Climb Kilimanjaro on the Machame Route - Start from Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region

Summary: The experience was a once in a lifetime event that we will remember forever. We especially want to give a thanks to our wonderful guides Joseph and Philip, and the rest of the team for making our trip so good!

Summary: Great team lead by Mndeme took us safely to the top and back. The service was excellent and the food quality was higher than expected. I have gluten intollance which was no problem for the chef. I highly recommend Them.

Summary: The team with MnDeme was excellent. Nice and friendly people and very good food. A amazing experience. Thank you so much.

Summary: Best trip ever. In 6 days to the kilimanjaro summit and back. Together with a great team of professional guides and porters.

Summary: Challenging and amazing experience. We climbed on 7th October Kilimanjaro and part of this success was due to Zara Tanzania Adventures team. Our guide Lubava was excellent. Food was surpringsly good, everything was always ready for our rest.

Summary: Calling this experience life-changing would be an understatement. Only a few words even come close to describing it: unforgettable, overwhelming, and truly a new adventure that tests your limits. All in all, it’s a highly recommended — or even mandatory — trip to take when you get the chance, especially with Zara Tours! Everything began with our arrival at the Springlands Hotel, where we were warmly greeted and briefed for our upcoming trip. Oscar and Victor (@iamKiredio) were the two guides assigned to us. After checking our equipment to make sure we were well prepared, we used the spare time to visit an orphanage school, the city center of Moshi, and the local market with Oscar. We even had the chance to meet some of Oscar’s local friends. With some basic English skills, we managed to connect, share stories, and learn more about their culture. At no time did we feel unsafe or anxious — Oscar made sure we were comfortable and that all our needs were taken care of. The hotel amenities were good considering the circumstances, and you can expect a classic British-style breakfast during your stay. Wi-Fi was available but only in the reception area — it didn’t reach my room, which would be nice to improve. Overall, the staff were always helpful and flexible in meeting our needs. Now for the most exciting part — the Kilimanjaro climb. Early in the morning, we drove with our guides to the Machame Gate. On the way, they told us about the local landscape and village life — truly fascinating insights. At the gate, we were given a very generous lunch pack before starting. After passing the checkpoint, our journey began. With lots of pole pole (slowly, slowly), we started heading up the mountain. Along the way, we encountered local wildlife and lush vegetation, and Oscar and Victor always provided valuable information about what we saw. Don’t hesitate to ask for breaks — there are plenty of opportunities, and they are well deserved! I always enjoyed sharing a snack or a laugh with our guides during those moments. At the first camp, we met the rest of the team — altogether, 14 people supporting our climb! I want to thank every one of them for helping us achieve our dream through their unbreakable support. Each member made sure we were well fed, our tents were set up, and our water (hot and cold) was refilled. Last-minute menu changes were possible, and everyone was quick to fix any problems that came up. We even managed to bring a cake up the mountain for my father’s birthday! Accompanied by singing and dancing from the crew, it was a beautiful surprise and a moment I’ll always cherish. Again, Asante sana to every crew member — you are the best. Sadly, we didn’t have as much time as we wanted to get to know the crew better — sometimes because of the language barrier, and sometimes simply due to exhaustion. The climb itself was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Although the path was well maintained, don’t expect anything paved — always be prepared for the unexpected. More often than not, you’ll find yourself looking down, carefully planning each step, while a handful of porters fly past you. They’re always in a hurry but never forget to greet you or wait for you to finish a tricky move. I’d call them the hidden heroes of Kilimanjaro! Without their incredible work, none of this would be possible. Oscar and Victor ensured that we had a safe route ahead, helped us through difficult passages, and even acted as photographers and models to make the trip even more memorable. They truly shined during our ascent to Stella Point. I’m 100% sure that without their unconditional support and encouragement, we wouldn’t have made it to the top. Just when you think you’ve taken your last step before collapsing, they somehow give you the strength to keep going. Words can’t express our gratitude — thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You are real superheroes! And when you think the ascent was the hardest part — you’re right — but the descent comes very close. After nearly 24 exhausting hours before the nighttime ascent, filled with uphill climbs and rest breaks supported by our team with tents and warm food, nothing truly prepares you for going down. The ground is a mix of fine sand and coarse pebbles that kick up dust, so a mask of any kind is highly recommended. You mostly descend in a skiing-like motion, which is tiring and feels endless. Even after reaching camp, you only get a few hours of rest before continuing. It’s a real test of both your sanity and your feet! When we reached Millennium Camp, we fell asleep without dinner and gladly passed it on to the team. The next morning, we were greeted with a warm stew for our final descent — and it was also the bittersweet moment of saying goodbye to our amazing team. With chants and dancing, they celebrated our success. After final hugs and praises, we made our way down. For me, the way down from Kilimanjaro was the most enjoyable part. You finally get to appreciate the diversity of the landscape and the changes in nature as you descend. You also meet other climbers heading up, encouraging them as others once encouraged you. It wasn’t very crowded, and most people were familiar faces from the trail. Visibly tired and scarred (in the best way) by our adventure, we finally reached Mweka Gate and could truly rest. The ride back felt like traveling through time and arriving in another world. Overwhelmed by civilization and emotions, we couldn’t hold back our tears. Back at the hotel, after a quick shower, we received our certificates for reaching Uhuru Peak. With a firm handshake, Victor and Oscar congratulated us — and we finally released them to their well-earned rest. With you two, we felt like more than just tourists trying to climb Kilimanjaro — you made us part of your family, and became part of ours. We wish you all the best. Please stay safe, healthy, and as optimistic as you are. Thank you very much. Asante sana.

Summary: Amazing experience, tough but worth it. Guides and porters made the whole experience worthwhile - they were off the charts excellent and wonderful. Great memories of the mountain and the people of Tanzania. Highly recommended

Summary: Totally worth it. Highlights: our climbing team (guides, porters, cooks, etc.) and the landscape. Climb wasn't too tough if you have above 4.500 hiking experience; very tough if you don't, aren't in shape, etc. Be prepared.

Summary: We had a great time climbing Kilimanjaro. The porters were very knowledgable and helped a lot, particularly with motivation. The porters were super helpful and the food was ifeal for the climb. Would sefinitely recommend!

Summary: We had a great time climbing to Uhuru peak! The team took great care of us and we enjoyed the hiking a lot. I recommend this tour if you want to go up