A visit to Tanzania affords the opportunity to experience some of the most amazing wonders of the natural world. Our high-altitude trek to Kilimanjaro, the “Roof of Africa” at 19,340 feet takes us through one of the most majestic landscapes in Africa while our the safari afterwards gives us witness to the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth. Our route up Kilimanjaro ascends the stunning Machame route—known informally as the Whiskey Route for its intoxicating views—traverses the South side of the mountain and descends via the Mweka Route.

Kilimanjaro National Park was created in 1973, officially opened in 1977 and in 1989 declared a World Heritage Site. Located roughly 300 kilometers south of the equator, the Kilimanjaro massif is the largest freestanding mountain in the world, standing completely alone on the East African plain. Kilimanjaro is actually composed of three main peaks; Kibo, Shira, and Mawenzi. Kibo, also known as Uhuru Peak, is by far the tallest peak, and our climbing objective.

Kilimanjaro is one of the few mountains of the world to host an incredibly wide array of ecology—from equatorial rainforests to glaciers. The mountains has five distinct vegetation zones and we pass through all of them in order to reach the summit; the Lower Zone, the Forest Zone, the Heath and Moorland Zone, the Alpine Desert Zone, and lastly, the Summit Zone. Each zone is defined by elevation, and contains its’ own unique climate, flora, and fauna. The Forest Zone is the richest while some of the most interesting plants, Giant Heather, Giant Lobelias and Senecios, are found throughout the Heath and Moorland Zone.

Although there is no glacier travel required, the altitude makes our trek challenging. The help of local porters makes our trek more enjoyable, allowing us to carry only light packs. We spend a full seven days on the mountain in order to ensure our team proper acclimatization and ample time to enjoy the unique setting and experience.

Following our climb of Kilimanjaro, we return to Arusha for a celebration dinner and restful night’s sleep before driving out to Tanzania’s renowned game reserves. Our photo safari allows us to view the magnificent animals and scenery of the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire National Park. It is the perfect follow-up to a climb of Kilimanjaro.

Our Kilimanjaro trek and safari is offered in the spring (February) and the fall (August and September). These dates take advantage of both the best weather on the mountain as well as prime game-viewing times. Tanzania enjoys a warm equatorial climate. Though Kilimanjaro is relatively dry and can be climbed year round, the main climbing seasons are during the months of January-February and June-September. The two rainy seasons on Kilimanjaro are during the months of April-June and October-December. During the rainy season temperatures are colder and the trails turn muddy. The game viewing areas are also affected during this period as muddy roads usually force closures of certain areas.

RMI offers two different trips to Kilimanjaro.  Our standard trip is 13 days and includes a safari program after our climb.  Our “abbreviated” Kilimanjaro Express trip is 9 days and is ideal for the climber who is looking to participate in the climbing portion of the program only.

As you prepare for your upcoming adventure please feel free to contact our office and speak directly to one of our experienced guides regarding equipment, conditioning, the route, or any other questions you may have about our programs. We are available Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at (888) 89-CLIMB or info@rmiguides.com.

Top of Page