Guided Trekking on Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is not a technical climb, but the trek is made challenging by the altitude, with the summit at 5,895 metres / 19,341 feet. Each day's walk on the climb varies between 2 and 5 hours, with an elevation gain of on average 2,000 feet per day (4,000 feet on summit day). You will be provided with first-rate support before and during your trip.

Day 1: Arrival at Arusha (1 night) in the shadow of Mount Meru and meet your local trip leader.

Day 2: Depart on your trek towards the mightly Kilimanjaro (7-nights), taking the Lemosho Glades route. This remote, beautiful route gives us time to acclimatise and enjoy the mountain away from the crowds. We begin our trek at Londorossi Gate, with a leisurely pace taking us through afromontane forest to our first night's camp.

Days 3-4: Our next two days see us ascending to the Shira crater and its plateau. As the vegetation thins we are treated to our first direct views of Kilimanjaro's peak. Optional afternoon walks are offered on day 4 to help acclimatise.

Day 5: A steady hike through alpine desert to Lava Tower*, where we acclimatise at the southern flank of Kibo. For those with extra energy in the afternoon, there's the option to scramble to the top of the tower.

*Depending on the progress of the group, we may descentd into Barranco Valley Camp instead of camping at Lava Tower.

Days 6-7: Our first challenge is the Barranco Wall, from where we trek through spectacularly rugged scenery and on to the Karanga Valley for an afternoon to acclimatise. Sunsets here are stunning, with a backdrop of the southern glacial valleys and its icefields towering 1,000m above us. On to Barafu Camp for splendid views over the Mawenzi volcano. Arriving by lunchtime gives us plenty of time to relax before our summit bid.

Day 8: This morning we reach our ultimate goal, the roof of Africa and Uhuru Peak. After sunrise and celebrations on the peak we descend the glacial valley to Mweka Camp.

Day 9: A steady descent from the mountain into the rainforest, and a transfer back to a well deserved shower and a celebration dinner at our hotel in Arusha (1 night).

Day 10: Transfer to the airport for our return flight home.

Day 11: Arrive UK.

Optional extensions

Zanzibar (Full Board)

Take some time to relax after the adventure with a stay on the beautiful island of Zanzibar - its blue Indian Ocean waters, long white sand beaches and exotic culture, where Africa meets Asia.

Day 10: Transfer to the airport and fly to Zanzibar. On arrival transfer to the north of the island and the white sand beaches of the Matemwe Bungalows. 

Days 11-12: Enjoy two more nights at Matemwe Bungalows. Enjoy guided reef and village walks, try your hand at the traditional bao game, go cycling, or sailing in the local ‘ngalawas', the traditional wooden fishing boats. There is also excellent snorkelling in the colorful coral reef. These and many tours and excursions on the island can be booked at an additional charge direct at the resort.

Day 13: Transfer to the airport for a flight to London via Dar es Salaam and Amsterdam.

Day 14: Morning arrival in the UK.

Ngorongoro (Full Board)

Day 10: Leave Arusha this morning with a picnic lunch, on a drive through the Great Rift Valley and the farming areas of Karatu, onto the spectacular rainforest rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Descend for an afternoon game drive on the crater floor. Game viewing at any time of the year is often the best of every safari! Meals and overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge on the rim of the crater, with fantastic views.

Day 11: After an early breakfast leave for a full day in the crater following and photographing the animals. At lunchtime relax with a picnic. Leave about 4pm for the 2-hour drive to Plantation Lodge in time for a hot shower before dinner.

Day 12: In the morning return to Arusha, with a packed lunch from Plantation Lodge, ready for your return flight to the UK.

Day 13: Morning arrival in the UK.