10-Day Grand Traverse & 7-Day Safari
from $12,280 adult
10 day trek7 day safari
Please call us to add international flights from most major U.S. cities.
Business class flights available.
Photo credit: Jimmy Chin
Photo credit: Wesley Bernard
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
Day 13
Complete Trek / Return to North America
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
Tarangire National Park
Depart Arusha for Tarangire, Tanzania’s fourth largest park and one of the best places to view enormous elephant herds. Relax at your private Thomson Nyumba Camp, set amongst the park’s dramatic baobab trees. Enjoy delicious dinners and nights around the campfire, under the brilliant stars.
Overnights: Thomson Tarangire Nyumba
Days 16-17
Ngorongoro Crater
Drive towards the Great Rift Valley into the verdant highlands. Enter into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and stop at a Maasai boma to learn more about this unique culture. Continue on to your Nyumba located on the crater rim, with time to enjoy a snack before dinner. Because of this camp’s special location, you have a short drive down to the crater floor and more time to marvel at the highest concentrations of animals in East Africa. Take photos of lion and leopard, zebra and wildebeest, hippo and flamingo, and old bull elephants.
Overnights: Thomson Ngorongoro Nyumba
Days 18-19
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, at 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 20-21
Serengeti National Park / 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
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
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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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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. |
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Thomson Tarangire NyumbaAn authentic experience awaits you at this private camp in Tarangire. Conveniences like solar lighting and ensuite bathrooms with hot showers add a comforting touch to this safari retreat. In the evenings, enjoy dinner prepared from local ingredients, and chat with friendly staff and fellow travelers as you watch the sun set behind towering baobab trees. |
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Thomson Ngorongoro NyumbaThe Ngorongoro camp is set on the eastern edge of the Ngorongoro Crater’s rim and offers the best possible access in and out of the crater, as well as a more private, remote experience. In the morning, you have the eastern floor of the crater almost completely to yourself. In the evenings, when you return to camp, you'll be greeted with the hospitality that is a hallmark of all our camps. Settle in to your spacious tent, enjoy a hot safari-shower in your ensuite facilities, head to the campfire for a drink before dinner, and enjoy a traditional Tanzanian meal -- a specialty of the camp chefs here. Don't forget to bundle up at this camp, as temperatures can be as low as 40 degrees from May to October. |
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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 | |||
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| 2013 | ||||||
| May 27 | June 16 | $11,980 | Sold Out | |||
| June 13 | July 03 | $11,980 | Sold Out | |||
| June 24 | July 14 | $11,980 | Sold Out | |||
| July 06 | July 26 | $12,280 | Sold Out | |||
| July 23 | August 12 | $12,280 | Limited Availability | Reserve Now | ||
| August 02 | August 22 | $12,280 | Sold Out | |||
| August 04 | August 24 | $12,280 | Limited Availability | Reserve Now | ||
| August 10 | August 30 | $12,280 | Limited Availability | Reserve Now | ||
| August 17 | September 06 | $12,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| August 31 | September 20 | $12,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| September 09 | September 29 | $12,280 | Sold Out | |||
| September 17 | October 07 | $12,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| September 25 | October 15 | $12,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| October 01 | October 21 | $12,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| October 13 | November 02 | $12,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| December 14 | January 03 | $12,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| December 26 | January 15 | $12,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| 2014 | ||||||
| January 07 | January 27 | $12,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| January 22 | February 11 | $12,280 | Limited Availability | Reserve Now | ||
| February 04 | February 24 | $12,280 | Limited Availability | Reserve Now | ||
| February 12 | March 04 | $12,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| February 20 | March 12 | $12,280 | Reserve Now | |||
| March 05 | March 25 | $12,280 | Reserve Now | |||
"Taking the extra days to acclimate made us feel SO well-prepared that summiting was actually enjoyable...when I saw climbers from other companies really struggling, I realized just how hard it could be and how significant the difference was with Thomson. They did a great job!"
- Gary H., Kilimanjaro 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 ExtensionRwandaA brief international flight to Kigali, Rwanda and a two-hour drive take you to Volcanoes National Park, one of the only places on earth where you will see the rare mountain gorilla. Journey on foot over wild, ungroomed mountain terrain in search of endangered gorilla families. Spot the creatures—of which only 700 remain worldwide—with the help of an expert guide and spend up to one hour in their presence. Before you depart Rwanda, take a brief tour of Kigali including the world-renowned Genocide Museum.
Recommended length of stay: Minimum 4 days, with one or two gorilla treks
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