Kilimanjaro: Rongai Route & Safari

10 days
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Small Group Tour
After a strenuous climb of Africa's highest mountain, there are ample game viewing opportunities in two of Tanzania's national parks, plus the magnificent Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Lake Manyara is well known for its bird life and tree-climbing lions, Tarangire for its elephants, while the stunning Ngorongoro Crater is home to the largest concentration of...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • 2 nights comfortable hotels, 2 nights comfortable permanent camp, all en suite; 5 nights full-service camping in three-man tents, private toilet tent provided
    • 6 days point-to-point walking with full porterage
    • Altitude maximum 5895m, average 3600m
    • Safari vehicles used Your chance to Trek the Rongai Route
    • Safari in Ngorongoro Crater
    • Spot tree climbing lions

What's this trip about?

    After a strenuous climb of Africa's highest mountain, there are ample game viewing opportunities in two of Tanzania's national parks, plus the magnificent Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Lake Manyara is well known for its bird life and tree-climbing lions, Tarangire for its elephants, while the stunning Ngorongoro Crater is home to the largest concentration of wildlife anywhere in Africa.Climb Kilimanjaro then safari in Tanzania's best game parks

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range18 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityMarangu
End CityMarangu

Travel Themes

  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • Africa

Attractions

  • Arusha

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Trekking

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts
    • 8 lunches and 9 dinners
    • All accommodation (see below)
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout
    • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
    • Kilimanjaro Park Fees

Itinerary

Travel Map
Flight Inclusive

Day 1 Depart London

Depart London.

Day 2 Arrive Marangu

Arrive Kilimanjaro. Transfer to Marangu.

Day 3 Begin ascent through Rongai Forest (2600m).

After completing the necessary registration formalities, we transfer by road to Nale Moru (1,950m) to begin our climb on this unspoilt wilderness route. The first day is only a half-day walk on a small path that winds through farmland and pine plantations. It is a con...

Day 4 Climb to Kikelewa moorland (3600m).

The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the 'Second Cave' (3,450m) with superb views of the Eastern icefields on the rim of Kibo, the youngest and highest of the three volcanoes that form the entire mountain. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out acros...

Day 5 Steady ascent beneath jagged peaks of Mawenzi (4330m); afternoon acclimatisation.

A steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb panoramas of the Kenyan plains to the north. We leave vegetation behind close to Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m), spectacularly situated in a cirque beneath the towering cliffs of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or to explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatisation. Approx 3-4 hours walking.

Day 6 Cross lunar desert of the 'Saddle' to Kibo, at the bottom of summit cone (4750m).

We leave our attractive campsite to cross the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4,700m) at the bottom of the Kibo Crater wall by early afternoon. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night! Approx 5-6 hours walking.

Day 7 Early start to reach Gillman's Point in time for sunrise over the crater rim: on to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa (5895m). Descend to Horombo (3720m).

We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight at around midnight. We plod very slowly in darkness and cold on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the Crater rim at Gillman's Point (5,685 m). W...

Day 8 Continue descent through forest to Mandara and Marangu; drive to Arusha.

A sustained descent with wide views across the moorland takes us into the lovely forest around Mandara (2,700m), the first stopping place on the Marangu route. The trail continues through semi-tropical vegetation to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830m). We leave...

Day 9 Drive from Arusha to Tarangire. Game viewing in Tarangire N.P.

We drive from Arusha in the morning to Tarangire National Park (a distance of about 120 km.) in our 4WD vehicles, and spend most of the day game viewing. We will hopefully see large herds of elephants along the river, a wide variety of habitat, and have time to enjoy ...

Day 10 Full day excursion to Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

We leave early in the morning with a picnic lunch to get as much time as possible in Ngorongoro Crater. Driving up the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley, with excellent views over Lake Manyara, we continue to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Crater is a magnificent...

Day 11 Arrive Kilimanjaro

Game drive in Lake Manyara N.P. Transfer to Kilimanjaro airport and depart.

Day 12 Arrive London

Arrive London.

Land Only

Day 1 Start Marangu.

There will be a trip briefing this afternoon/evening. Please bring with you your passport and insurance details, and your air ticket details. The briefing will cover all aspects of your trip and will include the distribution of any hired equipment you have booked.

Day 2 Begin ascent through Rongai Forest (2600m).

After completing the necessary registration formalities, we transfer by road to Nale Moru (1,950m) to begin our climb on this unspoilt wilderness route. The first day is only a half-day walk on a small path that winds through farmland and pine plantations. It is a con...

Day 3 Climb to Kikelewa moorland (3600m).

The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the 'Second Cave' (3,450m) with superb views of the Eastern icefields on the rim of Kibo, the youngest and highest of the three volcanoes that form the entire mountain. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out acros...

Day 4 Steady ascent beneath jagged peaks of Mawenzi (4330m); afternoon acclimatisation.

A steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb panoramas of the Kenyan plains to the north. We leave vegetation behind close to Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m), spectacularly situated in a cirque beneath the towering cliffs of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or to explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatisation. Approx 3-4 hours walking.

Day 5 Cross lunar desert of the 'Saddle' to Kibo, at the bottom of summit cone (4750m).

We leave our attractive campsite to cross the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4,700m) at the bottom of the Kibo Crater wall by early afternoon. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night! Approx 5-6 hours walking.

Day 6 Early start to reach Gillman's Point in time for sunrise over the crater rim: on to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa (5895m). Descend to Horombo (3720m).

We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight at around midnight. We plod very slowly in darkness and cold on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the Crater rim at Gillman's Point (5,685 m). W...

Day 7 Continue descent through forest to Mandara and Marangu; drive to Arusha.

A sustained descent with wide views across the moorland takes us into the lovely forest around Mandara (2,700m), the first stopping place on the Marangu route. The trail continues through semi-tropical vegetation to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830m). We leave...

Day 8 Drive from Arusha to Tarangire. Game viewing in Tarangire N.P.

We drive from Arusha in the morning to Tarangire National Park (a distance of about 120 km.) in our 4WD vehicles, and spend most of the day game viewing. We will hopefully see large herds of elephants along the river, a wide variety of habitat, and have time to enjoy ...

Day 9 Full day excursion to Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

We leave early in the morning with a picnic lunch to get as much time as possible in Ngorongoro Crater. Driving up the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley, with excellent views over Lake Manyara, we continue to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Crater is a magnificent...

Day 10 Game drive in Lake Manyara N.P. Transfer to Arusha; end.

After an early breakfast we leave our lodge and head to Manyara National Park. A scenic gem, we drive through lush jungle and stop near the lakeshore at Manyara which teems with birdlife. Over 400 species have been recorded here.There are also a surprising number of ...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,075
Price per day$408
Last Updated: 8/2/2018

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

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.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

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Ruth Long

Aug 2024

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great activities perfectly planned

great activities perfectly planned, good support and guiding.

C

Catherine Newbold

Aug 2024

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Very easy process.

Very easy process.

A

Annabel Church Smith

Aug 2024

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Helpful alternative choice

We had to cancel our trip to Jordon due to the troubles in the Middle East. The person at Exodus was very helpful in suggesting an alternative holiday for us. Howeve...

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request - includes single tent)
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

2 nights comfortable hotels, 2 nights comfortable permanent camp, all en suite; 5 nights full-service camping in three-man tents, private toilet tent provided 6 days point-to-point walking with full porterage Altitude maximum 5895m, average 3600m Safari vehicles used,
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
Dinner: All breakfasts, 9 lunches and 9 dinners included. On trek the emphasis is on a varied and well balanced diet with a greater amount of fresh fruit and soup to maximise the daily intake of fluids. Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note that in Tanzania the availability of certain specialized products for restricted diets, e.g. gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or non-existent and we strongly recommend you bring these specialized dietary items from home. You may find it beneficial to bring some 'summit snacks' with you from home; summit day is a long trekking day and high energy snacks are not readily available locally in Tanzania. All meals during the climb and safari are included. Please allow about GBP10-15 (USD15-25) for the meals not included. Water Whilst the water we provide on Kilimanjaro is suitable for drinking you may wish to be extra safe and treat it with your own water purification tablets. The EU banned iodine to be used to purify water on 25 Oct 2009. The cheapest alternative is to use chlorine tablets. The major difference is chlorine doesn't eliminate giardia. Biox Aqua drops or tablets are the best available alternative for sale in the UK as they kill giardia and crytosporidium.
Age Requirements
18 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
exodus-TYX

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