Kilimanjaro Expedition

Overview

Our guided Kilimanjaro expedition leads climbers to the highest point in Africa. Well known as one of the Seven Summits, Kilimanjaro has been attracting both mountaineers and adventurers for more than a century. AAI uses the best in local logistics to provide an unmatched experience. Since 1975, climbers on our guided expeditions have been very successful and continue to be a part of our legacy in the mountains around the world.

On the summit of Africa.
Nathan Evenson

Expedition Highlights

Climb Africa's highest mountain and one of the Seven Summits.
Experience the thrill and challenge of high altitude climbing.
Explore East Africa's culture and varied ecology.
Add a safari to enjoy some of the best game viewing on the continent.

The stratovolcano Kilimanjaro is an immense island of multiple micro-climates, surrounded by the dry, African plains. It stands in north-eastern Tanzania, just a few miles from the southern border of Kenya, and 250 miles (400 km) south of the equator. Much of the pleasure of climbing the peak is in the wide variety of landscapes and ecosystems you will experience. Great contrasts range from rainforest to sub-alpine grasslands to an alpine zone of cliffs and glaciers. The visual impact of Kilimanjaro is strong as it dominates the horizon for thousands of square miles, towering as the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

Kilimanjaro as seen from Karangu Camp. Shawn Olson

Our expedition is an enjoyable, non-technical climb that encompasses expansive views across Africa, passage through diverse cultural areas and ecosystems, and optional safaris through surrounding National Parks. Porters, cooks, and local guides accompany the group, allowing you to enjoy the experience and focus on the climb. Your guides assist you with the climb, oversee the local staff, and provide an additional level of safety for you during the climb.

Related Trip Report

Good Living on Kilimanjaro

By Shawn Olson

The Kilimanjaro trek to the summit and back down is ten days long (including the arrival and departure days), and the optional safari can range from three to seven days. The safari includes travel through Lake Manyara National Park, the wonders of the Serengeti, Rift Valley, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the market of Mto Wa Mbu where local Maasai sell their traditional crafts. In terms of wildlife, we see both resident and migratory species including many varieties of birds and a full range of large African mammals. The game viewing is some of the best on the continent.

After the safari, you can also can also break up the long journey home with some climbing in France or Switzerland, or complete ascents of two of the Seven Summits in a month by combining this expedition with a climb of Mt. Elbrus (the tallest peak in Europe).

Prerequisites

Previous backpacking experience
Good physical condition

Alpenglow lights up a glacier on Kilimanjaro.

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Kilimanjaro Expedition

Route and Plan

The Machame Route

Sunrise over Africa, from just below the summit on Kilimanjaro.
Shawn Olson

We climb the mountain by the picturesque Machame Route, considered by many to be the most beautiful route on the mountain. Most of the climb itself is actually trekking on well-formed trails, though there are a few sections of steeper, non-technical terrain. Our camps are at sites established by the Tanzanian National Park Service, and each camp provides outhouses and is staffed by a rescue team in case emergency evacuations are necessary.

We use five camps as we gradually move up the mountain, and their altitude (ranging from 9,843 to 15,100 feet) will help us acclimatize gradually before making our summit bid. A typical day includes three to six hours of climbing. Summit day is typically between 5 and 8 hours, and begins just after midnight with a plan to enjoy the magnificent colors of sunrise near the summit.

Besides its beauty, a benefit of the Machame Route is that it includes two days of "hiking high and sleeping low," a strategy proven to help with successful acclimatization.

Why Climb With AAI?

High quality service at camp on Kilimanjaro.

The American Alpine Institute has long been the standard for safety and excellence in mountain guiding. In our 35 years of experience, we have been committed to providing the highest quality mountain trips. On Kilimanjaro, we work closely with what we believe to be the best local outfitter in Tanzania.

Here are reasons we believe our Kilimanjaro Expedition to be of the highest quality:

Dedication to safety
Gourmet food
Local knowledge
Outstanding African support staff
7-day ascent maximizes chance for success
Extra day for summit in case of bad weather

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Kilimanjaro Expedition

Cost and Dates

Machame Route Trailhead, Kilimanjaro National Park.

Machame Route Trailhead, Kilimanjaro.
Shawn Olson

Cost:

$5000 per climber (8 to 10 climbers)
$5500 per climber (4 to 7 climbers)
Single supplement: $400

Max Ratio:

2 guides for groups of 4 - 6
3 guides for groups of 7 - 10

Capacity: 10 climbers

Dates

Machame Route

Please contact the office for avaliable dates

Lemosho Crater Route

Please contact the office for availabe dates

Kilimanjaro Expedition

Details

Inclusions and Exclusions

The expedition fee includes:

All accommodations (single room supplement available)
All expedition organizational requirements
Airport transfer from Kilimanjaro International airport to hotel and return; transport to and from the trailhead
All meals while on the expedition (also on optional safaris)
All dining and camping equipment (excluding sleeping bag and pad)
Portable private toilet with bio-degradable waste system (Cleanwaste®) at all camps
Services of trip leader, climbing guides, and mountain crew
Gamow bag (portable hyperbaric chamber) and supplemental oxygen on all climbs
Kilimanjaro National Park entrance, camping, and rescue fees
Bottled water at Mbahe; filtered water on climb; coffee, teas, cocoa, milk, juices
Guided Mbahe Village walking tour

The expedition fee does not include: personal clothing and equipment, including sleeping bag/pad; international airfare; pre-trip expenses such as immunizations, travel insurance, passports, and visas; additional accommodations and meals made necessary by airline schedule changes; excess baggage charges and airport taxes; bottled beverages; tips and gratuities to leaders, guides, crew, or other staff.

Alternate Pricing Options / Private Groups

Climbers descend after a successful summit on Kilimanjaro.
AAI Collection

Course minimum:
1:1 $5700
2:1 or 3:1 $4700
4:1 - 7:1 $4400
Custom dates are available! Trips beginning on December 26th will summit on New Years Day.For more information, please call (360) 671-1505, or inquire at [email protected] about these options.
Private groups: No minimum group size and flexible dates (please contact AAI for pricing).

Additional Details

Visas
All foreigners from non-Commonwealth countries are required to have a valid visa unless their countries have agreements with Tanzania under which the visa requirement is waived. Check for updates before traveling. Visas can be obtained on arrival for most nationalities.

Equipment Notes
We will supply all group gear (e.g. tents, stoves, utensils etc), while expedition members are to provide their own personal clothing, day pack, duffel bag, footwear, and sleeping bag/pad.

Safety Communications and Insurance
To safeguard members of the expedition we will be carrying a satellite telephone. We require expedition members to carry additional insurance for evacuation and repatriation as well as normal travel medical expenses. Contact us for expedition insurance advice.