Tanzania: Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari
Overview
Highlights
- Climb the tallest free-standing mountain in the world and sleep on its crater floor.
- Explore rain forests, heather moors, lava formations, and glaciers.
- Learn about the unique flora and fauna of the mountain with local naturalists.
- Spend four days on safari, spotting vast herds of zebra and wildebeest, lions and leopards, and much more.
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Trip includes
- Accommodations and meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Pre-departure information
- Entrance fees
- Excursions
- Sightseeing noted as included in the itinerary
- Ground transportation during the expedition
- Transfers to and from group flights where applicable
- Services of an adventure consultant, guides and any other staff, and on designated “Photography” departures
- A National Geographic Photographer
- Taxes
- Port charges
- Baggage handling
- Service charges
- For itineraries that include camping, camp and cook staffs, tents, kitchen and dining tents and necessary Trip equipment (e.g., seakayaks, rafts, personal floatation devices, etc.) Are provided.
- Please note: The “B, L, D” notations apply to the period during the expedition only and do not include any meals on flights to/from the Trip.
- Internal airfare is included on some international expeditions as indicated in the itinerary.
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Itinerary
Meals: Dinner
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, and drive into Arusha National Park to our deluxe camp situated at the base of Mount Meru, a 14,980-foot volcano. The camp is at an elevation of about 6,200 feet, which will help our acclimatization.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Gather for an orientation, check your equipment, and set out on a warm-up hike along the lush slopes of Mount Meru, the fifth-highest peak in Africa. Keep your eye out for the distinctive black-and-white colobus monkey of the region, as well as bushbuck, duiker, buffalo, giraffe, rare birds, and if we’re lucky, elephant and leopard.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
A short drive brings us to the edge of Kilimanjaro’s montane forests, where our trek begins. The trail winds up through mossy jungle where colobus monkeys dangle from branches. Walking alongside local naturalists, we’ll learn ...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Each day begins with morning tea and hot water delivered to your tent by our guides. After breakfast, our hike continues through the forest before crossing into the subalpine hagenia zone. We’ll take our time, soaking in the spectacular scenery while acclimating to the altitude. (Altitude: 11,300', 6-8 hrs hiking)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek across the Shira Plateau, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and then follow the trail up the western slope of the Kibo Massif. Here in the upper heath zone, the snowy summit looms above our camp, glowing in the late-afternoon light. (Altitude: 13,100', 4-6 hours hiking)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Continue along the massif today, hiking slowly into the alpine zone, where rocks and scree harbor only the hardiest lichens and grasses. Camp at the base of Lava Tower, a volcanic plug that juts 300 feet into the air. (Altitude: 14,300', 5-7 hours hiking)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Spend a few hours hiking to the foot of the Western Breach and make camp near Arrow Glacier at 15,700 feet. Then relax at camp and take in extraordinary views of the sunset high above the clouds. (Altitude: 15,700', 2-3 hours hiking)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Set out on one of the most challenging parts of the trek: the Western Breach, a steep wall of rock that rises to the lip of the crater. Inside the inner crater, venture to the edge of the ash pit and explore the magnificent glacier and its natural ice sculptures. Then move to our camp, set high on the crater floor. (Altitude: 18,500', 7-10 hours hiking)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Rise with the sun and head for the summit, climbing 1,000 feet and arriving by 9:00 a.m. From our lofty perch 19,340 feet above Africa, take in the magnificent sweep of sky and peaks. We’ll savor the moment, then descend steep...
Accommodation
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Hike into the rain forest and down to the Mweka Gate, a rapid descent of 4,500 feet. Drive back to Arusha for a celebratory dinner. (3-5 hours hiking)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (for all day)
Travel into the highlands above the Ngorongoro Crater and hike to a Maasai village. Then descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a spectacular day on safari, spotting lions, endangered black rhinos, leopards, and ...
Accommodation: Moivaro Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Drive to Arusha or take an optional flight. Enjoy a final dinner together before transferring to the airport for our return flights.
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
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