Discover Nature at its wilderst

Tanzania Southern Circuit

Southern Tanzania safaris are less famous than those of the North and the Parks receive few visitors. Those on safari for the first time will probably prefer to visit the big names of Ngorongoro or Serengeti but the parks of the South are vast and beautiful and offer a more remote wildlife experience.Whilst Arusha is the logical point of departure for all Safaris in the North and all Parks are closely grouped together for Southern Tanzania Safaris, the Parks of the South are each separated one from the other by quite large distances and whilst the road situation is improving most connections are best made by small reasonably priced charter or scheduled flights which move between the parks. There is also a wonderful safari train link between Selous and Dar es Salaam. The best point of departure in general is Dar es Salaam but your safari in the South can also start with a flight connection from Nairobi, Arusha, Zanzibar or even Mafia island with directly daily connections to the Selous Game reserve. We should be pleased to organise all your internal flight, road and train connections and build a tailor made package for you. There is no charge for our service and you will pay published rates for both accommodation and transport.

Tanzania Southern Circuit covers the following National parks.

There are six established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro - Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai and Umbwe. The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes all approach from the south of the mountain (Mweka is used only for descent). The Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west. The Rongai route approaches from the north. The illustrations below depict a three-dimensional view of Kilimanjaro's climbing routes and a close up of the approaches to the summit.
Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest mountain. Its snow-capped peak dominates the region, which takes its name. The Mount Kilimanjaro is spectacular from its superb forested slopes (which clearly show the change in composition with altitude) and for the glacier and volcanic scenery of the higher slopes.
All the costs Include transport to the mount Kilimanjaro and back, accommodation, park entry fee, hut fees ( gate fees), guides, porters and their hut fees, rescue fee ( on mountain only), food, cook and transfers according to itinerary

Marangu route of Mount Kilimanjaro is a gradual ascent on well-maintained tracks.Marangu Hiking towards the summit there is a steep zigzag scree path up to Gilman's Point. The Marangu route then flattens out to hike around the crater; Marangu 'the coca cola route' is the most popular route. More details can be found on the Marangu Route page

Machame route of Mount Kilimanjaro is a scenic route with the highest summit success rate because of the up and down nature of the climb - hiking high and sleeping low is good for acclimatization. There is a challenging almost sheer wall to climb - Baranco wall. However, it's easier than it looks. More details are available for Machame Route

Rongai route of Mount Kilimanjaro begins with a rough drive to the eastern slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The road can be difficult in bad weather. Easy and gradual hiking for the beginning of the ascent but hiking days get longer. The route joins Marangu route at Kibo Hut for the summit ascent. The Rongai Route program page has more details

Lemosho route of Mount Kilimanjaro starts with a rough drive through western Kilimanjaro to Londrossi gate. Remote and spectacular with dramatic gorges and views of West Kilimanjaro Climbers join Machame route for the summit ascent after a tough hike on Shire Plateau (weather exposed) - see the Lemosho Route for more information

Umbwe route of Mount Kilimanjaro is a spectacular and little used route with steep gorges, glaciers and panoramic views. The trail gains altitude quickly and involves some tough scrambling. Climbers need a good level of fitness and must be prepared for a steep ascent, which may increase problems with altitude sickness. For more information on Umbwe Route check out the program page

NOTE: In the event that one hiker is unable to continue on the climb, the sick climber will be escorted down by the assistant porter, while the other climber is able to continue to ascend the summit

Accommodation is camping on all routes of Mount Kilimanjaro except Marangu Route, is throughout in 3 person mountain tents shared by two people. Vehicles or local porters will carry all your equipment; you only carry a daypack with personal gear. When camping you will not have to participate in camp chores. We buy fresh produce locally and to ensure good standards of hygiene all food is prepared by our own staff. We can cater for special dietary requirements and there are no extra food-kitty payments.

Western Breach and Crater Camp - CLOSED

An alternative route to the summit approaches Uhuru Peak from the west, called the Western Breach. The strenuous Western Breach ascends 2,800 ft (850 m) in about 1.25 miles (2 km), and requires some scrambling (climbing on hands and feet) at certain points. This path is very beautiful but also very challenging due to its rocky, steep slope. The Western Breach was gaining popularity by climbers using the Umbwe, Lemosho, Shira and Machame routes until rockfall claimed the lives of three climbers in January 2006. In response, Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA) closed the Western Breach.

The Western Breach re-opened in December 2007. However, the route is still considered by prominent Kilimanjaro operators to be unsafe and to carry an unreasonable degree of risk. Ultimate Kilimanjaro no longer utilizes the Western Breach approach due to safety concerns for clients and staff.

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