Great Rift Valley Expedition
Walk Through the Birthplace of Humanity
A 9-Day Tanzania Trek through Lake Natron, Olduvai Gorge & Maasai Country
Trip Style: Adventure
Trip highlights
Journey through the birthplace of humanity and ancient African landscapes
Trek alongside Maasai warriors across the spectacular Great Rift Valley
Discover volcanic craters, hidden gorges, and Lake Natron's unique ecosystem
Experience authentic cultural connections in Tanzania's remote northern wilderness
Support conservation and community-led tourism through purposeful adventure
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Three Routes. One Extraordinary Summit.
The mountain is calling. Will you answer?
Standing on the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro as the first rays of sunrise illuminate the vast African landscape is a moment that stays with you forever. At 19,341 feet, the Roof of Africa is the highest free-standing, walkable mountain in the world—and reaching its summit is about far more than altitude. It's about discovering your strength, embracing the journey, and realizing what you're truly capable of.
Join one of our professionally guided, small-group Kilimanjaro expeditions and climb alongside like-minded adventurers from around the world. Whether you're celebrating a milestone, seeking a personal challenge, or simply falling in love with Africa, our experienced local mountain guides, dedicated Traverse Journeys & Urth Expeditions hosts, and exceptional mountain crew will support you every step of the way.
Every expedition follows carefully paced itineraries designed to maximize acclimatization and summit success while supporting ethical trekking through our commitment to KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project) standards. Along the way you'll trek through lush rainforest, alpine meadows, volcanic deserts, and ancient glaciers while building lasting friendships with your fellow climbers. Your adventure also creates a meaningful local impact by supporting Tanzanian guides and porters, women's cooperatives, vocational education, and community development initiatives.
Choose the route that best matches your adventure. The Machame Route—often called the "Whiskey Route"—is Kilimanjaro's most iconic trail, offering dramatic scenery, excellent acclimatization, and unforgettable highlights like the Barranco Wall and Shira Plateau. The Lemosho Route begins on the mountain's quiet western slopes and provides a more gradual ascent with exceptional scenery, making it one of the best options for first-time climbers. For those seeking solitude and the ultimate wilderness experience, the Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro's longest and least-traveled route, delivering spectacular panoramic views and the highest acclimatization success rate on the mountain.
Looking for something even more memorable? Join our October 2026 Full Moon Climb and experience the magic of summiting beneath a glowing full moon before watching the sunrise from the highest point in Africa. Or welcome the 2027 New Year in unforgettable fashion by standing atop Uhuru Peak as a new chapter begins. Or, fall in love with your travel companion or Africa itself on our Valentine’s Day climb.
Can't make one of our featured departures? No problem. We organize monthly Kilimanjaro expeditions throughout the year and are happy to help you plan a customized departure that best fits your schedule.
Your adventure begins with a single step.
Trip Inclusions
-
Pre- and post trek nights at a boutique lodge in Moshi or Arusha
Mountain camping accommodations throughout the trek
-
Group airport transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Round-trip transportation between your hotel and Kilimanjaro National Park trailheads
All ground transportation included in the itinerary
-
Kilimanjaro National Park entrance, camping, rescue, and conservation fees
Guided Kilimanjaro summit trek via the selected route
Daily pre-hike briefings and equipment checks
Visit to our local Community Partner and trip donation
Optional customized add-ons including safari (Tarangire, Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Crater) and Zanzibar
-
Daily breakfast
Welcome Dinner & Farewell Feast featuring nourishing, healthy food
Freshly prepared full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the trek
Unlimited clean, filtered, and purified drinking water throughout the climb
-
Professional, English-speaking certified mountain guides
Dedicated Traverse Journeys / Urth Expeditions local representative throughout your adventure
Small group experience (maximum 12 trekkers)
Experienced mountain crew including assistant guides, chef, and porters
All mountain camping equipment (excluding sleeping bag and personal gear)
Spacious dining tent with tables, chairs, and solar lighting
Private portable toilet tent
Sleeping mat
Safety equipment including supplemental oxygen, pulse oximeter, first aid kits. Gamow bag and AED can be added for an extra fee.
Daily health monitoring and medical support
Emergency evacuation coordination (local evacuation)
All applicable government taxes and park fees
Backup logistical support throughout the expedition
-
Many travelers like to add-on a three-day safari or a relaxing getaway to Zanzibar after their trek. For those that have a bit more time, you can also consider one of our customized add-ons including a longer safari in either Tanzania or Kenya, a Mount Meru Climb, Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and or Uganda or other beach holidays like Pemba or the Seychelles.
-
International airfare
Tanzania entry visa
Travel and medical evacuation insurance (required)
Personal hiking equipment and clothing
Sleeping bag (available for rent)
Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, specialty beverages, and snacks outside included meals
Laundry, telephone, internet, and other personal expenses
Airport taxes (if applicable)
Excess baggage fees
Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, cooks, and mountain crew
Required or recommended immunizations
testimonials
Machame Route: The Classic Kilimanjaro Adventure
Most Popular | Classic Scenery | Adventure
Known as the "Whiskey Route," the Machame Route is Kilimanjaro's most iconic and popular trail, offering an unforgettable journey through the mountain's remarkably diverse ecosystems. Beginning in lush rainforest, the trail climbs through giant heather, alpine moorland, and high-altitude desert before reaching the glaciers and snowfields surrounding Uhuru Peak. Along the way, you'll experience some of Kilimanjaro's most famous landmarks, including the expansive Shira Plateau, the dramatic Lava Tower, and the legendary Barranco Wall. While the route is physically demanding, its "climb high, sleep low" profile provides excellent acclimatization and contributes to a strong summit success rate. Every day brings new scenery, making this one of the most visually rewarding treks on the mountain. Supported by experienced local mountain guides and ethical porter teams, you'll be challenged, encouraged, and inspired every step of the way. If you're looking for the quintessential Kilimanjaro experience that balances adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and a rewarding summit challenge, the Machame Route is an outstanding choice.
Trip Snapshot
Duration: 8 Days
Summit Elevation: 19,341 ft (5,895 m)
Trekking Distance: Approximately 40 miles (64 km)
Difficulty: Challenging
Lemosho Route: The Scenic & Best Acclimatization Choice
Most Scenic | Great for First Timers | 📈High Summit Success
The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Beginning on the mountain's remote western slopes, this route offers a quieter start through pristine rainforest before joining the southern approach across the spectacular Shira Plateau. Its longer, more gradual ascent allows your body additional time to acclimatize, making it one of the best choices for first-time climbers seeking a higher probability of reaching the summit. Along the journey, you'll traverse an incredible variety of landscapes, from lush forests and giant senecio gardens to alpine desert, towering volcanic ridges, and ancient glaciers near the summit. As the route merges with the Machame trail, you'll conquer the famous Barranco Wall before continuing toward Uhuru Peak. With fewer crowds during the early days and exceptional scenery throughout, Lemosho offers a perfect balance of solitude, adventure, and success. Whether you join our Full Moon Climb, celebrate the New Year on the Roof of Africa, or choose a custom departure, this route delivers an unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience.
Trip Snapshot
Duration: 8 Days
Summit Elevation: 19,341 ft (5,895 m)
Trekking Distance: Approximately 43 miles (70 km)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Northern Circuit: The Ultimate Kilimanjaro ExpeditionNorthern Circuit:
Ultimate Expedition | Least Crowded | Best Acclimatization
For those seeking the most complete Kilimanjaro experience, the Northern Circuit stands in a class of its own. As the mountain's longest and least-traveled route, it circles nearly the entire volcano, revealing remote landscapes and panoramic views that few climbers ever witness. After crossing the Shira Plateau, the trail leaves the busier southern routes behind, traversing Kilimanjaro's quiet northern slopes where solitude, expansive wilderness, and breathtaking vistas define the journey. The extended itinerary provides exceptional acclimatization, giving climbers one of the highest summit success rates of any route on the mountain. Every day offers a different perspective of Kilimanjaro, from volcanic ridges and alpine desert to dramatic views of neighboring Mount Meru and the plains stretching toward Kenya. The pace is intentionally slower, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience while giving your body the best possible chance to adapt to the altitude. More than simply reaching Uhuru Peak, the Northern Circuit is an expedition that showcases the mountain in its entirety. For hikers who value remote wilderness, fewer crowds, incredible photography, and the most immersive Kilimanjaro adventure available, there is simply no better route.
Trip Snapshot
Duration: 10 Days
Summit Elevation: 19,341 ft (5,895 m)
Trekking Distance: Approximately 60 miles (96 km)
Difficulty: Challenging (Best Acclimatization)
faqs
-
No. Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing, walkable mountain in the world and does not require technical climbing or mountaineering experience. If you have a good level of fitness, prepare with regular hiking and endurance training, and follow your guide's pace, you have an excellent chance of reaching the summit. Our carefully paced itineraries maximize acclimatization and are led by experienced local mountain guides who support you every step of the way.
-
Each route offers a different experience. The Machame Route is the most popular and features dramatic scenery, diverse ecosystems, and excellent acclimatization. The Lemosho Route offers a quieter start, stunning western approaches, and is ideal for first-time climbers looking for a gradual ascent. The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro's longest and least-traveled route, providing exceptional acclimatization, panoramic views, and the highest summit success rates.
-
Climbing Kilimanjaro is physically demanding but technically straightforward. The biggest challenge is altitude rather than steep terrain. Most trekking days involve 4–8 hours of hiking, while summit day typically lasts 10–16 hours. Our experienced guides monitor your health daily and follow proven acclimatization strategies to help you reach Uhuru Peak safely.
-
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed year-round, but the most popular months are January through March and June through October, when conditions are generally drier. Our special October Full Moon Climb offers the unique opportunity to summit beneath a bright moon before watching sunrise from Africa's highest point.
-
You don't need to be an elite athlete, but you should be comfortable hiking for several consecutive days with elevation gain. We recommend beginning a training program 3–4 months before your expedition that includes hiking, cardio, strength training, and carrying a daypack.
-
Every Traverse Journeys & Urth Expeditions climb supports Tanzania's local communities. We partner with experienced local guides, employ ethical porter teams through our commitment to KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project)standards, and contribute to community initiatives including women's cooperatives, vocational education, and local schools. Your adventure creates a positive impact long after you return home.
-
Our expeditions include airport transfers, accommodations before and after the climb, all mountain camping accommodations, meals throughout the trek, certified local guides, porters, chefs, park fees, safety equipment, purified drinking water, and full logistical support. Optional safari and Zanzibar extensions are also available.
-
Absolutely. Many guests choose to continue their Tanzanian adventure with a safari to Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, and the Ngorongoro Crater, or unwind on the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar. We're happy to customize your itinerary before or after your climb.
-
Summit success depends on several factors, including your fitness, acclimatization, mindset, and the route you choose. Our carefully designed itineraries prioritize gradual acclimatization, which significantly improves your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak. The longer Lemosho and Northern Circuit routes generally have the highest summit success rates due to the additional time spent adapting to the altitude. Our experienced local guides also monitor your health daily and encourage a slow, steady pace to maximize your chances of success.
-
Most climbers experience some mild effects of altitude, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, or a mild headache, especially above 10,000 feet (3,000 meters). Our itineraries are designed around the principle of "climb high, sleep low" whenever possible to promote acclimatization. Your guides perform daily health checks, monitor oxygen saturation, and carry emergency safety equipment, including supplemental oxygen and a Gamow bag, to ensure your wellbeing throughout the expedition.
-
You'll only carry a lightweight daypack containing essentials such as water, snacks, extra layers, and personal items. Your main duffel bag is carried by our professional porter team, allowing you to focus on enjoying the climb. Porter weight limits follow KPAP ethical standards to ensure fair working conditions.
-
Summit day begins around midnight as you hike beneath a sky full of stars toward Uhuru Peak. After several hours of steady climbing, you'll reach the crater rim around sunrise before continuing to Africa's highest point at 19,341 feet (5,895 meters). Following time at the summit, you'll descend to lower elevation for a well-earned rest. While it's the most physically demanding day of the expedition, it's also one of the most rewarding experiences many travelers ever have.
-
We'll provide a detailed packing list after booking, but essential items include broken-in hiking boots, layered clothing for temperatures ranging from tropical rainforest to below freezing, a warm sleeping bag, waterproof outerwear, trekking poles, gloves, a headlamp, and a comfortable daypack. Quality gear plays an important role in staying comfortable throughout your climb.
-
We recommend booking at least 4–8 months in advance, particularly for specialty departures such as our Full Moon Climbs, New Year's Summit, and Valentine's Day Climb. Booking early also gives you plenty of time to prepare physically, secure flights, and train for your adventure.
-
Our expeditions combine expert local leadership with thoughtfully designed small-group experiences that prioritize safety, sustainability, and meaningful travel. We partner with experienced Tanzanian mountain guides, follow KPAP ethical porter standards, maintain small groups of no more than 12 travelers, and build itineraries around successful acclimatization. Beyond reaching the summit, we believe in creating authentic cultural connections while supporting local communities and conservation efforts throughout northern Tanzania.
Terms & Conditions
Please refer to your Registration Packet for complete Terms & Conditions, which can also be obtained by submitting a request to hello@traversejourneys.com
Deposit
A $500 deposit per person per trip is required for each traveler to secure the booking. The deposit is non-refundable and non-transferrable unless otherwise indicated on booking with the exception of our 24-hour No Regrets policy. A booking is not final until you receive a final confirmation from us.
24-hour No Regrets Policy: If, within 24 hours of submitting your deposit, you decide to cancel your booking you may request a refund, which will be granted less transaction fees.
Payment
Payments can be made either by 1) Normal Payment terms of 50% due 30 days after booking and 50% due 90 days prior to departure or 2) Monthly terms of equal installments with a $10 per month fee. Payments options include ACH, wire, credit card or Zelle. Payee is responsible for all transaction or processing fees. Late payments are given a two-week grace period; after that a $10 per month late payment fee will be charged.
Cancellations Policy
Group Trips & Retreats: Cancellations, less the trip deposit, are refundable up to 120 days prior to the trip start date.
Custom and Self-Guided: All payments non-refundable. Requests for transfers may be considered in extenuating circumstances and may incur a change fee.
To cancel a booking, Traveler must submit a request to us in writing by email to hello@traversejourneys.com
Flexible Booking Policy Specific to COVID-19
In the wake of COVID-19, Traverse has implemented a flexible booking policy that allows for deposits and payments to be transferrable to the greatest extent possible to new trip dates should a recurrence of COVID-19 render travel impossible due to border closures and related travel restrictions.
Travel Insurance
The trip price does not include travel insurance. Trip protection-style travel insurance that includes travel medical coverage is required for all trips with Traverse. The coverage must have a minimum $150,000 of medical coverage and include injury, medical, evacuation, and repatriation. See more info at https://traversejourneys.com/insurance
Documents, Personal Identification, Vaccinations
Traveler assumes complete and full responsibility for all required travel documents including passport, visas, entry or exit fees, and vaccinations. Traveler is also solely responsible for any adverse consequences resulting from incomplete or defective documentation. Traverse does not cover the cost or assist in obtaining any of the above, and reserves the right to collect information on all.
