10-Day Grand Traverse Route
from $8,290 adult
10 day trek14 days door-to-door
Please call us to add international flights from most major U.S. cities.
Business class flights available.
Photo credit: Helen Irving
Photo credit: Keith Whelan
Trip Highlights
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Areas Visited
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Days 1-2
Depart North America / Arrive Arusha, Tanzania
After crossing oceans and continents, Thomson staff will greet you at the airport and escort you to your scenic lodge, located in the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Overnight: Ndarakwai Ranch (4,200’)
Day 3
Acclimatization Day at Ndarakwai Ranch
After breakfast and an informative trek briefing, spend the rest of your acclimatization day exploring the picturesque grounds of Ndarakwai Ranch and spotting local wildlife. In the evening, relax in an open-air lounge.
Overnight: Ndarakwai Ranch (4,200’)
Day 4
Begin Trek to Shira 1 Camp
This morning, pack your climbing gear into the Land Rovers and head through dense rainforest to the trailhead. Be on the lookout for rare black and white Colobus monkeys swinging in the canopy. After a hearty lunch, begin a moorland trek to your first camp—accompanied by expert porters, fully outfitted in all-weather uniforms. Enjoy sunset views of Kibo, Mt. Kili’s first volcanic cone.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp (11,499’)
Hours trekking: 1-2
Day 5
Shira 1 to Moir Camp
You will resume your trek this morning, departing the savannah of heather and grasses and making your way into the moorlands. Pass through misty, cloud-covered terrain of volcanic rocks as you move steadily up the mountain.
Overnight: Moir Camp (13,700’)
Hours trekking: 4-5
Day 6
Moir to Pofu Camp
Continue to wind your way through the moorlands as you approach the alpine desert. Vegetation will begin to thin out and the landscape will be marked by a vast plateau and strange volcanic plugs. Get a look at one of the larger formations, a lava tower called the Shark's Tooth.
Overnight: Pofu Camp (13,200’)
Hours trekking: 5-7
Day 7
Pofu to Rongai Caves 2 Camp
Winding through a forest of towering Dendrosenecio kilimanjari, proceed upward over expansive ridgelines in the high alpine desert. Enjoy the extraordinary views as you pass massive volcanic formations scattered throughout the fields of scree. You'll camp above this lunar landscape in a remote location where you may even catch a glimpse of Kenya's vast badlands.
Overnight: Rongai Caves 2 Camp (11,450 ft.)
Hours trekking: 4-6
Day 8
Rongai 2 Caves to Kikelewa Camp
Cross the alpine desert, where you will find little more than a few tufts of grass, some everlastings, and bright yellow daisy-like flowers alongside the trail. The air will feel cooler, but the equatorial sun is still intense, so keep applying your sunscreen! You'll explore the volcanic towers, rocky overhangs, and large boulder formations as you acclimatize.
Overnight: Kikelewa Caves Camp (11,850 ft.)
Hours trekking: 3-5
Day 9
Kikelewa to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
After breakfast, trek to your next camp. Located next to a placid lake at the foot of Mawenzi—Kilimanjaro’s second highest volcanic cone—this alcove offers spectacular views of the summit’s cathedral-like spires.
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (14,210’)
Hours trekking: 6-8
Day 10
Mawenzi Tarn to Outward Bound Camp
Today you’ll trek across the Saddle—the stark landscape between Mawenzi and Kibo. Feel the temperature drop as you near the foot of Kibo, where your next camp awaits. Rest up in preparation for tomorrow’s thrilling summit bid.
Overnight: Outward Bound Camp (15,450’)
Hours trekking: 5-7
Day 11
Outward Bound to Summit / Crater Camp
Wake before dawn to begin your focused trek to the summit, reaching Uhuru Peak in the early afternoon hours. Enjoy free time to celebrate your success and snap stunning photos. After a short descent to Crater Camp, set in soft sands near the retreating vertical ice walls of the Furtwangler Glacier, or take an optional trek to the Ash Pit.
Overnight: Crater Camp (18,802’)
Hours trekking: 7-10 to Summit / 1-2 to Crater Camp
Day 12
Crater to Mweka Millennium Camp
Enjoy a morning hike to Reusch Crater where you can marvel at its vast inverted cone of ash known as the Ash Pit, or summit for a second time as the sun rises. Then, make a steep descent to Barafu Camp, arriving in time for lunch. Journey on through moorlands and forests to reach your last camp on Kilimanjaro.
Overnight: Mweka Millennium Camp (12,500’)
Hours trekking: 6-8
Days 13-14
Complete Trek / Return to North America
Conclude your trek through dense rainforest, celebrating with a farewell lunch at the gate. Say goodbye to your guides and porters who are now dear friends, then transfer to a day room in Arusha for a hot shower and refreshing nap before your evening flight home.
Day room: Rivertrees Country Inn
Hours trekking: 4-6
Continue your exploration of Tanzania with a wildlife safari extension!
View this itinerary with a 5-day or a 7-day safari add-on.
Extend your discoveries with one of our optional trip extensions. Stroll the colorful streets on the island of Zanzibar … catch intimate glimpses of gorillas in the Virunga Mountains … search for wildlife across uncharted plains in Ruaha National Park … and more.
Additional Details:
Single Accommodations: $610
One Personal Porter: Included
International Flights available from most U.S. cities on Delta/KLM
Ask us about our competitive Business Class fares
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Ndarakwai RanchA trekker’s haven and private conservation refuge, Ndarakwai Ranch offers more than 11,000 acres of open savannah. Hike among giant fig trees, view local wildlife, and sleep under the stars in thatched-roof tents. Ensuite bathrooms with showers and a dining tent offer a comfortable wilderness experience. |
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Thomson Mountain Camps
A comfortably rugged experience on your way to the roof of Africa …
After full trekking days, savor hot meals prepared by the camp’s chef, expertly trained in hygienic food preparation. In the afternoons, piping tea and hearty snacks will be waiting for you. And there’s nothing quite like starting each day with a breath of crisp mountain air. |
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Optional Luxury Accommodations UpgradeNow after extensive development and testing, our Grand Traverse Kilimanjaro Trekkers have the exclusive opportunity to upgrade to our new Thomson Solar-Lit, Walk-In Height Luxury Tent, complete with a sturdy mountaineering bed, plush mattress and pillow, and zero degree sleeping bag with fleece liner. We’ve developed these specifically to provide relief to trekkers with bad backs or knees, to maximize sleeping comfort in extreme mountain conditions, and for those simply looking for an extra edge to summit... Give us a call to discuss this new upgrade for your Grand Traverse climb: 800-235-0289. |
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Rivertrees Country InnReminiscent of its legacy as a former German colonial farm and coffee estate, Rivertrees Country Inn blends simple elegance and modern convenience. Wake up in your farmhouse-style room to the sound of the rushing Usa River, and enjoy a hearty breakfast in an open-air, thatched-roof dining area.
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| Depart US | Return US | Adult | Notes | |||
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| 2013 | ||||||
| May 27 | June 09 | $7,990 | Sold Out | |||
| June 13 | June 26 | $7,990 | Sold Out | |||
| June 24 | July 07 | $7,990 | Sold Out | |||
| July 06 | July 19 | $8,290 | Sold Out | |||
| July 23 | August 05 | $8,290 | Limited Availability | Reserve Now | ||
| August 02 | August 15 | $8,290 | Sold Out | |||
| August 04 | August 17 | $8,290 | Limited Availability | Reserve Now | ||
| August 10 | August 23 | $8,290 | Limited Availability | Reserve Now | ||
| August 17 | August 30 | $8,290 | Reserve Now | |||
| August 31 | September 13 | $8,290 | Reserve Now | |||
| September 09 | September 22 | $8,290 | Sold Out | |||
| September 17 | September 30 | $8,290 | Reserve Now | |||
| September 25 | October 08 | $8,290 | Reserve Now | |||
| October 01 | October 14 | $8,290 | Reserve Now | |||
| October 13 | October 26 | $8,290 | Reserve Now | |||
| December 14 | December 27 | $8,290 | Reserve Now | |||
| December 26 | January 08 | $8,290 | Reserve Now | |||
| 2014 | ||||||
| January 07 | January 20 | $8,290 | Reserve Now | |||
| January 22 | February 04 | $8,290 | Limited Availability | Reserve Now | ||
| February 04 | February 17 | $8,290 | Limited Availability | Reserve Now | ||
| February 12 | February 25 | $8,290 | Reserve Now | |||
| February 20 | March 05 | $8,290 | Reserve Now | |||
| March 05 | March 18 | $8,290 | Reserve Now | |||
"What a fabulous adventure! Thomson was, by far, the most professional outfit on the mountain. Our guides were experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable. Our porters were strong, fast, and friendly. My fellow travelers encouraged each another the entire way."
- Leslie B., Grand Traverse
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Video HighlightThe Kilimanjaro ExperienceWe were the first U.S. tour operator in Tanzania and have been working there exclusively for more than 30 years. Some companies claim many years of experience, but they base their numbers on staff members and not operations. Collectively, our office has more than 200 years of experience on Kilimanjaro and in Tanzania. |
Recommended ExtensionZanzibarSpend colorful days amidst the island’s bustling markets in the eclectic capital city of Stone Town. Visit historical sites related to the centuries-old slave trade and spice trade. Sunbathe for days on pristine white-sand beaches at a beautiful beach resort. Snorkel or dive in the clear blue Indian Ocean. This is all about relaxation!
Recommended length of stay: 5 days
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