9-Day Western Approach Route
from $5,890 adult
9 days trekking13 days door-to-door
Please call us to add international flights from most major U.S. cities.
Business class flights available.
Photo credit: Allison Crawford
Trip Highlights
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Areas Visited
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Days 1-2
Depart North America / Arrive Arusha, Tanzania
A Thomson staff member will greet you at the airport and escort you to your scenic lodge, just a short drive away.
Overnight: KIA Lodge (2930’)
Day 3
Acclimatization Day at Ndarakwai Ranch
After breakfast and a trek briefing with your guide, depart for a private conservation area. Spend the day admiring soaring views of open savannah, lush forests, and rolling hills. Catch your first glimpses of local wildlife on leisurely hikes through the grounds as you acclimatize to the higher altitude.
Overnight: Ndarakwai Ranch (4,200’)
Day 4
Begin Trek to Forest Camp
Accompanied by expert porters, fully outfitted in all-weather uniforms, you'll make your way to your first mountain camp, located in the rainforest. On the way, see rare black and white Colobus monkeys swing from the canopy … hear vibrant birdcalls among the treetops … marvel at exotic flowers under your feet. Once at camp, enjoy a hot dinner with your fellow trekkers.
Overnight: Forest Camp (9,281’)
Hours trekking: 3-4
Day 5
Forest Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Out of the rainforest and into the heath, where you’ll journey through tall grass, fragrant heather, and volcanic rock draped in bearded lichen. Trek across the Shira Plateau, catching your first views of the summit from above the clouds.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp (11,499’)
Hours trekking: 5-6
Day 6
Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp
Enjoy an acclimatization day with little altitude gain as you explore the 12,500-foot Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world. Look to the west for breathtaking views of Mt. Meru and Mt. Longido.
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp (12,795’)
Hours trekking: 3-4
Day 7
Shira 2 to Lava Tower Camp
Pole, pole (slowly, slowly). That’s how you’ll move today as you delve deep into the alpine desert. Vegetation thins and colossal boulders reign near our camp, which is set amidst this striking, lunar-like landscape. Test your ardor this afternoon by climbing to the top of Lava Tower.
Overnight: Lava Tower Camp (15,213’)
Hours trekking: 4-6
Day 8
Lava Tower to Karanga Camp
This morning you’ll descend into the Great Barranco Valley. Hike in this spectacular world of gleaming glaciers, towering cliffs, and sloping valleys. After lunch, scramble up the steep Barranco Wall, enjoying gorgeous views of the glaciers of Kibo, the first of Mt. Kili’s volcanic cones.
Overnight: Karanga Camp (13,231’)
Hours trekking: 6-7
Day 9
Karanga to Barafu Camp
Onward and upward you go. Temperatures decline and landscapes grow sparse as you hike a steady incline to Barafu Camp. Located on an exposed ridge, this dramatic camp is the staging point from which you traverse into the arctic summit zone tomorrow morning.
Overnight: Barafu Camp (15,331’)
Hours trekking: 5-6
Day 10
Barafu to Crater Camp
Just as dawn breaks, you set out for your next camp—located in a vast crater atop Kilimanjaro. Climbing roughly 3,000 feet today, you’ll have countless opportunities to marvel at Mawenzi, Kili’s second volcanic cone. At Stella Point, descend to your camp or make an afternoon summit before overnighting in the crater’s soft sands.
Overnight: Crater Camp (18,802’)
Hours trekking: 9-10
Day 11
Crater Camp to Summit / Mweka Millennium Camp
After breakfast, trek the last 600 feet to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa. Take time to celebrate with your fellow trekkers, and snap once-in-a-lifetime photos before descending to your final camp.
Overnight: Mweka Millennium Camp (12,500’)
Hours trekking: 1-2 to summit / 4-7 to Mweka Millennium Camp
Days 12-13
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 a day room to take a well-earned shower and relax before your evening flight home.
Day room: KIA Lodge
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: $410
Personal Porter: $380
International Flights available from most U.S. cities on Delta/KLM
Ask us about our competitive Business Class fares
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Kia LodgeLocated right outside Arusha, Kia Lodge offers the perfect location near Kilimanjaro’s airport. Your cozy bungalow sits among lush gardens. Sip a cocktail on the veranda as a cool breeze whispers by … take an evening dip in the pool … dry off by a crackling fire pit and admire sunset views of Mt. Kilimanjaro. |
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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. |
| Depart US | Return US | Adult | Notes | |||
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| 2013 | ||||||
| May 28 | June 09 | $5,790 | Sold Out | |||
| June 08 | June 20 | $5,790 | Sold Out | |||
| June 14 | June 26 | $5,790 | Limited Availability | Reserve Now | ||
| June 20 | July 02 | $5,990 | Sold Out | |||
| June 25 | July 07 | $5,790 | Sold Out | |||
| July 07 | July 19 | $5,890 | Sold Out | |||
| July 13 | July 25 | $5,890 | Reserve Now | |||
| July 24 | August 05 | $5,890 | Limited Availability | Reserve Now | ||
| August 05 | August 17 | $5,890 | Reserve Now | |||
| August 11 | August 23 | $5,890 | Reserve Now | |||
| August 18 | August 30 | $5,890 | Sold Out | |||
| September 01 | September 13 | $5,890 | Limited Availability | Reserve Now | ||
| September 10 | September 22 | $5,890 | Reserve Now | |||
| September 18 | September 30 | $5,890 | Reserve Now | |||
| September 26 | October 08 | $5,890 | Reserve Now | |||
| October 02 | October 14 | $5,890 | Reserve Now | |||
| October 14 | October 26 | $5,890 | Limited Availability | Reserve Now | ||
| October 28 | November 09 | $5,890 | Reserve Now | |||
| December 15 | December 27 | $6,190 | Limited Availability | Reserve Now | ||
| December 23 | January 04 | $6,190 | Reserve Now | |||
| December 26 | January 07 | $6,190 | Limited Availability | Reserve Now | ||
| 2014 | ||||||
| January 01 | January 13 | $6,190 | Reserve Now | |||
| January 08 | January 20 | $5,890 | Limited Availability | Reserve Now | ||
| January 16 | January 28 | $5,890 | Limited Availability | Reserve Now | ||
| January 23 | February 04 | $5,890 | Reserve Now | |||
| February 05 | February 17 | $5,890 | Limited Availability | Reserve Now | ||
| February 13 | February 25 | $5,890 | Reserve Now | |||
| February 21 | March 05 | $5,890 | Limited Availability | Reserve Now | ||
| March 06 | March 18 | $5,890 | Reserve Now | |||
| March 14 | March 26 | $5,890 | Reserve Now | |||
"The quality of the Thomson guides made this a most memorable trekking experience. Godlove, William and Wilfred went beyond the call of duty. They made it their mission to make sure that everyone was safe and enjoyed the trekking experience. Our well-being was their top priority."
- Jayashree R., Kilimanjaro Western Approach
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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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