment, but we highly recommend that you sort all that in Australia.
Guides & Team
Why use Peak Potential Adventures?
Our guides and the way we run our adventures are second to none. You will only get very experienced guides on our adventures that you can trust. We pride ourselves on ensuring everyone has a positive, rewarding, safe experience. We leave nothing to chance in our preparation and always think about our client's safety and enjoyment during the adventure.
Do you offer a climb option without Australian guides?
Yes, we can organise a climb without Australian guides because our local team is highly experienced, and we have worked for them for over 10 years, but that is not our preference. From our experience, we have generally found the experience to be better climbing with experienced Australian guides. Having Australian guides does mean you need a minimum number of clients to start each climb and set departure dates built around our yearly adventure calendar. Climbing without Australian guides, the date can be customised, and the number of climbers can be smaller because there is no minimum. It would be a better experience with team members, but 2 climbers could make the team if required.
How many people could be on this climb?
This climb is limited to a maximum of 12 people.
What is the minimum age?
Because of insurance and liability reasons, the minimum age for adventure is 18.
Fitness & Equipment
How fit do I need to be, and can I get fit?
Mt Kilimanjaro can be climbed by those who are relatively fit and those willing to get fit. A significant advantage in undertaking this challenge with Peak Potential Adventures is that our team are also qualified personal trainers. We have had significant experience in high-altitude fitness preparation, so we will provide you with ongoing personalised advice and support on your training and fitness requirements to ensure you are ready. Also, climbing Mt Kilimanjaro is not all about fitness; it's as much a mental challenge, which we will prepare you for through our extensive adventure experience and qualifications in personal training.
We recommend joining one of our local weekend Six Foot Track adventures or free community walks to measure your current fitness and endurance levels.
What equipment will I require?
The equipment list is on the website under additional information. Once you have reviewed the list, we will discuss your equipment requirements and budget. Some equipment can be hired in Moshi, so we will also discuss the option of hiring equipment with you.
Vaccinations, Medical Conditions & Allergies
What vaccinations should I have?
We highly recommend that you speak to your doctor. You can also read up on what current vaccinations may be required on the Travel Doctor website, which you can access via this link.
Can I climb safely if I have allergies or a medical condition?
It all depends on the allergy or the medical condition, but we would strongly suggest that you speak to your doctor first before making a booking. If it is a food allergy, that will be no problem because that can be catered for by the head and assistant cook. Please let us know on the adventure booking form so we can inform our team what you can't eat.
Fees, Payments & Travel Documents
How much is the adventure?
The adventure cost, excluding international flights, is AUD$4,750.00
How much could I expect to pay for flights?
Flights can range for economy up to AUD$3,000.00, depending on who you fly with.
Can I pay a deposit and pay the rest before departure?
Yes, we only require a 30% deposit to secure your position on the climb if the climb is more than 60 days out, with the full balance payable 60 days before departure. Full payment will be required when booking if the climb departs within 60 days.
Is there a credit and debit card payment surcharge?
Yes, if you book using the credit or debit card Stripe payment gateway, there will be a 1.7% surcharge. You can avoid this 1.7% surcharge by doing a bank transfer in the payment option.
How much should I tip the guides and porters?
We have a policy that USD$350.00 is the required tipping amount for each person for the entire trip. We undertake this as a group tip per person, and the tip will be distributed to the local guides and porters during a presentation in Moshi, so there is complete transparency. You will receive the highest commitment and service from your local guides and porters, who are highly experienced, so this is a reasonable gesture of thanks for going above and beyond for you. Our local guides are some of the most experienced on the mountain, and in our experience, you will only get what you pay for. If you would like to tip more to a Guide or Porter who has offered you special assistance and support, please feel free to do so. You can also give them some of your gear you do not wish to take home.
Do I need to obtain a visa for entry into Tanzania?
Yes, and it is recommended that you apply for your visa online at the Tanzanian Consulate and have it issued before departure.
What currency should I take with me?
The official currency of Tanzania is the Shilling. Smaller amounts are usually paid in Shillings, whereas larger amounts are paid in USD. Money can be exchanged at the Bureaux de Change in Moshi and Kilimanjaro Airport. Make sure they change your money at the rate written in front of the bureau. Only hotels, restaurants and tourist shops of the higher category accept international credit cards; when paying small amounts in USD rather than Shilling, you get a worse exchange rate in most cases. Local shops accept Shillings only.
Why is your price a bit more expensive than that of other operators?
We are not a large-scale online travel agent that will take your money, treat you as a booking number, provide you with an email with information, and expect you to show up. When you book with us, we will provide you with one-on-one personalised service, advice, assistance with travel arrangements, visa applications, and, most importantly, your fitness training and equipment requirements. We understand why and how people could potentially fail to summit Mt Kilimanjaro. We will eliminate these risks as much as possible to reward you with the amazing summit experience you committed to and paid for.
Cancellations & Travel Insurance
What happens if I need to cancel?
Please read our booking terms and conditions for specific policy details.
Do I need travel insurance to climb Kilimanjaro?
Yes, it is a requirement to take out travel insurance with Cover-More Insurance with our Kilimanjaro climbs. We always ensure all our team members have the same travel insurance; just in case of unforeseen reasons, we need to coordinate a full team evacuation not just off the mountain but out of Tanzania.
Travel insurance will also insure you against:
- Trip cancellation
- Trip interruption
- Missed connection
- Travel delay
- Loss of baggage
- Medical emergencies
- Medical evacuation
You can read more about Cover-More insurance here and also get a quote. We firmly believe through our past experience that they are the best in the industry and will be there if you or we need them.
Photos & Media Content
Will I get access to photos & media content?
Yes, photos taken by the Peak Potential Adventures team during the Mt Kilimanjaro adventure will be shared via our corporate Google Drive.
Only a 30% deposit is required to secure your position unless the departure date is within 60 days, and then the full payment is required.
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