Trek to the summit of the highest peak in Africa with the experts for over 40 years, plus enjoy a wildlife safari & cultural encounters with the Maasai!

This stellar adventure takes you to the top of Kilimanjaro via the Machame/Western Breach Route, made famous by the IMAX© film of 2002. We've been summiting Kilimanjaro for over 40 years, and we chose this particular route for its maximum time for acclimatization and grandiose scenery, including stunning views of the mountain’s southern glaciers from the hauntingly beautiful Barranco Valley. We also spend a night in the inner crater area, giving us a chance to explore the glaciers!

Beginning in the rainforest at 6,400 feet, we climb through magnificent alpine scenery en route to the summit. And since no trip to Africa is complete without seeing its celebrated wildlife, we include a classic safari to Ngorongoro Crater—a 102-square-mile, green-walled crater full of wildlife, and the plains of Serengeti National Park—everyone’s vision of the real Africa. Our MTS expert guides have an unrivaled commitment to providing the most memorable, exceptional experiences. Their local knowledge of Kili, coupled with extensive summiting training, make them the “go-to” guys on the mountain (as well as on safari)!

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Activities

9 days strenuous hiking at high elevation (maximum 19,340'); game viewing by 4-wheel-drive vehicle

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Climb Kilimanjaro with the MTS summiting experts -- we have the highest summiting success rate on the mountain!
• Follow the Machame/Western Breach, one of the most scenic routes on Kilimanjaro (taking in the Barranco Valley and Crater Camp) and featuring the highest acclimatization camp at the Arrow Glacier
• After the climb, celebrate your efforts with a classic luxury camping safari in Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti
• Visit a Maasai boma (homestead), and experience a traditional way of life that endures despite the increasing modernization of Africa

Duration: 15 days Start Location: Arusha, Tanzania End Location: Arusha, Tanzania

BRIEF Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport – Arusha National Park

  Meet in Arusha, Tanzania, and transfer to a deluxe private camp in Arusha National Park.

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  Day 2 : Mount Meru

  Hike in the cedar and podocarpus forests on the lower slopes of Mount Meru.

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  Day 3 : Begin trek on Kilimanjaro

  Drive to the trailhead and begin your climb through Kilimanjaro's lush rainforest lowlands. Our route on the mountain for the duration of the climb is a scenic route that encompasses five ecological zones.

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  Day 4 : Shira Camp

  Climb above the Shira Plateau, through the rarely visited Barranco Valley, with its rare and unusual plants and along the glaciated slopes of Kilimanjaro's south face to a camp at 15,300'. We include a layover day at a high camp near the Arrow Glacier for acclimatization, giving you the best chance of making it to the summit.

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  Day 5 : Barranco Camp

  Trek eastward toward the Kibo Massif, diverting at Lava Tower to descend and camp in the Barranco Valley.

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  Day 6 : Arrow Glacier Camp

  Leave the Machame Route and continue our push toward the summit on the Western Breach route, camping at Arrow Glacier (15,300') at the base of the Great Western Breach itself.

• Day 7 : Arrow Glacier Camp

  Layover day to acclimatize at Arrow Glacier, with short hike along a portion of the Western Breach ascent route.

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  Day 8 : Crater Camp

  Ascend the Great Western Breach, a 2,500-foot ascent into Kilimanjaro's inner crater. Camp at 18,300' amidst a radical scene of towering glaciers rising from the harsh rock landscape.

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  Day 9 : Summit day!

  Rise with the sun for our push to the summit and surreal views of the African plains nearly three miles below you. Descend to a camp at 10,200'.

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  Day 10 : End trek – “Climb Only” participants depart

  End trek and drive to Arusha.

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  Day 11 : Ngorongoro Crater Highlands

  Enjoy the pleasures of safari life as you view the plentiful wildlife of Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park, among the "must-see" spots of Africa. Take part in daily Maasai life, including a visit to a boma (homestead) and participation in an Ol Pul (meat feast) festival.

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  Day 12 : Ngorongoro Crater

  Explore the wildlife paradise of the Ngorongoro Crater, where we'll likely spot lions, hyenas, elephants, hippos, and a host of other African game (perhaps even one of the world's few remaining black rhinos!)

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  Day 13 : Oldupai Gorge – Serengeti

  Travel from the Ngorongoro Highlands to the vast plains of the Serengeti, stopping at Oldupai Gorge en route.

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  Day 14 : In the Serengeti

  Explore the Serengeti, endeavoring to catch sight of the great herds of the legendary Serengeti migration.

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  Day 15 : Arusha – Depart

  Drive to Arusha and depart for home, or join one of our extensions in East Africa.

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  Dik-Dik Hotel

  Arusha, Tanzania

  At the base of Mt. Meru, surrounded by 20 acres of tropical gardens and forested grounds, the Dik-Dik serves as an excellent 'base camp' for expeditions up Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Bungalows are equipped with modern comforts, and the restaurant features produce grown in the hotel's own garden, and a fine collection of South African wines.

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.

• James Kivuyo

  James Adiel Kivuyo was born in Arusha, Tanzania. He is interested in the conservation of biodiversity in African wildlife, and has had previous experience as an interpreter. James speaks a number of languages from English and Masaai to the local dialect of Chagga and Kiswahili—the national language of Tanzania. He enjoys using his knowledge of other languages to communicate with people from a broad cultural spectrum, and loves sharing his experience with travelers from around the globe. He has also been helping travelers climb Kilimanjaro for more than a decade, with qualification to respond to emergencies on the mountain.

• Samia Asindamu

• Elias Msemo

photo credits: ©Christopher Bettencourt