Machame is the most popular way up Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m), and it is sometimes called the 'Whiskey Route'. It strikes a good balance between scenery, challenge and summit success. You start in montane forest at Machame Gate, climb onto the Shira Plateau, cross semi-desert to Lava Tower and drop down into the Barranco Valley. From there you scale the Barranco Wall and head across the alpine desert to Barafu Camp for the midnight summit push to Uhuru Peak. You come down the Mweka trail.

There are three ways to do it with Foot Slopes. The 6-day climb is the classic, efficient version. The 7-day climb adds a night at Karanga Camp, which noticeably improves acclimatisation and summit success (Foot Slopes quote 85–90% for Machame). The luxury 9-day climb adds premium camping and two nights of luxury accommodation in Arusha.

On the luxury climb each climber has a private sleeping tent with a proper bed, a quality mattress and an insulated sleeping bag. There are large dining tents, private toilets and hot bucket showers. The crew is larger, with a high staff-to-client ratio, and they carry pulse oximeters, emergency oxygen, first-aid kits and solar charging.

Every climb is led by licensed, English-speaking local mountain guides with a chef and porters. Park and rescue fees, porterage, camping equipment, meals and mineral water on the mountain, and airport transfers are included.

What's included

Airport pick-up and drop-off, and all transport; All Kilimanjaro park entrance fees; Rescue fees; Professional English-speaking mountain guide and chef; Porterage; Meals according to the itinerary; Mineral water every day; Camping equipment (tent, mess table and chairs); 2 nights' hotel accommodation in Moshi or Arusha before and after the climb; Government taxes and 18% VAT; Luxury climb: private tents with beds, insulated sleeping bags, dining tents, private toilets and hot bucket showers; Luxury climb: pulse oximeters, emergency oxygen, first-aid kits and solar charging

What's not included

International and internal flights; Travel insurance; Visa fees; Personal items and souvenirs; Personal hiking and climbing gear; Tips for the crew (suggested amounts are given before you travel)