Kilimanjaro Trek & Wildlife Safari - Western Approach Route

Mount Kilimanjaro in the Distance

Our 9-day Western Approach Route utilizes the same daylight summit approach chosen by David Breashears for the IMAX film.

It’s a world-class trekking experience, with a high camp amidst towering glaciers at 18,750 ft., inside Kili’s dormant volcanic crater!

The summit is reached by the mountain’s least traveled route and is only 600 feet from our high camp.

Day 1  Depart U.S.

Depart the U.S. in the late afternoon for Amsterdam.

Day 2  Arrive Arusha

Arrive in Amsterdam this morning and check in for your connecting flight to Kilimanjaro, arriving in the evening. You are met by your guide and transferred to your lodge, an elegantly rustic East African lodge located in the hills just outside of Arusha, set in a stunning location with magnificent views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Overnight:Arusha Lodge

Day 3  West Kilimanjaro Camp

Rainforest Inside Londorossi Gate

This morning you will have a climb briefing at your lodge before transferring to your base camp on the west side of Kilimanjaro. The camp is set in under the spreading branches of Acacia Tortillis nestled near a volcanic cone, which affords superb sundowners and good views. This day also serves as an acclimatization day and a day to recover from the long flights.

Overnight:West Kilimanjaro Camp

Day 4  Forest Camp

After a hearty breakfast and a climb briefing, you’ll be transferred to the Londorossi Gate (5,900 ft.) to begin your climb. This first trekking day is through dense rainforest (approx. 80 inches precip / yr), under the tangled canopy of moss-coated vines, which are home to the black & white colobus monkey, blue monkey, and a vibrant array of exotic birds. Arrive at your camp set in the lower heather belt and enjoy a hot dinner in the mess tent.

Day 5  Shira 1 Camp

Once out of the forest, take a steep track into a Savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. Ascend through the lush rolling hills below the Shira plateau, finally reaching camp at the edge of the plateau. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.

Day 6  Shira 2 Camp

Full day exploration of the Shira plateau. Trek east toward Kibo’s glaciated peak. Arrive at Shira 2 camp. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth, averaging 12,500 feet.

Day 7  Lava Tower Camp

Trekking Toward Kilimanjaro's Lava Tower Camp

Proceed steadily upward over expansive ridgelines of high desert to our camp set in a striking spot near Lava Tower. You can test your ardor this afternoon or tomorrow morning by climbing to the top of Lava Tower for spectacular panoramas.

Day 8  Karanga Camp

This morning you will descend into the majestic Great Barranco Valley, amidst the forest of giant groundsels, between sheer cliffs with brilliant hanging glaciers. After lunch at Barranco Camp, you begin a scramble up the steep "Barranco Wall."

We then traverse up and down the slopes of valleys, which have carved their way into the mountain's southern face. Kibo’s glaciers loom above to your left and the jagged peak of Mawenzi appears just over the southern slope of Kibo. We stop in the Karanga Valley at the end of this day.

Day 9  Barafu Camp

As we begin this morning the trail turns steadily uphill. The temperature will grow colder and the landscape more sparse as we near Barafu Camp. Barafu Camp is set on an exposed ridge and is the staging point from which you will make your way into the arctic summit zone tomorrow morning. Our cooks will help you eat and drink as much as possible before retiring to your tent for rest and sleep.

Day 10  Crater Camp

Today you will wake up at dawn and set out for Crater Camp, climbing over 2,500 ft. with magnificent views of Mt. Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s second volcanic cone, to the east. In the afternoon, you will arrive at the crater rim to an arctic moonscape. Camp is set in the wide crater atop Kilimanjaro, in soft sand near the indigo streaked Furtwangler Glacier.

Day 11  Summit Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro's Impressive Glaciers

Arise with hot tea and some breakfast, and then amble your way up the last 600 feet to Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft.). Descend the Mweka Route to Barafu Camp for lunch, then continue to your camp nestled in thick heather on the southern slopes.

Day 12  Descend / Rest

Complete your descent through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate, where you will be met and transferred back to your lodge for a much-needed shower and some merry convalescence.

Trekking:4-6 Hours

Day 13 Arrive Home

Connect in Amsterdam to your flight back to North America OR Add a Safari, see below.

 

Add a Safari

5-Day Wildlife
Safari Extension

Available for travel May 2013 onward

Days 13-14
Ngorongoro Crater

After a safari briefing this morning, you will drive towards the Great Rift Valley into the verdant Ngorongoro Highlands, arriving at the stunning Gibb's Farm in time for a delicious gourmet lunch. This afternoon you can indulge in spa services (additional fees apply) or take part in various optional activities... Walk to the nearby village of Tloma, explore the organic gardens and coffee estate, or take a guided walk into the abutting forest to the foot of a scenic waterfall.
After a restful night you’ll rise early and enjoy a full day of wildlife viewing in the Ngorongoro Crater. Here you'll be amazed as you witness some of the highest concentrations of animals in East Africa, including lion, zebra, wildebeest, hippo, rhino, elephant, flamingo, and a myriad of other species. Return to Gibbs Farm for a delicious dinner and relaxation around the nightly "Tembo Fire", a fire pit that is lit each night in order to keep elephant, or "tembo," from entering the organic gardens.

All Meals Included
Overnights: Gibb's Farm

Days 15-16 
Serengeti National Park

Drive west, stopping at Olduvai Gorge to learn more about this historic archeological site. Continue on to the Serengeti where you’ll traverse the vast plains teeming with wildlife. See lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, elephant, rhino, hippo, giraffe, zebra and the famous wildebeest migration.

Watch the sunrise on an optional hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti (additional fees apply), and then continue with another full day of game drives in this untamed wilderness. Enjoy your evenings in the bush, in Thomson’s beautiful, remote and exclusive Nyumba Camps.

All Meals Included
Overnights: Thomson Serengeti Nyumba

Days 17-18
Serengeti / Depart / Arrive Home

Take a scenic flight back to Arusha this morning where you'll enjoy a special farewell lunch and time for souvenir shopping. Relax in your day room before an evening transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for the flight to Amsterdam. Arrive home on Day 18.

Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks
Day Room: Mount Meru Hotel

7-Day Classic Wildlife
Safari Extension

Available for travel May 2013 onward

Days 13-14 
Tarangire National Park

Depart Arusha for Tarangire, Tanzania’s fourth largest park and one of the best places to view enormous elephant herds. Over the next two days in Tarangire, your expert guide will brief you on wildlife behavior as you keep your eyes peeled near the winding riverbanks, watching for lion, leopard, giraffe and more.

Relax at your private Thomson Nyumba Camp, set amongst the park’s dramatic baobab trees. Enjoy delicious dinners and nights around the campfire, under the brilliant stars.

All Meals Included
Overnights:Thomson Tarangire Nyumba

Days 15-16 
Ngorongoro Crater

This morning, you will drive towards the Great Rift Valley, into the verdant highlands. Enter into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and stop at a Maasai boma to learn more about this unique culture. Continue on to your Nyumba which is on the crater rim, with time to enjoy a snack before dinner.

Because of this camp’s special location, you have a short drive down to the crater floor and more time to marvel at the highest concentrations of animals in East Africa. Take photos of lion and leopard, zebra and wildebeest, hippo and flamingo, and old bull elephants. Enjoy a picnic lunch to maximize your time, and then early this evening take the winding road back up to camp, perched high on the crater rim.

All Meals Included
Overnights:Thomson Ngorongoro Nyumba

Days 17-18 
Serengeti National Park

As you continue to the Serengeti, stop first at Olduvai Gorge, a renowned archeological site. Learn more about the historical findings before making your way to the Naabi Hill gate where you’ll have panoramic views of the endless Serengeti plains.

Experience two full days of wildlife viewing, watching huge herds of migrating wildebeest, spying leopards high in the trees and cheetah stalking their prey. Take an optional Serengeti sunrise hot air balloon safari (additional fees apply) to see the landscape from high above.

Retire each evening at Thomson’s private and exclusive Nyumba Camps which are out in the bush, near the wildlife and far from other safari-goers. With delicious meals and comfortable, off the beaten path surroundings, this is the perfect way to end your day.

All Meals Included
Overnights:Thomson Serengeti Nyumba

Days 19-20 
Serengeti / Depart / Arrive Home

After a scenic morning flight back to Arusha, enjoy a special farewell lunch and time to shop before retiring to your day room to shower and repack your bags. Transfer this evening to Kilimanjaro International Airport for the flight to Amsterdam, arriving home on Day 20.

Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks
Day Room: Mount Meru Hotel


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Kilimanjaro Treks & Wildlife Safaris

Thomson Safaris

U.S. / Tanzania

800-235-0289