Tanzania: Kilimanjaro tours hut to hut, safari and Zanzibar
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High Five on Five
Kilimanjaro (5895 m) is the highest peak on the African continent and an extinct stratovolcano located in Tanzania. The mountain is included in the list of the Seven Summits and in various ratings of the most beautiful volcanoes on the planet, and therefore is very popular with climbers from all over the world. Despite its considerable height, Kilimanjaro has a low technical difficulty and does not require special climbing skills or previous climbing experience: anyone in good physical shape can climb to the top.
On our Tanzania tour, we offer to climb Kilimanjaro via the Marangu route. This is one of the two most popular routes and the only one where participants live in lodges, not tents. Therefore, if you are afraid of tents, feel free to choose the Marangu route!
In addition to the main goal, the tour to Tanzania includes a safari in the Ngorongoro and Tarangire National Parks, where participants will be able to observe many wild animals in their natural environment. And at the end of the tour, we will spend a few days on the beaches of Zanzibar Island, where you can relax while swimming in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Options for climbing Kilimanjaro with KULUAR:
- Climbing to Kili along the Umbwe route - in tents. Our classic and favorite program. It is no less comfortable and more atmospheric in tents than in lodges.
- Climbing Kilimanjaro in lodges (Marangu route) - for those who do not want to spend the night in tents. You are now reading its description.
- Kilimanjaro with local guides - without the KULUAR team leader. It is a bit cheaper and possible for any dates on any route.
This is not just a package tour to Kilimanjaro, it is the most intense program that will definitely change your life and will be remembered forever. Do not hesitate!
In addition to climbing Kilimanjaro, participants will go on safari and relax on the beaches of Zanzibar Island
Participants of this program will not have to spend the night in tents: throughout the whole route of the ascent we will spend the night in special huts.
Over ten years of experience, hundreds of participants and dozens of groups. Many optimizations and improvements allow us to deliver the program at the highest level.
The group is accompanied by local guides who have been trained as Wilderness First Responders and have emergency oxygen. Just in case
We do not cancel or reschedule groups. If the manager has given permission to buy a ticket, you can buy it with confidence. There will be no cancellation through our fault.
The cooks prepare the food, the porters carry the stuff. Your job is to enjoy!
Experienced Kuluar teamleaders, who have been to Tanzania many times, will accompany the participants throughout the program.
The consultant has been in Tanzania personally and will advise you knowledgeably
More than 12,000 participants have already gone to the mountains with the Kuluar and 97.8% were satisfied.
The group meets at Kilimanjaro International Airport in northern Tanzania. From there, we drive to the hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing and getting to know each other. In the evening we have dinner together, during which the teamleader will tell us about the ascent in detail.
Our ascent of Kilimanjaro starts at Marangu Gate at 1879 meters above sea level. On the first walking day we have to cover 8 km of the trail, gaining just under 900 meters vertically. The trail goes through a dense tropical forest, where we can see monkeys and other exotic animals and birds. In about 3 hours, we reach Mandara Camp, where we will spend the first night on the mountain.
Distance: ≈ 8 km, altitude gain: +870 m, travel time: ≈ 6 hours, climatic zone: rain forests
We continue to climb the slopes of the volcano. We will spend 5-6 hours, during which we will walk almost 12 kilometers. Gradually the jungle will be replaced by alpine meadows, where the local endemics - senecia grow. After arrival at the camp and a short rest we will walk about 200 meters up the slope for better acclimatization.
Distance: ≈ 11.9 km, altitude difference: +1000 m, travel time: ≈ 6-7 hours, + acclimatization, climatic zone: heather deserts.
Climbing Kilimanjaro requires a very responsible approach to acclimatization, so today we will dedicate the whole day to adapt to the altitude. For this purpose we are going to take a light walk up the trail to Kibo Assault Camp. We will spend some time at the altitude, and then we will go back to Chorombo for the overnight stay. During the day we will enjoy the views of two peaks of Kilimanjaro - Mawenzi (5,149 m) and Kibo (main summit, 5,895 m).
Distance: ≈ 4.6 km, altitude difference: +640 / -640 m, travel time: ≈ 6-7 hours, climatic zone: heather deserts, alpine meadows
Today we will ascend to the Kibo summit camp, gaining about a kilometer vertically. After lunch and rest we will make a small acclimatization climb, and already at 6 pm we will try to go to sleep, because the summit assault will start around midnight.
Distance: ≈ 9.3 km, altitude difference: +990 m, travel time: ≈ 6-7 hours, climate zone: alpine meadows.
Around midnight we leave the camp. Physically, the ascent itself is not very difficult, but in conditions of considerable altitude and low temperatures it will not be easy. The first intermediate point is Gilman's Point (5,756 m), after which the trail becomes less steep and much easier to walk. Then we will reach Stella Point at the edge of the crater, from where the official summit, Uhuru Peak, is no more than one hour away. At the summit we take commemorative photos, rest, and descend first to Kibo Camp, and then to Chorombo on the same day.
Distance: ≈ 18 km, altitude difference: +1190 / -2175 m, travel time: ≈ 12-15 hours, climatic zone: alpine meadows, eternal glaciers, rain forests
We continue our descent downhill. Today we return to our starting point - Marangu Gate, through which we leave the territory of Kilimanjaro National Park. Then we go to the Arusha town, which is located near Tarangire National Park. The rest of the day we rest and tidy up after the difficult ascent.
Distance: ≈ 19.8 km, altitude difference: -1854 m, travel time: ≈ 7-8 hours, climatic zone: rain forests
Today we are going to get up early and leave for a safari, because we want to spend as much time as possible observing wild animals. Our first destination is Tarangire National Park, which the locals call "home of the elephants. In addition to these peaceful giants (the elephant population in the park is the largest in Africa) on safari you can see many other animals: buffalo, giraffes, gazelles, as well as hyenas, lions and leopards. Fans of birds will also be happy: in Tarangire there are more than 500 species of birds, much of which are local endemics. The largest number of animals can be found before the rainy season.
We will spend the night in huts in one of the campsites outside the park.
This day we will visit another unique place - the Ngorongoro crater, which is 21 kilometers in diameter and 600 meters deep. Due to the high walls, the crater has a virtually enclosed ecosystem, which makes it an incredibly interesting place for scientists and nature lovers. The crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Many animals live here. Zebras, antelope, and buffalo are especially abundant. And the number of predators per square kilometer is the highest on the continent! In addition to observing wildlife, we will learn about the culture of the indigenous people. We will visit the Massai tribe, which has long been a local landmark. Colorful pictures guaranteed!
We will spend the night in a hotel in Moshi.
Vacation on Zanzibar is an optional extra and costs $300.
Our adventures in mainland Africa are over, and it's time to treat yourself to a vacation on the paradise island of Zanzibar. The first thing after arrival we will visit the island of turtles: Some of the local residents are over 150 years old! After that we check into the hotel and start to get acquainted with the local beach Nungwi, which is considered the best on the island and one of the best in the world! There are no significant tides here like in other parts of the island, so you can swim in the gentle waters of the Indian Ocean all day long.
There are plenty of vacation options on the island, so we don't have any clear plans for today - everyone will spend their time as they see fit. You can go ocean fishing, go snorkeling or diving, visit the home where Freddie Mercury was born, or just laze on the white sand, listening to the sound of the waves.
The Kilimanjaro climbing program is complete. If you wish you can extend your vacation in Zanzibar.
You must have no illnesses from this list in order to participate in the hike.
A yellow fever vaccination is not necessary to visit Tanzania. An exception, if you are traveling from potentially dangerous countries (mostly Central Africa).
There are no vaccinations against malaria, you don't need to take medicine in advance, either - it is a big burden on the body. Just in case, we buy medicines against malaria on the spot, but there have been no cases in our groups yet.
Depending on the weather conditions and general wishes of the group, teamleader has the right to make changes in the itinerary. Decisions of teamleader are binding and not subject to discussion.
Citizens of Ukraine visa is put in the passport on arrival. It costs $50.
Climbing Kilimanjaro opens up many peaks. After Kili we recommend:
We have prepared a Kilimanjaro commemorative medal for you, which you will receive after the ascent.
You need to buy tickets in advance, as soon as we confirm your participation in the trek.
You can find our recommendations for flight selection services in this article.
You need good insurance to participate in the program. Please do not neglect this item. For some participants, it saved thousands of dollars. You can find our recommendations for taking out insurance here: "Insurance for Kuluar hikers"
Upon arrival in Moshi you can rent some equipment:
Prices are for the entire climbing period (6 days) as of 2020. Actual prices may vary slightly.
Unlike most other famous mountains, Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time of year. But in April, May and November it is "rainy season," which can make the rocks slippery. There are far fewer people on the mountain at this time. See our schedule and choose dates convenient for you!
Kilimanjaro has a pronounced altitude belt. At the beginning of the program in the jungle can be +25 and higher, and on the sixth day, when the summit is stormed, the temperature can drop to -10 degrees and lower. Because of this it is important to choose the right clothes and equipment. Read the relevant section.
The best way to prepare for climbing Kilimanjaro is to run. Start training 3-4 months before the start of the program, gradually increasing the running time. A good result is 10-kilometer runs without stopping. If in doubt about your fitness, ask our manager for advice.
To participate in the Kilimanjaro ascent, it is recommended to have experience in hiking in the mountains above 3,000 meters. But even if you have not been to that altitude, you can take part in the program if you are in good physical shape. Due to the geographical location of the mountain it is easier to acclimatize, so the chance of a successful ascent is quite high even for beginners.
During the program participants are not able to charge phones and other devices, so it is worth stocking up on spare batteries or powerbanks.
The cost depends on the number of participants:
| Number of participants | Value |
|---|---|
| 5 and more | $3250 |
| 4 | $3400 |
| 3 | $3900 |
| 2 | $4900 |
| 1 | $7300 |
Total additional expenses without Zanzibar will be about $400 + airfare. Take a few hundred dollars for souvenirs.
The vacation in Zanzibar is paid separately and costs $500. This includes: 2 nights at a 4* hotel (breakfast included), transfer from the airport to your hotel, and a visit to Turtle Island. Additional excursions and return transfers to the airport are paid separately. You can also extend your holiday on the island on your own.
If the amount of prepayment is too much for you at the moment, but you still want to book a place, write to the consultant and he will break it down into comfortable parts.
👉 Check out: payment methods and refund conditions in case of cancellation or departure from the route
Dear friends! We kindly ask you to choose dollar banknotes issued in 2009 or newer. Banknotes of the 90s are not accepted in many countries, and we sometimes have problems with payments with local partners. Thank you for your understanding and happy new dollars :)
*Please note: the consultant will help with the selection and search for air tickets, recommend an insurance company, but it is not his task to purchase them. Participants do it themselves or contact our partners, all contacts are in the article: tickets, hotels and insurance
