Compare Kilimanjaro Climb - Lemosho Route by Exodus Travels vs Mountain Gorilla Safari: Kenya, Tanzania & Rwanda 2021 by Tauck
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5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 10 days | 16 days |
| Price From | $ 4,795 | $ 19,890 |
| Price Per Day | $ 480 | $ 1,243 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | N/A |
| 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 |
From the Big Five to silverbacked Mountain Gorillas, wildlife is the draw on this 16-day safari through Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda where game drives and mountain treks reward you with once-in-a-lifetime encounters with animals, both endemic and endangered. All departures are small groups, limited to 24 guests. |
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: Gran Meliá Arusha. A transfer is included from Kilimanjaro International Airport to the Gran Meliá Arusha Hotel in Arusha, a safari gateway city at the foot of Mount Meru.
LODGING : Gran Meliá Arusha
PORTOFCALL : Arusha, Tanzania
Day 2 Birds of Lake Manyara National Park
The vast Serengeti beckons as you begin your safari in Tanzania. Take your first game drive through Lake Manyara National Park, where you might get your first glimpse of giraffes, baboons, hippos, and elephants along with hundreds of species of birds. Arrive in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, populated by an estimated 30,000 large mammals. Your lodge for the next two nights is on the Ngorongoro Crater rim overlooking the caldera below, an excellent spot for our welcome reception and dinner.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
PORTOFCALL : Arusha, Tanzania
Day 3 A Garden of Eden in Ngorongoro Crater
Thought by some to be Africa’s original "Garden of Eden," Ngorongoro Crater is one of the largest calderas in the world and contains a variety of ecosystems and an astounding concentration of birds and animals. Your four-wheel-drive vehicle, built exclusively for Tauck, provides an excellent mobile viewing platform when encountering massive herds of zebras, wildebeests, and gazelles. This area affords an opportunity to spot the Big Five – elephant, leopard, lion, buffalo, and rhinoceros. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the crater today.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Day 4 Flying to Serengeti National Park
Today, you'll hop a morning flight from Lake Manyara to the heart of Serengeti National Park. As you do, you'll fly over Oldupai Gorge, where, over 50 years ago, archaeologists Louis and Mary Leakey discovered the fossilized remains of some of the earliest known human species, an estimated 1.8 million years old. Arrive at your Four Seasons safari lodge in the Serengeti for a three-night stay. Following an afternoon game drive in Serengeti National Park, join us this evening for a special barbecue dinner in your lodge's Boma Grill, enhanced by a Maasai traditional dance performance.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Day 5 Endless Plains in Serengeti Nat’l Park
Look for wildlife in the heart of the vast savanna of the Serengeti today on both morning and afternoon game drives. Sightings might include lions, zebras, hyenas, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, hippos, buffaloes, jackals, gazelles, and giraffes. When the sunset paints the sky in the evening, watch the show from the luxury of your lodge in Serengeti National Park, and enjoy dinner tonight at your choice of restaurants at the lodge.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Day 6 Kenya’s Amboseli National Park
Spend another glorious day in the spectacular Serengeti as you head out into the grasslands aboard safari vehicles for game drives in the early morning as well as the afternoon. In between, you'll have free time to relax and enjoy the amenities of your Four Seasons safari lodge, where you'll dine at your choice of restaurants tonight.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Day 7 On to Kenya’s Amboseli National Park
Leave the Serengeti behind as you fly to Arusha, Tanzania en route to Kenya. Dominating the skyline, majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro peaks over surrounding landscapes from more than 15,000 feet up. After landing in Arusha, enjoy an early lunch at the Cultural Heritage Center before continuing overland into Kenya to begin a two-night at your safari lodge in Amboseli National Park, where herds of free-ranging elephants and other wildlife like to roam. Enjoy a private lecture on the elephants of Amboseli and anti-poaching efforts in Kenya prior to dinner at your leisure at the lodge this evening.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Day 8 Private game drives and more in Amboseli
Tauck's private safari game drives in Amboseli National Park offer ample opportunity to view the elephants, hippos and buffaloes that seek out the park's natural watering holes and the graceful antelopes that graze in the flat grasslands. An early morning visit to a Maasai village precedes a morning game drive, after which you'll return to the lodge for breakfast. Spend some down time at your lodge prior to lunch, then another game drive, and time to spend as you please at the lodge in the afternoon. Dinner is at your leisure at the lodge this evening.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Day 9 Fly to the Equator & Sweetwaters
A morning flight brings you to Sweetwaters Serena Camp, set in Ol Pejeta Conservancy on the Equator, your home for the next two nights. Following lunch and an Equatorial demonstration, the remainder of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the amenities and surroundings at this fabulous tented safari camp.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Day 10 Rhinos & chimpanzees, village crafts & more
An exciting day begins at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, home to the largest resident black rhino population in East Africa and other members of the Big Five. It is also home to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, founded by Jane Goodall, which gives lifelong homes to orphaned and abused chimpanzees, and which you'll visit this morning. While at Ol Pejeta, enjoy Tauck's special access to visit a compound where endangered black rhino are bred. After lunch at your hotel, take a look at local life on a private visit to a nearby village, where villagers spin colorful tales into their handmade wool rugs, sweaters and shawls right before your eyes. Return to your celebrity resort late afternoon. Tonight, attend our private barbecue dinner held under the stars at Sweetwaters Serena Camp.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Day 11 The Masai Mara & an evening game drive
Pack your Tauck duffle bag and fly to the Masai Mara National Reserve in southern Kenya, where you'll be welcomed by Maasai warriors. Have lunch upon your arrival at the luxurious Fairmont Mara Safari Club, where an elegant tented camp is your home for the next two nights. Spend the afternoon relaxing, swimming, taking in the views and otherwise becoming acquainted with the Safari Club and your luxury tented camp accommodations, evoking the classic safaris of yesteryear. Embark on a late afternoon game drive across the plains of "the Mara" in search of animals that make their homes here; perhaps you’ll see lions, antelopes, elephants and zebras in their daily rituals. Return to camp for a briefing on tomorrow's hot air balloon flight, followed by dinner.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Fairmont Mara Safari Club
Day 12 Ballooning over the plains of the Masai Mara
Today will be one that you’ll always remember, as you arise before dawn to board a hot air balloon* and float over the Masai Mara's awakening plains below as the sun rises. When you land, a special champagne breakfast will be awaiting you right there in the bush! Spectacular isn’t quite strong enough a word to describe such an experience, a Tauck Exclusive on your Kenya safari! Back on the ground, look for lions, impalas, cheetahs, giraffes, and the other animals you’ve come to love as you return overland to the camp for lunch and an afternoon at leisure – and later on an evening game drive in the bush. After returning to your tented camp, join us for dinner in the boma of the Fairmont Mara Safari Club.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Fairmont Mara Safari Club
Day 13 Fly to Kigali, Rwanda
Fly this morning to Kigali airport in Rwanda, home to Volcanoes National Park and the forested habitat of endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. A late afternoon arrival at your Serena Hotel is followed by dinner at leisure.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Kigali Serena Hotel
PORTOFCALL : Kigali, Rwanda
Day 14 Kigali coffee & Dian Fossey's gorilla legacy
Embark this morning on a drive through the countryside to the city of Ruhengeri at the base of Volcanoes National Park, where eight ancient volcanoes watch over the wildlife that thrives here. Check into your grass-thatched traditional Rwandan lodge, nestled under the eucalyptus trees at the foothills of the Virunga Volcano range, and have lunch before visiting the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Museum. Learn insights and observations about gorilla behavior in preparation for tomorrow’s trek, as well as hear the fascinating story of Dian Fossey’s unforgettable quest to save the mountain gorilla.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : One&Only Gorilla's Nest
Day 15 Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park
Rise early for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you’ll not soon forget. Drive to the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park where a briefing by your expert mountain guides answers any questions you may have about your trek into the wilderness and a dance performance as you eat your boxed breakfast whets your appetite for today’s gorilla adventure. Climb aboard a safari vehicle as you make your way to the trailhead where your gorilla trek begins. You will be assigned a porter who will help carry your provisions and cameras and lead you to the gorilla family you are here to meet. Once the gorillas are located, you will have the rare opportunity to watch them interact with each other, and you if they choose! When your hour-long visit is up, head back to the lodge for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. A local expert presents an informative lecture this afternoon about the endangered mountain gorillas you were privileged to see. Join us tonight for a farewell reception and dinner at the lodge.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : One&Only Gorilla's Nest
Day 16 Journey Home
Tour ends: Kigali. Depart your hotel after breakfast for your journey back to Kigali, stopping en route to visit the Genocide Memorial Museum. Pay tribute to the 800,000 Rwandans who lost their lives during the atrocities of 1994 and discover how Rwanda was able to come together, heal and move forward into the future with hope and resilience. Continue to the Kigali Serena Hotel where Tauck has reserved day rooms for you until your flight home this evening. Airport transfers are included from Kigali Serena Hotel to Kigali International Airport. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check in at the airport.
MEALS : B, L
PORTOFCALL : Kigali, Rwanda
