10-Day Grand Traverse Route & 5-Day Safari
from $11,280 adult
10 day trek5 day safari
Please call us to add international flights from most major U.S. cities.
Business class flights available.
Photo credit: Erik Andrews
Photo credit: Chris Gamel
Trip Highlights
|
Areas Visited
|
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
Day 13
Complete Trek / Arusha
Enjoy your final day of trekking through thick forests to the park gate, where you’ll bid farewell to your guides and porters. Transfer to your lodge to take a well-earned shower and rest before continuing on your safari.
Overnight: Mount Meru Hotel
Hours trekking: 4-6
Days 14-15
Ngorongoro Crater
After a safari briefing, 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. The next morning, you will 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.
Indulge in spa services and various optional activities at Gibb's Farm (additional fees apply).
Overnights: Gibb's Farm
Days 16-17
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. Enjoy your evenings in the bush, in Thomson’s beautiful, remote and exclusive Nyumba Camps.
Join an optional hot air balloon ride to take in sweeping views of the Serengeti from above. (Advanced reservations and additional fees apply).
Overnights: Thomson Serengeti Nyumba
Days 18-19
Serengeti National Park to Arusha / Return to North America
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 your evening flight home.
Day Room: Mount Meru Hotel
Interested in a longer safari? View our 7-day safari add-on option.
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: $1,100
One Personal Porter: Included
Optional Hot Air Balloon Excursion: $490
International Flights available from most U.S. cities on Delta/KLM
Ask us about our competitive Business Class fares
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
Mount Meru HotelThe Mount Meru Hotel has been a mainstay of Arusha accommodations since it opened in the 1960's, when Tanzania tourism was still in its infancy. It was recently renovated top to bottom, and the finished product is even better than the original. With reliable modern conveniences, a variety of dining options, a beautiful pool, and a central location, it is one of the best places to start or end your safari or trek. |
|
Gibb's FarmFresh food, fresh air, and fresh perspectives abound at Gibb’s Farm. At the end of full days of exploration, relax in your eco-friendly cottage, set amidst the farm’s lush gardens. You can even ask the attentive staff to provide insight into local culture and history. |
|
Thomson Serengeti NyumbasThese semi-permanent, seasonal camps are strategically plotted across the Serengeti according to wildlife migration patterns. Each location offers comfort in the heart of the wilderness. With spacious tents, cozy bedding, and ensuite bathrooms, you’ll have to take a look outside to be reminded that you’re deep in the bush. And no need to worry—with eco-friendly features like solar lighting, we’re not harming the landscape. |
| Depart US | Return US | Adult | Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | ||||||
| May 27 | June 14 | $10,980 | Sold Out | |||
| June 13 | July 01 | $10,980 | Sold Out | |||
| June 24 | July 12 | $10,980 | Sold Out | |||
| July 06 | July 24 | $11,280 | Sold Out | |||
| July 23 | August 10 | $11,280 | Limited Availability | Reserve Now | ||
| August 02 | August 20 | $11,280 | Sold Out | |||
| August 04 | August 22 | $11,280 | Limited Availability | Reserve Now | ||
| August 10 | August 28 | $11,280 | Limited Availability | Reserve Now | ||
| August 17 | September 04 | $11,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| August 31 | September 18 | $11,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| September 09 | September 27 | $11,280 | Sold Out | |||
| September 17 | October 05 | $11,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| September 25 | October 13 | $11,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| October 01 | October 19 | $11,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| October 13 | October 31 | $11,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| December 14 | January 01 | $11,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| December 26 | January 13 | $11,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| 2014 | ||||||
| January 07 | January 25 | $11,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| January 22 | February 09 | $11,280 | Limited Availability | Reserve Now | ||
| February 04 | February 22 | $11,280 | Limited Availability | Reserve Now | ||
| February 12 | March 02 | $11,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| February 20 | March 10 | $11,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| March 05 | March 23 | $11,280 | Reserve Now | |||
"Thank you for making our honeymoon trek unforgettable! Reaching the summit was such a meaningful and inspirational way for Scott and I to start our lives together."
- Lauren and Scott, Grand Traverse
|
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 ExtensionMahaleFly to the shores of Lake Tanganyika, which forms the westernmost border of Tanzania. A short boat ride takes you to your exclusive camp, a luxurious hideaway tucked along the shore. Hike the misty slopes of the Mahale Mountains in search of free-roaming chimpanzees. Catch intimate glimpses of grooming, feeding, and playing chimps. A stay at Mahale never disappoints!
Recommended length: 4 or 5 days
|
