Kilimanjaro Adventure

Climb to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro (5895m) and safari to Ngorongoro in 9N/10D.
Location
Tanzania
Duration
9N/10D
Meeting point
Kilimanjaro airport, Arusha
Group size
4 - 16
Activity level
Challenging
No technical skills are necessary, but we are hiking up and downhill 6 - 8h every day.

Comfortable

Made for beginners in mind. Take your first dip into the world of adventure travel.

Moderate

Reasonable level of fitness required. Around 4 - 5 hours of activity per day.

Challenging

For those with previous experience looking for a bigger thrill. 6 - 8 hours of activity per day.

Demanding

For people at the top of their fitness levels, ready to tackle the most demanding tours.

What will you experience?

  • No technical skills are necessary, making Kilimanjaro the highest “walkable” mountain on the planet.
  • Expect to encounter many magnificent African animals in the Ngoro Ngoro safari.
  • Delve deep into a different world and culture, with people always and welcoming hosts.

Itinerary

Expand all
Day I
Arusha

Meeting at Kilimanjaro airport. Transfer to the 4* hotel in Arusha and check-in. In the afternoon free time and some sightseeing of the city.

Afterwards packing equipment for our ascent. Overnight at the hotel.

Arrival!
Dinner
Day II
Marangu
Kilimanjaro National Park gate

The drive from Arusha to the Kilimanjaro National Park gates takes about 2h. The journey takes us through the village of Marangu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Porters will be seen arranging and loading their packs containing food, water, cooking gas as well as your personal equipment.


Our professional guides will be available to assist with any additional information or needs you might have. You now leave the Park gates and ascend along a cleared ridge trail through the rainforest. The forest, suffused with mist and dripping with beards of moss, is also where most of Kilimanjaro’s animals are to be found.
Your first overnight stop will be at Mandara Hut, consisting of a group of wooden A-framed huts in a forest clearing.

5h hiking, 8.1 distance
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day III
Mandara
Senecia Kilimanjari

From Mandara Hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, skirts the base of the Maundi Crater and then emerges into the transition from rain forest to moorland. It is well worth a short detour to scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater for your first really impressive view of the Kibo Crater. On a clear day, Kibo will glimmer in the distance, showing off her majestic glaciers in the morning sun.

Once you are in the open moorland you will get a chance to see some of Kilimanjaro’s most spectacular plants – the endemic giant lobelia which can grow to 3 m in height, as well as the giant groundsel (Senecia Kilimanjari), which can reach heights of 5m! After about 6 hours trekking from here, you reach the Horombo Hut.

6h hiking, 11.6km distance
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day IV
Horombo

Horombo Hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau. Horombo is normally bustling with hikers, guides and porters, permeated with adventure and excitement. You will meet both ascending and descending hikers here.

This extra day and night at Horombo is meant for additional acclimatization. A day here provides an opportunity for you to acclimatize to the altitude gradually, to help maximize your chances of climbing all the way to the summit. This hike will further assist with the process of acclimatization. Retire to bed early and get your last good night’s rest.

3h hiking, 5km distance
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day V
Kibo hut

After breakfast you will continue your ascent into the Alpine desert habitat. Situated in the barren Alpine desert is Kibo Hut, a house built of stone blocks.


The summit is now a further 1195m up and you will make your final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski pole and thermal clothing for your summit bid. This should include replacing your headlamp and camera batteries and making sure that you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing, it would be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed early, around 7pm, and try to get as much rest and sleep as possible.

6h hiking, 9.6km distance
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day VI
Uhuru peak
Uhuru peak

You will wake around 11.30 in the evening, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5681m), which is located on the rim of the crater. From Gillman’s Point, it is normal to encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.

Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend taking photographs there, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo Hut. After a short rest you will gather all the gear you left behind for the ascent and will head down to Horombo Hut (3 hours) for your overnight stop. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly short compared to the ascent. Later in the evening you will enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned night of sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.

8h to Uhuru peak, 6h to descend to Horombo
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day VII
Marango
Stella point

After breakfast you will continue your descent, passing the Mandara Hut, down to the Marangu gate. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. The climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) will be issued green certificates, and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) will receive gold certificates. Overnight stay in a 3* hotel.

6h hiking, 19.7km distance
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day VIII
Ngoro Ngoro

This is the day we make the long drive through northern Tanzania. Our destination is the National park Lake Manyara – a place that is hard to believe exists. After checking in, we will make a short trek along the rim of the crater. This is the Africa from stories and films, but it not a place for just any person. Accommodation at a 3* safari lodge.

1 - 2h light trek around the crater
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day IX
Ngoro Ngoro
Ngoro Ngoro safari

The safari ride in the Ngoro Ngoro crater will begin at dawn. We can expect to encounter the “great 5” as well as many other magnificent African animals. Experiencing the African wilderness within arm’s reach is guaranteed. In the afternoon we will return to Aruhsa.

We can make a stop to get gifts and souvenirs for family and friends back home. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Safari ride
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day X
Arusha
Time to say goodbye

If able, some free time for gift shopping then transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Airport transfer for your flight home!
Breakfast
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What’s included?

  • Transfer by private bus, airport-hotel-airport
  • Accommodation at the hotel 4* in Arusha, 1/2 rooms, FB
  • Accommodation at 3* lodge during safari, 1/2 rooms, FB
  • Accommodation in mountain huts during the ascent, FB
  • Accommodation at “Kibo” lodge in multi-bed rooms, FB
  • A cook, porters and other staff for Kilimanjaro climb
  • Professional UIAA guide, according to the program
  • Amref flying doctors in case of an emergency
  • Oxygen cylinder in emergency use
  • Permits for ascent and Kilimanjaro National Park fees
  • Permits and fees for the Ngoro Ngoro area
  • Transfer by 4×4 jeeps during safari
  • Ngoro Ngoro Conservation Area & Lake Manyara guide

What’s not included?

  • Flights to/from Kilimanjaro Airport, Arusha
  • International health insurance
  • Tip for staff during the ascent
  • Tanzanian visa (check your country’s guidelines)
  • Personal costs
PRICE FROM
1980.00
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FAQ

How big will the group be?

This trip will run with a minimum of 4 people, and a maximum of 12. Please note, if there are not 4 people booked the trip may be rearranged or cancelled.

Can I book on my own?

Sure can! A lot of people do, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

What’s the canyoning like?

Tribuca River Canyon is one of the nicest canyons in Serbia. It is a very active adventure with jumps, rappelling, and swimming. It will take around 4-5 hours to make your way through the canyon. Full neoprene wetsuits, helmets, and harnesses will be provided. Despite its technicality, you do not need previous canyoning experience—that’s what the guide is there for!

What’s the hike like?

The hike along Gradac River is a pleasant and easy 2-hour walk. The water in the stream is so clean you can drink it straight! Sometimes you’ll follow a trail, and other times you’ll walk through the water, crossing the river several times (up to knee-deep).

What skills/experience/fitness do I need?

You don’t need any previous experience, just a good attitude, and adventurous spirit! Your guide will give you full instructions and a safety briefing at the start and will be watching you every step of the way to make sure everyone is safe and happy. You need a basic level of fitness for several hours of activity.

What’s the food like?

All the food is local and freshly cooked. Meals are typically hearty, and include domestic cheese and other local milk products, dry meats, fish, and local fruit and vegetables. Drinks are not included.

Can my dietary restrictions be conformed?

Absolutely! Just let us know at booking.

What’s the weather like?

Summer and early autumn are the best periods to visit the area. In summer the temperatures range from 20 – 30 °C. It cools down at night. Autumn is slightly chillier but still really pleasant, and there’s the added bonus of stunning fall colors.

What should I pack?

All technical equipment will be provided. You need to bring:

  • 2 pairs of hiking shoes that you don’t mind getting wet
  • Lightweight, breathable shirts and trousers/shorts
  • Swimsuit and towel
  • Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunblock)
  • Warm jacket for the evenings
  • Small rucksack to carry personal belongings
  • Water bottle
What flights should I book?

Start point? You will be met at the Belgrade airport on Friday. Your transfer will meet all flights scheduled to land by 15:00 pm or earlier. Your host will be in touch before the trip to finalize all details. Finish point? Your tour will end at Belgrade airport on Sunday. You are free to book any flight that departs after 13:00 pm.

How do I meet the transfer?

At your arrival, the transfer will be holding a sign with the name of the tour. We’ll give you all the extra details before traveling.

Important notes

This itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, weather conditions, and forecasts, special events, etc. We can’t guarantee the availability of twin rooms for the duration of the tour. All rooms will, in most cases, be double, or more. Or single upon request. In a highly unlikely case of an insufficient number of people accommodated in one of our selected hotels, dinner will be served on the basis of a predetermined menu of 2 or 3 meals.

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