MOUNT
KILIMANJARO
The Serengeti Frontier Safaris have perfected the climb to these legendary snows with a 9-days trek on the Western Breach Route; an amazingly beautiful trail on Kili’s remote south west flank. This route gives full acclimatisation, short hiking days and greatest chance of summit success. The Western Breach is where the IMAX film about Mountain Kilimanjaro was made. It still has a beautiful scenery.
Machame Route
8 Days | 7 Nights
KILIMANJARO - MACHAME ROUTE
TANZANIA - 8 DAYS 7 NIGHTSDAY 1
Arrive in Arusha, transfer to your hotel of choice. Meet your guide.
Arrive in Arusha, transfer to your hotel of choice. Meet your guide.
DAY 2
Hiking in Arusha National Park for acclimatisation and briefing for the climb.
Hiking in Arusha National Park for acclimatisation and briefing for the climb.
DAY 3
Start a climb at Machame gate. After registration you will start hiking through this beautiful scenery and arrive at the camp in the late afternoon. It will take about 4-6hrs to reach our camp 10,000ft.
Start a climb at Machame gate. After registration you will start hiking through this beautiful scenery and arrive at the camp in the late afternoon. It will take about 4-6hrs to reach our camp 10,000ft.
DAY 4
The hike today will be about 5hrs. Ascend the Machame route climbing above the old Shira hut camp on upper heath zone. 12,600ft.
The hike today will be about 5hrs. Ascend the Machame route climbing above the old Shira hut camp on upper heath zone. 12,600ft.
DAY 5
The hike will take us up to 14,000ft just below Lava tower and then back own to the great Barranco Valley.
The hike will take us up to 14,000ft just below Lava tower and then back own to the great Barranco Valley.
DAY 6
The route today climbs out of the Barranco Valley and ascend to over 14,000ft. Traverse under the glacier of the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro. We then descend into Karanga Valley then begin the 1600ft ascent to Barafu hut.
The route today climbs out of the Barranco Valley and ascend to over 14,000ft. Traverse under the glacier of the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro. We then descend into Karanga Valley then begin the 1600ft ascent to Barafu hut.
DAY 7
We start our ascent to the summit very early in the morning. This allows us to be near the summit as the morning sun is rising. After summiting Uhuru Peak, you will begin a long descent.
We start our ascent to the summit very early in the morning. This allows us to be near the summit as the morning sun is rising. After summiting Uhuru Peak, you will begin a long descent.
DAY 8
Drive to Arusha to fly home or to continue with Extension of your trip.
Drive to Arusha to fly home or to continue with Extension of your trip.
Lemosho Route
10 Days | 9 Nights
KILIMANJARO - LEMOSHO ROUTE
TANZANIA - 10 DAYS 9 NIGHTSDAY 1
Arrive in Arusha, transfer to your hotel of choice. Meet your guide.
Arrive in Arusha, transfer to your hotel of choice. Meet your guide.
DAY 2
Briefing day, your guide will brief you about our trip and all mountain logistic; check your gear to make sure you have right equipment for mountain hiking in Arusha National Park.
Briefing day, your guide will brief you about our trip and all mountain logistic; check your gear to make sure you have right equipment for mountain hiking in Arusha National Park.
DAY 3
Three hours drive to the gate to sign in and drive to the trail head. You will meet the porters and cooks at the trail head. Introductions, then the hike begins at the altitude of 7,600 ft. You may see the Black and White Colobus monkey on the hike through the forest.
Three hours drive to the gate to sign in and drive to the trail head. You will meet the porters and cooks at the trail head. Introductions, then the hike begins at the altitude of 7,600 ft. You may see the Black and White Colobus monkey on the hike through the forest.
DAY 4
We begin the hike through thick forest. As we leave the montane forest, we move through a transition zone and then enter the heath zone. Old kili lava flows are visible here. Hike to the rim of the Shira plateau, an immense ancient crater and on top a camp on the plateau. Has a dramatic view of Kilimanjaro and it’s glaciers, hiking time is about 7-9hrs.
We begin the hike through thick forest. As we leave the montane forest, we move through a transition zone and then enter the heath zone. Old kili lava flows are visible here. Hike to the rim of the Shira plateau, an immense ancient crater and on top a camp on the plateau. Has a dramatic view of Kilimanjaro and it’s glaciers, hiking time is about 7-9hrs.
DAY 5
Today's hike takes us higher on the Shira Plateau. Hike through heath and moorland zones. You will see plants like Senecios and Lobelias. The camp has views over the Shira plateau. Hiking is about 6hrs.
Today's hike takes us higher on the Shira Plateau. Hike through heath and moorland zones. You will see plants like Senecios and Lobelias. The camp has views over the Shira plateau. Hiking is about 6hrs.
DAY 6
Hiking today is through moorlands to the Alpine desert zone. Entering the high desert we see different types of vegetation. Option hiking can be arranged with your guide in the evening.
Hiking today is through moorlands to the Alpine desert zone. Entering the high desert we see different types of vegetation. Option hiking can be arranged with your guide in the evening.
DAY 7
It is a short hike but very steep to Arrow glacier. It has a spectacular view of Shira's plateau. The hike is about 3hrs. Rest in the afternoon for the next day hike to the crater camp.
It is a short hike but very steep to Arrow glacier. It has a spectacular view of Shira's plateau. The hike is about 3hrs. Rest in the afternoon for the next day hike to the crater camp.
DAY 8
Toughest day! Ascend by the steep Western Breach route. There are frequent switchbacks, and you will pass large boulders as you go. You may need to use your hands for balance while ascending. We leave the camp very early (around 5:00 a.m.) and arrive at the next camp mid-afternoon.
Toughest day! Ascend by the steep Western Breach route. There are frequent switchbacks, and you will pass large boulders as you go. You may need to use your hands for balance while ascending. We leave the camp very early (around 5:00 a.m.) and arrive at the next camp mid-afternoon.
DAY 9
The true summit of Kilimanjaro (19,340 feet) is just above you! You will hike for 2 hours for the final 800 feet. You will reach the summit, take pictures, and get ready for a long walk down to Mweka Camp. Be prepared for a day-long hike to 9,000 feet. Most people find it by far the most painful moment on the trip. Trekking poles are highly recommended for support.
The true summit of Kilimanjaro (19,340 feet) is just above you! You will hike for 2 hours for the final 800 feet. You will reach the summit, take pictures, and get ready for a long walk down to Mweka Camp. Be prepared for a day-long hike to 9,000 feet. Most people find it by far the most painful moment on the trip. Trekking poles are highly recommended for support.
DAY 10
Today you will leave the camp early for your final hike. It is to the Mweka Gate. There you will sign out of the park and you will meet your car to transfer you to Arusha.
Today you will leave the camp early for your final hike. It is to the Mweka Gate. There you will sign out of the park and you will meet your car to transfer you to Arusha.
Serengeti Frontier safari runs a combination trip of Wildlife safari and the Kilimanjaro climb.
Machame Route II
9 Days | 8 Nights
KILIMANJARO - MACHAME ROUTE
TANZANIA - 9 DAYS 8 NIGHTSDAY 1
You step outside Kilimanjaro International Airport and you find yourself in the landscape you've been dreaming of. You did it. You are here. Time to transfer to Rivertrees Country Inn for a briefing and a delicious welcome dinner.
You step outside Kilimanjaro International Airport and you find yourself in the landscape you've been dreaming of. You did it. You are here. Time to transfer to Rivertrees Country Inn for a briefing and a delicious welcome dinner.
DAY 2
Machame Gate is waiting for you this morning, as are the friendly porters, guides, and cooks who will spend the next six days trekking with you to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. Coffee farms and villages will dot the drive to your adventure's starting line.
Your first day's destination is Machame Camp. Each day, porters and cooks will walk ahead to set up the camp in time for your arrival. The moss-covered canopy of Kilimanjaro's cloud forest extends above you as you walk towards the heathers, tall grasses, and wildflowers. Look around you as you ascend. You might just catch a glimpse of your ultimate destination, Kibo Peak, as it calls you closer every day.
Machame Gate is waiting for you this morning, as are the friendly porters, guides, and cooks who will spend the next six days trekking with you to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. Coffee farms and villages will dot the drive to your adventure's starting line.
Your first day's destination is Machame Camp. Each day, porters and cooks will walk ahead to set up the camp in time for your arrival. The moss-covered canopy of Kilimanjaro's cloud forest extends above you as you walk towards the heathers, tall grasses, and wildflowers. Look around you as you ascend. You might just catch a glimpse of your ultimate destination, Kibo Peak, as it calls you closer every day.
DAY 3
Notice the change in vegetation as you gain altitude. The trees diminish in size, giving way to Kilimanjaro's famous high-altitude plants; Scenecio, Kilimanjari, and Lobelia Deckeni. You climb the Shira Plateau and realise that you are walking on the remains of the first volcano that expired on Kilimanjaro 500,000 years ago.
Continue to Shira Camp and, after relaxing a while, you can do a small thirty-minute acclimatisation hike above the campsite. With Kibo to the west and Mount Meru to the east. Tonight you will fall asleep in the company of giants.
Notice the change in vegetation as you gain altitude. The trees diminish in size, giving way to Kilimanjaro's famous high-altitude plants; Scenecio, Kilimanjari, and Lobelia Deckeni. You climb the Shira Plateau and realise that you are walking on the remains of the first volcano that expired on Kilimanjaro 500,000 years ago.
Continue to Shira Camp and, after relaxing a while, you can do a small thirty-minute acclimatisation hike above the campsite. With Kibo to the west and Mount Meru to the east. Tonight you will fall asleep in the company of giants.
DAY 4
After breakfast, hike east on the Shira Plateau before reaching the junction for the Shira and Lemosho Routes. Continue on through the barren landscape before stopping for lunch. You'll reach the highest point of the day after lunch before descending to Barranco Camp. If you prefer to move at a quicker pace, you can take a detour via Lava Tower, a 300-foot lava formation jutting out of the mountainside.
Although this up and down day ends with an elevation gain of only 110 meters, by early afternoon you will have climbed 690 meters to a height of 4,530 meters before beginning your descent to Barranco Camp. This day is critical for acclimatisation.
After breakfast, hike east on the Shira Plateau before reaching the junction for the Shira and Lemosho Routes. Continue on through the barren landscape before stopping for lunch. You'll reach the highest point of the day after lunch before descending to Barranco Camp. If you prefer to move at a quicker pace, you can take a detour via Lava Tower, a 300-foot lava formation jutting out of the mountainside.
Although this up and down day ends with an elevation gain of only 110 meters, by early afternoon you will have climbed 690 meters to a height of 4,530 meters before beginning your descent to Barranco Camp. This day is critical for acclimatisation.
DAY 5
After breakfast you will leave Barranco Camp for Karanga Valley. The day begins with a 2-3 hour scramble up Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day and in some places, you will have to use your hands to pull your body up. After reaching the top, you'll make a short descent into the lush green of Karanga Valley and hike a short and steep uphill before reaching your camp for the night. Look westwards for an unforgettable sunset over Mount Meru before tucking into your tent for a well-deserved rest.
After breakfast you will leave Barranco Camp for Karanga Valley. The day begins with a 2-3 hour scramble up Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day and in some places, you will have to use your hands to pull your body up. After reaching the top, you'll make a short descent into the lush green of Karanga Valley and hike a short and steep uphill before reaching your camp for the night. Look westwards for an unforgettable sunset over Mount Meru before tucking into your tent for a well-deserved rest.
DAY 6
After a hearty breakfast, begin your hike to Barafu Camp. On the way to Barafu, take in the beauty of Kibo's glaciers. Your path passes through an alpine desert with little vegetation, giving you stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks as well. Tuck yourself in and get some sleep for your midnight summit to Uhuru Peak.
After a hearty breakfast, begin your hike to Barafu Camp. On the way to Barafu, take in the beauty of Kibo's glaciers. Your path passes through an alpine desert with little vegetation, giving you stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks as well. Tuck yourself in and get some sleep for your midnight summit to Uhuru Peak.
DAY 7
You wake up before 10 pm, unzip your sleeping bag, and smile at the butterflies in your stomach telling you: this is it. Here is your final ascent to Uhuru Peak. Hike by the light of your headlamp and from the glow of the full moon for the next six hours. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Stella Point.
The path from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb. The altitude, however, will make your hike long and demanding. You will hike for an hour more along the crater rim until at last you reach Uhuru. You let out a collective breath of accomplishment before taking a moment to scan the landscape and capture photos of your group at the peak. Don't stay too long though, gale force winds and low oxygen levels mean it's nearly time to go. On the way down from Uhuru to Millenium Camp, enjoy views of the mountain, crater, clouds, and glaciers.
At Barafu Camp, it is time for you to replenish with breakfast and a short rest. After your nap, you will hike another three to five hours to down to Millenium Camp.
You wake up before 10 pm, unzip your sleeping bag, and smile at the butterflies in your stomach telling you: this is it. Here is your final ascent to Uhuru Peak. Hike by the light of your headlamp and from the glow of the full moon for the next six hours. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Stella Point.
The path from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb. The altitude, however, will make your hike long and demanding. You will hike for an hour more along the crater rim until at last you reach Uhuru. You let out a collective breath of accomplishment before taking a moment to scan the landscape and capture photos of your group at the peak. Don't stay too long though, gale force winds and low oxygen levels mean it's nearly time to go. On the way down from Uhuru to Millenium Camp, enjoy views of the mountain, crater, clouds, and glaciers.
At Barafu Camp, it is time for you to replenish with breakfast and a short rest. After your nap, you will hike another three to five hours to down to Millenium Camp.
DAY 8
After breakfast, you finish the trek with a hike back through the forest towards Mweka Gate. You look back towards your path and smile with pride at the incredible adventure you just completed. Your ride home will meet you to take you back to your hotel in Arusha so you can take a well-earned rest, freshen up and have a farewell dinner.
After breakfast, you finish the trek with a hike back through the forest towards Mweka Gate. You look back towards your path and smile with pride at the incredible adventure you just completed. Your ride home will meet you to take you back to your hotel in Arusha so you can take a well-earned rest, freshen up and have a farewell dinner.
DAY 9
Depending on your departure flight you can have an optional tour of Arusha town, shopping for souvenirs, then off to the airport in time of departure.
Depending on your departure flight you can have an optional tour of Arusha town, shopping for souvenirs, then off to the airport in time of departure.
MOUNT
MERU
Serengeti Frontier Safaris have perfected the climb to these legendary snows with a 9-days trek on the Western Breach Route; an amazingly beautiful trail on Kili’s remote, south-west flank. This route gives full acclimatisation, short hiking days and greatest chance of summit success. The Western Breach is where the IMAX film was made on Kilimanjaro. It still has a beautiful scenery.
