Escape To Tanzania For An Extraordinary Adventure!

Not only is Mount Kilimanjaro Africa’s tallest mountain, measuring 19,341 feet high, but it is the largest freestanding mountain in the world. Each year, more than 35,000 people attempt to summit Kilimanjaro. Mount Kilimanjaro hiking tours are extremely popular, but just imagine if you could combine this epic adventure with a Tanzania safari. Well, you can! And we have the low-down on an exclusive Mount Kilimanjaro travel package – just for you.

Mount Kilimanjaro’s Epic Views

The challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro attracts thousands of avid trekkers to Tanzania each year. In addition to be able to say you’ve conquered Kili’s unforgiving slopes, the view from Mount Kilimanjaro is a stellar reward for the effort expended during the climb. Tour companies like Gondwana Ecotours offer guided treks up Mount Kilimanjaro throughout the year. These Mount Kilimanjaro hiking tours are popular with novice hikers, as well as the more experienced ones.

Gondwana’s experienced guides offer hikers a trek up the 7-day Machame Route. This route is preferred by many climbers because of the epic views from Mount Kilimanjaro that it offers, as well as for its safety and low foot traffic. However, it is a challenging hike and Gondwana’s pros suggest that you be in good shape before you begin! Here are a few tips to help guarantee your success during a Mount Kilimanjaro hiking tour:

• Pace yourself – the best way to climb Kilimanjaro is to go slow! Remember that you are hiking for several days is helpful. Taking your time and not rushing helps you avoid fatigue. Remember – it’s the journey, not the destination.
• Take frequent breaks – stop frequently to keep from getting burned out in the long run. This will become increasingly important as you get closer to the summit, where the air becomes thinner and your chances of falling prey to altitude sickness increase with each step.
• Acclimate – if you can acclimate to higher altitudes before your trek, you will feel more prepared. A good way to do this is to arrive in Tanzania a few days before your trek begins and get used to the thin air with a few day hikes.
• Hydrate – stay hydrated during your climb! This literally can make or break your summit attempt.

When Is The Best Time To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro’s location on the equator means that it is technically possible to plan your hike any time of the year. However, certain months are characterized by colder weather, more rain, or significant snowpack at the summit. Experienced climbers will say that the best time of year to hike Mount Kilimanjaro is during the warmest and driest months, from December to mid-March and from mid-June to the end of October. Happily, both of these times coincide with Tanzania’s Great Migration, making it easy to plan an extended Mount Kilimanjaro travel package and safari!

Tanzania’s Amazing Annual Wildebeest Migration

What is the Great Migration? The Great Migration is a continuous, year-long journey of over a million animals between the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya. The animals journey across the region in search of fresh grazing lands, water, and safe places to give birth to their calves.

After the birth of the calves in January, the herd moves from the southern part of the Serengeti in Tanzania, near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, north and then in a clockwise direction toward the Masai Mara in Kenya. Near the end of the year they return to the Serengeti to begin the cycle all over again. This journey can be treacherous for the herd, with thousands of animals dying during the trek, but with thousands of new calves born to keep the herds’ numbers strong.

Gondwana Ecotours offers an eight-day safari adventure before or after your Mount Kilimanjaro hiking tour. This nine-day tour allows you to experience the best of Tanzania. Local guides will take you on driving and walking safaris to see endangered black rhinos and African elephants, as well as many other native species of wildlife. Other perks on this exclusive tour include:

• Lodging for nine nights, which includes a mix of deluxe safari lodges and private tent campsites.
• Local Gondwana drivers and safari guides.
• All National Park entrance fees in Tanzania.
• A visit to a Maasai Village for a truly unique cultural immersion experience.
• Daily safari game drives.
• Guided walking safaris (where permitted).
• All other activities and excursions during the safari, including day trips to Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Serengeti National Park.

Why Book A Mount Kilimanjaro Travel Package?

Tanzania is one of the hottest safari destinations in all of Africa. This is because Tanzania has a “less touristy” feeling than many other African countries and because it is one of the least crowded places to go on safari. Tanzania’s national parks are often less crowded and more remote than some other common safari destinations, making the experience truly unique for those embarking on an adventure in the African wilderness.

Mount Kilimanjaro is also a huge draw for Tanzanian tourism. Being able to choose your adventure and create a customized Mount Kilimanjaro travel package that involves a Mount Kilimanjaro hiking tour and a safari across the Serengeti is very popular with international travelers. Combine that with local guides who are knowledgeable about the region's geography, natural history, flora, fauna, local culture, and customs, and you can create a truly unique travel experience.

So what are you waiting for? Adventure is calling – Mount Kilimanjaro and the endless plains of the Serengeti are just a plane ride away.