Climb Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro
HIGHLIGHTS
- Summit the two highest mountains in Africa in this ultimate trekking trip
- Enjoy increased Kilimanjaro summit success through acclimatisation on Mt Kenya
- See sunrise from the highest points in both Kenya and Tanzania
- Travel from Kenya to Tanzania through the beautiful African landscape and wildlife
Climb Mount Kenya Kilimanjaro for 15 days, this twin peak trekking holiday, aims to summit the trekker’s peak on Mt Kenya (4985m) and Kilimanjaro (5895m), and is the ultimate East African mountain challenge. On no other holiday can you see the sunrise from the highest mountains in both Kenya and Tanzania and the whole of Africa. Additionally, bringing the two summits together increases the success rate on Kilimanjaro dramatically as we are better acclimatised to the altitude and environment.
We begin our 2-week holiday on Mount Kenya, where we trek the superb 6-day traverse of Kenya’s highest mountain via the Chogoria and Sirimon routes. We will encounter few other trekkers on this beautiful and much under-rated peak. Travelling overland to Tanzania through the African plains and wildlife spotting, we start our Kilimanjaro climb by way of the Machame Route. This path leads through luxuriant rainforest and then across the alpine tundra of the Shira plateau with its giant lobelia, to the glaciated crater rim of Africa’s highest peak. We will stand at the summit of Kilimanjaro at sunrise and glory at the wonders of the clouds and African plains below. A magnificent feeling – which you take home with you
Itinerary at a Glance
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Day 1Arrival Day, Nairobi, KenyaUpon arrival to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport you will be welcomed by our driver who will transfer you to accommodation in Nairobi for Dinner and Overnight at Booked HotelMeals: Breakfast
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Day 2to Mount Kenya National Park and trek to Chogoria Gate (2730m).We drive north from Nairobi into the Mount Kenya National Park. En route we have good views of the mountain ahead of us. Arriving at Chogoria, we have lunch, before transferring to four-wheel-drive vehicles for the final 15 miles drive up a rough and muddy road to our overnight halt. An early start means that we will have time to walk some of this rough road if it's too difficult for the vehicles. It's also good to walk to stretch the legs along this first section of our trip. We stay overnight in a 'banda' (cottage) in forest near to the Chogoria Gate (2730m).Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 3Trek - Early morning game walk. Trek across open moorland to camp at Lake Ellis (3390m).We have an easy start to the day, with a game viewing walk in the early morning in the area around our overnight lodge. If we are lucky, we may see elephant, cape buffalo, antelope and colobus monkeys in this area, as well as many species of impressive birds, such as the augur buzzard and Verreaux's eagle. After a late breakfast, we start our trek up towards Mount Kenya - walking initially through forest, we pass the Urumandi Falls to reach a higher moorland area with fewer trees. On our walk, there are excellent views back towards the plains. We camp at Lake Ellis at an altitude of 3390m. This is a blissful campsite in full view of the main peaks of Mount Kenya and well away from the main trail. 3 hours walking. In the afternoon, there is the option of an acclimatisation walk to the summit of Mugi Hill at 3640m - a round trip of 2 hours.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 4Trek to join the Chogoria Route. Views of Vivienne Falls before descent to Lake Michaelson (4000m).We continue our ascent, climbing away from Lake Ellis on its west side, across moorland to a ridge which eventually joins the main Chogoria Trail. We have views of Vivienne Falls and the Gorges Valley as we descend to the most picturesque campsite in the range, at Lake Michaelson (4000m). Above the camp are the impressive cliffs of the 'Temple'. Exotic bird species, including the tacazze sunbird, can be seen close to the camp amongst the bizarre giant plants - principally groundsel and lobelia.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 5Ascend to the northern side of Point Lenana (4985m). Short, steep ascent to Simba Tarn (4620m).Today we ascend into the alpine zone, above the last of the trees and giant vegetation species. Our route follows Lake Michaelson's main feeder stream. Initially, we head towards "The Tooth," a rocky promontory at around 4700m, high up on our left-hand side. Rather than camping at the usual Austrian Hut, we head towards the north side of Point Lenana and climb a short, sharp scree slope to Simba Tarn (4620m), where we find great views and few other trekkers. This is a simply superb setting for a mountain camp.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 6Trekkers summit day of Mt Kenya - Point Lenana (4985m). Descend to Old Moses Camp (3400m).A very early start, but the 2-hour ascent is reasonably straight forward up to Point Lenana (4985m), which is the trekking summit of Mount Kenya. As dawn breaks over Africa, we are treated to a remarkable spectacle - a thin purple line becomes brighter on the eastern horizon, bursting above the morning clouds which lie in the Rift Valley and brightly illuminating the nearby peaks of Nelion and Batian. On clear days in the far distance, we can even see the snow-capped summit of Kilimanjaro over 200 miles away - an emotional sight as we'll be there in a few days. Retracing our steps towards Simba Tarn, we descend as far as Shipton's Camp for a hearty breakfast. We continue the descent by an entirely different route which will give us the complete traverse of the mountain. This is the Sirimon Route which now crosses the heather moorland of the northern slopes of the Mount Kenya to the Old Moses campsite at 3400m.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 7Trek to park gates. Transfer to Nairobi for afternoon of rest and relaxation.After breakfast we continue descending with great views and then enter the forest where we have the chance to spot the wildlife. Reaching the Park Gates, we say goodbye to our crew over a lunch, before boarding our waiting vehicles for the drive back to Nairobi. We check into the hotel for a well earned shower and change and this evening we will no doubt wish to celebrate our success.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 8Drive to Namanga Gate and cross border into Tanzania. Continue in the direction of Arusha and the base of Kilimanjaro.The second part of our African mountain odyssey begins with a transfer south to the Tanzanian border at Namanga. After completing the border formalities, we continue in the direction of Arusha, which sits at the base of Mount Meru an inactive volcano, and is the starting point for game safaris in Northern Tanzania. Today's journey will take approximately 6-7 hours including time spent at the border. We stay overnight at a comfortable hotel in Arusha or nearer the base of Kilimanjaro a short journey from the airport.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 9Transfer to Kilimanjaro National Park. Trek to Machame Camp (3000m).We drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park and there are more formalities to complete as we pass the Machame Gate. Our route starts on a 4WD trail before turning off onto the ascending path through the forest. Being fit and acclimatised from our Mt Kenya climb we will be in good shape to make it to Machame Camp at around 3000 metres in good time.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 10Trek through forest and moorland to Shira Plateau. Hike onwards to Shira Camp (3850m).Today's route starts out in the rainforest before emerging to cross open moorland with wide ranging views. After ascending for around 3 hours we reach the Shira Plateau, from where there are spectacular views of Kilimanjaro in front of us and of Mount Meru away to the north west. This is the joining point of the Machame and Lemosho Routes. We continue on and have to navigate some rocks and boulders as we reach our campsite at Shira Caves.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 11Trekking beneath Kilimanjaro's Lava Tower and Western Breach arrive at Barranco (3950m).A spectacular day as we traverse the south-west slopes of the mountain. We hike up to the Lava Tower as we make the most of exploring this spectacular landscape. We then walk onwards to the Umbwe Valley, also known as Barranco Valley to reach our camping place at Barranco (3950m). The awesome Breach Wall of Kibo rises spectacularly above our camping place. Although we have gained relatively little altitude today it is an important acclimatisation day.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 12Ascend the Great Barranco onto slopes of Kibo. Continue to Barafu Hut (4600m).This is a great mountain day. We descend into the start of the Great Barranco and then exit steeply up onto the southern slopes of Kibo. We pass beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers and head up to the Karanga Valley, the last place where we can find water below the summit. We pass this campsite and the junction of the Mweka Trail before a final push across some scree to the Barafu Hut campsite. From here we can see both the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 13Kilimanjaro summit day (5895m). Descend to Mweka (2950m).A predawn start enables us to take advantage of the best surface conditions (frozen scree and snow) for our trek up to the summit of Kilimanjaro. The angle of climb is steeper today as we tackle the cone of the volcano up to the Crater Rim at the place known as Stella Point. There are tremendous views of the ice cliffs inside the crater and also across to Mawenzi summit and 'the saddle'. Now on easier terrain, we follow the crater rim for a further hour to reach the highest point in Africa - Uhuru Peak (5894m). Having watched the dawn flood the surrounding lands with colour, and after taking the classic photo beneath the summit signs, we begin our descent by a different route. We descend a massive 3000m to the Mweka Camp at 2950m. This is a long trekking day, but the extra acclimatisation and fitness provided by our ascent of Mount Meru will make this easier for us than many others on the mountain. And you will have stood on the highest mountain in the whole of Africa - congratulations!Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 14Trek to Mweka Gate. Transfer to Arusha for a shower and celebratory drinks.We trek down for 5 hours through beautiful rainforest to the road head - the final leg of our Kilimanjaro ascent journey. We say fond farewell to our trusty guide, staff and the porters who have helped us during the past week and pick up our certificates of ascent. We transfer to our hotel Arusha - and delight after camping on the mountains slopes. Here we have a shower and a beer (not necessarily in that order) and reflect on the climb and our achievements. A celebratory dinner and a well deserved sleep in the hotel bed!Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 15: Departure day. Included airport transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport from the group hotel.Friends of Africa Family Safaris Ltd Only services end after breakfast. Depending on flight times we have some relaxation time today. We need to vacate our rooms at 1100, but can use the hotel facilities until our transfer to the airport. Airport transfers from the group hotel are provided.Meals: Breakfast
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| People | Green Season (1st April To 31st May) | Should Season (1st Nov – 14th Dec & March) | Peak Season (1st June – 30 Oct & 15th Dec-28th Feb) |
|---|---|---|---|
4-14
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$ 5557
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$ 5557
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$ 5557
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FAQS
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HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR SAFARI
Preparing for East Africa safari can be a daunting prospect at first glance.
Figuring out when to visit, which parks to include, where to stay, and how long to spend in each location can be a stressful task, but we’re here to help!
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
It is first aspects for Preparation of safaris. All travelers will need a current passport with an expiration date of at least six months from the time of entry into Tanzania. Tanzania tourist visas can be purchased in advance through the nearest Tanzanian embassy, or upon arrival at the airport or border crossing.
VACCINATIONS
Proper health preparations for the trip are your responsibility. You may be able to get your vaccinations from your own physician, but a travels clinic will be more familiar with the necessary vaccines and can also provide other helpful information. Be sure to also discuss malaria prevention with the travel clinic.
TRAVEL AND MEDICAL INSURANCE
East Africa Choice Safaris does not provide insurance for travelers. Speak with your travel agent or airline about options for travel insurance to cover personal accident, medical expenses and medical evacuation, repatriation, trip cancellation and loss of personal effects.
CLOTHING
The weather may vary considerably throughout your trip, or even throughout the day, so plan on clothing that can be layered if it’s cool, or removed if it’s warm. Choose separates that can be mixed and matched, and avoid fabrics that require special care. Neutral colors are good for safari; avoid black and blue clothing as tsetse flies are attracted to those colors. Accessorize with modest jewelry. To respect cultural norms, avoid sleeveless blouses and short shorts or skirts.
Depending on your itinerary, consider a pair of sturdy closed-toe shoes in case of mud or rough terrain. Sandals will be appropriate for safari. Most days will be sunny, so bring appropriate sun protection: hat (wide-brim is best to protect the neck and ears), sunscreen, sunglasses.
MONEY ON SAFARI IN EAST AFRICA.
While all of our Friends of Africa Family Safaris itineraries cover the important things such as accommodation, meals, park entry fees, and game drives – there are always additional costs that might pop up.
Things such as alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, snacks, laundry, and tips for your driver are examples of a few additional costs that might arise during your safari.
Tanzania uses the US Dollar for tourism. We recommend budgeting around $30 – $50 USD per day for incidental expenses and tips.
TIPPING IN EAST AFRICA
Tipping is customary.
We recommend tipping $20 USD per day to your safari driver (per group, not per person), $10 – $15 USD per day to your safari cook (when camping), $20 USD per day to your Kilimanjaro climbing guide, and $10 – $15 USD per day to your Kilimanjaro climbing porters.
You can pay this all at once at the conclusion of your safari or Kilimanjaro climb.
WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR SAFARI:
Packing for your first safari can be a bit daunting. What do you bring? What don’t you need? Below you’ll find our recommended list of things to bring along with you when you’re on safari.
- A backpack;
- Comfortable clothing for daily wear;
- A warm sweater or light fleece;
- A windbreaker or waterproof jacket;
- Walking shoes or boots;
- A dress shirt and trousers or dress for wearing to dinner;
- Sunglasses;
- Hat;
- Sunscreen and lip balm;
- Insect repellent;
- Camera and charger;
- Binoculars;
- A flashlight or headlamp;
- Guide books;
- Phone and charger.
You may also wish to bring your own first aid kit. While all of our Friends of Africa Family Safaris vehicles have their own on board first aid kit, it never hurts to be prepared.
- Anti-malarial medication;
- Painkillers;
- Antihistamines for allergies and insect bites;
- Cold and flu medication;
- Anti-Diarrheal medication;
- Medicines for rehydration after diarrhea or sunstroke;
- Sunscreen and lip balm;
- Eye drops;
- Moisturiser for treating sunburn;
- Antiseptic lotion;
- Rubbing alcohol;
- Bandages and plasters;
- Scissors.
You may also wish to bring along water purification tablets and any medications you take for any existing medical conditions.
Don’t let the above list daunt you. Many of these items are only necessary in extreme cases, but it’s better to have something and not need it than it is to need something and not have it!
Any Questions?
Have we missed anything?
Don’t hesitate to Contact Us if you have any questions or if you’re ready to make your safari dream a reality.
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