Mount Kilimanjaro
Greetings from TrovaTrip! Your epic adventure to the Roof of Africa is just around the corner. This guide contains essential information for your journey.
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Location
Tanzania, East Africa
Language
Swahili & English in tourist areas
Currency
Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) & USD
Time Zone
EAT (UTC+3)
Elevation
5,895m (19,341 ft)
Duration
7 days (Machame Route)
Before You Travel
Essential information to prepare for your Kilimanjaro trek
Airport & Transfers
- Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Arrival: Before 4:00 PM to meet everyone at your welcome Dinner at 5:30 PM [Exact time subject to change]
- Transfer: 55-minute drive from JRO to Moshi
- Departure: Book your flight once your trip has confirmed!
Group Communication
- Official Chat: TrovaTrip will start an "official" group chat 30-45 days before the trip
- Topics: Discuss room sharing, flights, clothing/gear questions, and more
Baggage Information
- Porter Duffel: Cannot exceed 33lbs (15kg)
- Day Pack: Use as your carry-on
- Storage: Hotel provides free luggage storage and safety boxes ($1-4/day)
- Travel Tip: Invest in AirTags for your luggage!
Health & Medication
- Altitude Medication: Consult with your doctor
- Personal Medication: Bring enough for the entire trek
- First Aid: Guides carry medical kits but bring personal items
- Travel Insurance: Ensure it covers high-altitude trekking
Important Travel Tips
- For international flights, it's worth paying more for FEWER layovers. Book DIRECTLY with the airline, NOT through third-party websites.
- Airport transfers can be booked through the TrovaTrip Portal approximately 30 days before the trip, or you can arrange your own.
Packing List
Essential gear for your Kilimanjaro expedition
Your duffel bag carried by porters cannot exceed 33lbs (15kg)
Gear & Equipment
- Day Pack (25-35L)
- Day Pack Rain Cover
- Waterproof/Water Resistant 50-90L Duffel Bag
- Hydration Bladder (2-3L)
- Sleeping Bag (-5 to 15 Degree F Bag)
- Sleeping Bag Liner (optional)
- Sleeping Pad (optional)
- Closed Cell Foam Sleeping Pad (optional)
- Camp Pillow
- Trekking Poles (optional)
- Soft Flask (for electrolytes)
- Headlamp + Extra Battery
- Portable Power Bank + Cord
Hygiene Items
- Toiletries Bag
- Small Hand Sanitizer
- Kula Cloth (optional)
- Toilet Paper
- Small Wet Wipes
- Small Toothbrush
- Small Toothpaste
- Flossy Floss
- Small Deodorant
- Small Lotion
- Small Body Spray (optional)
- Small Shower Toiletries
Other Essentials
- Bug Spray (for the rainforest days)
- Chapstick
- Small Sunscreen
- Book/Kindle
- Electrolytes
- Personal Medication/Ibuprofen/Tummy Meds
- Dry Bags
- Hair Ties
- (2) Empty Ziplock Baggies (trash, wet stuff, etc.)
- Snacks
- Tips for Guides (Cash)
- Wallet/ID/Debit Card
- PASSPORT (most important!)
- Hand and Feet Warmers
Personal Items
- Earplugs
- Eye Mask
- Tampons/Menstruating Products
- Glasses/Contacts/Cleaning Solution
- Brush/Mirror
- Headband
- Toe Nail Clippers
- Body Glide
- Garmin inReach (optional)
- Favorite Stuffed Animal
- Camera/GoPro
- Watch + Watch Charger
- Personal Camp Coffee Mug
- Instant Coffee or Tea
Rental Equipment
Many items on the packing list can be rented upon arrival. The rental place is at the same hotel where we'll be staying. You'll be able to grab your rental items before our Equipment Check/Briefing + Welcome Dinner on the first night.
The Machame Route
7-Day journey to the summit of Kilimanjaro
Machame Route
Known as the "Whiskey Route," the Machame path is one of the most scenic and popular routes up Kilimanjaro, offering stunning views and a variety of landscapes.
Day 1 of Trek: Machame Gate (6,000ft) to Machame Camp (9,950 ft)
Begin your journey through beautiful rainforest on well-maintained trails. Look out for black and white colobus monkeys and exotic birds. The day ends at Machame Camp.
Distance: 7 mi | Hiking Time: 5-7 hours | Habitat: Rainforest
Day 2 of Trek: Machame Camp (9,950 ft) to Shira Camp (12,600 ft)
Leave the rainforest behind and trek across moorland with stunning views of Kibo Peak. Reach Shira Plateau and camp with panoramic views.
Distance: 3 mi | Hiking Time: 4-6 hours | Habitat: Moorland
Day 3 of Trek: Shira Camp (12,600 ft) to Lava Tower (15,200 ft) to Barranco Camp (13,000 ft)
An important acclimatization day. Climb to Lava Tower for lunch then descend to Barranco Camp. The "climb high, sleep low" strategy helps with adaptation to altitude.
Distance: 6 mi | Hiking Time: 6-8 hours | Habitat: Semi-desert
Day 4 of Trek: Barranco Camp (13,000 ft) to Karanga Camp (13,250 ft)
Begin with the exciting Barranco Wall scramble, followed by a series of ups and downs through alpine desert. Short day ending at Karanga Camp.
Distance: 3 mi | Hiking Time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5 of Trek: Karanga Camp (13,250 ft) to Barafu Camp (15,350 ft)
Short but steep climb to Barafu Camp, your base for the summit attempt. Rest and prepare your equipment for the midnight departure to the summit.
Distance: 2 mi | Hiking Time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6 of Trek: Summit Day! Barafu Camp (15,350 ft) to Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft) to Mweka Camp (10,150 ft)
Wake around midnight for the summit push. Reach Stella Point (5,756m) at sunrise, then continue to Uhuru Peak. Descend to Mweka Camp after summiting.
Distance: 3 mi ascent, 8 mi descent | Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent | Habitat: Arctic & Rainforest
Day 7 of Trek: Mweka Camp (10,150 ft) to Mweka Gate (5,500 ft)
Final descent through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Collect your summit certificates and say goodbye to your mountain crew before transferring back to Moshi.
Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest
Altitude Considerations
Important information about altitude sickness and acclimatization
Consult with your doctor about altitude medication before your trip. Some climbers choose to take medication to help prevent altitude sickness, while others do not. This is a personal medical decision.
🩺 Signs of Altitude Sickness
- Headache
- Nausea/vomiting
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath
👍 Prevention Tips
- Pole Pole: Climb slowly ("pole pole" in Swahili)
- Hydration: Drink 3-4 liters of water daily
- Rest: Sleep well and conserve energy
- Gradual Ascent: The 7-day route helps with acclimatization
💶 Tipping Guidelines
It is customary to tip your mountain crew upon completion of your trip. The decision on how much to tip should not be determined based upon whether or not you reached the summit, but by how well the guides, cooks, and porters served you while you were on the mountain. The standard tipping amounts are as follows:
Lead Guide
USD $20-25 per person/per day
Assistant Guide
USD $15-20 per person/per day
Porter
USD $5-7 per person/per day
Cook
USD $8-10 per person/per day
It can be confusing to calculate the total tipping amount as there will be multiple guides, porters and cooks, with the total number varying based on your group size. Therefore it is recommended to tip between $300-$350 USD for the entire climb. It is also recommended to tip in smaller USD bills.
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