Join an empowering 7-day women’s climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m) via the scenic Machame Route. This carefully designed itinerary traverses rainforest, moorland, and alpine zones to Uhuru Peak, using a proven “walk high, sleep low” acclimatisation strategy.

To maximise summit success, the route includes an overnight at Kosovo Camp (4,800m), positioned higher than the standard Barafu Camp. This upgrade enhances altitude adaptation and provides a shorter, more efficient summit push.

Led by expert Kilisherpas guides, the experience prioritises safety, structured support, and team cohesion. It is ideal for women seeking a high-performance challenge combined with connection, confidence, and achievement in one of the world’s most iconic landscapes.

Upon arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted by a Kilisherpas Travel representative and transferred privately to your hotel in Arusha. This day is dedicated to resting and acclimatising after your journey. In the evening or early the next morning, you will attend a comprehensive pre-climb briefing. During this session, your guides will go over the details of the Lemosho Route, safety protocols, and gear requirements and answer any questions. This is a great opportunity to prepare mentally and physically for the adventure ahead. You will enjoy your first night at the comfortable Gold Crest Hotel, nestled in Arusha.

Accommodation

Gold Crest Hotel

After breakfast, transfer to Machame Gate (1.5-2 hours) for registration. Begin your ascent through a lush rainforest rich with moss and birdlife, trekking 11 km (7 miles) in 7 hours to Machame Camp (3,000m). Settle into high-quality tents, surrounded by forest tranquility, and enjoy a full-board meal.

Accommodation

Machame Camp

Leave the rainforest behind and trek across a small valley, ascending a steep, heather-covered rocky ridge for 5 km (3 miles) in 6 hours. Turn west into a river gorge to reach Shira Cave Camp (3,850m) on the scenic Shira Plateau. Bundle up for colder temperatures below freezing and enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in tents with expansive views.

Accommodation

Shira Cave Camp

Climb to the base of Lava Tower (4,600m) for lunch and acclimatization, then descend ~650m following the “walk high, sleep low” principle to Barranco Camp (3,950m) over 10 km in 8 hours. Capture stunning photo opportunities of the Barranco Wall and Western Breach, then relax with dinner and an overnight stay in tents.

Accommodation

Barranco Camp

Start with a fun scramble up the Great Barranco Wall, then traverse scree slopes for 4 km (2 miles) in 4 hours to Karanga Valley (4,210m), beneath the icefalls of Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers. This short day aids acclimatization with spectacular views, followed by dinner and an overnight stay in tents.

Accommodation

Karanga Camp

After breakfast, you will begin your ascent to Kosovo Camp (4,800m), a short but steep hike through the alpine desert zone. Along the way, enjoy impressive views of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks, offering a dramatic preview of the final summit stage.

Upon arrival at camp, a hot lunch will be served, followed by ample time to rest and prepare for the summit attempt. This high-altitude camp is strategically located to shorten the summit climb, improving comfort and increasing your chances of success.

An early dinner will be provided before you retire to your tent for a few hours of rest. You will be awakened around midnight to begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

Accommodation

Kosovo Camp

Your summit day begins just after midnight, with a light snack of tea and biscuits before starting the final ascent. Climbing steadily over steep scree and rocky terrain, you will gain significant altitude in a short period. This is the most challenging yet rewarding stage of the journey.

After 4–5 hours of ascent, you will reach Stella Point (5,756m) on the crater rim, where you may witness a breathtaking sunrise over the African plains. From here, it is approximately one more hour to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Take time to celebrate your achievement and capture unforgettable photos at the summit.

Following your summit success, you will begin your descent back to Kosovo Camp for a well-deserved rest and lunch. After regaining energy, the trek continues down through changing landscapes to Mweka Camp (3,950m), where you will enjoy dinner and a well-earned overnight rest.

Accommodation

Mweka Camp

After breakfast, you will begin the descent through lush rainforest, arriving at Mweka Gate in about four hours. Here, you'll receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate, commemorating your achievement. A private transfer will take you back to Gold Crest Hotel in Arusha, where you can enjoy a refreshing shower and celebrate your success with your fellow climbers. This evening is perfect for relaxing and sharing stories of your incredible journey.

Accommodation

Gold Crest Hotel

onwardsFollowing breakfast, you will be transferred privately to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onward journey. If you wish, Kilisherpas Travel can assist in arranging safaris or Zanzibar trips to extend your Tanzanian adventure.

• Complimentary meet and greet at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

• Private transfers between JRO and hotel, and hotel to Lemosho Gate/Mweka Gate

• 2 nights’ accommodation at Gold Crest Hotel in Arusha (pre- and post-climb)

• Kilimanjaro National Park gate fees, camping fees, and climbing permits

• Rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Rescue Team)

• Qualified chief guide, assistant guides, porters, and cook

• Salaries for mountain crew per KINAPA guidelines

• All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner, hot drinks)

• 3 liters of mineral water (Day 1) and 3 liters of purified water daily (from Day 2)

• Hot lunch at lunch stops with tables, chairs, and mess tent (except Day 1, packed lunch)

• Superior camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, camp chairs, tables, mess tent)

• Emergency oxygen and pulse oximeter for twice-daily health checks

• Water for daily washing

• Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for successful summit attempt

• Porter to carry duffel bag (max 15kg/32 lbs) between camps

• Kosovo Camp stay ($118 extra, 98% summit success rate)

• Airport transfers.

• Flights and airport taxes

• Entry visa for Tanzania ($50 for most nationalities, $100 for USA passport holders)

• Vaccinations (yellow fever if traveling via an infected country; Meningitis, Hepatitis A optional)

• Personal items (souvenirs, additional snacks).

• Compulsory tips for guides, porters, cooks ($500-$600 per hiker, varies by group size/route)

• Trekking gear

• Private portable toilet ($150 extra per group)

• Optional live tracking service (additional cost, subject to availability)

• Meals and drinks not specified