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Mount Kilimanjaro Trek With Wildlife Safari

Difficult

Mount Kilimanjaro Trek With Wildlife Safari

BRS 6
Max Altitude
Africa
13 days
64 Km
Max 15
250000 + 5% GST
Moshi to Arusha

Add ons


Available Batches

Available Batches

Brief Description

Grade:Difficult
Location: Africa
Altitude:5895 m
Duration:13 Days
There are many things Tanzania is famed for. Of those, the two that are most definitely right on top are of course, firstly, Kilimanjaro which at 5,895M is Africa’s highest point as well as the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. And the second is the concentration of the exotic and indigenous wildlife of Africa in the many wild corners of Tanzania. The National Parks here and at the border of Tanzania and Kenya are home to almost all the species of wildlife that Africa as an entire continent boasts of. This includes the Big Five as well as the route for the Great Migration – these lands are basically the walking grounds for the entire National Geographic Channel and any nature documentary from Africa that you ever watched.

Combining these two makes for One Great Tanzanian Adventure which is exactly what we are going for with this itinerary – to explore the terrain and the beings of Tanzania, and celebrate the many jewels of this magical land. After the climb, we spend an additional four days to cover The Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area which are the three best spots to encounter the largest variety of wildlife within Tanzania and Kenya.

The best time for this is January to March and June to October. Stay on this page for more information on this combined adventure.

Please note: If you would like to add Mount Meru to this itinerary, you can just click on a button in the Add Ons section to make that happen. For a detailed itinerary of Mount Meru, click here.

For a standalone itinerary of a climb to Kilimanjaro, click here.


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Brief Itinerary

Welcome to Tanzania!
Moshi (950M) to Machame Camp (3,010M) via Machame Park Gate (1,800M)
Machame Camp (3,010M) to Shira Camp (3,840M)
Shira Camp (3,840M) to Barranco Camp (3,960M) via Lava Tower (4,630M)
Barranco Camp (3,960M) to Karanga Camp (4,035M)
Karanga Camp (4,035M) to Barafu Camp (4,640M)
Barafu Camp (4,640M) to Mweka Camp (3,090M) via Uhuru Summit (5,895M)
Mweka Camp (3,090M) to Moshi (950M) via Mweka Park Gate (1,650M)
Moshi (950M) to Arusha (1,400M)
Arusha (1,400M) to Tarangire National Park (1,250M)
Tarangire National Park (1,250M) to Central Serengeti (1,850M)
Central Serengeti (1,850M) to Ngorongoro Conservation Area (1,800M)
Ngorongoro Conservation Area (1,800M) to Arusha (1,400M)

Detailed Itinerary


Day 1

Welcome to Tanzania!

Your flight will bring you to Kilimanjaro International Airport. From here, Moshi, which is a small town on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, is only a 30 km drive. Airport pick up is part of the trek cost – you will be met by someone from our team who will assist you to your hotel in Moshi. The name Moshi, interestingly enough, is said to denote the smoke that comes out of the volcano right above it. There is nothing more on the agenda for today than to get comfortable in this friendly land, explore this charming little town, get acquainted to your fellow climbers, and arrange for equipment, in case you are missing something. Since we start the trek tomorrow, we also use today to go over some do’s and don’ts, what to expect on the trek and get done with some paperwork before we can dive head in to indulge ourselves in this small town of many offerings.

Tonight we stay in a hotel – our last night for the next few days, in warm, comfortable beds!

 

Day 2

Moshi (950M) to Machame Camp (3,010M) via Machame Park Gate (1,800M)

Distance: 27 km (drive to Machame Park Gate) + 11 kms (trek to Machame Camp)

Duration: 45 min (drive) + 6-7 hours (trek)

Of the 6 possible routes to the summit, we take the Machame Route. Machame Route is also called the ‘Whiskey Route’ because it is a little bit longer and a little bit tougher than the other most popular route which is the Marangu Route. Marangu Route is called the Coca Cola Route because it is a much more common preference with climbers since it is easier and is also the only route with huts that allow for added comfort when compared to camping.

We take the Machame Route because it takes us through an assortment of terrain, making every day on the trek a fresh delight and something to look forward to. The trail head for Machame Route is the Machame Park Gate. It is going to be a long day, so we start early after an early breakfast. The 27 kms to the gate should take us about 45 minutes to cover. The drive brings us to an altitude of 1800M. We still have over a 1200M ascend to get to our first camp for today. After registering at the Park Gate, we start out through thick rainforests. This region is prone to unscheduled rains; remember to keep your rainwear handy. Rain can also make the forest floor slushy and slippery; consider your footwear for the trek accordingly. 

It is a 11km long day with an elevation gain of 1200M, so it is important that you find your rhythm and pace yourself based on your comfort. It is a gradual climb. We get packed lunch for the day. Porters will carry your luggage which makes the long distance a tad bit easier. Expect to reach by evening. Night temperatures really plummet at this camp, be prepared to layer up accordingly.

Day 3

Machame Camp (3,010M) to Shira Camp (3,840M)

Distance: 5 kms

Duration: 4-5 hours

Today is a smaller day than yesterday, at least in terms of distance. We wake up early, get done with breakfast and continue our ascent in the forest. After about an hour in the forest, it is time for the first dramatic change in scenery. From the thick canopy, we are welcomed into the colourful moorland zone which greets us with gentler slopes. From here, we get on to a rocky ridge until we reach the Shira Plateau. If you are the kind to geek out on geography, here’s something interesting. The Shira Plateau is actually a caldera which means that it is a collapsed volcanic crater. This plateau which stretches 13 kms to the west of Kibo summit is hence the remains of the first of Kilimanjaro’s volcanoes to perish. The land you walk on now has been filled in by the lava and debris of the eruptions from the other craters of Kilimanjaro. This region is known for its rich flora.  

A little further and we reach our campsite for the day after an elevation gain of a little over 800M. Since it is an even more exposed and open region, the night here is likely to be much colder than yesterday. 

Day 4

Shira Camp (3,840M) to Barranco Camp (3,960M) via Lava Tower (4,630M)

Distance: 11 kms

Duration: 7-8 hours

Today is yet another exciting day for we cross yet another point with a fascinating story to get your nerd on. Given that it is going to be a long day, we head out from our camp as early as possible and head east towards a different kind of landscape. Our path today takes us to a semi-desert and rocky terrain which ambles up to Lava Tower at 4,630M. Lava Tower is the fascinating marvel which we spoke of earlier! It is, as the name suggests, a massive tower of rock formed by, as the name suggests, lava of Mount Kilimanjaro from way back when it was still an active volcano. These dry lands with lava structures dominate the landscape of our route today. This is going to be one of the toughest days of the trek for its distance and elevation. It also serves as a good means for acclimatization, however, since we are climbing high all the way to 4,600M and sleeping low at 3,960M (Barranco Camp). 

The climb up to Lava Tower, which is the highest point for today over some tough terrain, including an ascent on loose scree, should take close to 5 hours. The descent down from here to Barranco Camp is another 2-3 hours. This campsite is known for its sunset views; we should get here just in time to catch these! 

Day 5

Barranco Camp (3,960M) to Karanga Camp (4,035M)

Distance: 5 kms

Duration: 5 hours

Today will seem much easier because we are already acclimatized. We also have to cover a much shorter distance. The most difficult part of the climb today is the Barranco Wall which is classified as a class 4 scramble. This means that you do not need any special equipment to cross this section. It is however, difficult enough that it will call for all your attention – being mindful is not a choice here. You are likely to use all four limbs to scramble through this section of the climb which should take about an hour at max. The rest of the route for today is a mix of ascents and descents. It goes by in a breeze. 

Expect to reach the campsite by afternoon with the rest of the day at your disposal to discover the many wonders of this wonderland of a mountain. 

Day 6

Karanga Camp (4,035M) to Barafu Camp (4,640M)

Distance: 5 kms

Duration: 5 hours

Today is a short day since we will be leaving for our summit push the same night. We leave as early in the morning as possible to get to our campsite for today which rests on an exposed ridge line. Be careful and familiarize yourself with the terrain as soon as you reach the campsite, so as to avoid any accidents in the dark. We try to reach well in time for lunch and hit the sleeping bag by 7 in the evening so that we get enough shuteye before our summit push tonight.

Day 7

Barafu Camp (4,640M) to Mweka Camp (3,090M) via Uhuru Summit (5,895M)

Distance: 17 kms

Duration: 15-16 hours

Today is the big day! We get ready and start our summit push in the dead of the night after some light breakfast. The climb starts on some loose scree, which climbs up to Stella Point. Stella Point at 5,685M is one of the three official summits on the mountain and counts as a legit summit point for those who want to end their climb here. Stella Point lies at the rim of the crater and also offers the best view at the break of dawn. 

Kilimanjaro has a really long summit push with an elevation gain of over 1300M which is massive given the altitude of the mountain.  The rest of the climb from Stella Point is a steep ascent which brings you to the famous signboard indicating your arrival to the top of Africa – the (Freedom) Uhuru Peak (5,895M). 

While it is a great vantage point to spend hours studying, we leave after some time because we still have a long way to go. The descent down to Barafu camp is another 3 hours. Here we collect our gear which we had left behind before descending down further to Mweka Camp after a full day of exhaustion.

Expect to reach by late evening.

Day 8

Mweka Camp (3,090M) to Moshi (950M) via Mweka Park Gate (1,650M)

Distance: 10 kms (trek) + 24 kms (drive)

Duration: 3-4 hours (trek) + 1 hour (drive)

Today is long as well, with 10kms to cover. However, it is all downhill and at a much lower altitude than our body has already acclimatized to, so it shouldn’t be a tough nut to crack. On reaching the Mweka Park Gate, we get our ride to drive back into Moshi – our ticket to a hot bath and warm bed!

Day 9

Moshi (950M) to Arusha (1,400M)

Distance: 82 kms

Duration: 2-2.5 hours

After that hard climb, it is now time for us to head towards a different kind of thrill. Post breakfast, we get our ride into Arusha which is another city in Eastern Tanzania and is only a two hour drive from Moshi. Today is just about getting to Arusha, getting settled and exploring the ins and abouts of the city before we head out for the National Parks tomorrow. The next three days are mornings and evenings of game drives, so you deserve all the rest today.

Day 10

Arusha (1,400M) to Tarangire National Park (1,250M)

Distance: 150 kms

Duration: 3 hour drive

After an early breakfast we head out for our three hour ride to Tarangire National Park for a full day of game drives. Tarangire is Africa’s third largest national park and is known for its vast numbers – massive herds of elephants, zebras, antelope and gazelles amongst a vast open landscape dotted with tall baobab trees that dwarf the wildlife spread out under them across miles and miles of plains. The Tarangire River is the main watering hole for the park along the banks of which you will find most of the wildlife, especially in the dry season of June to October. The park is also home to other fascinating species like giraffes, prides of lion, leopard, cheetah, kudu, buffalo and oryx.

After a full day of following the massive herds and lone animals going about their business, we spend our night in a camp.

Day 11

Tarangire National Park (1,250M) to Central Serengeti (1,850M)

Distance: 230 kms

Duration: 5 hours

Serengeti is known as one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in the world and for good reason. Spread across 5,700 square miles, these massive grasslands offer some of the best wildlife sightings. From prides of lion lounging in the shade of the acacia woodland savanna to Jackals, Hyenas, Servals and Leopards, beautiful birds in the sky as well as on land (ostriches and secretary birds) all co-exist in this landscape which includes rivers, outcropping of rocks called kopjes, large termite mounds and the savannah plains.

The park is located in Northern Tanzania and spreads into the south-west end of Kenya. It is home to at least 70 large mammal species including the Big Five. The abundance of wildlife here does a syncronised dance within its borders constantly moving based on the availability of pasture. The magic about the African national parks is the predator-prey interaction which you are likely to witness because of the sheer abundance of life on these lands.

Day 12

Central Serengeti (1,850M) to Ngorongoro Conservation Area (1,800M)

Distance: 62 kms

Duration: 1.5 hour drive

If you thought Serengeti was a jaw-dropping spectacle, you are only going to be shocked (with pleasure, of course) beyond measure by what’s in store for today and tomorrow. After a morning game drive in the Serengeti today, we head out to drive towards the Ngorongoro Crater which is the main feature of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Its bed which is 260 square kilometers and runs 610 meters deep, was formed when a large volcano exploded and collapsed on itself millions of years ago. This volcanic landscape houses some of the biggest concentration of wildlife. It is the biggest extinct, intact and unfilled caldera in the world and is a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The main source of water for the wildlife here is the Ngoitokitok Spring. The waters here house hippopotamus and welcome all the other species of the area to its banks in the dry season. Approximately 25,000 large mammals live on this crater bed including the black rhino, cape buffalo, blue wildebeest, waterbucks, zebras, hippopotamus, and of course the Big Cats.

Day 13

Ngorongoro Conservation Area (1,800M) to Arusha (1,400M)

Distance: 180 kms

Duration: 3.5 hour drive

We do a full 5 hour game drive within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to cover most of the landscape before driving back to Arusha. We can drop you within Arusha at a location of your choice. Stay in Arusha for this day is not included in the trek + safari cost.

What's Included

  • All travel cost from Kilimanjaro International Airport (pick-up point) to Kilimanjaro International Airport drop-off (including internal travel to and from the hotel to the park gate)
  • 2 night accommodation (twin-sharing) at a hotel in Moshi (1 each before and after the climb)
  • Breakfast on the first day and Breakfast & Dinner on the last day at Moshi hotel
  • 1 night accommodation (twin-sharing) at a hotel in Arusha (Day 1)
  • Breakfast & Dinner in Arusha Hotel
  • All meals on the mountain
  • Accommodation (in twin-sharing tents) on the mountain
  • Transfers between Moshi and Arusha
  • Transfers between all National Parks
  • All park entry and permit fees + rescue fees
  • Safety Equipment (common) including static rescue rope, seat harness, carabiners, pulleys & other items used for climbing
  • Complete Medical Kit
  • Mountaineering certified and First Aid certified expedition guide
  • Guiding cost
  • Fully equipped service and support staff (local): guide, porters, cook
  • Kilimanjaro International Airport pick up and drop

What's Not Included

  • Internal & International flight cost
  • Visa cost
  • Cost of travel and health insurance
  • Accommodation in Moshi (except on day 1 & 8)
  • Accommodation in Arusha (except on day 1)
  • Tips for the local support staff

Are you Eligible for this Adventure?

Difficult
5895 m
64 km

BRS Level Required

BRS 6

Mount Kilimanjaro Trek With Wildlife Safari is a level 6 adventure on the Bikat Rating Scale.

Packing List

Frequently Asked Questions



Mount Kilimanjaro is not technical. However, the long distances to be covered each day in addition to the terrain as well as its altitude, all demand a certain level of fitness and stamina. We would recommend this climb only to experienced trekkers who have previously climbed to similar altitudes in any of the other mountain ranges.

Mount Kilimanjaro is a level 6 trek on the Bikat Rating Scale. This makes it mandatory for you to have high-altitude experience of preferably multiple treks marked at level 5 on the BRS. The altitude, the terrain and the long distances demand a certain level of endurance and a need for you to be aware of how your body reacts to the various features of high altitude environment.

Jog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins Or Walk continuously for 10 kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better) and
Hold your breath for 40 seconds and
3 sets of Climbing 30 – 40 steps in one stretch and
Push Ups – 10 and
Lunges & Squats – 15 X 2 sets
If you are not meeting these benchmarks, please use the
preparation schedule to improve your fitness till you achieve the above benchmarks.


Mount Kilimanjaro is a hikeable peak which does not require any special mountaineering skills other than optimum fitness levels and some experience of high-altitude.


Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the Seven Summits, one of the Seven Volcanic Summits and the highest free standing mountain in the world. The unique geography of the peak as well as the challenge of the climb and all of its highlights open up a world of experiences waiting to be explored.


The best time to trek Mount Kilimanjaro is between January to March and June to October.




Click here for text packing list.




There are direct flights available from most major airports that land at Kilimanjaro International Airport. The base town, Moshi, is only an hour long drive away from here – making it easily accessible.



The mountain stations itself in Tanzania which has some of the world’s best National Parks teeming with the most exotic wildlife like lions, hippos, giraffes, gorillas to name a few. The country is also famous for its pristine islands with white-sand beaches which are perfect both for some down time or to indulge in water sports like diving and snorkeling. The country is rich in indigenous cultures and fascinating people. A summit climb of Kilimanjaro does not have to be restricted to the climb alone but opens up a whole different world of experiences waiting to be explored.


The minimum age limit is 13 years. However, minors aged between 13 to 17 should be accompanied by their parents/ guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.


Marangu Route is the only one of the 6 routes with huts for accommodation. The rest of the routes have beautiful campsites that allow for an exquisite camping experience. We offer twin sharing tents at each campsite.


While the common safety gear like static rope, pulleys and carabiners will be carried by the expedition guide, personal gear will not be provided for this trek. Since this is not a technical climb, you do not require any technical equipment or gears – only your personal belongings (trekking poles, trekking shoes, head lamp etc) as well as altitude and weather-appropriate clothing.





While the common safety gear like static rope, pulleys and carabiners will be carried by the expedition guide, personal gear will not be provided for this trek. Since this is not a technical climb, you do not require any technical equipment or gears – only your personal belongings (trekking poles, trekking shoes, head lamp etc) as well as altitude and weather-appropriate clothing.



Like any other high-altitude mountain, weather is unpredictable here as well. The lower parts of the mountain are prone to unannounced rains and the higher reaches of the mountain are extremely windy.


Like any high-altitude climb, use the layering method here as well. Since you will be starting for the summit much before sunrise, it will be extremely cold. The lower reaches of the mountain are prone to unannounced rains, so good rain wear is extremely important. Even when the sun is high up in the sky, the winds high up on the exposed regions of the mountain are extremely notorious. You need all your best clothing to protect you from the elements here. Under no circumstances can you afford to forget your down and your gore-tex.














Yes, since Mount Kilimanjaro is in Tanzania, you will need to apply for Visa to be eligible for this climb and you will need a valid Passport to apply for the Visa. It is an online Visa process which is fairly simple and hassle-free. Apply for your Visa on the following link: https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/.

For Indian nationals, the entire process from application to receiving of Visa might take anywhere between 7-15 days. Start your process accordingly. Rules may differ based on your home country. The information is available online easily. Apply for your Visa on the following link: https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/.

You will need two kinds of insurance for the trip:

Travel Medical Insurance: To cover accident, injury or sickness during your travel and stay in the host country. The cost will depend on the number of days you plan to stay in the host country including travel days.

Insurance to cover your climb: To cover cost of rescue if need be, in addition to medical and health coverage in case of sickness and injury during your time on the mountain. The cost depends on the service you choose, the number of days you are exposed to the risk and the altitude of the mountain of choice. There are adventure insurance companies based in India but it would make sense to get insured by a company which might have better reach in the region of travel for speedy service.

Kilimanjaro is located just south of the equator in the East African country – Tanzania.

Kilimanjaro comes under the Kilimanjaro National Park region. All park entry fees and permits are covered in the trek cost.

There are a total of 6 major routes taken to get to the top-most point of Kilimanjaro i.e. the Uhuru Peak at 5,895M. Each route offers something unique. We take the Machame Route, also called ‘the Whiskey Route’, which offers the most dramatic changes in scenery and is just the right volume of challenging to keep things interesting. This route also allows for enough days on the mountain to acclimatize to the region maximizing your chances of a successful summit.

Firstly, Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the Seven Summits for being the tallest mountain of Africa, one of the Seven Volcanic Summits for being the highest volcano in Africa, one of the highest volcanoes in the world and the largest free-standing mountain (which means it is not part of any mountain range - it stands on its own with its massive 80km long and 40km wide base) in the world. Because it is a climb on a volcanic mountain, being on this mountain made of ashes, lava and rock is a unique experience. Secondly and more importantly, we believe that the Himalayas are GREAT and nothing can beat the magnanimity of the mountains in this incredible range, but exploring a different mountain range has so much to offer in terms of perspective. To indulge in the same sport in a different setting makes the connection with the sport itself stronger because of the learning experience.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest hikeable peak in the world. This is to say that it is not technical and requires little to no knowledge of mountaineering and hence has been a popular mountain ever since it was first climbed in 1889. Looking to be experienced by people from all walks of life and not just hardcore athletes, the mountain invites over 30,000 climbers up its slopes each year. However, popular does not mean easy. Its distance, altitude and weather are still factors that must be given their due for being worthy challenges.

The unique terrain, changes in scenery and a chance to experience all climactic conditions on a single climb are only a few of the highlights of this trek. The mountain stations itself in Tanzania which is teeming with wildlife, white-sand beaches, indigenous cultures and fascinating people. A summit climb of Kilimanjaro does not have to be restricted to the climb alone but opens up a whole different world of experiences waiting to be explored. The safaris offer an added chance to explore the region and its highlights to its fullest.

Yes. As per the Kilimanjaro National Park rules, you definitely need a local guide or a licensed trekking outfit to have access to the mountain’s slopes.


Why Bikat?

Small Group Size


Our batch sizes are capped at 15 for smaller treks with the trek leader and trekker ratio of 1:8. This ratio, in our years of experience, has proven to deliver the best trekking experience for individuals as well as groups. Capping the size of the group ensures individual attention to each trekker so that no signs of distress or need during the trek go unnoticed. It also helps to form a more cohesive cohort with better group energy which helps define the rhythm and pace of days on the trek.

As you go higher up on the BRS scale, since the stakes are higher, expeditions have an even smaller group size with the ratio of expedition leader to climber set at 1:2.


Qualified Trek Leaders


We follow a rigorous regime of hiring and training our experts in the field. Each trek leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. In addition to their qualification, they also go through practical and situational training to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on the ground. Being unpredictable is the core nature of the mountains but being ready for any circumstance as best as possible is a controllable asset that we try to nurture.

Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response.

Watch: Forerunners - The Making of A Trek Leader At Bikat Adventures


Guided Progression


Since Bikat Adventures is a learning-based organization, we help you climb up the ladder of difficulty within the sphere of outdoor adventure systematically. Our on-ground training modules are designed to handhold you through the upskilling process so that you are ready to take on bigger challenges.


Equipment Quality and Check


All the gear used on our treks and expeditions is tried and tested, maintained for good quality, and is overall top-notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety.


Support Systems


Along with the staff you see on-ground, we have a team of superheroes working in the background to give you the best experience possible. Our background team also comprises local staff from each area who know the region best. Having local support helps with studying the area, pre-planning, execution, and in receiving timely support in case of emergencies in these remote locations.


Communication


Our on-field staff is in constant contact with our teams based in primary locations so as to eliminate any avoidable delay in reaching additional help and support when required. We try to use the best tools for communication available, including satellite phones, in regions where they are not restricted.


What our customers Say

Cancellation Policy


Cash refund

Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date

5% deduction

Cancellations between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure date

50% deduction

Cancellations within 15 days prior to departure date

No Refund

Voucher refund

Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date

No Deduction

Cancellations within 5 days prior to departure date

No Refund

Please Note:
  1. Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers
  2. This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.

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