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Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari
Though Africa has many enchantments, it’s just far enough away that visiting may be a once-in-a-lifetime treat. That’s the beauty of our Africa adventure - it combines a climb of snow-capped Kilimanjaro with a wildlife-rich safari including a visit to the famed Serengeti and an incredible crater that has been likened to the Garden of Eden. If you’re fit, you have an excellent chance of making the summit of Kilimanjaro (19,340’), the continent’s highest peak. Our team of top African guides leads you up the Marangu route on this non-technical but strenuous, high-altitude climb. Back on greener ground, we safari into the Ngorongoro Crater, home to a fantastic spectacle of big game, including elephants, lions and rhinos. Then it’s onto the world’s most famous wildlife reserve, the Serengeti National Park, where we sleep, true safari style, in walled tents. As we end this wonderfully varied trip, odds are you’ll think: “Just how soon can I come back again!”
Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance and traveling on an overnight flight.
Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari Itinerary:
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Day 1
Your trip begins today in Arusha, Tanzania with an evening arrival into the Kilimanjaro Airport. We provide a group transfer to a very comfortable hotel, set in spacious gardens. Most travelers find they are tired after the long flight and prefer to go directly to their room to rest. No meals included.
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Day 2
Take your time today to adjust to life in Africa. You’re free to do as you wish until our 6 p.m. group orientation meeting. You can arrange local transportation at the hotel front desk if you’d like to explore Arusha town, which is known as the “little Geneva of Tanzania.” Set in the shadow of Mount Meru and with impressive views of Kilimanjaro, Arusha was established in 1900 as a German garrison town. Or you might want to just relax at the pool and gardens or try the jogging path on the grounds. We can also arrange for a day trip into Arusha National Park for some wildlife viewing (added cost). Breakfast and dinner included.
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Day 3
We depart after breakfast and drive to the Park Headquarters. Park fees are pre-paid by REI Adventures. There is the normal hustle and bustle of hiring porters, signing in and beginning the climb. The actual hike begins at the park gate (6,000') and we hike 5.5 miles up to Mandara hut (8,860') near the upper edge of the forest line. The hike takes about 4 - 6 hours… a good time to start using your walking sticks. Our path starts off in a bamboo rainforest (keep your eyes open for blue monkeys) then opens up to hillsides of heather and temperate forests. If time and weather permit, a short walk from Mandara to Maundi Crater is certainly worth it. Lodging here, as well as at Horombo, is in wooden A-frame huts that sleep 4 to 8 people. Hiking: 5.5 miles. All meals included starting with breakfast today through lunch on day 14.
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Day 4
Our destination today is Horombo Hut at 12,340'. It takes a good 5-6 hours to cover the 8-mile journey – altitude will slow the group down and the trail is strenuous, but is not technical. Be sure you’re drinking lots of water (no less than 2 liters per day). We often get our first views of the Kibo summit today far in the distance as we pass from forest into high moorland. In addition, we pass beneath the impressive, rocky southern face of Mawenzi - one of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro. Hiking: 10 miles.
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Day 5
Today is an extra day to acclimatize, and is best spent taking a day hike up towards Mawenzi, gaining elevation so that this evening, when you return to Horombo, you’re sleeping at a lower elevation. The day hike is through a beautiful landscape with unique flora such as the odd-shaped, seemingly inside-out giant groundsel. The trail offers inspirational views of both Kibo and Mawenzi as well. Bird life is also abundant in Horombo area. If you’re feeling really fatigued at this point, you can choose to spend the day at Horombo. Afternoon rains are common, so plan your day hike to be back inside the lodge with a cup of tea and good book by 4 p.m. And, after the rain passes, the sunsets are typically beautiful and the black night sky full of stars. Hiking: 6 miles.
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Day 6
Another long hike, this time up to Kibo Hut at almost 15,520'. Although shorter in distance, this usually takes 7 hours because it is steeper and the altitude slows everyone down. Keep drinking that water! The route passes directly up onto the Saddle, a wide flat plateau with the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi looming overhead. Here, the views are fantastic. The last part of the trail passes across the plateau before a final ascent to Kibo Hut, a stone hut with rooms that sleep 10 - 15 people in bunk beds. We have a light dinner, a pre-climb talk with our guides and turn in early for what little sleep is possible. Hiking: 5 miles.
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Day 7
Our guides wake us about midnight for tea and cookies and final dressing (in many layers) for our summit attempt. It can be bitter cold. The guides like to have the team on the trail between 1 - 1:30 a.m. in hope of reaching the summit for the sunrise. Starting off, the trail swings back and forth up a steep scree slope while the line of climbers stretches out in the darkness, only visible by their headlamps. Placing one foot in front of the other and focusing on your breathing, the black sky infinitely above you, this climb is one you will never forget. Most climbers arrive at Gillman's point, elevation 18,685 feet, in time to see the sunrise around 6:30 a.m. The views from the top looking down on the plains of Africa make it all worthwhile. Some climbers decide they have reached their goal and head down from here. Others hike an additional 2-3 hours to the true summit, Uhuru Peak at 19,340’. The descent from Gillman's point is fairly rapid, taking about 2 hours. Most climbers take a short rest at Kibo Hut before descending to Horombo Hut for the night, arriving in the late afternoon. Hiking: 15 miles.
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Day 8
Another long hiking day but it is essentially all downhill and our spirits are boosted by the satisfaction of yesterday’s climb. Back at Marangu gate, at the Park's headquarters, we pick up our certificate to attest to our success and bid farewell to many of our porters and guides. We transfer then to our hotel in Arusha (1 – 1 ½ hours), where it’s a welcome treat to take a hot shower and commemorate the climb with a celebration dinner. Hiking: 14 miles.
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Day 9
Now on to the wildlife safari, an equally rich experience that requires a much less physical effort on your part. We start with breakfast at the hotel and take a few hours to relax and repack. We leave about 11 a.m. and drive to the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the natural wonders of the world. Our route takes us up along the crater rim, which stands at 7,600’. We can often spot wildlife before we arrive at our camp on the ridge. The tents are large, roomy and have cots. Just put your sleeping bag on top. Driving time: 5 hours. All camp meals provided on safari.
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Day 10
After an early breakfast, we depart at 8 a.m. so we can spend a half day exploring the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, 2,000’ below the rim. The roads in and out of the crater are steep and require 4-wheel drive. Some regard the Crater as the original Garden of Eden; the Maasai consider it “the footprint of God”. It is the largest intact crater in the world. The high ground around the rim lies under a thick canopy of lichen-covered tropical forest, often shrouded in mist, while the floor of the crater teems with all kinds of wildlife. At the heart of the crater's 10-mile wide grassland plain, there lies a soda lake that attracts vast numbers of flamingo and other water birds. Visitors to Ngorongoro are almost sure to see rhino, elephant, buffalo, lion, cheetah, zebra and many species of antelope! This was once the home of the Maasai and they are still allowed to take their herds of cattle into the crater at certain times of the year. All too soon, it’s time to leave and drive to the Serengeti, where we camp for two nights in the bush. Our camp is situated deep in the very heart of the Serengeti close to the Seronera River. The riverine forest consists of yellow-barked acacias. It’s an ideal biosphere for leopards, which are seen quite often here along with lions, hippos and, occasionally, elephants. This area is the principal source of shade for the wildlife wandering the short grass plains, which makes game viewing here excellent. For obvious reasons, it is not safe to stray far from camp. Driving time: 3 hours plus game drives.
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Day 11
Today is a full day in the Serengeti. We explore what is the most famous game park in the world, moving with the game. Discovering areas with abundant wildlife, we’ll witness the drama of predator vs. prey played out in front of us. We spend our second night at Seronera camp trading stories around the campfire as we listen to the sounds of the bush. Game drives approximately 2-3 hours each.
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Day 12
After breakfast, we bid our camp staff farewell before heading to Lake Manyara National Park, stopping at the Olduvai Gorge overlook. We plan to arrive in time for lunch at our night’s lodging, which provides luxury accommodations complete with a lovely view of the Rift valley and a swimming pool that’s perfect for cooling off. Most travelers opt for the afternoon game drive, but for some, the chance to relax by the pool and savor all that’s happened in the last couple of days is enough. Dinner and overnight is on the outskirts of Lake Manyara. Driving time: 6 hours.
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Day 13
After a breakfast, we head down the dramatic “Great Rift” escarpment, taking in the superb vistas along the way, to Lake Manyara National Park. Here we spend the morning enjoying the diverse wildlife of this small, verdant park. Unlike the Serengeti, Manyara has a bit of a tropical feel to it and supports huge birdlife as well as the larger animals such as giraffe, buffalo, elephant and the famed tree-climbing lions. While in the park we relax with a picnic lunch before departing for Mto Wa Mbu village (literally “mosquito village”). This small village on the outskirts of Manyara has a truly wonderful crafts market showcasing the artistic wares of many of Tanzania’s 120 tribes. Bargain hard – have fun! Back to our lodge for an afternoon of leisure at the pool. It’s a nice chance to say our good-bye to Africa and reflect upon what this amazingly layered trip has meant to each of us. All meals included.
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Day 14
After breakfast, we depart for Arusha, arriving in time for an early lunch, the last meal served as part of the REI trip. For those of you departing from the Kilimanjaro airport, we provide a day room and evening transfer to the airport. Driving: 3 hours; Dinner on your own.
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted above. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is one-half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available on most departures. No single accommodations are available while staying on the mountain. Single tents will be provided on safari, with shared toilet tent.
All accommodations using hotels and camps; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; all group camping gear including tents are provided; use of porters on the climb as well as climbing leaders and a cook; airport transfers when arriving with the group; all sightseeing as noted; services of driver/guide; taxes and tolls.
Airfare to Kilimanjaro Airport, 1 lunch, 1 dinner, optional tips to the climbing guide/porters, safari driver/guide and local staff, excess baggage charges, airport taxes and items of a personal nature such as soft drinks, bottled water or liquor, laundry fees, cost of obtaining a passport and visas, immunizations or insurance.
This trip is rated Strenuous [5]. Trip members should be strong, experienced hikers in excellent physical condition. Previous experience at altitude may improve your chances of summiting on Kili. Your physical fitness is important to your success on the climb. A serious physical conditioning program should be undertaken several months in advance to get into shape. Hiking hills for the legs, swimming to increase lung capacity and circulation, jogging and bicycling for overall fitness … these are excellent for building the strength necessary for the trek. The best training is extensive hiking up and down hills, putting in 10 mile hikes on weekends prior to the trip. Consult with your physician.
The summit of Kilimanjaro is at 19,340', and even with a rest day, the climb has a rapid rate of ascent. We attempt to minimize the effect of altitude through our program of acclimatization. Most climbers experience some symptoms of altitude illness during the climb. These symptoms can include headache, nausea, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing and general weakness. More severe reactions can include both cerebral and pulmonary edema, which can result in permanent injury or death. The only cure is to descend. Our Kilimanjaro climbing guides are experienced at altitude and are there to help all trip members maximize their summit climb.
The weather on Kilimanjaro is quite diverse. The climb starts through a wide belt of wet tropical forest, and then goes through zones with generally decreasing temperatures and rainfall to the summit where there is permanent ice and below freezing temperatures. Our trips avoid the rainy season, which runs March to May, and the short rains in November. While on safari, the weather will typically be mild during the day time and cooling off in the evening. When camping on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, we are above 6500’ – it can get very cool and damp at night.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.
Weather
Weather during the Kilimanjaro climb can range from 80°F during the first day, to 0°F on the summit day. Daytime temperatures during the climb are usually in the 60s. On safari, temperatures are typically in the 70s and 80s during the day, falling to the 50s in the evening.
Weight Limit
Please limit your duffel bag on the climb to 30 pounds or less.
Gear Checklist
- Tents and sleeping pads
- Cooking and eating utensils
- Waterproof duffle for the climb
- Valid passport
- Visas
- Airline tickets
- International health card with immunizations
- 2 duffel bags, 1 large enough for all climbing gear and clothing and a second bag to be left at the hotel with safari clothing
- Luggage tags and luggage locks
- Passport pouch or money belt
- Daypack, 2,000-3,000 cu. in. to be used during climb
- Rain cover and two large plastic trash bags for your daypack and duffel bag
- Bring a few lightweight, easily washable items for travel and when you are not climbing
- Comfortable shoes
- Sleeping bag, rated to 10°F
- Sleep sheet (optional but nice)
- Waterproof, breathable jacket
- Waterproof, breathable pants
- Insulated down or synthetic filled jacket
- Midweight wool or fleece sweater / jacket
- Fleece or wool pants
- Thermal underwear top and bottom (2 sets). Synthetic or wool, one midweight and one expedition weight
- T-shirts, mix of synthetic and cotton
- Synthetic, long-sleeve shirts
- Synthetic, quick-drying hiking shorts
- Hiking pants (zip-off legs are great for this)
- Casual clothes, for relaxing at camp
- Socks: 6-8 pair, wool or synthetic for the summit day
- Liner socks
- Water-resistant leather hiking boots, midweight boots work great
- Camp shoes, i.e., sneakers or sport sandals
- Balaclava or neck gaiter
- Wool or fleece mittens/gloves
- Thin gloves or mitten liners
- Wool or fleece hat
- Sun hat with brim
- Bandana
- Swimsuit (pools at lodges)
- Water bottles (two 1-quart) or hydration pack plus one 1 quart water bottle
- Headlamp and spare lithium batteries/bulb (no flashlights!)
- Sunglasses with dark lenses
- Ski goggles
- Toilet paper- 1 roll
- Hand sanitizer gel
- Collapsible trekking poles
- Favorite energy snacks and powdered drinks
- Sunblock and lip balm with high SPF
- Personal first-aid kit
- Insect repellent with DEET
- Toiletry kit with bio-degradable soap/shampoo, hand lotion
- Travel towel
- Camera, lenses and lots of film/memory cards
- Small binoculars (highly recommended)
- Reading and writing materials
- Earplugs
- Watch with alarm or travel clock
- Water filter equipment or iodine tablets (bottled water provided and additional available for purchase)
- Water bottle insulation
- Knee supports
- Ziploc bags, to protect camera, binoculars, etc. from dust
- Spare contact lenses or prescription glasses
- Wind jacket and/or pants
- Knee-length gaitors
Things to Consider
- Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing, hiking boots and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
- Be kind to your feet! If you plan on purchasing new boots do so well ahead of time and allow yourself time to break them in. A very good way to minimize the risk of blisters is to wear a thin liner sock under your regular thicker hiking socks. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
- You will be provided with a waterproof duffle in which you can pack all your gear and clothing for the climb itself. All extra items can be safely stored at the lodge until your return.
- Cotton is wonderful in warm weather, but once it becomes wet it drains your body heat. Plan on bringing at least one synthetic shirt that maintains its warmth when wet. Suggestions are Capilene®, MTS® and Thermax®.
- Hydration packs are not recommended because they will freeze on the summit climb—even the insulated versions. They are suitable only for the lower mountain.
- If you normally wear contacts, bring a pair of glasses in case of irritation from dust in your eyes.
- Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
- Stuff sacks are great for sorting your gear. Plastic bags are also helpful to separate clean and dirty clothing.
- Many of the roads in Africa are deeply rutted and dusty. It is a good idea to pack camera equipment and binoculars in plastic bags to protect them from the dust. This is in addition to their normal cases. Also bring some lens cleaning material.
- Laundry is difficult on this trip but you can hand wash a few quick-drying items.
- Try to maximize the use of your gear for both the climb and safari. Extra luggage, including clean clothes to wear home, can be left at the hotel in Arusha. Casual attire is acceptable for Africa. Light colored clothing is best for the safari, to blend into the landscape and not alarm the wild life.
- Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will be happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI's website at www.rei.com. The Expert Advice section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.