Kilimanjaro - Marangu Route & Serengeti Adventure

What's Included

• Accommodation
  Simple hotels (3 nts), full-service camping (4 nts), alpine huts (4 nts)

• G for Good Moments

  Visit the Moshi Women's Cooperative, Mto wa Mbu Village, and Clean Cookstove Project.

• Welcome Moment

  Meet your CEO and group upon arrival.

• Kilimanjaro Trekking

  Includes Marangu Route trekking permits, guides, cooks, and porters.

• Wildlife Safari Drives

  Experience wildlife safari drives in Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater.

• Transport

  All transport between destinations and to/from included activities is provided.

What's Not Included

• Tipping and Gratuities

  Tipping and gratuities are not included in the tour price.

• Sleeping Bags

  Sleeping bags are required for the tour and are not included.

• Luggage Retrieval Costs

  Any costs incurred for luggage retrieval or sending luggage are not covered.

• Extra Meals or Nights

  Any extra meals or nights spent at the Moshi base hotel due to early descent are not covered.

Transport

7-seat 4x4 safari vehicle, private minibus, trekking

Meals Included

11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 8 dinners

Accommodation

Experience a blend of simple hotels, full-service camping, and alpine huts on this adventure. Enjoy 3 nights in simple hotels, 4 nights camping with full services, and 4 nights in alpine huts, providing a comfortable yet authentic experience amidst nature.

Group Size

Max 12, avg 10

Solo Travellers

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price. ...more ...less

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with a 7-seat 4x4 safari vehicle, private minibus, and trekking. This combination ensures a comfortable journey through diverse terrains, from safari drives to mountain treks, offering a seamless adventure experience.

Minimum Age

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

Important Notes

Please note: Once the park fees are paid Kilimanjaro International Park is not able to provide refunds for any unused days. Passengers should be aware that, for any reason, they are unable to make the trek to the summit, then any additional cost will be at their own expense.



1. COMBO TRIP

Please note that this trip is a combination of multiple G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and/or particular vehicles operating your tour may change between tour segments. You may also expect some group members to join or leave the tour, between tour segments.



2. SLEEPING BAGS

Please note that a sleeping bag is required for the entire duration of this tour. Sleeping bags can be rented for the Kilimanjaro portion of the tour (please see the "Checklist" section for more information), but not the Safari portion. We recommend packing a sleeping bag that can be used for both portions of this tour.



3. MIGRATION

Tanzania and Kenya

The Seronera Plains, which lie in the southeast of the National Park and extend into the western Ngorongoro Conservation Area, form the main ungulate calving grounds of the Serengeti. The wildebeest typically disperse into the Seronera plains during the short rains, which fall in late November or early December, before calving in January, and staying put until the end of the long rains from January to early May. Towards the end of April the wildebeest start to congregate on the southern plains in the preparation for the 800km northward migration. The major obstacle faced by the wildebeest on this migration is the crossing for the Grumeti River through the western corridor, which typically occurs from June into early July. From July to October, the ungulates disperse again, with about half of them crossing the Mara River into Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve and the remainder spreading out through the northern and western Serengeti. By late October the animals have generally started to plod back southward to the Seronera Plains, to arrive there in late November when the cycle starts all over again.



4. TRAVEL DAYS

The safari portion of your trip is not a physically demanding journey; however, travelling can be difficult, as long drives and poor road conditions are the rule as opposed to the exception in Tanzania. A safari is about travelling to see animals, so we cover long distances crossing the region to visit different wildlife parks. Once there, we spend the majority of the time viewing wildlife while driving in the parks. This translates to a lot of driving. Despite this, the diversity and scenery of the African landscape, the local culture and abundant wildlife are all well worth the experience.



5. COMBO TRIP

Please note that this tour is a combination of two G Adventures tours. This trip combines our Kiliminjaro Trek (DTKM), Tanzania Wildlife Experience (DTWE).



6. OTHER TRAVELLERS

Please be aware there are no minimums on the Kilimanjaro portion of this adventure. The nature of these tours is such that it is possible for certain components to have a lower number of passengers.



7. DEPARTURE

You are responsible for making your own arrangements from Arusha on day 12 (departure day), as the tour ends in Arusha.



8. LUGGAGE COMPLICATIONS FLYING INTO KILIMANJARO

It occasionally happens that luggage on international flights into Kilimanjaro does not arrive. Please be aware that this may happen, especially if you have a tight connection, are flying with different airlines with a connection, have a last minute flight change or re-route, or fly from or connect through another African centre. Please be prepared and keep all important documentation and valuables on your person. As well we recommend a change of clothes in your hand luggage. If unfortunately this does happen, and your luggage does not arrive, you should be entitled to a limited initial compensation from your airline. In Kilimanjaro, the arrival of lost luggage normally takes between 48 and 72 hours after the initial plane’s arrival. The airlines technically should be responsible to forward your luggage to you, to your hotel or elsewhere in Tanzania. You may find that you will be needed to start your trek and you still have not received your luggage. Considering that the customer service standards in Tanzania are different from home, and that we find that the airlines are not always pro-active in helping luggage in its care be reunited with its owner, it is recommended that you purchase or hire locally the needed items, and speak to your G Adventures representative at the start hotel to persist with your airline to retrieve your luggage. Once your luggage is retrieved, it should be able to be forwarded to you – depending where you are. Please note that any costs that you may incur for luggage retrieval or sending luggage are not the responsibility of G Adventures, though we will always strive to assist you in any way possible. You should always keep all receipts and documentation, and contact your airline or insurance provider for reimbursement.



9. FLYING THROUGH LONDON-HEATHROW TO EAST AFRICA?

Please note that regardless of the rules in other centres, travellers flying from or connecting in London-Heathrow are currently only permitted one carry-on piece of luggage on board flights to Nairobi. If you arrive to the security gate with 2 pieces, you will be forced to check-in one of them, which may result in complications noted in #8. This restriction is in place as of the time of writing, though local rules and regulations may indeed change. It is thus advisable to contact your airline directly for the most up-to-date information.



10. YELLOW FEVER

It may be required to show a Yellow Fever certificate upon entering the country visited. Please check in with your local health expert for advice on Yellow Fever and other inoculations required for this area.



11. ELECTRICITY

The power supply in Tanzania is nominally 240VAC, 50hz. Variable voltage, spikes and sporadic, unexpected, unscheduled power cuts of varying duration can be expected.



12. MONEY

For extra expenses at the start/end hotel, cash or visa card are the only accepted form of payment. Please note however, there will be extra charges for using your credit card. As a result of this it is preferable to settle all expenses in cash.



13. HEALTH AND SAFETY

Please read the Health and Safety section below for an important message on Physical Fitness and Altitude and Acclimatization.



14. EXTRAS

Looking to add to your experience? Check out our Extras! Specially designed for travellers with unique interests, Extras are optional add-ons to your G adventures trip that make your adventure more you-centric. Extras must be booked prior to departure, please see details in our optional activities field and ask your sales GCO or travel agent about booking.



15. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:

Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary. ...more ...less

Group Leader

For your hike on Mt. Kilimanjaro, you will be lead by an experienced certified mountain guide. To round out the team, you will be joined by an assistant guide (for groups of more than one person), a cook, and a team of porters.



Your guide has been trained in mountain guiding skills, first aid and emergency response, flora and fauna, and group management. All guides are licensed by KINAPA, the National Park Authority. Your cook is an experienced cook who will prepare a variety of nutritious, and hearty meals. As a general rule, each hiker will be accompanied by 2 porters, who assist in carrying both your bag and the team’s gear (tents, food, etc). Please note English is often the 3rd or 4th language of the Tanzanians in the area of Mt. Kilimanjaro, therefore your guide will speak a basic English.



The porter will carry a maximum of 15kg of your belongings and 5kg of personal gear. All our Porters will carry a maximum of 20kg and there is a strict weigh in by the Kilimanjaro Park authority.



On day 7 in Arusha, you will be met by a G Adventures Chief Experience Officer (CEO), who will lead your tour through the safari portion of your trip. To round out the team, he/she will be accompanied by an expert driver/guide and a camp cook. The Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will be the group manager and leader. He/she organizes the trip, and will be there to assist you when needed. Your leader will be from East Africa, and will have a general knowledge base of the region and wildlife. He/she will take care of the small things so you can concentrate on enjoying your adventure. Your driver/guide is skilled and experienced driver and a certified safari guide, and is an integral part of the team. As well, your cook will prepare the camp meals to add some further local flavour to the trip. ...more ...less

About Accommodation

Single Travellers. We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin-share accommodation and tents with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip.



Your starting hotel in Moshi has a number of services and facilities available as follows; Internet, laundry, gear hire, luggage storage, telephone services, TV lounge, sauna, curio shop, garden bar, outdoor dining area and taxis should you want to go to/from Moshi as the hotel is located just a few kilometers outside of town.



On the trek you will stay in non-heated, wooden A-frame huts with simple, single beds that have thin mattresses. There is no electricity so headlamps are essential. You will need to provide your own sleeping bag, small pillow and sleeping sheet (if you would like). Be prepared to possibly share a hut with members of the opposite sex. Your third sleep, before your summit hike, will be at the most basic of the shelters. This structure has many bunk beds, shared with several other hikers. With the altitude, the shelters do get very cold. For added comfort and insulation, you may consider bringing your own sleeping mat to lay on top of the provided mattresses. All huts have shared toilet and bathing facilities.



Drinking water: On day 2, you should bring bottled water from the hotel for your first day's hike. Beyond that, purified (filtered) mountain water will be provided for you for the duration of the hike.



Please note, in the event of having to descend from your climb early due to altitude sickness, injury or exhaustion, any extra meals or nights spent at our Moshi base Hotel will be at your own expense and will not be covered by G Adventures.



Camping on safari is truly an adventure. You will be able to get off the beaten track to get a first-hand experience of the beautiful wilderness and nature. While camping, we stay at designated public campsites inside of and nearby the national reserves and parks. These campsites generally are very basic, and we carry tents to pitch at the campsites.



Our camp site outside of Lake Manyara National Park is well serviced with a small restaurant/bar, store, warm showers, flush toilets, and electricity. Once we move into the Serengeti National Park and to the Ngorongoro Crater rim, the facilities become more basic with long-drop latrines, simple cold shower or bathing, and no electricity.



Camps are open to the natural environment – care must be taken, especially at night, when a torch/flashlight is recommended when walking around the camp area.



The idea of camping in Africa can be a daunting one. For those not accustomed to ‘roughing it’ for a few days we offer a full camping service. All tents are pitched for you, meals are prepared and served and the washing up is done by G Adventures staff. This leaves you with more time to enjoy your surroundings and is ideal for first-time campers who may be worried about the challenges such a trip can entail. ...more ...less

What to Take

As you will be trekking up Africa’s highest mountain, you will be passing through a number of different climate zones, and should pack to prepare for a number of extremes – hot and sunny, cool, cloudy, and misty, fog, rain (your first day you will be ascending through a section of rain forest), wind, and lastly snow and cold. You may experience one or all of these conditions in the same day on your trek.



In the lowlands, temperatures in the shade can reach 35C, and in the highlands it will be below freezing, with possible rain and fog. The use of lightweight, breathable, easily removable layers of clothes works best to allow you to adapt to the local conditions. We recommend breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics made of wool or synthetic fibres. Cotton is not recommended for hiking as it does not allow for heat or moisture to enter or escape, and it will not dry once wet.



Please note that is gets extremely cold near the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, and you will begin hiking your final ascent to the summit at approximately midnight and hike through the coldest part of the day. For this, in addition to several warm layers and good boots to grip as you climb over frozen scree, ice, and snow, you will need warm protection for your extremities – warm socks, gloves, and a warm winter hat. Cameras need to be protected against the severe cold weather either in warm pouch or the interior pockets of your clothing. A selection of lenses will aid the final results although weight and bulk will obviously influence your selection. For digital equipment and mp3 players, check with the manufacturer’s specifications for temperature range (especially battery life), water tightness, altitude range, and general hardiness.



You will need to provide your own sleeping bag, small pillow and sleeping sheet (if you would like).



Lastly, Mt. Kilimanjaro is located only a few hundred kilometres from the equator, and at altitude, the sun’s effects are heightened. Use a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and wear proper clothing to protect yourself from the sun, to reduce the risk of sunstroke.



Please note, secure luggage and valuables storage facilities are available at your Moshi hotel while you climb. Your hotel in Arusha also offers storage facilities for any extra mountain gear/clothing that you do not require for the safari portion of the trip.



With regard to the type of pack(s) to use, two packs would be useful:



1. One larger pack (preferably a duffle bag) that will be carried by the porters inside large, canvas duffle bags. This pack should not exceed 15kg, and should be within the following dimensions: 30cm (height) x30cm (width) x 60cm (length)



2. One smaller 30-35L pack (5kg) that you will carry containing your water, snacks and wet weather gear.



Below are the suggest sizes for both medium and large rucksacks with a maximum weight of 15kg.



Medium Rucksacks: 48 Litre to 58Litre

Large Rucksacks: 60+ Litres



Please note that binoculars are not provided on this tour. If you are interested in using binoculars, you must pack your own. ...more ...less

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. ...more ...less

Enquire for Extra Savings

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