"All nine of us on the Western Approach Route made it to the summit, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I wanted to let you know that the entire experience was first class."  -  Josh Woods, Chicago, IL

Depart the U.S. for Amsterdam and connect with your flight to Kilimanjaro, arriving in the evening. Upon arrival, you are met by your guide and transferred to your lodge located in the hills just outside of Arusha, set in a stunning location with magnificent views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Overnight: Arusha Lodge

After your climb briefing at the lodge, you will be transferred to the western slopes of Kilimanjaro. This day is a great chance to stretch your legs and recover from the long flights. Camp is set under Acacia trees, near oddly shaped volcanic formations; the perfect setting to introduce you to Kilimanjaro's uniquely breath-taking landscapes.

All meals included
Overnight: West Kilimanjaro Base Camp (5,500 feet)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Londorossi Gate (5,900 feet) to begin your trek. On this first trekking day, you will move through dense rainforest, under a tangled canopy of moss coated vines which is home to black and white colobus monkey, blue monkey and a vibrant array of exotic birds.

You will arrive at your camp in the lower heather belt in time for a hot meal in the comfortable dining tent.

All meals included
Overnight: Forest Camp (9,500 feet)

Once out of the forest, take a steep track into a Savanna of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. Ascend through the lush rolling hills below the Shira plateau, finally reaching camp at the edge of the plateau. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.

All meals included
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp (12,200 feet)

Today and tomorrow, you will have plenty of time to explore the Shira plateau. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth, averaging 12,500 feet.

Continue hiking across the stark high desert of the Shira Ridge, stopping for lunch as you near 15,000 ft. In the afternoon you will descend into the majestic Great Barranco Valley, amidst the forest of giant groundsels, between sheer cliffs with brilliant hanging glaciers.

All meals included
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp (12,600 feet)
Overnight: Barranco Camp (12,900 feet)

Day 8 begins with a scramble up the steep "Barranco Wall." We then traverse up and down the slopes of valleys, which have carved their way into the mountain’s southern face. Kibo’s glaciers loom above to your left and the jagged peak of Mawenzi appears just over the southern slope of Kibo. We stop in the Karanga Valley at the end of this day.

As we begin trekking the following day, the trail turns steadily uphill. The temperature will grow colder and the landscape more sparse as we near Barafu Camp. Barafu Camp is set on an exposed ridge and is the staging point from which you will make your way into the arctic summit zone tomorrow morning. Our cooks will help you eat and drink as much as possible before retiring to your tent for rest and sleep.

All meals included
Overnight: Karanga Camp (13,000 feet)
Overnight: Barafu Camp (15,100 feet)

Today you will wake up at dawn and set out for Crater Camp, climbing over 2,500 ft. with magnificent views of Mt. Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s second volcanic cone, to the east. In the afternoon, you will arrive at the crater rim to an arctic moonscape. Camp is set in the wide crater atop Kilimanjaro, in soft sand near the indigo streaked Furtwangler Glacier.

It will be a cold night tonight, but the privilege of camping alongside towering, 80-foot glaciers is one that few people can claim to have experienced and one that you will never forget.

All meals included
Overnight: Crater Camp (18,750 feet)

Arise early and amble your way up the last 600 feet to Kilimanjaro's dramatic summit, Uhuru Peak (19,340 feet).

After enjoying the moment of success and the awe-inspiring views, begin your steep descent.

Using the Mweka Route, arrive at Barafu Camp for lunch, and then continue to your camp nestled in thick heather.

All meals included
Overnight: Mweka Camp (11,000 feet)

Complete your descent through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate, where you will be met and transferred back to your hotel for a much-welcomed shower and some merry convalescence.

Those who chose to do the "trek only" will be transferred to the airport this evening. Those who are continuing on safari will overnight in Arusha and begin their next adventure in the morning!

Trek Only:
Breakfast, lunch included
Day Room: Arusha Lodge

Trek and Safari:
All meals included
Overnight:Arusha Lodge

Your Safari Begins

Fly out to the Serengeti to meet your safari guide this morning, and after a safari briefing, head out into heart of Africa. The sight of herds of animals running across the plains, and predators stalking their prey is unforgettable.

We have many game drives amongst the wildlife in this great, untamed wilderness. Our nights are spent in our private Thomson Nyumbas, or canvas bush "homes," allowing us to explore off the beaten path.

All meals included
Overnights: Thomson Serengeti Nyumba

This morning, you will drive towards the Great Rift Valley, into the verdant Ngorongoro Highlands. You'll make the 2,000 foot descent via Land Rover to spend the afternoon on the crater floor. Here you'll witness some of the highest concentrations of animals in East Africa.

Tomorrow, you'll have a full day to continue your exploration of the crater floor, enjoying magnificent wildlife viewing before returning to your camp perched high on the rim.

All meals included
Overnights: Thomson Ngorongoro Nyumba

Head back to Arusha this morning. We'll say our good-byes over lunch, with time in the afternoon to relax or shop before transferring to Kilimanjaro Airport for the flight to Amsterdam. Arrive home on the afternoon of Day 18.

Breakfast, Lunch
Day Room: KIA Lodge

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