Overview

Kilimanjaro: The Roof of Africa

Kilimanjaro, by any name, is a symbol of East Africa’s awe-inspiring beauty. One glimpse of its snow-capped peak rising above the savannah, and you’ll understand why so many are drawn to its heights.

Our Kilimanjaro trek is carefully designed to give you the best possible chance of reaching the summit—without rushing past the unforgettable landscapes, wildlife, and cultural encounters along the way. It’s not just about reaching the top, but truly experiencing the journey.

We partner with expert African guides and a local Tanzanian operator whose values align with ours: ethical business practices, fair wages, and respect for people and the environment. All staff are highly qualified and paid above-average rates, and we never cut corners on equipment, vehicles, park fees, or safety standards.

Why We Use the Machame Route

Climbing Kilimanjaro is more about acclimatisation than fitness. That’s why we follow the Machame Route—a longer, more scenic path that allows your body to adapt gradually to the altitude. While it adds two extra days compared to the Marangu Route, it’s far less crowded, more varied in terrain, and most importantly, significantly increases your chances of a successful summit. In fact, over the past five years, more than 96% of our trekkers have reached the top.

Yes, it costs a little more and takes a bit longer—but when you’ve come this far, why risk altitude sickness and miss the summit?

Safari Extension: Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater

To round out your East African adventure, we also include a tented safari into the world-renowned Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater—two of the most iconic wildlife reserves on the planet. After the climb, relax and soak in the vast savannahs, dramatic landscapes, and extraordinary wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and perhaps even the elusive leopard.

It’s the perfect balance of challenge and reward: summit Africa’s highest peak, then unwind with an unforgettable safari under the stars

What to Expect

  • Size up mighty Mt Kilimanjaro, highest mountain in Africa, from the lush tropical surrounds of Marangu
  • Spy hiding monkeys and colourful bird species flitting through the rainforest
  • Witness the curvature of the Earth
  • Trek past verdant forests and silent glaciers
  • Watch the brilliant sunrise from Uhuru Peak
  • Glamping in the Serengeti
  • Guided day tours in our private safari vehicle

 

NOTE: During the trip; weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors, that are beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimise its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.


What's Included

Included
All transport – 4WD Land Rovers or safari vehicles
Accommodation as detailed – 2 person tents shared per person when camping
Camping equipment, cutlery and crockery (except sleeping bags and sleeping mats)
Services of guides and porters
All National Park entrance and camp site fees
All food – breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals
Donations and payments to local community project
Not included
International flights
Travel and personal accident insurance
Visa, passport
Vaccinations, medicines
Tips
Personal expenditure including drinks
Optional excursions/activities not detailed in itinerary
Any additional services requested
Any others expenses which are not mentioned on ‘Price Includes’ section.
Free
Getaway Trekking quick-dry Walking Shirt
Getaway Trekking Certificate of Completion
Training Walks in Victoria

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1:

Arrive in Arusha

Transfer from airport to hotel.

Dinner
Hotel

Day 2:

Arusha

Relaxation day in Arusha. Take a dala dala (taxi) or shuttle to Grand Central Station, check out the open air markets, and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Don't miss the Masai Market and get your bargaining skills ready!

Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel

Day 3:

Arusha - Macham

Ascent: 1,182m

From Arusha drive to the Machame Park gate, then a gentle climb up through the original montane forest, carpeted with unique "busy lizzie" flowers, begonias and ferns. First camp amongst the giant heather at 3,000m.

Dinner
MACHAME CAMP
Hike: 8.2 km | 1840m-3022m
5-6 hours

Day 4:

Machame - Shira

Ascent: 808m

Emerge from the giant heather zone and hike through fine open moorland to camp by the Shira Cave at 3,840m. There may be herds of eland up here (& occasional lion!) and there are fascinating geological features in the old volcanic caldera which can be viewed during a half hour optional walk in the afternoon.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SHIRA CAMP
Hike: 5 km | 3022m-3830m
5-6 hours

Day 5:

Shira - Barranco

From Shira, climb towards the main peak Kibo, with the western glaciers clearly visible across the rugged high-altitude desert of volcanic rocks and boulders. Skirting around its base and under the imposing Western Breach, descend into the sheltered Barranco Valley for mid-way camp at 3,900m.

Only 70m total ascent - but having climbed higher and dropping back down assists acclimatisation.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
BARRANCO CAMP
Hike: 10.4 km | 3830m-3900m
7-8 hours

Day 6:

Barranco - Karanga

Up the steep Barranco Wall with some sections of very easy scrambling and drop down again to the Karanga Valley. This is a short walking day, around 3 hours, and again you climb about 300m but drop back down again to around 4,100m. There's an optional further acclimatisation hike in afternoon up onto the scree below the glaciers.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
KARANGA VALLEY CAMP
5.1km | 3900m-4100m
3-4 hours

Day 7:

Karanga - Barafu

Up to a new camp about 100m above Barafu Hut perched high on a rocky bluff at 4,330m. Fantastic views across to Mawenzi peak, and a bit less to climb tomorrow morning! This is another short walking day, about 4 hours with a 230m height gain, and time for a good rest in the afternoon immediately before the hard summit day.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
BARAFU CAMP
Hike: 3.5km | 4100m-4330m
3-4 hours

Day 8:

Barafu - Summit - Mweka

A bracing 1am start to climb the steep frozen scree. This is unavoidable on any route but we aim to reach Stella Point on the crater rim for sunrise - another 40 mins and you're at the highest point on the continent, usually in warm sunshine.

We return on the Mweka descent route. Walking time 7 hours and 1,300m ascent to the summit, 6-8 hours and 2,800m descent to our camp in a clearing amongst the giant heather at Mweka.

This is a long and hard day - you'll feel tired but absolutely ecstatic after you've done it.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
MWEKA CAMP
Hike: 17.4 km | 4330m-5895m-3075m
13-15 hours

Day 9:

Mweka - Arusha

A 4-5 hours descent through the forest to Mweka Gate to collect our certificates and meet our vehicle. Return to Arusha, arriving early to mid afternoon.

Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel
Hike: 8.8km | 3075m-1645m
3-4 hours

Day 10:

Arusha - Lake Manyara

We transfer into Lake Manyara for morning game drive and lunch, a classic safari picnic, and enjoy our final glimpse of the great wilds of the Northern Tanzania. Lake Manyara offers an insight into the Great Rift Valley system and the adaptation of many herd animals and magnificent bird life. We continue Esilalei Maasai Village to explore the area and our school project. In the late afternoon, we zig zag our way up the Rift Valley Escarpment and onto the crater highlands for overnight.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tented camp

Day 11:

Lake Manyara - Ngorongoro

Short drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Ngorongoro is collapsed volcano - an incredible natural amphitheatre, 25 km across and teeming with all of the African big game. Early morning descent into the crater for spectacular scenery and game viewing in what has been described as the eighth wonder of the world. Tonight we are staying on the crater rim, it is quite common for zebra, buffalo and even elephant to be grazing right outside the lodge.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tented camp

Day 12:

Ngorongoro - Serengeti

We depart after breakfast to the endless plains of the Serengeti, via exploration of the Ndutu area. Upon entering the Serengeti, we are able to game drive all the way to our special camp area. The camp option is recommended to suit the season of travel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Migration tented camp

Day 13:

Serengeti

We enjoy further exploration of the endless plains. The habitats are natural and we can game drive with a picnic lunch to explore further afield. There are resident cats and herd animals for us to observe.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Migration tented camp

Day 14:

Serengeti

We depart after breakfast to the airstrip for our flight back to Arusha.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel

Day 15:

Depart

Transfer to airport for departure.

Breakfast
Africa Mt Kilimanjaro Trek & Safari

2k+ trekkers and counting

Caterina C

The Aus Camino of March 2026, was my first Camino and can say that it was truly an amazing experience .
The whole trek was exceptionally well-organised — every detail was clearly planned and executed. The accommodation was comfortable, clean, and perfectly suited to the locations we visited. Meals were delicious and plentiful.

The trek covered some truly breathtaking places, each made even more special by our amazing tour leaders, Deb and Mike. They were incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and empathetic, always ready to answer questions and ensure everyone felt supported and included. Their enthusiasm and care really stood out and made the trek not just enjoyable, but memorable.

I’d recommend this trek to anyone looking for a professionally run, engaging, and heartwarming adventure.

April 6, 2026

Patricia W

I participated in the October 20 Aussie Camino. The actual walking was challenging as we traversed a variety of different terrains such as on rocky paths, the beach, forests, flat and VERY hilly areas (“undulations” according to Mike!) and sometimes on the road. Accommodation styles varied from Spartan to semi-luxurious. It was a delight to finally arrive in historic Penola that is so significant in the Mary MacKillop story. Deb and Mike, our leaders, were outstanding in their attention to every detail of the journey, the needs of the participants and their knowledge of the area. It was a memorable experience shared with an interesting group of fellow participants. Patricia, East Melbourne

March 17, 2026

Bernadette R

This was my first Camino and I absolutely loved it. Our leader Jonathan and driver and guide Nick were both so helpful, kind and professional. We had briefings before each daily walk which were very helpful. I improved so much throughout the walk due to their support and kindness. The rest of the group were also wonderful and we shared stories and laughs and I really achieved more on my Camino than I thought possible.
The scenery was breathtaking and I especially liked the way we were all so well prepared prior to take off with the emails and instructions from Deb. It was my first but certainly won’t be my last Camino. I am inspired to train more and be better prepared and stronger for the next one.
Loved the companionship; getting to know everyone and the food and stretching myself to achieve my goal in a supportive and inspiring atmosphere.

November 26, 2025

Norma N

I had a great time. Met some great people along the way, learnt a lot, saw some incredible places. The leaders were great and full of knowledge fun to be around. The food and places we stay in also very good

November 25, 2025

Carolyn Doh

We have just completed the Aussie Camino with Mike and Deb from Getaway Trekking and cannot recommend them highly enough.

November 4, 2025

Libby S

Having recently completed the Atlas mountains Trek & Morocco tour with Getaway Trekking, I would highly recommend Deb & Mike as a tour company.
Their personal commitment & level of care is 5 star. 100% invested in their clients before, during & after the tours.

August 3, 2025

Theresa B

In July this year, I completed the 16-day UK Coast to Coast hike (Wainwright Way) with Getaway Trekking.  It was a fabulous trip, with a perfect sized group of 15, expertly led by Getaway owners, Deb & Mike.  The hike takes you through beautiful countryside, 3 National Parks with accommodation pre-arranged at quaint little English hotels and inns.  Highly recommend for anyone who likes a very well organized and adventurous hiking trip.

August 3, 2025

Ryan M

I recently completed the Kokoda Trek with Getaway Trekking, and it was an unforgettable experience. Our guide, Laurie, was incredible—his leadership was inspirational, and he provided an authentic and deep understanding of Kokoda’s history. The communication from Getaway Trekking was outstanding. Deb, the owner, was always responsive and went above and beyond to answer all our questions. The whole experience was fantastic, and I highly recommend anyone considering the Kokoda trek to choose Getaway Trekking.

August 3, 2025

Roddyp123

I have recently returned from the Aussie Camino Walk, a 9-day package including 7 days of hiking from Portland, Vic to Penola, SA through Getaway Trekking & Adventures.
I absolutely loved it! It was my first hike, and I loved trekking through such a diversity of landscapes including beach, cliff-top tracks, farmland, forest, old railway line, and country roads. The coastal views of the ocean with pods of seals frolicking on and off rocks was magical. Seeing Australian fauna such as mobs of Wallabies, Echidna, Koalas, Rosellas and native Aussie flora up close was a real highlight for me. I also enjoyed that it was a pilgrim walk following the life of Australia’s first saint Mary McKillop. The small group of 10 people (couples, singles) made it easy to connect and to have meaningful, reflective conversations as well as having plenty of belly laughs.
The ethos of the company was supportive and inclusive. From the first briefing with our gentle knowledgeable guide, Jonathon, and organized lovely driver, Deb (also company owner), it was clear that the walk wasn’t a competition of the fastest or fittest. In saying that, pre training walking is a must to get the most out of the experience.
A support bus was available if anyone was struggling on a particular day. Whether you are looking for a diverse hiking experience or for a spiritual journey or a combination of the two this is the hike to choose

November 8, 2024

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