22–31 August 2025 | A journey to the white mountain of Africa… | Early bird price available until 30 May 2025 (3250 USD)
Moments You’ll Experience on This Tour:
+Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, is also the largest free-standing volcanic massif in the world.
+During our ascent, we’ll witness the extraordinary wildlife of Africa.
+We’ll come face-to-face with the legendary “Snows of Kilimanjaro,” made famous by Ernest Hemingway.
+We’ll stay at charming safari lodges unique to Africa.
+We’ll enjoy magical nights under the stars in Kilimanjaro National Park — one of the best-managed national parks in the world.
Climbing through the rich landscapes of East Africa is a dream for every nature-loving traveler — and with our experienced team, who have organized and led numerous expeditions to the roof of Africa, we’re here to make that dream a reality. We promise a true adventure and an unforgettable ascent that will bring color and meaning to your life.
Called the “White Mountain” by the native Maasai people, Mount Kilimanjaro is in fact a volcanic massif made up of three major volcanoes. Towering as the highest mountain on the African continent, Kilimanjaro is not only the largest free-standing volcanic mountain in the world, but also a protected national park and conservation area, thanks to its rich biodiversity and unique flora.
Due to the climate of the region, Kilimanjaro differs significantly from other mountains of similar altitude around the world. This uniqueness has made it one of the most sought-after trekking and hiking destinations, attracting thousands of adventurers every year. One of the key reasons is that Kilimanjaro is relatively non-technical and more accessible compared to other high-altitude mountains. Still, it’s important to keep in mind that this is a high-altitude trek and can be physically demanding.
For this tour, we will follow the Machame Route, one of six established trails on Kilimanjaro. Based on our extensive experience, we believe the Machame Route offers the best acclimatization profile and — without a doubt — the most scenic experience on the mountain.
We recommend this tour to those who want to feel the freedom of standing atop a great mountain while discovering the soul, culture, and vibrant colors of Africa. Participants should have a reasonable level of fitness and previous experience with mountain or nature hikes. Consider this tour a serious high-altitude trekking adventure.
It’s such a captivating journey that we still feel the same excitement every time we go!
Itinerary Summary:
Day 1: Meet at Istanbul Airport and departureDay 2: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Transfer to hotel. Rest and preparation day in ArushaDay 3: Transfer to Machame Gate (1800 m). Trek to Machame Camp (2850 m)Day 4: Machame Camp – Shira Camp (3850 m)Day 5: Shira Camp – Lava Tower (4600 m) – Barranco Camp (3950 m) – Acclimatization dayDay 6: Barranco Camp – Karanga Valley – Karanga Camp (3995 m)Day 7: Karanga Camp – Barafu CampDay 8: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak, Mount Kilimanjaro (5895 m) – Barafu Camp – Millennium CampDay 9: Millennium Camp (3820 m) – Mweka Gate (1640 m) – Transfer to Arusha – Free day in Arusha – Late-night airport transferDay 10: Return flight
Montis Trips & Expeditions travel bag and other promotional items
Additional Charges:
Single Room Supplement: 490 USD (For those opting for single occupancy accommodation)
Sleeping Bag Rental: 40 USD (For renting a sleeping bag during the trek)
Group Surcharge (for 5-7 participants): 250 USD (Additional charge per person in smaller groups)
Day 1: Meeting at Istanbul Airport & Departure
Our flight will depart from Istanbul Airport. We meet at the airport at least 3 hours before the flight to complete check-in and passport procedures. We will arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport the following day. Please check the recommended flight details.
Approximate Elevation Above Sea Level: 1400 m
Day 2: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport & Transfer to Our Hotel – Rest and Preparation Day in Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania, we’ll complete passport and visa procedures and meet our driver who will transfer us to our charming lodge in Arusha, about an hour away. We’ve chosen a lodge that reflects the exotic spirit of Africa. During this tour, we’ll stay in safari-style lodges. The day will be spent resting after the overnight journey, recovering energy for the upcoming climb, and finalizing preparations. In the afternoon, we may take a short walk among the coffee plantations for those who are interested.
Approximate Elevation Above Sea Level: 1400 mApproximate Drive Time: 1 hourIncluded Meals: Lunch – Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Kilimanjaro National Park & Trek to Machame Camp
After breakfast, we set off for Kilimanjaro National Park. We enter the park through the Machame Gate, the starting point of our route. While we enjoy our lunch and complete park entry procedures, our mountain crew will handle the logistics. The hike begins in the lush rainforest, filled with towering trees, wildlife, and exotic flowers. After a scenic hike, we’ll reach Machame Camp where we spend the night.
Approximate Elevation: Machame Gate 1800 m – Machame Camp 3050 mDrive Time: 1 hour 30 minTrekking Duration: 6 hours, 11 kmIncluded Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 4: Machame Camp – Shira Camp
We wake up early in the thick heather vegetation of Machame Camp. After breakfast, we head for Shira Camp. You’ll feel like you’re on a completely different mountain each day of this expedition. The vegetation, soil, and climate change daily. Today’s trail becomes rockier as we gain altitude. Shira Camp is located on a vast plateau formed by the Shira volcano, one of Kilimanjaro’s three main cones. The sunset view here is breathtaking.
Approximate Elevation: Machame Camp 3000 m – Shira Camp 3850 mTrekking Duration: 4 hours, 5–6 kmIncluded Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 5: Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp (Acclimatization Day)
We begin ascending the western face of Kilimanjaro. Today is an acclimatization hike, essential for high-altitude adaptation. Our first goal is Lava Tower Camp at 4600 m, where we’ll have lunch. Unlike many other high-altitude hikes, we won’t return the same way; instead, we’ll descend along a different trail to Barranco Camp, situated just beneath the giant wall known as the “Barranco Great Wall.” Look out for the fascinating Senecio plants—giant, alien-looking flora native to this region. We spend the night at Barranco Camp.
Approximate Elevation: Shira Camp 3850 m – Lava Tower 4600 m – Barranco Camp 3950 mTrekking Duration: 6–7 hours, 11 kmIncluded Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 6: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
We start early to ascend the Barranco Wall, which rises just next to the camp. Despite its steep appearance, the trail winds up with switchbacks and includes light scrambling. It’s best to start early to avoid crowds. This section is scenic, so keep your camera close. After reaching the top of the wall, we take a break to enjoy the views. Then, we descend into the Karanga Valley and climb to Karanga Camp on the opposite slope.
Approximate Elevation: Barranco Camp 3950 m – Karanga Camp 4000 mTrekking Duration: 4–5 hours, 5 kmIncluded Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 7: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
After breakfast with stunning views, we head to our final camp before the summit attempt. We’ll reach Barafu Camp by noon to rest and better adapt to the altitude. This extra rest day makes a huge difference in summit success.
Approximate Elevation: Karanga Camp 4000 m – Barafu Camp 4630 mTrekking Duration: 3–4 hours, 4 kmIncluded Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 8: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Barafu Camp – Millenium Camp
Resting well at Barafu Camp is key. After a quick, early breakfast, we begin the summit climb in the darkness of early morning. Our first goal is Stella Point (5756 m), on the rim of the massive Kibo crater. After a short break, we continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak – the highest point in Africa. ”Uhuru” means ”freedom” in Swahili – a word that perfectly captures the feeling of reaching the top.
After celebrating and taking summit photos, we descend rapidly back to Barafu Camp for rest and lunch. Then we continue our descent to Millenium Camp for the night.
Approximate Elevation: Stella Point 5756 m – Uhuru Peak 5895 m – Millenium Camp 3820 mTrekking Duration: 12–14 hours, 17 kmIncluded Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 9: Millenium Camp – Mweka Gate – Transfer to Arusha – Midnight Transfer to Airport
Congratulations – you’ve stood on the highest point in Africa! After an early breakfast, we bid farewell to our mountain team with songs, hugs, and celebration. The trail today descends through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. After lunch and official procedures at the gate, we return to our hotel in Arusha for rest and a proper shower.
Late at night, we transfer to the airport for our return flight to Istanbul, depending on the hotel rules and flight times.
Approximate Elevation: Millenium Camp 3820 m – Mweka Gate 1640 mTrekking Duration: 5–6 hours, 10 kmDrive Time: 1 hour 30 minIncluded Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 10: Return
Our flight departs in the early hours. We arrive back in Istanbul around noon.
Approximate Drive Time: 1 hour
ARUMERU RIVER LODGEOne of the most unique accommodations in Arusha, Arumeru River Lodge consists of houses arranged in an impressively tranquil garden, each featuring its own small veranda.
If you’re looking for an authentic African accommodation experience, this is one of the first places that comes to mind in Arusha. Having stayed here for years, our participants have always given this lodge their approval. Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that the evening meals are served in a delightful setting, with menus that are both delicious and memorable.
KARAMA LODGE & SPALocated not far from the center of Arusha, Karama Lodge & Spa is nestled within a lush forest, offering a tranquil retreat.
We stay in treehouses here, which provide a unique and rustic experience. The lodge’s rustic décor, African ambiance, and delicious evening meals are just a few of the reasons we have included it as one of our top choices.
MountainCamp Accommodation: Throughout our Kilimanjaro expedition, accommodation will be provided in two-person tents. Each campsite is equipped with communal dining and gathering tents, thoughtfully arranged with tables, chairs, and lighting to ensure comfort. Additionally, toilet facilities are available at all campsites as part of the national park’s infrastructure.
Our Kilimanjaro expeditions are renowned for their high-quality camp services. As part of the MONTIS standard, participants will enjoy the familiar comfort of portable tables and chairs, as well as well-organized food and rest areas.
Recommended Flights and Transfer Times
Turkish Airlines (Non-stop Flights)Departure: 22 August 2025, TK564, IST-JRO, 18:20 – 01:35 (Next Day)Return: 31 August 2025, TK563, JRO-IST, 05:15 – 12:45
IMPORTANT NOTE:Our program is planned according to the flights of Turkish Airlines mentioned above. It is possible to join our tour with different flight options. Our agency is not responsible for any changes made by airlines to their flight schedules. Participants who wish to use different flight options can contact our office for information about additional transfer and accommodation fees.
General Information About Tanzania and Our Tour
Tour TimingWe organize tours to this region twice a year during Tanzania’s and Kilimanjaro National Park’s driest periods. We undertake this journey during the two best seasons, January-February and August-October. You can check the average temperatures via the following link: https://goo.gl/i7691c
Travel HealthYou can find information about recommended precautions and vaccinations for Tanzania via the link below. We advise you to get your vaccinations and carry your vaccination card with you. You can also find the border health security centers where you can get free vaccinations via the link. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.http://www.seyahatsagligi.gov.tr/Site/SaglikBilgisi/ZZ
Although the risk of malaria is very low above 1800m altitude in our activity area, it is still important to be cautious about the disease. To prevent the disease, protection from the mosquito vector is necessary. We recommend using mosquito repellent bracelets, sprays, and keeping your bed nets closed while resting during the day and night. Health organizations and the World Health Organization suggest the use of antibiotics before and after the trip, but due to side effects, we leave the decision up to you for this expedition.
Visa InformationYou can obtain a visa upon arrival at Arusha Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam Julius Nyerere Airports. The cost of a 90-day single-entry tourist visa is 50 USD. Green passport holders are also subject to the same procedure and fee. In both cases, your passport must be valid for at least one year.
Who is this tour suitable for?Although this activity is described as a challenging hike at high altitudes, it does not involve technical difficulty. However, participants are expected to have the physical capability to walk 6-7 hours daily at high altitudes and be mentally prepared for conditions far from the usual holiday luxuries in the unique geography of high mountains. Our accommodation on the mountain will be in tent camps.
Currency & Bank CardsThe currency of Tanzania is Tanzanian Shilling (TSh). USD and Euro are also widely used in the regions we will visit during this expedition. We recommend keeping some TSh for shopping with small businesses. You can exchange money at the hotels and banks. You can use credit cards in larger businesses and well-known places, though you may incur a commission of 8-10%. We recommend carrying 500 USD to be prepared for emergencies and shopping needs.
Time ZoneThere is no time difference between Tanzania and Turkey.
Phone UsageTo call Tanzania from Turkey, the country code is +255. In Tanzania, you can use phone services provided by hotels, or you can use your Turkish mobile operator’s services.
Recommended Clothing & Necessary ItemsA checklist of suggested personal items and clothing will be provided upon request.
CuisineInternational cuisine is offered both at the hotels we stay at and on the mountain. Local exotic fruits and local fish are frequently featured in our menus.
Electricity220/230V 50Hz electrical outlets of types D and G are available. Travel adapters are provided at each hotel. You may also bring your own travel adapter for your devices. There is no electricity service in the mountain camps. We recommend bringing a power bank.
Tour Difficulty Levels
You can view the difficulty levels of our tours via the following link:https://montis.com.tr/tur-zorluk-dereceleri/https://youtu.be/SWO_t4wzg1U
