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Step 3 - Experience
We've worked with you in Step #2 to plan the perfect itinerary and have collected everything we need to ensure a smooth arrival here in Tanzania. Now it's time for you to sit back and relax while we do the work (unless you're climbing Kilimanjaro with us, in which case you still have some work to do). Regardless, we'll be with you every step of the way to ensure that the only surprises will be the kind you want to have. We'll be here waiting for you, and look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful Tanzania.
Step 2 - Customize
Connect with us to plan the perfect adventure. Since we own the company, and manage every detail of your itinerary, we are able to accommodate many special requests. We don't like cookie-cutter experiences any more than you do, and that's why we will work directly with you to craft an Africa trip that is truly special. Once you're completely satisfied with your custom itinerary we make it safe and easy to confirm your reservation. Now it's time to move on to the last, and arguably the most important step, the experience.
Step 1 - Discover
Take a look at our expertly designed trips on the website and narrow it down to your favorite, or contact us and let us suggest an itinerary if you prefer. Don't forget to look at our most popular extensions to get some ideas for other activities you can experience while you're here. Our "pre-designed" trips are wonderful trips that have become client and guide favorites because they include many of the highlights you might expect to see while you are in Tanzania. It's likely that one of these trips will catch your attention, and get you excited about taking the next step.
Africa Is Only Three Easy Steps Away With A Betheli Expedition
Expedition Overview
Embark on a transformative 9-day adventure conquering the peaks of Kilimanjaro via the stunning Machame Route. Renowned for its smooth acclimatization and panoramic vistas, the Machame Route is both a challenging and fulfilling journey, aptly earning its nickname "The Whiskey Route."
Embrace the thrill of 7 days trekking through diverse habitats, with nights under the starlit African sky in tents, creating a true mountaineer experience. Your adventure begins with a restful stay at the tranquil Mount Meru Hotel, offering awe-inspiring views of Mt. Meru, and ends with the victorious feeling of having summited the highest peak in Africa.
Tailor-made for both seasoned trekkers and those seeking a challenge, this journey promises to be an unforgettable expedition through the heart of Tanzania's wilderness.
Highlights:
Conquer Kilimanjaro: Take on Africa's highest peak, navigating through various habitats and terrains.
Scenic Machame Route: Experience the most popular and scenic route up Kilimanjaro, offering breathtaking views.
7 Days of Trekking: Immerse yourself in the raw beauty of nature with 7 full days of trekking, enhancing your connection with the outdoors.
Camp Under the Stars: Spend your nights in tents, under the vast African sky, providing a true wilderness experience.
Tranquil Pre-Trek Stay: Begin your journey with a restful stay at the Mount Meru Hotel, basking in the tranquility and stunning scenery.
Expert Guides and Support: Rely on the expertise and support of our experienced mountain crew, ensuring a safe and memorable trek.
Varied Habitats: Traverse through lush rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts, witnessing the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
Acclimatization Opportunities: Benefit from planned acclimatization days, crucial for a successful summit attempt.
Memorable Summit Attempt: Embark on a midnight trek to Uhuru Peak, standing at the summit as the first light of day illuminates the continent.
Cultural Exploration: Cap off your journey with an optional Arusha city tour, diving into the local culture and shopping for Tanzanite.
Are you ready to conquer the roof of Africa? Kilimanjaro awaits, and this is your invitation to an adventure of a lifetime. Dive deeper into our detailed itinerary, learn more about the unique experiences that await, and take the first step towards making unforgettable memories on the slopes of Kilimanjaro.
Your adventure begins here – embrace it!
When To Come
Embarking on a trek up Mount Kilimanjaro is a profound adventure, and timing your visit right is crucial to enhance your experience.
The Machame Route is open for ascents year-round, but the best times to visit are during the mountain’s two prime trekking seasons: from late June to October and from late December to mid-March. During these periods, you can expect more stable weather, clearer skies, and a more pleasant trekking experience.
Best Times for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro:
June to October: This period marks the dry season and is generally considered the best time to climb Kilimanjaro. The weather is more stable, and the skies are clear, offering fantastic views of the mountain and surroundings. This is also the peak tourist season, so you’ll find the routes more crowded.
December to March: Another good window for climbing, this period offers slightly warmer temperatures and is also a popular choice among trekkers. The routes are less crowded compared to June to October, providing a more secluded experience.
Avoiding the Rainy Seasons:
April to May: These months see the long rains in Tanzania, making the trails on Kilimanjaro wet and muddy. While climbing is still possible, it’s more challenging, and the views are often obscured by clouds.
November: This month marks the short rains. The precipitation is less intense than in April and May, but the trails can still be slippery, and the weather can be unpredictable.
Combining with a Safari:
The dry seasons (June to October and December to March) are also ideal for safaris, as the wildlife tends to congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot.
The Great Migration, one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife events, occurs in the Serengeti from June to July, and again in December to March, as the wildebeest and zebras move in search of fresh grazing grounds.
Tarangire National Park is particularly stunning in the dry season, with large herds of elephants and other wildlife drawn to the Tarangire River.
Ngorongoro Crater offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round, but it's at its best during the dry season when the grass on the crater floor is short, making animals easier to spot.
When to Book:
Due to the popularity of climbing Kilimanjaro and going on a safari during the dry seasons, it’s crucial to book your trip well in advance. This ensures you secure your preferred accommodations and trekking arrangements, as well as any necessary permits.
For those looking to avoid the crowds, considering the shoulder seasons (late March, early June, and late October) might be a wise choice. The weather is relatively stable, and there are fewer tourists on the mountain and in the national parks.
Your journey to the summit of Kilimanjaro is about more than just the climb; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty, culture, and adventure that Tanzania has to offer.
Whether you're a seasoned trekker or looking for a challenge, planning your visit during these optimal months ensures a more enjoyable and rewarding experience.
So pack your bags, lace up your boots, and prepare for an adventure like no other.
Expedition Summary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha, Tanzania's gateway city
Day 2: Arusha to Machame Camp
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp, Lava Tower, & Barranco Camp
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Day 7: Uhuru Peak Summit at 5,895 Meters
Day 8: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
Day 9: Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport
Please note: This is our most popular itinerary for the Machame route. Customized itineries are available ranging from 5-9 days on the mountain.
Day 1 – Arrival in Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred to the Hotel for your overnight stay on a half-board basis.
After a shower and rest our expedition consultant, together with our mountain guide will meet with you for a comprehensive briefing of the upcoming expedition, pack your mountain gear and equipment ready for trekking the next morning (it all depends on your arrival time otherwise it will be done the next day morning before departure).
Accommodation: Mount Meru Hotel, located in Arusha.
Meals & Drinks: Dinner & Breakfast - Drinks not included
Day 2 – Arusha to Machame Camp
Hiking time: approximately 7 hours
Distance: approximately 10.8 km
Habitat: Montane forest
After breakfast at the hotel pack your luggage ready to drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park entry gate. After completion of all registration formalities, you will start your adventures, by trekking through the lush rainforest with its large ancient trees, primeval ferns, and endemic flowers, like the Impatiens Kilimanjaro. You might also spot black and white colobus monkeys, peeking through the leaves.
On arrival at Machame camp, you will have sufficient time to relax, stretch your legs, and enjoy a hearty meal, before nestling into your tent for the night.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: under the tent
Day 3 – Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Hiking time: approximately 5-6 hours
Distance: approximately 5.2 km
Habitat: Moorland
Wake up early morning for breakfast and ascend through gentle moorland heading to Shira Plateau where you'll spot Kilimanjaro's great Western Breach with its stunning glaciers.
The elevation is 3840m here, and depending on the weather, you may have a spectacular view of Mount Meru.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: under the tent
Day 4 – Shira 2 Camp, Lava Tower, & Barranco Camp
Hiking time: approximately 6-7 hours
Distance: approximately 10 km
Habitat: Semi-desert
Acclimatization is on today’s menu, where you will climb roughly 700 m, but sleep on a level not much higher than the previous night.
Starting at Shira Plateau, you will make your way up to Lava Tower (4,640m), where you will rest a while, before continuing through the Barranco Valley to the beautiful Barranco Camp. After lunch, you descend again by almost 680m to the Barranco camping area and after reaching the high altitude of 4600m at Lava Tower, the true acclimatization benefit of this day becomes clear.
This descent to Barranco camp takes about 2 hours (3.3 km) and offers great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The camp is situated in a valley below the Breach and you're sure to enjoy the panoramic view at sundown.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: under the tent
Day 5 - Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Hiking time: approximately 4-5 hours
Distance: approximately 5 km
Habitat: Moorland
Early wakeup, breakfast, and the start of summiting Barranco Wall (we recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups). Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb, you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano.
Afterwards, you start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents along the route, but don’t worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group.
After reaching the camp you will be offered a warm lunch. After a couple of hours, you will complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp with a 300-meter gain in altitude before descending back down to the camp.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: under the tent
Day 6 – Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Hiking time: approximately 4-5 hours
Distance: approximately 6 km
Habitat: Alpine desert
On this day, the trek up to the Barafu Ridge campsite is tough because of the altitude. Although the walk is only a short distance, it is steep so we will take a slow pace to avoid fatigue. You will trek across an alpine desert, likely facing a strong cold wind blowing from Kibo Peak's ice fields.
You will have an early dinner this evening, then rest until around midnight before starting our final push to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: under the tent
Day 7 – Uhuru Peak Summit at 5,895 Meters
Hiking time: approximately 6 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak followed by 5 to 7 hours to descend to Millennium Camp
Distance: approximately 4.5 km ascent and 10.8 km descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Wake up around 23h20, and have some tea and biscuits, before departing from Barafu Camp (4,640 m) and start summiting Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).
Technically the climb is relatively simple; however, the most challenging part is the high altitude. Each pair of climbers will be accompanied by a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor your physical and mental conditions. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and after a short rest proceed to Millennium Camp (3,820 m).
Meals: breakfast lunch and dinner
Accommodation: under the tent
Day 8 – Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
Hiking time: approximately 4-5 hours
Distance: approximately 12 km
The camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of the height and the satisfaction of reaching the summit.
After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park’s exit “Mweka Gate 1,650m”. After your descent, the whole group will gather to congratulate you, here you will have a chance to share your feelings with the crew.
Lastly, we will present you with a commemorative certificate provided by the park’s management “KINAPA” before you are transferred back to the hotel in Arusha for a hot shower, dinner, and comfortable bed.
Accommodation: Mount Meru Hotel, located in Arusha.
Meals & Drinks: breakfast & dinner - drinks not included
Day 9 – Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport
Unless you've booked a safari or other extension with us, you'll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport after breakfast, arriving in time for your departure flight.
If your flight is later in the day, we will be happy to set up an optional Arusha city tour, visiting the Maasai Market and a Tanzanite shop where you can buy gifts for loved ones back home.
Meal: breakfast
Every Day for the Rest of Your Life - Amazing Memories!
Expedition Rates & Inclusions
Rates are quoted in US$ per person, based on double occupancy (two guests traveling together, sharing accommodations). If you're traveling alone, or if there are more than 2 guests in your party we will work with you to ensure you get the best rates for whatever your group may require.
June 1, 2024- December 31, 2025
$2,399
Rates are quoted in US$ and may fluctuate. Additionally, our hotel and lodging partners are wonderful, and as a result availability can change quickly. The rates above are accurate as of the time published, and are intended to help you easily choose a trip that fits within your budget.
Quoted or advertised rates are not guaranteed until our expert expedition planners have prepared your customized expedition proposal, you've agreed to the booking terms and conditions, and you have confirmed your chosen expedition with a deposit. We make the process very easy, and accept many credit cards.
Unlike many operators, we include those items that you're most likely to want or need, while attempting to give you the flexibility of choosing those optional activities or services that may be of particular interest to you. If you have any questions, or would like to modify your trip to include or exclude anything, just let us know and we'll be happy to work with you to create a customized Betheli Expedition that is the perfect fit.
Included
Personalized trip planning assistance and comprehensive planning materials, including detailed packing lists
Round trip transfers from/to Kilimanjaro Internatonal Airport (JRO)
Transfers to/from the base of the mountain
Full board accommodation whilst on the trek
3 Meal plan as detailed: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner
Two nights at the hotel before and after trekking in Arusha
Accommodation in tents on the mountain as per the itinerary
All park entrance fees including government taxes
Service of a professional English-speaking Mountain guide
Porters and skilled cook
Treated water and boiled water on the trek
Oxygen tank
Flight evacuation
Mobile toilet
First aid kit
Not Included
International Airfare: Arrange your international flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Visas to Tanzania
Tips
Laundry
Sleeping bags/mattress (available for hiring, though we recommend bringing your own)
Drinks
Climbing gear
Items of a personal nature and any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary