Kilimanjaro. The name itself captures images of excitement, adventure and the compelling beauty of East Africa.

When you see it, you understand why. Not only is this the highest peak on the African continent; it is also the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, rising in breathtaking isolation from the surrounding coastal scrubland – elevation around 900 metres – to an imperious 5,895 metres (19,336 feet).

Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s most accessible high summits, a mecca for adventure travellers from around the world. For most climbers, reaching Uhuru Point, the actual summit, or Gillman’s Point on the lip of the crater, is what it’s all about.

But as with so many of our other destinations, there is so much more to Kili than her summit. The ascent of the slopes is a virtual climatic world tour, from the tropics to the Arctic. A varied terrain, your trek will cover lush montane forest inhabited by elephant, leopard and buffalo, and the moorland zone, where a cover of giant heather is studded with otherworldly giant lobelias.

Above 4,000m, a surreal alpine desert precedes a spectacle of ice and snow – and the magnificent beauty of the roof of the continent.

For many people, a trip to Tanzania to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro is a trip of a lifetime. – most people don’t make that trip twice. If it’s African wildlife you’re excited about seeing, you’ll love the safari through the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, where, if we’re lucky, we’ll see an abundance of game.

Day 1: Arusha (D)
Upon arrival into Kilimanjaro airport you will be met and transferred to your accommodation in Arusha. This afternoon your guide team will hold a climb briefing and equipment check. Overnight: Ahadi Lodge, Arusha

Day 2: Rest Day(B,L,D)
Today is set aside for some rest following the long flight to Africa. Some time should be spent checking and packing your gear for the climb that commences tomorrow. There will be time to explore the town of Arusha and there are a number of half day sightseeing tours of the area that can be arranged for those that wish to get out and about. Alternatively, the Lodge is a great place to have a swim, read a book and generally kick back in readiness for the trek. Overnight: Ahadi Lodge, Arusha

Day 3: Commence trekking (B,L,D)
After breakfast we will be met by our Head Guide and transferred to the National Park gate (1820m) where we will meet the porters that will be assisting our group throughout the climb. After completing the necessary registration formalities at National Park gate, it is relatively easy walking for the first hour before the track gets steeper. The track on this first day can be quite muddy and slippery and the lush forest we will walk through is similar to that of Kokoda.

Lunch will be provided on the way before arriving at our overnight location – Machame Camp (3020m). [4-5 hours walking] Overnight on the mountain (in tents)

Day 4: Trekking (B,L,D)
Today will be an easy day which will help with acclimatization. There is opportunity to explore the volcanic rock formations of Shira Plateau. We walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock flanked by steep pinnacles, before reaching our overnight location at Moir Camp. (3840m). This campsite has some of the most stunning views on Kilimanjaro, close to the glaciated dome of Kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau. The views from here of Mt. Meru floating on the clouds are simply unforgettable. [4-5 hours walking] Overnight on the mountain (in tents).

Day 5: Trekking (B,L,D)
A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction (4550m) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco Valley (3900m) sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. [5-7 hours walking] Overnight at Barranco Camp (3950m) (in tents)

Day 6: Trekking (B,L,D)
A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the south-eastern flank of Kibo. From here you will experience the superb vistas of the Southern Ice fields. Lunch is usually taken at Karanga, the last water point which lies in a steep valley. After lunch, the terrain changes to scree and we climb steeply to reach our destination by mid afternoon.  Overnight at Karanga Valley campsite (41000m) (in tents)

Day 7 Trekking (B,L,D)
We continue our journey [6-8hours walking] toward our final overnight camp before summit day. A steady pace today will ensure you conserve energy for the final assault on Mt Kilimanjaro. Arriving early afternoon, the remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night. There are often spectacular views to the plains far below from Barafu (4700m).  Overnight on the mountain (in tents)

Day 8: Trekking – Summit Day (B,L,D)
We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point (5737m), in about five or six hours. We will rest for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the 2 hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5896m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite at the edge of Mweka Forest (3100 m). [11-15hours walking] Overnight on the mountain (in tents)

Day 9 Descent from Summit (B,D)
A sustained descent through lovely forest with lush undergrowth takes us to the National Park gate at Mweka (1650m) [4-6 hours walking] When we finish the climb, there will be a vehicle waiting to meet you and transfer you back to your accommodation in Arusha. Overnight: Ahadi Lodge, Arusha

Day 10: Commence Safari (B,L,D)
After breakfast you are met by the 4×4 Safari vehicles which will transfer you to Tarangirie National Park where we will have a picnic lunch. Following lunch we commence a late afternoon game drive and exploration – this is the best time to see animals in the park. We are likely to see: monkeys, elephants, zebras, impalas, giraffes, buffalos, hippos and more… Overnight: Permanent Camp – Maramboi Luxury Camp

Day 11: Tarangirie National Park – Serengeti National Park (B,L,D)
Following breakfast we take an early morning walk with Maasai to Lake Manyara shoreline. We then head off to the Serengeti NP via Olduvai Gorge. This drive takes 3-4 hours. Located in the East Serengeti Plains there is an amazing landscape and much history to be enjoyed. Lunch is provided en route and in the afternoon we continue to Serengeti NP and on to our overnight camp. Overnight: Nasikia Luxury Mobile Camp – Serengeti NP

Day 12: Serengeti National Park (B,L,D)
Breakfast is provided at the camp followed by a full day in the amazing Serengeti wilderness. Today is spent taking in the wildlife and scenery. A picnic lunch is provided as we explore this World Heritage listed area with its abundance of game. Overnight: Nasikia Luxury Mobile Camp – Serengeti NP

Day 13: Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Crater (B,L,D)
After breakfast we depart Serengeti NP – enjoying a game drive on the way. We travel on to Ngorongoro Crater which is the best pace to see the black rhino as well as pride of lions including the magnificent black-maned male. Colorful flamingos and an abundance of water birds will never cease to amaze you. Other game includes: leopard, cheetah, hyena and antelope.
In the early evening we head to our overnight accommodation.  Overnight: Rhino Lodge – Ngorongoro Crater

Day 14 Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha (B,L,D)
After breakfast we descend to the crater floor on an amazing game drive. There is a great opportunity to see zebras, elephants, leopard, cheetah, hyena, antelope, elands and oryx. Huge herds of wildebeest migrate in and around this region and with them come they animals that prey upon them particularly during the breeding season. A picnic lunch is provided as we take in the magnificent vista.  In afternoon we head to our overnight accommodation. Overnight: Ahadi Lodge, Arusha

Inclusions

  • Land transfers and transport in exclusive vehicle as specified in the itinerary.
  • Australian Escort/Guide for the entire journey.
  • Share twin hotel accommodation including current local taxes as specified in the itinerary.
  • Single tent accommodation on mountain (1&2)
  • Experienced local mountain guide and porters.
  • All National Park fees, hut/camp fees and rescue fees.
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary.
  • Sightseeing tours and excursions as specified in the itinerary.
  • Entrance fees to sightseeing venues if applicable.
  • Group First Aid Kit

Exclusions

  • International airfares
  • Australian domestic airfares
  • All international and domestic airport taxes.
  • Passport and Visa fees.
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Meals that are not specified.
  • Climbing gear – if required this can be hired locally.
  • Tips and gratuities for drivers, guides and porters.
  • Items of a personal nature.
  • Allowance for single accommodation. (a premium charge of approx. 5% will be applicable)

Tipping

  • It is recommended that a tip of approx. $210 USD per person be made available for the Mount Kilimanjaro climb. This works out to approx. $30 USD per each day of the trek and is shared between mountain guides and porters. A tip of approx. $20 USD per each day of the safari should be made available for the safari driver.

The Fine Print

  • A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to secure a booking. The remaining monies are payable 60 days prior to departure.
  • A medical certificate is required from your doctor no more than 30 days from departure, stating that you have no medical condition that could endanger your life on Mt Kilimanjaro.
  • Travel Insurance is mandatory.
  • Training is necessary. This trek is challenging and you will require a high level of fitness. We can offer you support in this area. Please contact us for details.

Cost – Land Component Only

1. Climb & Safari: $4,990 – 14 Day fully escorted tour
2. Climb only: $2,790 – 14 Day fully escorted tour
3. Safari only: $2,200 – 14 Day fully escorted tour

Single Supplements available
Call for scheduled departure dates