Acclaimed by climbers and media alike Alpine Ascents provides a one-of-a-kind experience on Kilimanjaro as we employ professional mountain guide on each trip. (Most outfitters employ local African staff with relatively limited climbing and medical skills, many are simply safari or trekking companies as their name implies). Our approach of professional mountain guide staffing combined with our commitment to the highest quality, food, facilities, dining and toilet tents, truly sets us apart from other outfitters.

Crowned by eternal snows, the mighty Kilimanjaro (19,340ft) is the highest free-standing mountain in the world and dominates its landscape unlike any other mountain. Located in Tanzania, this extinct volcano looms over five eco-systems and large game reserves and is certainly one of the world's most impressive sights. The terrain is nothing short of dramatic. As a mountaineering company, we treat this adventure as a mountain climbing expedition.

Kilimanjaro is unique in many ways; but stands as the only 7 summit(high point on each continent) that is truly a non-technical climb. Using well-marked trails the summit, a fit enthusiast along with our expert guide staff has an excellent chance of reaching the summit. Our expert guides, choice of route, success and safety have been Alpine Ascents forte on Kilimanjaro and we invite you to review our "Why Climb With Us?" section. While there are many good outfitters, few if any provide the breadth of services that Alpine Ascents does.

Kilimanjaro is an attractive climb for anyone interested in a physical challenge: climbers, wilderness enthusiasts and hikers alike. Over the past twenty years, we have emerged as a leader in guiding Kilimanjaro, applying expertise from other formidable mountains to the wilds of Africa. We consider the Kilimanjaro climb and safari expedition to be one of the most appealing and treasured adventure experiences we offer.

Following our climb we begin a four-day safari to the spectacular game parks of Tanzania, Ngorongoro Crater, The Tarangire River and National Park and Serengeti National Park. Throughout the safari, we lodge in luxurious hotels and travel by Land Cruiser across the Great Rift Valley, following wildebeests, lions and other indigenous wildlife. More information below.

Alpine Ascents Success on Kilimanjaro:
We have been guiding Kilimanjaro for over 20 years with over 90% success, touting one of the highest success and safety records in the industry.

We were just named one of the Top 40 Adventure Tour Outfitters in the world by Travel + Leisure Magazine, who highlighted our Kilimanjaro Trip. We are proud to be the only climbing company chosen!

Ascending Kilimanjaro with a mountain climbing organization will greatly improve your chances of success and we provide one of our Seattle-based guides to lead every scheduled expedition. Every trip is organized with the utmost care and quality - from our lead Western guide, to chef-prepared meals, to dining and toilet tents we look to take care of all elements with great attention to detail.

Overview
Every one of our Kilimanjaro expeditions is led by an Alpine Ascents mountain guide.

PREREQUISITES

Climbing Skill Level
No prior climbing experience is required.

Physical Conditioning
Kilimanjaro at 19,340’ is an extreme, high altitude climb and is perhaps the most underestimated of the seven summits. You should be comfortable walking 4-8 hours per day. Summit day is the most demanding portion of the climb, typically involving 8 hours for the ascent and 6-7 hours for the descent. Our expeditions require strength & endurance. Being in sound physical condition is the single most important aspect for climbers to maximize their climbing potential. The better your physical condition, the more likely you are to perform well and have an enjoyable experience. The most frequent comment we have received over the years is that climbers have underestimated the fitness level needed to fully enjoy their trip. Additionally, inadequate fitness will affect the atmosphere, pace, and overall enjoyment of the climb for all participants. We highly recommend checking with your physician before undertaking any strenuous activity. Comprehensive training information can be found here.

Climb Only and Safari Only Options
For those climbers with limited time, we offer a Climb-Only option for this trip at a reduced price. Contact our office for details. For those climber that are interested in family members joining them on the safari after the climb, or for those individuals interested in experiencing the fantastic game parks of Africa without the challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro, we offer a Safari-Only option on each of our departures. Contact our office for details and pricing.

---

Alpine Ascents Kilimanjaro Safari Locations Read More on Safari
Following our climb we begin a four-day safari to the spectacular game parks of Tanzania. Throughout the safari, we lodge in luxurious hotels and travel by Land Cruiser across the Great Rift Valley, following wildebeests, lions and other indigenous wildlife.

The Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact crater in the world and second largest extinct crater in the world, the area has a spectacular concentration of wildlife. Ngorongoro was an active volcano some eight million years ago whose cone collapsed, leaving a Crater. The Crater rim is wooded with mountain forest vegetation. It is oval in shape and 20 km in diameter. It is blooming in acres of flowers like blue, pink and white lupines, candle white lilies, blue hyacinth and many more. The view from the crater rim is breathtaking and descending deep into the belly of the crater will encounter almost every animal species found in east Africa
-Located in Northern Tanzania, west of rift valley which runs form Red sea to lake Nyasa in southern of Tanzania.
-The Crater is oval in shape, 100 Sq. Miles in area, 2,000 feet deep and is 2,286 Meters above Sea level.
-The Lodges/Hotels are situated on the Rim of the Crater.

The Tarangire River and National Park, South of Lake Manyara, Tarangire is a huge wildlife retreat during the dry season This park is scattered with Baobab trees alternating with open acacia woodland open bush, plains swamps and rivers and stands palm trees. Big game and birds are abundant and we usually sight animals such as kongoni, wildebeest and zebra. With any luck, safarists will also see rhino and leopard amongst a variety of gazelle, giraffe, elephant and impala. It also has extremely rich and varied bird-life.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania's signature park, covers nearly 15,000 square miles and spans into Kenya where it connects to the Masai Mara reserve. The word Serengeti conjures images of wild African game in all its glory. The abundance of animals running at will creates an overwhelming experience and fulfills the dream of life before the "great white hunters". The sheer mass of animals is both staggering and long remembered.

---

Environmental Responsibility
Alpine Ascents is deeply committed to maintaining ecosystems at home and around the world. With each expedition, trek and course, we not only attempt to leave the environment as we found it, but strive to assist the local population in protecting the land and people indigenous to that region. Alpine Ascents reaches for the highest ethical business practices at home and abroad. Each staff member is dedicated to environmentally sound alpine ascents.

At Alpine Ascents environmental stewardship remains one of our core values and we take Leave No Trace ethics and practices very seriously. The mountains are our home and we are unwilling to sacrifice their preservation for human objectives. On every one of our courses and climbs we teach and follow the environmentally appropriate Leave No Trace principals and practices.

Over the years, with the assistance of our Sherpa teams, we have stepped up efforts to clean Mt. Everest. Our Wag Bag® program made a pioneering step in human waste management for the National Park System and Forest Service in the North Cascades. On Aconcagua, we pioneered a waste removal system on our climbs, utilizing the WAG Bag® system. And we continue our on-going maintenance and minimal impact plans wherever we guide. We believe that given the proper information most people will do all they can to help protect and maintain the environment. Alpine Ascents is committed to developing safe, self-reliant and environmentally conscious mountaineers.

Private Group Programs
Each season Alpine Ascents operates private climbs to Kilimanjaro for organizations, families, fundraising teams and a variety of social groups. Please contact us to assist in arranging a private or custom climb and safari, for your team. In most cases we can accommodate your schedule and as always, we will have an Alpine Ascents professional lead your climb. For more information, contact our Specialty Programs Coordinator, Kristine Kitayama with your climbing and fund-raising ideas. Read More

 

 Return to Top of Page