Compare Kilimanjaro Climb - Lemosho Route by Exodus Travels vs Tanzania: Serengeti to Zanzibar 2022 by Tauck
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
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5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 10 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 4,795 | $ 7,290 |
| Price Per Day | $ 480 | $ 729 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
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| Meals Included | All meals during the climb are included. Please allow about US$30-US$50 for the two lunches (days 1 and 10) not included. On trek, the emphasis is on a varied and well-balanced diet with a greater amount of fresh fruit and soup to maximise the daily intake of fluids. Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. The availability of certain specialised products for restricted diets, eg gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or non-existent in Tanzania and we strongly recommend you bring these specialised dietary items from home. The menu has a high liquid and carbohydrate content, the two important elements for successful climbing. At higher altitudes, stimulants (such as coffee) and less digestible foods (such as meat) are not recommended. Our evening meal at the highest camp on Kilimanjaro is a meatless stew as our experience shows this to be the ideal preparation for the summit day. At mealtimes, a selection of hot drinks is available. Soup is served twice daily. Daily meals Bed tea: Tea or coffee served in your tent. Breakfast: Seasonal fresh fruit (mango/banana/watermelon), porridge, cooked eggs, sausage, bacon and toast. Energy snacks, such as biscuits, bananas and chocolate bars, are provided for the daily walk Lunch: Either a packed lunch on longer days or, more usually, a hot lunch served in camp by a small team who have raced ahead of the clients. A hot lunch typically consists of soup, bread or pancakes, cheese, tuna, jam, peanut butter, pasta salad and cake. Afternoon tea: Served in late afternoon. It is an opportunity to drink lots of hot drinks and snack on peanuts or popcorn. Dinner: The main meal of the day and always consists of three courses: soup and bread, followed by the main dish, which could be rice, potatoes or pasta with fish, meat or vegetables, and is followed by a dessert often of fruit. Summit snacks: While we provide enough food for the climb, we recommend you bring some of your favourite snacks and keep them for the summit day. The summit day is a long, tough climb and having your favourite snacks can provide a very welcome boost. Water While the water we provide on Kilimanjaro is suitable for drinking you may wish to be extra safe and treat it with your own water-purification tablets. | N/A |
| Description |
Scale Kilimanjaro on the Lemosho Route, considered the most beautiful of the seven established trails up Tanzania’s mightiest mountain. It’s no easy task, but this trip has been designed to maximise your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak at the very top – we have one of the best summit success rates of any operator here. Our eight days on the slopes is longer than most (allowing more time to acclimatise), while larger-than-normal tents, full porterage throughout and chef-prepped meals make the journey as comfortable as possible. Why trek with us? One of the highest summit success rates of any operator on Kilimanjaro One guide to every two trekkers on summit day – essential for maximising your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak Acclimitisation day built into trip to improve success rates Larger-than-normal tents make the trek that little more comfortable Exodus is a member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project, which aims to improve the working conditions of porters Aldo Kane Collection: A hand-selected range of adventures by our Brand Ambassador: “Trekking to the ‘roof of Africa’, Mount Kilimanjaro, is an experience you’ll never forget. The Lemosho route is one of the least trekked paths towards the summit, which allows you to take in the beautifully wild Shira Plateau. The sense of achievement you feel when you see the Uhuru Peak sign and know you’ve made it to the top of the highest mountain on the African continent is something else. It’s a truly special place and perfect for anyone who’s looking for a challenge.”Take the most scenic route up Africa’s tallest mountain, the adventure enhanced by our expert guides, porters and cooks |
Enjoy a grand safari adventure in Tanzania plus a visit to the tropical island archipelago of Zanzibar. Your journey includes outstanding wildlife viewing on game drives that take you from Ngorongoro Crater to the famed Serengeti to observe Africa's Big Five. |
Day 1 Start Arusha
The adventure begins at our much-loved hotel in Arusha, which is our home today and upon our return from Kilimanjaro. Depending on your arrival time, you may have time for a dip in the pool or to relax in the lovely gardens. This afternoon/evening, we have a welcome briefing with the Kilimanjaro Chief Guide, which covers all aspects of the trip and includes the distribution of any hired equipment you have booked. Please also bring your passport, insurance details and air ticket details. Accommodation: Moivaro Coffee Plantation Lodge (or similar)
Day 2 To Lemosho Gate; begin ascent to Lemosho Forest
We transfer (67mi/108km) to Lemosho entrance gate (6,890ft/2,100m) in the morning, passing between Kilimanjaro and the horseshoe-shaped volcanic crater of Mount Meru. In the short distance before reaching the Lemosho trail head gate, we drive through farmland and plantations. The last 3mi (5km) of the road to the park gate are poor quality, particularly after rain, and the drive there should be considered part of the adventure. After completing the necessary registration formalities, we often have lunch in the designated tourist shelter before starting our walk. It is an easy day of walking up a small path through lush forest and an area with a variety of wildlife, including buffalos. We camp at Lemosho Forest camp (8,695ft/2,650m). Accommodation: Full-service camping
Day 3 Explore Shira Plateau; camp at Shira One
This morning begins, as all do on the trail, with hot tea brought to your tent – a very welcome wake-up. Today’s hike starts in lush montane forest before ascending into a moorland zone of giant heather. The trail climbs steadily with views across the plains, opening out as we reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. There is a tangible sense of wilderness here, especially if the afternoon mists cloak the landscape. We camp in the centre of the plateau at Shira One (11,645ft/3,550m). Accommodation: Full-service camping
Day 4 Walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral to camp at Shira Hut
Enjoy a day to help acclimatisation and explore the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations of the plateau. We walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles. The views from our camp near Shira Hut (12,600ft/3,840m) of Mount Meru floating on the clouds are unforgettable. The afternoon is free to relax, enjoying those views and getting to know each other even better. Accommodation: Full-service camping
Day 5 Descend to camp at Great Barranco valley
We have a morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, walking on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction (14,930ft/4,550m), we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (12,795ft/3,900m), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below, including the Barranco Wall, which we tackle tomorrow. Accommodation: Full-service camping
Day 6 Over the Barranco Wall to Karanga
A short, steep scramble up the famed Barranco Wall provides us with a different challenge and leads us to an undulating trail on the southeastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the southern icefields. The terrain changes to volcanic scree, with pockets of lush vegetation in sheltered hollows, and a powerful sense of mountain wilderness. Our next camp is at Karanga (13,125ft/4,000m), a short distance away. The valley floor has the last water point on the approach to Barafu and we camp on the higher sides of the valley with views towards the glaciers of the southern icefields. Accommodation: Full-service camping
Day 7 Steep ascent to Barafu campsite
The trail follows a path on compacted scree with wide views ahead including the Barafu Ridge, where our camp lies. The trail climbs to reach the Barafu campsite (15,090ft/4,600m) for lunch, after which there is a short acclimatisation walk to the plateau at the bottom of the southeast valley (15,750ft/4,800m). The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent and includes a very early night. Accommodation: Full-service camping
Day 8 Reach Stella Point for sunrise; to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa; descend to Millennium Camp
We start our ascent around midnight so we can reach the crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zigzags and a slow but steady pace takes us to Stella Point (18,815ft/5,735m) in about five or six hours. We rest there for a short time to enjoy sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the two-hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (19,340ft/5,895m) – congratulations, you’ve made it! Standing at the highest point in Africa, taking your photo at the Uhuru Peak sign and knowing you have climbed one of the Seven Summits is a moment that will stay with you forever! The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast; after some refreshments, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite (12,470ft/3,800m) at Millennium Camp. Accommodation: Full-service camping
Day 9 To Mweka Gate; transfer to Arusha
Today is a sustained descent on a well-constructed path through lovely tropical forest alive with birdsong and lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. Our route winds down to the national park gate at Mweka (5,415ft/1,650m) where we meet our vehicle and drive through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village. The shower, beer and swimming pool are tantalisingly close! We return by bus (62mi/100km) to Arusha. Accommodation: Moivaro Coffee Plantation Lodge (or similar)
Day 10 End Arusha
The morning can be spent resting in the hotel garden by the pool or exploring Arusha for souvenirs if you have time before your flight. However, if you’d like a little time to recuperate after climbing Kilimanjaro, speak to your sales representative to join our trip extensions, either a relaxing break on idyllic Zanzibar or an unforgettable safari adventure encompassing three different national parks.
Day 1 Arrive Arusha, Tanzania
Tour begins: 12:00 PM, Arusha Serena Hotel. A transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha Serena Hotel, is included. Welcome to Tanzania and the start of your African safari; your hotel overlooks Lake Duluti. Although most flights land at Kilimanjaro International Airport after the sun has set, thoughts of Ernest Hemingway's "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" will come to mind as you journey the short distance from the airport to your hotel.
LODGING : Arusha Serena Hotel
PORTOFCALL : Arusha, Tanzania
Day 2 Maasai Village, Lake Manyara & on to Ngorongoro
Depart your hotel in Arusha for a visit to Isoito, a Maasai boma (village), for an opportunity to learn about the Maasai cultural traditions and have a bush lunch. Enjoy your first game viewing opportunity as you continue on to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to Ngorongoro Crater, a wildlife mecca; your lodge is built on the dormant volcano's rim, with stunning views of the "lost world" below. Please join us for a welcome reception followed by dinner at the lodge this evening.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Day 3 Game drives & a picnic in Ngorongoro Crater
Spend today exploring Ngorongoro Crater, long regarded as Africa's "Garden of Eden." Within the crater lie grasslands, forests and a freshwater lake, inspiring a continual migration of animals. Riding in your four-wheel-drive safari vehicle, you'll have a chance to spot Africa's celebrated "Big Five" – buffalo, elephant, leopard, the black-maned lion and the rare black rhinoceros. Dig into a hot lunch as you picnic in the heart of the crater, sure to be a highlight of your African safari. Back at the lodge to enjoy dinner and local entertainment this evening, you'll be able to observe Ngorongoro's wildlife-rich caldera below from the comfort of your private terrace.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Day 4 Visit Oldupai Gorge en route to the Serengeti
Set off this morning to explore Oldupai Gorge, where archaeologists Louis and Mary Leakey discovered the fossilized remains of some of the earliest known human species, an estimated 1.8 million years old; learn more about the site's significance on a docent-led tour. Continue wildlife viewing while driving the rough dirt roads across the plains and grasslands of the Serengeti. Arrive at your safari lodge in the Central Serengeti, which was inspired by Maasai tribal dwellings. Have dinner at your leisure at the lodge, and enjoy some local entertainment in the lounge this evening.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Day 5 Ballooning over the Serengeti & game viewing
Lift off on an exciting hot air balloon flight* as dawn breaks over the vast Serengeti grasslands; from aloft, observe wildlife in the first light of day, an African safari thrill – and enjoy another thrill upon your return where a champagne breakfast in the bush waits for you. A morning game drive on the Serengeti plains may yield sightings of wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, hyenas, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, rhinoceros, hippos, buffalo, jackals, and gazelles. This is also one of the best places on the African Continent to see prides of lions. Return to the lodge for lunch, then enjoy an afternoon at leisure (or a lecture by an expert), followed by a special sundowner this evening before dinner at the lodge.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Day 6 On to the western Serengeti
Spot more wildlife as you travel to the Serengeti's remote Western Corridor, known for huge masses of migrating game animals thundering across the terrain. Arrive at Kirawira, your luxurious tented camp in the remote Grumeti River region for another unique African safari experience; animals you might see on an afternoon game drive across the treeless plains of the Serengeti include wildebeest, lion, buffalo, cheetah, warthogs, giraffes and zebra.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Kirawira Tented Camp
Day 7 Wildlife wonders on the Serengeti plains
After awakening in the heart of the wilderness in your luxurious tent – surrounded by Edwardian-era accents that evoke the classic safari camps of a century ago – your safari guide shares fascinating insights about the African bush on your early morning game drive, as you observe the struggle of species to survive in the "circle of life" within Serengeti National Park. Later, after lunch and another game drive, relax by the pool at Kirawira as the setting sun streaks the Tanzanian sky – a classic African safari doesn't get any better than this!
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Kirawira Tented Camp
Day 8 To Zanzibar & a Stone Town tour
Rise early for your final Serengeti game drive this morning, then fly midday to intriguing Zanzibar, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean that was once a wealthy trading center for spices. Upon arrival, set off with your local guide on a walking and driving tour of Stone Town, in the main port of Zanzibar City. Your home for the next two nights is a fabulous hotel overlooking the turquoise sea and white sand beaches.
MEALS : B, L
LODGING : Park Hyatt Zanzibar
PORTOFCALL : Stone Town, Zanzibar
Day 9 Cruise aboard a dhow on an Indian Ocean "safari" in Zanzibar
Traditional Arabian sailboats called dhows have plied the Indian Ocean waters of the Swahili Coast for millennia, trading and fishing from one island port to the next. Sail out to sea from Stone Town aboard a traditional dhow for an "Indian Ocean safari" off the coast of Zanzibar this morning, as the captain and crew help you spot dolphins frolicking in the ocean blue; cast anchor on a sandy beach for swimming and perhaps some snorkeling near beautiful coral reefs. After returning to shore, the afternoon is yours to check out more of fascinating Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on your own. Join us this evening for a farewell reception followed by a farewell dinner at your seaside hotel.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Park Hyatt Zanzibar
PORTOFCALL : Stone Town, Zanzibar
Day 10 Spice tour & Journey Home
Tour ends: Zanzibar. If you wish, join our local guides for a "spice tour" of Stone Town this morning, or just enjoy some time at leisure before checking out of your hotel. Fly late afternoon from Zanzibar to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, for your flight home. Allow 3½ hours for flight check-in. Note: International flights out should be booked after 9:00 PM.
MEALS : B
PORTOFCALL : Stone Town, Zanzibar
