Overview
Climb Kilimanjaro (5,895m), Africa’s highest peak and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, on our 10-day expedition following the scenic 7-day Machame Route.
Over seven days on the mountain, you’ll trek through Kilimanjaro’s changing landscapes, from rainforest and moorland to alpine desert, before making your summit attempt at Uhuru Peak. Kilimanjaro is a non-technical climb, making it suitable for well-prepared trekkers with a good level of fitness and plenty of determination.
Throughout the climb, you’ll be supported by one of our highly experienced Tanzanian expedition guides, dedicated Earth’s Edge expedition doctor and our trusted local team of assistant guides, cooks and porters. You’ll also benefit from an included pre-departure training weekend in Wicklow, with practical advice to help you prepare for the challenge ahead.
After the climb, enjoy a day to relax in Arusha or make the most of your time in Tanzania with an optional safari in Tarangire National Park.
Expedition Highlights
Summit Africa’s Highest Mountain | 5,895m
Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa and one of the famous Seven Summits. Kilimanjaro is a non-technical climb, making it an accessible high-altitude challenge for well-prepared trekkers without previous mountaineering experience.
7-Day Machame Route with Kosovo Camp
Our seven-day Machame itinerary includes valuable acclimatisation opportunities, such as the ascent to Lava Tower (4,630m). We also spend our final night at Kosovo Camp, approximately 120m above the more commonly used Barafu Camp, reducing the ascent required on summit night by around an hour.
Dedicated Expedition Doctor
A dedicated Earth’s Edge expedition doctor accompanies the group throughout the climb, working alongside our highly experienced local mountain guides to provide an unrivalled level of medical care and support. Our doctor is available to assess and respond to medical concerns as they arise, providing professional care and reassurance in a remote, high-altitude environment.
Kilimanjaro Expedition Cost & What’s Included
The total expedition price is shown above.
Just pay a €399 deposit to secure your place. A part-payment of €1,000 is due six months before departure, with the remaining balance due three months before departure.
You can choose to pay the balance in instalments or in full.
Before You Go
- Pre-departure training weekend in Wicklow, Ireland, with practical advice on training, equipment and preparing for your climb.
- Earth’s Edge team jacket, buff and cap for you to keep
- Ongoing pre-departure support from our Ireland-based Earth’s Edge team, including advice on training, equipment and preparing for altitude
In Tanzania
- Highly experienced Tanzanian Expedition Guide, supported by a full local mountain team of assistant guides, cooks and porters.
- Dedicated Earth’s Edge expedition doctor, providing on-mountain medical care and support throughout the climb.
- Seven-day Machame Route, including an overnight stay at Kosovo Camp before summit day.
- Lodge accommodation in Arusha before and after the climb, based on twin sharing.
- Fully serviced mountain camping, including high-quality tents and Therm-a-Rest sleeping mats
- All meals and drinking water as outlined in the itinerary (accommodation in Arusha is on a B&B basis)
- Celebratory dinner at the end of the expedition
- All planned group transport throughout the trip
- Airport transfers that align with our recommended flights
- All required Kilimanjaro National Park fees and permits.
- Fully stocked expedition medical kit
What’s Not Included?
- International flights to and from Tanzania
- Tanzanian tourist visa
- Personal travel insurance, including appropriate high-altitude rescue and medical evacuation cover
- Personal equipment, clothing and sleeping bag
- Vaccinations and personal medication
- Tips for the local mountain team.
- Personal spending, meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary.
- Optional one-day or three-day Tanzania safari.
- Airport transfers outside our recommended flight arrangements.
Flights
International flights are not included in the expedition price.
We’ll share recommended flight timings to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) approximately 10 months before departure. These timings are designed to connect with our complimentary group airport transfers.
You are, of course, welcome to choose alternative flights that suit you best, and make your own way to Arusha in time for the briefing on Day 1.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Tanzania
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Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to our lodge in Arusha. You'll have time to settle in and relax before a detailed expedition brief from your expedition leader in the afternoon, covering the climb, equipment and final preparations.
Day 2
Machame Gate (1,490m) to Machame Camp (2,980m) | 7 hrs trekking
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After breakfast, we drive to Machame Gate to begin our trek through Kilimanjaro's rainforest. The trail takes us through dense vegetation, with opportunities to spot wildlife, before reaching Machame Camp for our first night on the mountain.
Day 3
Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,840m) | 6 hrs trekking
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Today we leave the rainforest behind and climb into open moorland towards the Shira Plateau. As we gain altitude, the vegetation becomes more sparse and views open up towards Kilimanjaro's upper slopes.
Day 4
Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3,950m) | 7 hrs trekking
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Today is an important acclimatisation day. We gradually climb towards Lava Tower at approximately 4,630m, before descending to sleep at Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” approach provides an important opportunity to acclimatise before continuing higher. We spend the night beneath the impressive Barranco Wall.
Day 5
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,000m) | 5 hrs trekking
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We start the day by tackling the famous Barranco Wall. Despite its dramatic appearance, this is a non-technical scramble and your guides will be there to help you throughout. Once above the wall, we continue across rocky terrain towards Karanga Camp, with views of Kibo and the surrounding mountain.
Day 6
Karanga Camp to Kosovo Camp (4,800m) | 5 hrs trekking
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We continue ascending towards Kosovo Camp, our final camp before summit day. Situated approximately 120m above Barafu Camp, Kosovo provides a higher starting point for our summit attempt. We’ll have an early dinner and rest before getting ready for the final push to Uhuru Peak.
Day 7
Kosovo Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Millennium Camp (3,832m) | 14 hrs trekking
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Summit day begins in the early hours as we climb steadily towards Stella Point on the crater rim. From here, we continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After reaching the summit, we begin the long descent to Millennium Camp. This is the most physically demanding day of the expedition.
Day 8
Millennium Camp to Arusha | 6 hrs trekking
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Our final day on the mountain takes us back into thicker vegetation as we descend towards the park gate. We say goodbye to our mountain team before returning to our lodge in Arusha for a shower, a comfortable bed and time to celebrate what we’ve achieved.
Day 9
Free Day or Optional Safari
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Enjoy a day relaxing in Arusha or join an optional safari in Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant population and diverse wildlife. A three-day safari extension is also available for those who'd like to spend more time exploring Tanzania.
Day 10
Depart Tanzania
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Enjoy breakfast and some final time at the lodge to relax or do some more exploring of Arusha before your departure from Tanzania.
Start Planning Your Journey
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Why Climb Kilimanjaro with Earth’s Edge?
Adventure changes lives. At Earth’s Edge, we believe how you climb Kilimanjaro matters just as much as reaching the summit.
Our approach is built around preparation, expert support, responsible travel and a strong sense of community. From the first briefing to summit day, we are with you every step of the way.
Experienced Tanzanian Mountain Team
Our exceptional Tanzanian guiding team, cooks and porters know Kilimanjaro incredibly well, with many having summited the mountain hundreds of times.
They are at the heart of the expedition, setting the pace on the trail, running camp and supporting the group from the first trekking day to the summit and back down again.
Dedicated Expedition Doctor
Every Earth’s Edge Kilimanjaro expedition travels with a dedicated expedition doctor. This is a bedrock of our service and our safety standards, giving the group an additional level of medical support while trekking at altitude.
Having a doctor on the mountain alongside our local mountain guides allows us to closely monitor acclimatisation, respond early to any medical issues, and support climbers with confidence and reassurance throughout the expedition. This extra peace of mind is why many of our clients choose to travel with us.
98% Summit Success
In 2025, and 2026 to date, 98% of our Kilimanjaro clients reached the summit (5,895m).
We're proud of this result, which reflects the combination of our seven-day Machame itinerary, careful acclimatisation, experienced Tanzanian team, expedition doctor and the way we operate on the mountain.
No summit can ever be guaranteed, but we put the structure and support in place to give every climber the best opportunity to succeed safely.
Training Weekend in Wicklow, Ireland
Your expedition price includes a pre-departure training weekend in Wicklow, Ireland, with practical guidance on hillwalking fitness, equipment, pacing and preparing for the demands of Kilimanjaro.
Attendance is optional but strongly recommended. It's also a chance to meet other Earth's Edge clients preparing for their expeditions.
Small-Group Experience
We limit our Kilimanjaro expeditions to 16 clients, allowing for a more personal group experience and strong support from the guiding and medical team.
And you don’t need to know anyone before joining. Many Earth’s Edge clients travel on their own, and the shared experience of climbing together quickly creates a strong sense of team. For many people the team becomes one of the highlights of the trip.
Responsible Travel& Porter Welfare
Our porters are central to every Kilimanjaro expedition, and we believe they should be treated fairly and responsibly. We're proud partners of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), which independently monitors participating climbs and promotes fair wages, appropriate equipment, safe load limits and better working conditions for porters.
Earth's Edge is a Certified B Corp and currently the highest-scoring B Corp in Ireland. We're committed to responsible travel, fair treatment and wages for local staff and reducing the impact of our expeditions on the places we visit.
Preparing for Your Kilimanjaro Climb
Is Kilimanjaro Suitable for Beginners?
Yes. Kilimanjaro is a non-technical climb, and previous mountaineering or high-altitude trekking experience is not required.
However, the combination of seven trekking days, high altitude and a demanding summit day makes it a significant physical challenge. A good level of fitness and consistent preparation are essential. We move at a steady pace on the mountain, and throughout the expedition you’ll be supported by our Tanzanian guiding team and dedicated expedition doctor.
If you’re unsure whether Kilimanjaro is right for your current fitness or experience, book a free consultation and we’ll talk it through with you.
How Fit Do I Need to Be?
We have classified Kilimanjaro as a level 5 expedition. You should be comfortable walking for several hours over hilly terrain on consecutive days, including steep ascents and descents.
The best preparation is consistent training in the months before departure, particularly regular hillwalking alongside cardiovascular and strength work. Your training weekend in Ireland will also give you a chance to spend time in the Irish hills before you travel.
What About Altitude?
At 5,895m, altitude is one of the main challenges of climbing Kilimanjaro. Its effects vary from person to person, regardless of fitness or previous mountain experience.
Our seven-day Machame itinerary includes opportunities to acclimatise, including the ascent towards Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp.
It's important to understand the symptoms of altitude illness and report any concerns promptly to our mountain team and expedition doctor.
What Should I Pack for Kilimanjaro?
You'll need clothing and equipment suitable for conditions ranging from warm rainforest to freezing temperatures on summit night.
Essential items include well-fitting trekking boots, waterproof clothing, warm layers, gloves and a suitable sleeping bag.
See our full Kilimanjaro packing list
When Is the Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro?
January, February and June through October generally offer the most favourable trekking conditions, with less rainfall and clearer skies.
The main rainy season typically runs from March through May, with the "short rains" often occurring from November to mid-December.
Our departures are scheduled during the generally drier periods.
Read our guide to the best time to climb Kilimanjaro
Is the Safari Included?
The safari is an optional addition after the Kilimanjaro climb, and is not included in the expedition price.
On Day 9, you can choose a one-day safari to Tarangire National Park or spend the day relaxing in Arusha.
We also offer a three-day safari add-on if you prefer to extend your time in Tanzania. Please contact us for a quote.
Read our Kilimanjaro blogs
Explore our Kilimanjaro guides for practical advice on training, packing, altitude and preparing for your climb.
You can also watch our Youtube playlist for even more detail!
