Climb Kilimanjaro with the company that has the highest summiting success rate, plus wildlife safaris in Amboseli and the Masai Mara

As the Kilimanjaro summiting experts for over 40 years, MTS now takes you on the rarely traveled Rongai Route to the top of Kilimanjaro, starting in Kenya for the most gradual ascent, and with a classic Alpine start by sleeping at lower altitude with a longer summit day.

On our summit, we’ll hike across the lunar terrain of “The Saddle,” where Kilimanjaro’s two highest peaks link above the treeline, and then set off at midnight to reach the summit by sunrise. The sprawling views from Uhuru Peak at the top of Kilimanjaro can only be matched by the rich array of wildlife species in Amboseli and the Masai Mara.

Led by MTS naturalist experts, bookend your summit with exceptional wildlife viewing in Kenya: lions, giraffes, cape buffalo, zebra, and countless bird species. We’ll overnight at lodges on the savannah, surrounded by the sounds of lion herds and hyena packs.

Click here for all Africa Travel & Adventures with MTS!

Click here for all Wildlife Travel & Adventures

Trip code: TKB

Activities

6 days strenuous hiking at high elevation on Kilimanjaro (max. 19,340'), 4 days game viewing by 4-wheel-drive vehicle

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Climb Kilimanjaro with the company that has the highest summiting success rate on the mountain!
• Ascend to the “Roof of Africa,” in traditional Alpine style, from the Kenya side via the Rongai Route, the least touristed (and most gradual) route to Kili’s summit
• After “topping out” on Kili, safari in one of the world’s top wildlife sanctuaries: the game--rich plains of the Masai Mara
• Explore Amboseli National Park, a mecca for birdwatchers and elephant lovers, graced with iconic views of Kilimanjaro

Duration: 13 days Start Location: Nairobi End Location: Nairobi

BRIEF Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya

  Meet in Nairobi, Kenya. Overnight at the Macushla House, a peaceful retreat just outside Nairobi.

• 

  Day 2 : Amboseli National Park

  Game viewing in Amboseli, noted for having the most magnificent elephant herds in Africa and dramatic views of Kilimanjaro. (Noted researchers Cynthia Moss and Joyce Poole have conducted groundbreaking elephant studies here for almost 30 years.)

• 

  Day 3 : Amboseli National Park

  After an early breakfast we enjoy a morning game drive in search of elephants and other game. In the late afternoon we’ll take a short hike in the vicinity of our camp, accompanied by Maasai warriors, then enjoy terrific sunset views of snow-crowned Kilimanjaro.

• 

  Day 4 : Begin Kilimanjaro Trek

  Drive to the town of Loitokitok on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro and the trailhead five miles outside of town at 6,000 feet. Here we meet our porters and trek about three hours along a small, unspoiled trail through forests of camphor and East African olive to our camp.

• 

  Day 5 : Northern Shoulder Mawenzi

  Continue trek, passing Mawenzi (Kili's second-highest peak) and arriving at Kikelewa Camp at 11,800 feet.

• 

  Day 6 : Mawenzi Camp

  Following the edge of the barren “moonscape” of the saddle, we trek east toward the northern head of the cirque of Mawenzi, leaving the moorlands behind and entering the alpine zone. We reach our next camp at the base of Mawenzi in time for lunch, and have the afternoon free to relax and acclimatize or explore the Mawenzi region on an optional hike.

• 

  Day 7 : Outward Bound Hut

  Cross from Mawenzi to the base of Kibo, and prepare for our summit bid.

• 

  Day 8 : Summit Day - Horombo Camp

  Rise around midnight to begin the long climb to the summit, reaching the crater rim just as the sun rises.

• Day 9 : Marangu – End trek

  We spend the morning hiking down across the rolling moorlands of the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro, then plunge into the lush equatorial rain forest. Drive to hotel for a hot shower and celebratory dinner.

• 

  Day 10 : Masai Mara National Reserve and Musiara

  Transfer to Masai Mara National Park for the second safari portion of this adventure.  Climb-only participants fly back to Nairobi today and can depart this evening on flights home.

• Days 11 - 12 : Masai Mara National Park

  Enthralling 4-wheel-drive exploration of Masai Mara National Park, the game-rich northernmost extension of the great Serengeti ecosystem.

• Day 13 : Morning game drive – fly home

  One last game drive in the Mara, followed by return flight to Nairobi and evening departure for home.

• 

  Macushla House

  Karen, Kenya

  This cozy bed and breakfast features open beamed ceilings, natural woodwork, 2 lounges with open log fires, and views over one of the last pockets of indigineous forest. Macushla's special ambience is ideal for those guests who seek an intimate accommodation experience.

• 

  Ol Tukai Lodge

  Amboseli National Park, Kenya
  

• Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort

  Marangu, Tanzania

  The Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort is located on the lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro and is the best place in the area to end our Kili treks.  Comfortable rooms, hot showers and lovely gardens.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

An exemplary staff that includes remarkable drivers, and guides in addition to the trip leader, guaranteed window seats in vehicles, and safari food that’s beyond delicious (including fine handpicked wines) make this an outstanding Kilimanjaro adventure unmatched by any other tour company. Moreover, our 98% summit success rate reflects Mountain Travel Sobek’s experience in getting our clients to the top! We've been operating climbs of Kilimanjaro since 1974—in fact, we were the first company ever to lead commercial treks up the mountain.

• Julius Odhiambo Oyugi

  Julius Odhiambo is one of Kenya’s top ornithologists and naturalists. His infectious curiosity of the flora and fauna, coupled with his encyclopedic knowledge of his surroundings, brings every detail to life (there’s probably not an insect, bird, or shrub that he can’t tell you a story about!). After years of guiding wildlife safaris, Julius turned his sights to East African mountains. Trekking up Kilimanjaro with Julius is more than a hike to reach the summit, it’s a fascinating walk through natural history of a region in the midst of environmental change. When not guiding safaris, Julius volunteers his time with the Natural History Museum as well as the Birding Club. A top ranking member of Kenya’s elite Professional Safari Guides Association, Julius regards Kenya’s wildlife as a national heritage to be safeguarded against the encroachment of modernity.

photo credits: ©Michael Powers/MTS