World Wildlife Fund

Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb

$6,190 per person, double occupancy. Single supplement: $300 (for Kilimanjaro climb only), $500 (for Kilimanjaro and optional safari)

Trip Overview

Rising majestically above the African plains, the 20,000-foot Mt. Kilimanjaro has drawn climbers from around the globe for years. Its size is immense, but the summit is surprisingly accessible to fit climbers. This is a non-technical, supported climb that starts at the Londorossi Gate at 5,900 feet. 

Trip Itinerary

Thursday, September 10 & Friday, September 11
Depart the U.S. on your overnight flight, arriving in Amsterdam Tuesday morning. Connect with your flight to Arusha. Upon arrival, a representative will meet you and take you to your lodge. KIA Lodge (meals aloft)

Saturday, September 12
Following breakfast and a climb briefing with your guides, drive from Arusha to a base camp on the west side of Kilimanjaro. The tent camp is set under the spreading branches of Acacia tortilis trees near a volcanic cone. During this day of acclimatization, activities could include a drive in search of elephants and giraffes and a visit to a Maasai village. Ndarakwai Ranch, 6,000 feet (B,L,D)

Sunday, September 13
Drive to the Londorossi Gate entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park to begin your climb. This first day of trekking is along trails through dense rain forests where black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and an array of exotic birds live in a canopy draped with moss and vines. Trek for approximately four hours and arrive at your camp in time for dinner. Forest Camp, 9,281 feet. (B,L,D)

Monday, September 14
As you emerge from the rain forest, follow a steep track cutting through a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rocks covered with lichen. Today’s six-hour climb brings you across boulder-dotted trails and rolling hills before reaching camp at the edge of the Shira Plateau. Shira 1 Camp, 11,499 feet (B,L,D)

Tuesday, September 15
Seldom-visited by Kilimanjaro trekkers, the Shira plateau is one of the most scenic places we’ll see along our trip. It’s one of the highest plateaus on Earth and affords spectacular views of Kibo, the central volcanic peak among a cluster of three inactive volcanoes. Explore the plateau during a non-strenuous day with very little elevation day. Expect up to four hours of trekking. Shira 2 Camp, 12,795 feet (B,L,D)

Wednesday, September 16
Proceed steadily upward and camp under Lava Tower, with an optional scramble to the tower’s peak. The views from the top of the tower are breathtaking, so those who have the energy to explore its steep but
non-technical walls will be richly rewarded. Lava Tower Camp, 15,213 feet (B,L,D)

Thursday, September 17
Descend into the fairytale-like Great Barranco Valley, where giant groundsels – affectionately called “Dr. Seuss trees” because of their otherworldly appearance – pepper an increasingly desertlike landscape. Continue across the undulating hills and valleys that will bring you to your next camp. Note: This is a fairly long day, with six to seven hours of trekking, including a scramble up the steep 660-foot Barranco Wall. Karanga Camp, 13,231 feet (B,L,D)

Friday, September 18
Six hours of trekking takes you up steep inclines and across an alpine desert environment, where few plants except everlastings and lichen grow. The landscape is made vibrant by a backdrop of endless blue sky against sharply outlined rocks. Noticing cooler Mt. Kilimanjaro temperatures, you’ll arrive at Barafu Camp, which sits on an exposed ridge. Barafu Camp, 15,331 feet (B,L,D)

Saturday, September 19
Today’s challenging climb takes you up nearly 3,500 feet. Your camp is in the wide crater atop Kilimanjaro, in soft sand near the indigo-streaked Furtwangler Glacier. Crater Camp, 18,802 feet (B,L,D)

Sunday, September 20
After breakfast, make your summit bid in full daylight, trekking the last 600 triumphant feet to reach the highest point on the African continent, Uhuru Peak (19,340 feet). After savoring your achievement, snapping photos and taking in the views, complete the majority of the descent today in five to seven hours. Mweka Camp, 10,065 feet (B,L,D)

Monday, September 21 & Tuesday, September 22
Complete your descent back through the rain forest to the park gate for a celebratory luncheon, and then transfer to a lodge, where you’ll have day room use. Depart for the airport this evening, connecting in Amsterdam before arriving in the United States Saturday. Friday day room at KIA Lodge (B,L,D)

Optional Extension

A Classic Serengeti Safari

Tuesday, September 22 & Wednesday, September 23: Serengeti National Park
On Saturday morning, fly to Serengeti National Park. Your safari guide will greet you upon arrival. Wildlife viewing as you go, arrive at your Classic Camp for lunch. For the rest of the afternoon, explore the vast plains in search of some of the largest prides of lions, the most impressive herds of hooved animals and some of the largest crocodiles in Africa. Spend a full day on Sunday wildlife viewing in Serengeti National Park. Giraffes, zebras, warthogs, ostriches, buffalos, wildebeest and other wildlife await. An optional early-morning balloon safari is available on Sunday. (Information will be sent to extension participants.) Serengeti Classic Camp (B,L,D daily)

Thursday, September 24 & Friday, September 25: Ngorongoro Crater
Depart Monday morning for Ngorongoro Crater, stopping briefly at Olduvai Gorge. Reach your Classic Camp early this afternoon for lunch then spend the rest of the afternoon and Tuesday on the crater floor, which is one of the most impressive wildlife viewing areas in the world. Look for bull elephants, hippos, hyenas, flamingos and gazelles. Ngorongoro Classic Camp (B,L,D daily)

Saturday, September 26: Ngorongoro Crater/ Arusha / Depart
Depart this morning for Arusha. Drive is approx 3 ½ to 4 hours. After a farewell lunch in Arusha, there is time for shopping before your transfer to your day room to rest and pack your bags. Transfer later to Kilimanjaro airport for your return flights home. Day room use at KIA Lodge (B,L,D)

Sunday, September 27: Amsterdam / U.S.
Connect in Amsterdam (or another city) and arrive in the United States (Meals aloft)

Cost: $2,690 per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement: $350.