Kilimanjaro Trek and Safari

Climb Kilimajaro and relax on a wildlife safari - The Rongai Route, the most scenic trek on Kilimnajaro - Dawn views from Uhuru Peak - Game drives at Tarangire and Ngorongoro

This sensational trekking holiday combines a week of trekking on the tranquil Rongai Route to the summit of Kilimanjaro with the best short safari in Tanzania. Crossing lovely, open country on the north side of the mountain, our tried and tested Rongai itinerary incorporates an additional day for acclimatisation. Straightforward trekking (with a challenging summit day) leads to a magical viewpoint on the 'roof of Africa'. Descending from the peak, we have a night in Arusha before heading out to experience what is arguably the world's finest game viewing - in the Tarengire and Lake Manyara national parks and in the unique Ngorongoro Crater. A series of game drives in specialist safari vehicles will allow us to sample each of these locations and give us a good chance to spot the 'big five' of elephant, rhino, leopard, buffalo and lion. If you are only going to do one East African treking holiday, then this one is hard to beat!

Big Game Safari
Following the climb of Kilimanjaro we have an exciting 3-day safari, visiting the two most important areas for game viewing in East Africa, Ngorongoro Crater and the Tarengire National Park. Please note that unlike many other companies, we use fixed camps located inside the Park. We do not bus out to local towns and so on this safari you are guaranteed to experience all the sights, sounds and the real feel of African Safari.

Trip Guide
The Secret of our Success on Kilimanjaro
Success on Kilimanjaro is all about acclimatisation. At 5894 metres (19,340 feet) this is a mountain of Himalayan proportions, but without the opportunity to gradually acclimatise on a walk-in through a region of foothills. A poorly acclimatised person will not cope well with the Kilimanjaro climb and may even become quite ill during the ascent. We know that some companies offer an ascent of Kilimanjaro with just 6 days on the mountain. In our opinion, this at best risks your chance of reaching the highest point in Africa and, at worst, can threaten your health. KE's itinerary includes two nights at 4300 metes and an acclimatisation walk to 4500+ metres before climbing Kilimanjaro.

This extra day will make all the difference to your chance of success and also to your enjoyment of the trip. On a 6-day ascent 5 or 6 people out of 10 will reach the summit, most of them having really struggled to get there. On a 7-day ascent with the extra night at Mawenzi Tarn, 9 out of 10 on average will make the summit.

Kilimanjaro Porter Assistance Project
We also make every effort to look after our local crews, who are, of course, fundamental to the success of our Kilimanjaro holidays. KE works with the Kilimanjaro Porter Assistance Project and, in recognition of the quality of care we provide for our local staff, we are listed as a partner on the International Mountain Explorers Connection website.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1: Rendezvous at the group hotel in Marangu. Complimentary airport transfers are provided. KE Land Only services begin with the evening meal.

Day 2: Drive to the village of Rongai on the north side of Kili. Trek through farmland and forest to edge of moorland zone where we can enjoy views across the Kenyan plains. Camp (2600m. / 8530ft.).

Day 3: A longer day, gaining close to 1000m. / 3000ft. We trek to Kikelewa Caves. We stop for lunch at 'Second Cave' in sight of Kibo peak and the ice fields on the crater rim. Camp (3350m. / 10,990ft.).

Day 4: A shorter walk today, crossing grassy slopes with expansive views, to reach Mawenzi Tarn - spectacularly located beneath the rocky summits of Mawenzi Peak. Camp (4300m. / 14,108ft.).

Day 5: A rest and acclimatisation day at the camp beside Mawenzi Tarn.

Day 6: Trek across the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, to reach our overnight halt at the Kibo Hut directly beneath the Kibo crater wall. Camp (4750m. / 15,584ft.).

Day 7: A very early start to reach the crater rim at Gilman's Point, then traverse to Uhuru Peak (5894m. / 19,337ft.), Descent via the Marangu Route to Horombo. Camp (3720m. / 12,205ft.).

Day 8: We encounter vegetation and pine forest on our descent to the Marangu Gate. Transfer to the hotel in Arusha

Day 9: A 2 hour drive to the Tarangire National Park where we enjoy a day's game viewing. Overnight at the Tarangire Safari Lodge Tented camp, situated on a ridge above the river.

Day 10: Early morning game drive along the river. After breakfast drive to the Rift Escarpment and check in to Lake Manyara Lodge. After lunch, game drive in the Lake Manyara National Park.

Day 11: We make an early start for a game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater. After a picnic lunch, KE complimentary transfer to the airport, where KE Land Only services end.
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Other Details

Accommodation Details

During this trip the group will spend one night in the Hotel Nakara at Marangu and one night in the Hotel Impala in Arusha. The group will also have use of a day room in Arusha at the end of the trip. There are a total of 7 nights camping including a night at the Tarengire Safari Lodge. The final night of the trip is spent in a lodge at Lake Manyara.