14 Days Tanzania Wildlife & Kilimanjaro Climbing Safari...
Kilimanjaro Climbing Safaris
Mt Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, is a slumbering volcano whose Uhuru Peak soars to an altitude of 5,895m/19,340ft above the flatlands of northern Tanzania. It entices mountain climbers from all parts of the world since it can be summited without technical gear and no mountaineering experience. Nevertheless, a Kilimanjaro mountaineering journey is a huge endeavor that must not be taken lightly.
It will take at least five days, and climbers will be confronted with daunting heights and temperatures. Moreover, if you are conscious of your budget, the expenses of the trip will be quite hefty. Nevertheless, the reward for a successful climb is incomparable – the profound pleasure of being on the top of the iconic Roof of Africa.
Top Kilimanjaro Climbing Safaris Tours
Common Kilimanjaro Safari Questions
Are affordable Mount Kilimanjaro climbing tours available?
“It is dependent on the criteria you use to define inexpensive. The fixed expenditures associated with climbing Mount Kilimanjaro amount to approximately $800 per person for a trip that lasts for five days, and those costs grow by approximately $170 to $200 for each extra day spent on the mountain. This amount accounts for entrance fees to the national park as well as wages for the guide, porter, and cook.
While this standard pricing applies to all Kilimanjaro climbs, the price difference between more affordable and more luxurious trips of the mountain is not nearly as great as it might seem at first glance. Even while there are a few budget-friendly firms that do provide very inexpensive Kilimanjaro climbing tours, the quality of the equipment, food, guiding, or other services offered is typically sacrificed in order to meet the price point.
When shopping for a Kilimanjaro package, placing too much emphasis on pricing might be a waste of money because it can lessen the pleasure you get out of your vacation and increase the likelihood that you will not reach the peak of the mountain.
What is the most cost-effective way to climb Kilimanjaro, and what are the best routes?
If by “best” you mean “least expensive,” then you should take the Marangu Route. That will save you the most money. The fact that this is the only route up Kilimanjaro that can typically be finished in five days allows hikers to avoid paying the additional park fees that are connected with lengthier treks. Marangu is the only route that offers accommodations in the form of mountain huts; hence, the operator may spend less money on equipment and porters.
However, despite the fact that the Marangu path is the least expensive way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, it is also the most popular. In addition, the success rate for climbers who try Kilimanjaro over the course of 5 days is lower than the success rate for climbers who allow 6 days or more.
Hence, even if you are working with a limited amount of money, there are compelling reasons to plan a longer and slightly more expensive tour that takes a different path. In this scenario, a trek along the Machame Way, which takes six days, is typically the most cost-effective alternative; but, the Lemosho Route, which typically takes seven days, is less crowded and more stunning.
The Rongai Route, which climbs the comparatively dry northern slopes, is your best overall option for climbing during the wetter months of November to December and March to May.
How much does it cost to climb Mount Kilimanjaro on a shoestring budget?
The most affordable 5-day walks along the Marangu Trail start at roughly $1,100 to $1,300 per person, with the exact price varying to some extent depending on the number of people in the party. This should include all of the national park fees, guide and porter prices, camping gear costs, and food expenditures; but, tips for the porters, cooks, and guides will not be covered by this.
You may expect to pay between $1,300 and $1,500 per person for a budget-friendly Kilimanjaro safari that takes either the Marangu or Machame Way and lasts for six days. Be prepared to pay a higher price for hikes that last seven days or more, or that follow routes that are less traveled and more isolated, such as Rongai and Lemosho.
If I were to go on a cheap tour of Kilimanjaro, where would you recommend I stay before and after the climb?
The villages of Moshi and Arusha are by far the most common choices for lodging either before or after an inexpensive ascent of Kilimanjaro. Both provide a wide selection of inexpensive guesthouses, hostels for backpackers, and various types of accommodations that are accommodating to travelers on a budget.
Moshi, as opposed to Arusha, is the location that is nearer to the foot of Kilimanjaro. If you stay here, you will have a better opportunity to see the snow-capped peak, and the first day of your climbing tour will be shorter because you will have covered less distance. If you plan to go on safari following your climb of Kilimanjaro, staying in Arusha is the better choice than staying in Moshi because it is just approximately two hours further away from most of the trailheads on the mountain.
There is additional accommodation available in the more rustic settings of Marangu and Machame if you would prefer them (the starting point is for the ascent routes of the same name). Nonetheless, the price is typically more than the more affordable options in Moshi and Arusha.
At the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, are there any day hikes or other daily activities that visitors can take?
At the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, there are a plethora of options for day treks. If you do not want to complete the ascent of Kilimanjaro in its entirety, the Shira Plateau Trail System is an option that is not physically difficult and comes highly recommended. This climb takes place on the eastern slopes of the mountain at an elevation of 3,500 meters (11,480 feet), and it frequently offers up close and personal views of the snow-capped peak.
The short guided trip to the Materuni Falls, which are located in the forested southern foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, is a popular alternative for those who are searching for a warm-up before to ascending the summit of Kilimanjaro.
The Meru Crater, located in Arusha National Park, is a more difficult destination for a day hike. The day trip to this crater, which is a portion of Mt. Meru, Africa’s fifth-highest massif, ascends to an altitude of 2,600 meters (8,530 feet), which is helpful for acclimatizing to the altitude of Kilimanjaro. (The complete walk up to Meru’s 4,566-meter/14,980-foot peak, which can take anywhere from two to four days, is even better for acclimatization.)
An additional well-liked day trip near the foot of Kilimanjaro is a quick safari in Arusha National Park, where visitors can search for elephants, buffalos, giraffes, as well as a large variety of antelopes, monkeys, and birds. You may also plan a visit to a cultural village in the Machame or Marangu area, or you could go swimming in the hot springs in Kikuletwa, which are known for their clarity.