The idea

Kilimanjaro is the biggest summit you can stand on without being a mountaineer. No ropes, no ice axes — just good legs and some training.

The climb. Seven days on the Lemosho route — quiet, scenic, and the best for adjusting to the altitude. Rainforest to glaciers, ending at Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m.

The safari. Our logic is simple: if you fly all the way to Tanzania, you don't go home after the mountain. So boots off — elephant herds in Tarangire, then a day in the Ngorongoro Crater.

The crew. Guides, cooks and porters carry the camp, you carry a daypack. Park fees, tents, hotels, safari and all crew tips are covered.

I mean, c'mon — sunrise from the roof of Africa, then lions for dessert.

ITinerary

DAY 1

Arrive in Tanzania

Land at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO). We pick you up and take you to the hotel.

In the evening: a briefing with our lead guide, a gear check, and a welcome dinner together.

DAY 2

Into the Rainforest

A 3–4 hour drive west to Londorossi Gate (~2,250 m) to register with the park.

Then a short first walk through the rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m) — about 6 km, 3–4 hours. Keep an eye out for colobus monkeys. The crew has camp ready when you arrive.

DAY 3

Across the Shira Plateau

Out of the forest and into the moorland, then across the wide Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m).

A long one — about 16 km, 7–8 hours — but steady, with the first big views of Kibo, the summit cone.

DAY 4

Climb High, Sleep Low

The most important day for the altitude. We climb to Lava Tower (4,630 m) for lunch, then drop down to Barranco Camp (3,960 m) to sleep.

About 10 km, 6–8 hours. Going up and coming back down is what helps your body adapt for summit night.

DAY 5

The Barranco Wall

An early start to beat the queue on the Barranco Wall — a fun hands-on scramble, no ropes needed.

Then a short day to Karanga Camp (3,995 m). About 5 km, 4–5 hours. Rest, eat, acclimatise.

DAY 6

To High Camp

A short climb to Barafu Camp (4,670 m), our base for the summit. About 4 km, 3–4 hours.

Early dinner, final briefing, and bed by 7 pm. The alarm goes off around 11.

DAY 7

Summit Night: Uhuru Peak

We start around midnight and climb by headlamp. Slow, steady, cold.

Stella Point on the crater rim around dawn, then Uhuru Peak — 5,895 m, the highest point in Africa — as the sun comes up over the glaciers.

Then the long way down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m). 12–16 hours in total. The hardest and best day of the trip.

DAY 8

Down to the Gate, Then Celebrate

A final walk down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640 m), where you pick up your summit certificate.

We say thank you to the crew at the tipping ceremony — songs included — then head to the hotel for a hot shower and a proper celebration dinner.

DAY 9

Safari: Tarangire

Boots off, binoculars on. A full day of game drives in Tarangire National Park, famous for its huge elephant herds and ancient baobab trees.

In July it's dry season, so the animals gather along the river. Night at a safari lodge.

DAY 10

Ngorongoro Crater, Then Home

We drive down into the Ngorongoro Crater — a collapsed volcano with one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. Zebras, wildebeest, flamingos, and if we're lucky, lions and black rhinos.

Night at the lodge, then the next morning we drive you to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight home (Day 11). Want more? Zanzibar is a short flight away.

THE Essentials

All the important information, guidelines, and recommendations you’ll need to ensure a smooth and memorable experience.

Duration

11 Days

Price

≈$5,050

Effort

Moderate. 4–8 hours of walking a day and one long summit night. No climbing skills needed.

Group Size

Up to 16 participants

01.

Do I need climbing experience?

No. Kilimanjaro is a trek — no ropes or technical skills. What you need is fitness: you should be comfortable hiking 6–8 hours with a daypack, several days in a row. We'll send a training plan when you book.

02.

How cold does it get?

Days are mild lower down, but nights at high camp are below freezing, and summit night can feel like −10 to −20 °C (14 to −4 °F) with the wind. You'll need a warm sleeping bag, a down jacket and good gloves. We'll send the full kit list.

03.

What about the altitude?

That's why we picked the 7-day Lemosho route: more days on the mountain means more time for your body to adjust. Our guides check everyone twice a day, and if someone isn't doing well, safety comes first and an assistant guide takes them down.

04.

Are tips included?

Yes. On Kilimanjaro tips are a big part of the crew's income, so we cover all of them — mountain crew, safari drivers and lodge staff. No counting cash on a mountainside.

05.

Can I add Zanzibar after the trip?

Absolutely. Zanzibar is a short flight from Kilimanjaro or Arusha. It's not part of the group trip, but we're happy to suggest where to stay.

Kilimanjaro: Roof of Africa & Safari

The idea

ITinerary

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