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Kilimanjaro Expedition and Safari

Climbing/Mountaineering in Tanzania with SWS Mountain Guides

Highlights

  • Climb Kilimanjaro via the less popular Rongai Route
  • Descend the Machame Route
  • Proper acclimatization schedule for the best summit success
  • Small group sizes with low guide to client ratios
  • Climb with SWS Mountain Guides with over 20 plus years of international guiding experience
  • Experienced American guides on every expedition
  • Excellent safety record in over 29 years of continuous operation

Full Description

Summit Kilimanjaro (19,334 ft.), the highest peak in Africa and explore the wildlife of the Serengeti Plains!

SWS Mountain Guides provide Kilimanjaro (19,334 ft.) expeditions guided by professionally trained American SWS Mountain guides. Of course, the local Tanzania tour guide will still join the trip. However, now you have the added security of a  guide who speaks your native language, understands your culture, and has been trained and certified by organizations you know. The summit of Kilimanjaro (19,334 ft.) is the main objective of this 14-day Expedition/Safari to the African continent. While not requiring technical expertise, this adventure does require a relatively high level of commitment and conditioning due to the nature of the weather and high altitude involved. It is strenuous and reaching the summit requires a sustained effort that can only be realized through proper training. We will be climbing the Rongai route; the Rongai Route is more gradual and allows for more time to acclimatize for both safety and summit success. You get to experience the Northside of Kilimanjaro, while sleep in tents and have a more gradual climb with less crowded then the other routes. We will desend the Machame route so you get another view of the mountain upon the descent. Come join SWS Mountain Guides on this spectacular climb of the highest peak on the African Continent!

Includes:

  • Professional American guide(s)
  • Local mountain guides
  • Information support
  • Land transportation
  • Hotels and hut fees
  • Full porters support
  • All food while trekking and climbing
  • All national park entrance fees
  • Climbing permits
  • Radios, safety equipment,  and group technical equipment
  • Group camping equipment including tents, stoves, and fuel

Excludes:

  • International airfare to Moshi, Tanzania,(Kilimanjaro International Airport)
  • International airport taxes
  • Meals in cities, and beverages as noted under food and beverages
  • Laundry
  • Personal items such as: sleeping bag, pack, proper footwear, personal clothing, personal snacks

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival Late in Moshi Tanzania, rest and relax from long travel in Springlands hotel.

Day 2

Rest and Recovery day from Travel, relax, explore the city of Moshi, do a jungle walk, awaken in different culture or just relax at the Springlands Hotel, Moshi Tanzania.

Day 3

Begin Rongai Route, Rongai Trail head (6562 ft) to First Cave (9449 ft). Elevation gain: 2887 ft, distance: approx. 5 miles, time: 4-5 hours.

Your first day's walk is a gradual ascent through the rain forest the main thing to watch out for is elephant scat covering portions of the trail. You'll camp in tents near the First Cave at the Simba Camp, and will be rewarded with great views of the plains, reminding you that you are indeed in Africa.

Day 4

First Cave (9449 ft) to Third Cave (12,713 ft). Elevation gain: 3264 ft, distance: approx. 6 miles, time: 7 hours.

As you cross the beautiful moorlands today, you will pass by Second Cave on your way to your campsite at Third Cave. Enjoy the view that very few visitors to Kilimanjaro ever get to see.

Day 5

Third Cave (12,713 ft) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (14,206 ft). Elevation gain: 1493 ft, distance: approx. 7 miles, time: 4-5 hours. The trail begins to get steeper as you head in an Easterly direction towards Mawenzi Tarn. Here you have an excellent view of Mawenzi (4958m).

Day 6

Mawenzi Tarn Hut (14,206 ft) to School Hut (15,585 ft). Elevation gain: 1378 ft, distance: approx. 5 miles, time: 5 hours. Today you will cross through what is known as "The Saddle", between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The area is devoid of vegetation, with many small rocks dotting the landscape. You will rest at your campsite before making your summit attempt.

Day 7

A very short hike from School Hut to Kibo Hut and rest for next day's Summit attempt leaving at 11:00 pm for Uhuru Peak (19,340).

Day 8

Summit Day! Kibo Hut (15,500 ft) to Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft). Elevation gain: 3756 feet, distance: approximately 4 miles, time: 5-7 hours. Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft) to Horombo Hut (12,205 ft). Elevation loss: 7135 ft, distance: approx. 14 miles, time: 6-8 hours.

This is the longest day. At around 11:00 pm on day 8, you will begin your summit attempt. The path up to Gillman's Point zigzags back and forth along a gravel path. This portion takes about 6 hours. Then you scramble over a few rocks and continue up to Uhuru Peak. After a few victorious photos, it's time to head back down to Kibo Hut for a short rest before making your way down to Horombo Hut.

Day 9

Horombo Hut (12,205 ft) to Marangu Gate (6004 ft). Elevation loss: 6201 ft, distance: approx. 11 miles, t9ime: 6 hours

Enjoy your last views of the mountain as you descend through the moorland and rain forest zones on your way to Marangu Gate. The path will be muddy, especially if it rained recently. At the gate, you will receive your completion certificate if you made it to Gillman's Point or Uhuru Peak. Then it's back to the hotel for a hot shower and a dip in the swimming pool.

Day 10

Begin Safari to the African Plains, drive to Lake Manyara, overnight in Manyara campgrounds. Lake Manyara is a perfect place to start any safari, the gateway to the Serengeti and provides stunning views elephants, zebras, and African Buffalo.

Day 11

Drive to Serengeti, overnight in the Serengeti bush camp, nice tent cabins and excellent local food served in the bush lodge, a fantastic experience. Explore the Serengeti on the way to the camp with it's incredibly diverse number of animal, lions, elephants, zebras, monkeys, birds, and more.

Day 12

Overnight in the Serengeti Bush Camp, spending the day exploring the Serengeti and environs searching for unusual animal sighting with your local driver and guide. Or take a walk to the local village and explore the culture.

Day 13

Drive to the Ngorongoro Crater, overnight at the Hotel located right on the crater rim with its spectacular view of this 12.5 mile wide crater. Home to a abundance of wildlife including the rare black rhino!

Day 14

Explore the Ngorongoro Crater by vehicle expect to see lions, buffalo, wildebeests, elephants, hippos, and maybe a black rhino.

About The Operator:

SWS Mountain Guides

Headquarters:

Mt. Shasta, CA

Established:

January 1981

Our 2010 courses and climbs are conducted year around whether a first-time backpackers or a skilled mountaineer, we have a course to get you started or improve your techniques. We have been teaching & guiding, mountaineering, backpacking, winter mountaineering, rock & ice climbing for over 29 years on the best mountains in California. As well as conducting small personalized expeditions, treks & adventure travel throughout the world for over 20 years. We have an excellent safety record and our climbs and courses are kept small for maximum safety and the best experience! So whether you want to backpack in Yosemite or Climb some of the worlds biggest mountains, come explore our website and "EXPERIENCE THE ADVENTURE" with SWS Mountain Guides.