Climb Kili, Change a Life
8 days—Trek the scenic 6-day Machame Route to Kilimanjaro’s summit while making a lasting impact through a meaningful community-focused charity experience.
From
$2200 USD
pp
Safari summary
The Machame route is one of the most popular paths for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, standing at 5,895 meters above sea level. The 6-day Machame route is a challenging yet rewarding trek, offering breathtaking views of the mountain and its surroundings. Key highlights of the route include the Barranco Wall, Lava Tower, and Shira Plateau. Renowned for its scenic beauty and a high summit success rate, the 6-day Machame route is often considered the best option for climbers seeking a memorable and adventurous experience.
Spanning six days of demanding hiking, this route begins at Machame Gate and takes climbers through diverse terrains to the summit. The 6-day Machame route is also considered cost-effective, making it a popular choice for many. Before embarking on this climb, it’s essential to ensure you are in good physical and mental condition to handle the significant altitude changes and physical demands of the trek.
Although more challenging than the Marangu and Lemosho routes, the 6-day Machame route offers excellent acclimatization opportunities, contributing to its high success rate. Climbers navigate steeper trails as they ascend from the southern side of the mountain to the northern side, all while enjoying spectacular landscapes. This route’s combination of difficulty, scenic beauty, and rewarding experiences makes it a preferred choice for adventurous climbers
As part of this unique 6-day Machame Route experience, climbers will have the extraordinary opportunity to give back directly to the local community before beginning their ascent. You’ll visit the Halima Orphanage, where you won’t just meet the children you’ll bring hope into their lives through the donation of essential items like food, clothing, school supplies, and hygiene products.
In a place where basic needs are often uncertain, your contribution provides more than just temporary relief it brings dignity, comfort, and care. Whether it's a warm meal, clean clothes, or simply the joy of being seen and supported, your presence makes a lasting difference.
This moment of service sets the tone for the entire journey. It grounds your climb in compassion and purpose transforming your trek into a mission that elevates others as you rise to the summit.
By combining physical endurance with emotional impact, this experience offers a rare chance to challenge yourself, explore the majestic beauty of Kilimanjaro, and leave a positive mark on the lives of those who need it most.
Benefits of Giving Back During Your Climb
1. Make a Real, Immediate Impact
Your donations go directly to children in need, providing meals, clean clothing, and daily essentials that improve their well-being instantly. It’s help that matters right now not later.
2. Connect with the Local Community
This isn’t just a tourist experience it’s a human connection. You’ll meet the children and caregivers, hear their stories, and develop a deeper understanding of Tanzanian life and resilience.
3. Create Long-Lasting Change
Beyond short-term support, your contribution helps the orphanage stretch limited resources further, providing more consistent care and stability for the children’s futures.
4. Add Purpose to Your Journey
Reaching Uhuru Peak is a life goal but helping others along the way gives your climb deeper meaning. It transforms your adventure into a legacy of compassion and kindness.
5. A Story That Inspires Others
You won’t just come home with photos you’ll return with a story that moves people. Your journey can inspire friends, family, and future travelers to do the same.
About this tour
Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
Main focus | None | |
Activity level | Strenuous activity | |
Best months | All months | |
Countries | ||
Parks |
Fine details
Safari highlights
- Hiking | trekking
- Primate trekking
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- All drinks
- Meals
- Park fees
- Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
- Alcoholic beverages
- Laundry
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas
Itinerary
Arrival in Tanzania
Kilimanjaro
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Origin Ventures and Safaris. After meeting the team, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Moshi for bed and breakfast. There, you’ll meet the Origin Ventures charity coordinator, who will explain how the upcoming charity activities are conducted, preparing you for the meaningful experience before your climb.
Hotel
Giving Back at Halima Orphanage
Kilimanjaro
Before your climb begins, you’ll visit Halima Orphanage, a safe haven for local children. You’ll deliver donations like food, toiletries, and school supplies, and spend time with the children and staff. This meaningful experience adds depth to your journey. After the charity visit, return to the hotel for a detailed mountain briefing where guides will conduct gear checks and help you prepare. Any missing equipment can be rented on this day.
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Kilimanjaro
After breakfast, you’ll drive to Machame Gate to complete registration before starting your trek. The trail leads you through lush rainforest with a gradual but steady ascent, allowing you to immerse yourself in the vibrant natural surroundings. This 10 km hike takes about 6–7 hours, ending at Machame Camp (3,021m/9,911ft), where you’ll rest and recharge for the next day’s adventure. Meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided.
Tents Machame Camp
Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp
Kilimanjaro
Starting from Machame Camp, you’ll ascend through moorland terrain, gradually making your way to the stunning Shira Plateau. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Meru and the glaciers of Kilimanjaro. The hike covers 4.8 km and takes about 5–6 hours, allowing time to soak in the unique landscape. You’ll spend the night at Shira Cave Camp (3,830m/12,566ft), with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided to keep you energized.
Tents Shira Cave Camp
Shira Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
Kilimanjaro
Today is a crucial acclimatization day as you trek 10 km through stunning alpine desert terrain. You’ll ascend from Shira Camp to Lava Tower at 4,630m, enjoying dramatic panoramic views that make the challenging climb worthwhile. After a well-deserved lunch at Lava Tower, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp at 3,972m, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude. The hike takes 7–8 hours, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided to keep you fueled.
Tents Barranco Camp
Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
Kilimanjaro
Begin your day with a challenging climb up the iconic Barranco Wall, a steep yet rewarding section of the trek. After conquering the wall, you’ll enjoy a gradual ascent through the Karanga Valley to Karanga Camp for a short rest. Then, continue to Barafu Camp (4,640m), the final base before your summit attempt. Here, you’ll prepare for the midnight climb to Uhuru Peak. The 8.5 km trek takes 7–8 hours, with all meals provided to keep your energy up.
Tents Barafu Camp
Summit & Descend to Millennium
Kilimanjaro
Your summit climb begins at midnight, guided by headlamps as you trek across scree to Stella Point on the crater rim. From there, you continue to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point at 5,895m, where you’ll witness a breathtaking sunrise and capture unforgettable photos. After soaking in the views, descend to Barafu Camp for breakfast and rest, then continue down to Millennium Camp for overnight. This demanding 13.4 km trek takes 12–15 hours, with all meals provided.
Millennium Camp
Descent to Mweka Gate to Hotel
Kilimanjaro
After breakfast, begin your final descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, covering 12.1 km in about 6–7 hours. At the gate, complete park exit formalities and receive your well-earned Kilimanjaro climbing certificate—a proud reminder of your incredible achievement. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a hot shower, hearty meal, and well-deserved rest. Congratulations on conquering Mount Kilimanjaro!
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