10 Days Kilimanjaro Hiking Machame Route & Zanzibar Beach
Guaranteed Availability:
1st June - 31st March 2025/26
1st June - 31st March 2026/27
1st June - 31st March 2027/28
Duration: 10 Days
Adult Price: £3187.00
Child Price: £2422.00
Deposit: £250.00
View DetailsThe Pathway Events / Kilimanjaro Trips / 10 Days Kilimanjaro Hiking Machame Route & Zanzibar Beach
Trip Details
Embark on an unforgettable 10-day adventure with 6 days hiking the iconic Machame Route on Mount Kilimanjaro, known for its scenic landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Trek through lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and volcanic terrain, culminating in the breathtaking summit at Uhuru Peak.
After conquering the mountain, spend Day 7 flying to the beautiful island of Zanzibar, where you’ll relax on pristine beaches, soak up the sun, and enjoy the tranquil coastal atmosphere for the next 3 days, making this the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation.
Highlights
- Scenic Machame Route Trek: Experience the beauty of Kilimanjaro’s diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests to alpine meadows, leading to the summit at Uhuru Peak.
- Summit at Uhuru Peak: Reach the iconic summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m), the highest point in Africa, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Challenging Adventure: Push your limits while trekking one of the most popular and rewarding routes on Kilimanjaro, offering a true sense of accomplishment.
- Zanzibar Beach Bliss: After your trek, unwind on the stunning beaches of Zanzibar, soaking in the sun, crystal-clear waters, and tranquil island vibe.
- Cultural Exploration: Discover Zanzibar’s rich culture and history, with opportunities to explore Stone Town, spice plantations, and local markets.
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Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Tanzania – Kilimanjaro International Airport
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our representative will be waiting to welcome you. You will then be transferred to Maridadi Hotel, where you can relax and recover from your flight.
If you are already in Tanzania, we can also arrange pickup around Moshi/Arusha and transfer you to Maridadi Hotel, where the tour will begin.
In the evening, you will meet your mountain guide for a detailed briefing. He will go over the itinerary, provide important tips, and advise you on what to wear and pack to ensure a safe and comfortable climb.
- Accommodation: Mountain Camping Tent Stay
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day 02: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Depart Machame Gate and trek upwards through the montane rainforest, characterized by dense vegetation, a muddy trail, and short sections of steep climbs where you may hear the calls of many exotic birds and if we are lucky we may see blue monkeys on the forest canopy and hear the grunting calls of the magnificent black colobus monkeys with their long ‘cape’ of white hair and a flowing white tail.
Our first campsite, Machame Camp, is right after the dense tree cover in an area with lower but still thick bush where Podocarpus (African yellow-wood), Hagenia, and Hypericum (St John’s Wort) dominate. In the evening you may hear the unmistakable shrieking call of the tree hyrax.
Hiking Time:6-7 hours
Total Distance:8.2 km
Starting Altitude: 1829m (6,000ft)
Final Altitude:3030m (9,950ft)
- Accommodation: Mountain Camping Tent Stay
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day 02: Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Today we continue through increasingly sparse trees and bushes into moorlands. Picturesque hanging mosses often cover trees offering an ethereal quality to the landscape. The day finishes with Shira Camp, which is on a small plateau in the high moorlands and features views of Kibo in the northwest and Mount Meru towards the east. White-necked ravens can be seen throughout the day and around our campsite.
Today’s Stats
Hiking Time:7-8 hours
Total Distance:5 km
Starting Altitude: 3030m (9,950ft)
Final Altitude:3840m (12,600ft)
Environment: Moorland
- Accommodation: Mountain Camping Tent Stay
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day 03: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
Today we turn east and continue to climb “pole pole” (slowly, slowly) through increasingly rocky and desolate terrain. We will leave the moorland behind and continue up a rocky path through typical Kilimanjaro mountain vegetation of Senecios and Lobelia. We will pass through the alpine moorland zone where plants are extremely hardy and consist of lichens, grasses, and heather, to reach Kilimanjaro’s alpine desert zone.
We take lunch at Lava Tower (4630m) and for those who feel up to it you can undertake an optional rock scramble (non technical) to the top of Lava Tower where you will have spectacular panoramic vistas of the Karanga Valley below, Shira Plateau and the spectacular Western Breach above.
From Lava Tower, we descend steeply for 2 hours down more than 600m into the Great Barranco Valley. This descent affords fantastic views and some great photo opportunities of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. You will also feel the clear benefits of this acclimatization day as we lose altitude down to the camp.
Barranco Camp is set on a col (flat area) enclosed on three sides by the Breach Walls, and the Kibo massif itself. Hanging glaciers shimmer in the sunshine above amidst the eerie landscape of plants such as the giant groundsels, and the uniquely endemic Giant Lobelia. This is definitely the toughest day so far, but incredibly beautiful.
Hiking Time:6-7 hours
Total Distance:7 km
Starting Altitude: 3840m (12600ft)
Final Altitude:4642m (15230ft)
Environment: Semi-Alpine Desert
- Accommodation: Mountain Camping Tent Stay
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day 04: Baranco Camp to Barafu Camp
Today we undertake the Great Barranco Wall – an imposing face above Barranco camp. A steady climb up the eastern wall takes us just below the Heim Glacier, where we may have some breathtaking views of the Heim Glacier and Mt. Kilimanjaro depending upon the weather and any cloud cover.
Our trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley. Here the temperature will grow colder as we follow the trail climbing through this barren and dry landscape up to the Barafu camp. Barafu is the Swahili word for “ice”, and the camping area is on a ridge in a narrow and exposed flat area.
Here there are ever-present powerful winds blowing down from the mountain peaks. Our campsite at 4600m offers spectacular views of the nearby peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi.
In preparation for your final ascent tonight, you will familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark, and prepare your equipment and thermal clothing for the summit attempt. Sleep will be difficult, though you will to retire to your tents after dinner to rest for the 1385m final ascent to the roof of Africa.
Hiking Time:6-7 hours
Total Distance: 11.4 km
Starting Altitude: 3978m (13054ft)
Final Altitude:4600m (15200ft)
Environment:Alpine Desert
- Accommodation: Mountain Camping Tent Stay
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day 05: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mellenium Camp
We will rise early to leave camp at around 12am and after a warm drink and a light snack, you will begin the most difficult though most rewarding day of the trek – your hike to the roof of Africa. After approximately 6 hours of slow but strenuous hiking, you will reach the rim of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5685m. At this point, we stop to rest, eat lunch and take in the views over the clouds. From Stella Point, the trail is normally snow-covered, and every step of the 2-hour final ascent to Uhuru peak is challenging. Passing alongside the iridescent blue Rebmann and Tarzel glaciers we reach Elveda Point (5882) we can see Uhuru Peak now only minutes away. The roof of Africa is within your grasp.
Arriving at the summit you feel a huge sense of elation and accomplishment you have done it, you have made it to the highest point in Africa. We spend as much time as you need to appreciate your accomplishment, as this is a day to remember for the rest of your life! The time you will spend on the summit will depend on the weather conditions and temperature.
We start back down the same trail and descend to Barafu camp. Here you will have a well-earned but short rest and remove some of your many layers of clothing as the day begins to heat up. We head down the rock and scree path into the moorland zone, reaching the forest, and eventually arriving at Millennium Camp in the early afternoon where a hot shower and meal awaits. Today is the longest, and the most mentally and physically challenging of the trek. But a life changing day that will stay with you forever, as you conquered the heights of Kilimanjaro.
Hiking Time:7 hrs to summit, 7-8hrs descent
Total Distance:7km to summit, 23km descent
Starting Altitude: 4682m
Summit Altitude:5895m – Uhuru Peak
Final Altitude:3819m (12530ft)
Environment:Stone Scree, ice capped summit, Alpine desert
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day 06: Mellenium Camp to Mweka Gate – Moshi
Today your legs will be further tested as the trail descends steeply through the lush Mweka rainforest. The trail is steep in places and the going slippery if wet.
The route follows the crest of a broad ridge separating two river valleys until it meets with a road that leads us for the last 40 mins to the Mweka Park Gates where we stop for a well-deserved picnic lunch where successful hikers will receive their summit certificates (gold for Uhuru Peale, Green for Stella point) from the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority.
Post celebrations, we are taken by either private bus or Jeep to our hotel in Moshi.
Hiking Time:5-6 hours
Total Distance:13.5 km
Starting Altitude: 3819m (15530ft)
Final Altitude:1652m (5420ft)
Environment: Montane (rain) forest
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day 07: Departure to Zanzibar & Overnight at Kendwa Rock
After an early breakfast, you’ll depart from Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight to the beautiful island of Zanzibar. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to the stunning Kendwa Rock Resort, located on the northern coast of Zanzibar. Spend the evening relaxing on the pristine beach, enjoying the soothing sounds of the Indian Ocean, and savoring a delicious dinner with a breathtaking sunset view. This is the perfect way to unwind after your exhilarating Kilimanjaro adventure.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day 08: Zanzibar Beach Relaxation
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast by the beach, followed by a full day of relaxation in paradise. Whether you choose to bask in the sun, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or indulge in water sports like snorkeling and kayaking, Zanzibar’s beaches offer something for everyone. Explore the vibrant coral reefs or simply unwind with a refreshing drink while enjoying the ocean breeze. The evening is yours to enjoy a fresh seafood dinner with a view of the setting sun.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day 09: Explore Zanzibar & Beach Leisure
Spend your day exploring more of Zanzibar’s beauty and culture. Take a guided tour of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its rich history, winding alleys, and stunning architecture. Visit spice plantations or enjoy a boat trip to nearby islands. Return to your beach resort for another relaxing afternoon by the ocean, where you can swim, sunbathe, or enjoy a spa treatment. In the evening, savor dinner with fresh local ingredients, and reflect on your incredible journey.
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 10: Departure from Zanzibar
After a final breakfast by the beach, you’ll have some free time to relax or shop for souvenirs. Depending on your flight time, you can take one last walk along the beach or enjoy the resort’s amenities. At the scheduled time, you will be transferred to Zanzibar International Airport for your flight home, taking with you unforgettable memories of your Kilimanjaro adventure and peaceful beach escape.
Day 12:
Today marks the end of your unforgettable adventure. Enjoy your final moments in Tanzania before our driver transfers you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your journey home.
If you wish to extend your holiday, we can arrange an exciting safari in Tanzania’s national parks or a relaxing beach getaway in Zanzibar to complement your Kilimanjaro experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
None, but previous hiking or climbing experience will help. You need to be fit and healthy and have a good pair of worn-in hiking boots. The fitter you are the more you are likely to enjoy it.
There are at least six routes to the top, Uhuru peak. You will hike between 53 and 73km depending on which route you choose. The shortest and toughest is the 5-day Umbwe route. Allowing extra days will help you to acclimatize better and improve your chances of reaching the summit. The easiest and most popular route is Marangu (which can be done in five), but we use six days for this route.
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world and the highest mountain in Africa. Its highest point is Uhuru Peak on the Kibo crater at 5895m above sea level.
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed anytime throughout the year. Most travelers prefer climbing during the dry seasons: December to March, June to October. Many consider the best months to climb Kilimanjaro to be January, February, and September.
On most routes, you’ll trek 4-7 hours most days. On certain routes you’ll trek as many as 10-15 hours on the longest days.
Prior to the climb, you’ll enjoy an acclimatization day with wildlife viewing and nature walks. Trekking through the rain forest, you’re likely to spot black-and-white Colobus monkeys, tropical birds and more.
Highly-trained chefs prepare three hot nutritious meals daily, as well as trail snacks and afternoon tea each day. You’ll eat all your meals in a solar-lit dining tent with your fellow trekkers and head guide. Delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other specialty meals can be provided (with advance request). We’re happy to send you a sample menu—just ask!
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, celiac, lactose-free, or if you have any allergies, just give us a heads up and you will be catered to
Your mountain camps are set up and broken down each day by expert camp porters. You’ll stay in double occupancy all-weather tents with full-ground pads to keep you and your gear dry. Private toilet tents, solar-lit dining tents with tables and chairs, and basins of hot water for washing are provided in every camp. Grand Traverse treks include upgraded solar-lit walk-in-height sleeping tents with mountaineering beds and mattresses for additional comfort.Your mountain camps are set up and broken down each day by expert camp porters. You’ll stay in double occupancy all-weather tents with full-ground pads to keep you and your gear dry. Private toilet tents, solar-lit dining tents with tables and chairs, and basins of hot water for washing are provided in every camp. Grand Traverse treks include upgraded solar-lit walk-in-height sleeping tents with mountaineering beds and mattresses for additional comfort.
In the individual trip pages there is a detailed section on what is included and excluded.
Yes, it is expected and much appreciated. The amount depends on the number of days, but can range from $150 and $300 per hiker. Tips are pooled and shared amongst the crew. Bring US dollar bills.
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed anytime throughout the year. Most travellers prefer climbing during the dry seasons: December to March, June to October. Many consider the best months to climb Kilimanjaro to be January, February, and September.
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The Pathway Support Package
The Pathway Support Package is what makes the difference. This isn’t just a booking – it’s a complete preparation experience designed to remove uncertainty and set you up for success. From the moment you commit, we guide you through every step.
You’ll receive detailed training plans, packing lists, travel tips and practical guidance to make sure nothing is left to chance. On top of that, you’ll get three tailored coaching sessions with endurance specialist Doug White and one mindset session with Stevie Kidd.
Our team becomes your team - committed to helping you reach the summit and enjoy every moment of the journey along the way.
✅ Trip Essentials
- How To Apply For a Visa
- Travel Insurance Information
- Transfer Information
- Accommodation Details
- Health & Hygiene
✅ Equipment Lists
- Gear List
- Clothing
- Sleeping & Other Equipment
- Toiletries & Medicine
- Technical Equipment
✅ Coaching
- Not sure where to start, don't worry we will provide you with everything you need
- Detailed training plans
- Checklists
- Coaching Calls
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Gallery
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Useful Info
Tips for a Successful Climb
BE PROPERLY EQUIPPED
An essential part of your preparation will be to ensure that you are well equipped for your summit attempt. Print our final Packing List and mark it off, to ensure that you are. Click on Packing List to get to this very important step in your preparation.
BE PHYSICALLY PREPARED
It is important that your body is adequately prepared for the physical challenges of Mount Kilimanjaro. Develop your fitness and get your body in shape for your Kilimanjaro summit expedition.
MENTAL PREPARATION
It is possible to summit Kilimanjaro successfully. Many before you have succeeded. This should be topmost in your mind when preparing for the summit attempt. You should always remain in a positive state of mind, but not overly arrogant. Try to anticipate various different scenarios, which you may possibly encounter on the mountain and try to work out the most suitable course of action, mentally by yourself or even as a group. Your mental stamina will, without a doubt, make the really difficult sections, like from Kibo to Uhuru or from Barafu to Uhuru, easier to complete. Remember if you are properly equipped, you have taken everything as indicated on the Packing List, you are physically prepared and have all the knowledge gained from guide – you will be mentally confident for the physical part of Kilimanjaro.
ADEQUATE TRAVEL INSURANCE
Make sure that you have adequate travel and medical insurance, which will also provide you with cover for the climb up Kilimanjaro.
ON THE MOUNTAIN
GO SLOWLY
Go slowly – “Pole Pole” as they say in Swahili! This is also very important during your first days of climbing. Even if you feel well, slow down and enjoy the scenery. The biggest cause of altitude sickness is ascending too high too fast! The slower you hike to more time you give your body to acclimatise.
DRINK ENOUGH WATER
Make sure that you drink at least 3 – 4 litres of liquid a day – preferably water. For your first day it is recommended that you take along fresh water, which may be purchased at the hotel in Moshi before your climb. Try to get the bottles with the screw tops, this way you will also have containers in which to take water further up the mountain. Running water on the mountain is safe to drink from day-2 onwards, but care should still be taken. If you are not used to fresh water in nature, prevent any inconvenience by using water purification tablets.
REMEMBER! A functioning “body water balance” is one of the keys to a successful climb!
WALK HIGH – SLEEP LOW
If possible and especially on your acclimatization day “walk high – sleep low” Try to do a short evening stroll to a higher altitude and then descend to sleep at the camp at a lower altitude. This is essential on your acclimatization day.
TAKE A WALKING POLE
A walking pole is essential. Use of ski poles reduces external and internal loads on the knee joint by up to 20%. Using 1 ski pole is a must, but 2 poles are recommended.
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Travel Info
For Entry into Tanzania
Passport
Your passport must have at least six months of validity from the date of entry. Additionally, Tanzania requires that there should be a minimum of one blank page in your passport for a visa stamp upon arrival.
Visa
Most travellers visiting Tanzania require a visa for entry. You can determine your eligibility and apply for an e-visa by visiting the official website. The standard cost for a visa is $50 USD and processing time is around 2 weeks.
Travel insurance
Insurance is not a requirement to enter Tanzania, but in my opinion, travel insurance is a must – especially when going on safari. It provides peace of mind, covering unforeseen circumstances such as health emergencies, accidents, and loss of belongings.
Yellow Fever Vaccine*
Travelers aged 1 year and older arriving from countries at risk for yellow fever virus transmission must provide proof of yellow fever vaccination. This requirement also applies to layovers exceeding 12 hours in countries with a risk of yellow fever virus transmission. If you’re considering a layover in Addis Ababa or another place with yellow fever risk, keep this in mind.
Travel tip
Store your important paperwork securely in a waterproof and sealable bag to protect them from humidity and unexpected downpours. It’s also a good idea to make scanned copies of essential documents and store them in a separate location from the originals. This ensures a backup in case of loss or theft.
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Terms & Conditions
What You Need to Know
Your Deposit is Non-Refundable
As soon as you book, we begin preparing your journey – reserving your space, tailoring your support package, and getting vital logistics in motion. For that reason, deposits are non-refundable.
Full Payment is Due 90 Days Before Departure
To finalise your trip, full payment is required at least 90 days before your departure date. If you book within 90 days of departure, full payment will be due immediately.
Trip Forms Are Required Before We Can Proceed
Once your deposit is received, we’ll send you essential trip information, including forms for each participant. These must be completed before we can release further details about your trip – they’re crucial for us to tailor your experience properly and keep everything running smoothly.
Your Hosts in Tanzania
Your Kilimanjaro expedition will be hosted by our trusted partners, Migration Venture Africa. They are responsible for your on-the-ground experience from arrival in Tanzania through to your summit and return. We’ve built a long-standing, highly collaborative relationship with them to ensure everything meets the high standards we promise.
Flights Are Not Included
Please note that your package does not include international flights to or from Tanzania. However, we’re happy to advise on travel options if needed.
Coaching & Support Calls
You will receive video coaching sessions with Doug White (our endurance specialist) and Stevie Kidd as part of your package. These are delivered via video call. If you’d like to arrange additional coaching before or after your trip, we’re happy to organise that – just let us know (fees apply).
Need to Speak to Us?
We’re here to help. You can reach us any time on:
📞 +44 (0) 330 311 2413
📧 inspire@steviekidd.co.uk
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What People Said
“Absolutely life-changing, and very difficult to summarise the whole experience”
Lisa Newman
“The Pathway helped me to open my heart and connect. The experience has put things into perspective. He adds tremendous value by pushing us out of our comfort zone and encouraging us on a path of self-discovery.”
Ian Killeen
“The most amazing and emotional experience so far! I definitely recommend The Pathway.”
Anete Eglija
“It’s an opportunity to change when needed, improve when needed, put things in your life in perspective when needed.”
Carlos Bertrand
“I feel honoured to have been part of the Reach Your Peak Kilimanjaro trip. I experienced unbelievable personal growth, unexpected friendships and enlightenment to what I am actually capable of doing.”
Paula Pierceall
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