14 Days Kilimanjaro & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking safari

14 days Kilimanjaro and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking offer a unique opportunity to engage in Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing & gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park   in one single expedition. The 14-day Kilimanjaro hike and Rwanda gorilla experience is a remarkable adventure that takes you to the summit of Africa’s tallest mountain, Kilimanjaro. Here, you will appreciate the snow-capped peaks and enjoy stunning views of the diverse vegetation, valleys, and various wildlife species. Your journey will lead you to an intimate experience with the endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, renowned as the land of a thousand hills.

Mount Kilimanjaro stands as the highest peak in Africa and is recognized as the tallest single free-standing mountain globally. The volcano, located in Tanzania, is dormant and reaches an elevation of 5895 meters above sea level. Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira represent the three volcanic summits of Mount Kilimanjaro. The Rongai route, known for its popularity and simplicity, is the sole path that approaches Kilimanjaro from the northern side. Additional well-known routes include Mweka, Machame, Umbwe, Marangu, Shira, and Lemosho. The Machame Route presents significant challenges and is the most frequented route, typically requiring nearly a week to complete because of its stepped terrain. Ascending Mount Kilimanjaro offers a unique opportunity, allowing individuals to camp amidst nature while enjoying stunning views of the African landscape. We offer an extensive selection of Kilimanjaro climbing packages, encompassing all available routes to the summit.

Highlights of the 14 days Kilimanjaro hike and Rwanda gorillas

Day 1: Hike from Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to the Lava Tower and Descend to Moir Hut

Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Day 6: Buffalo Camp to 3rd Cave Camp

Day 7: 3rd Cave Camp to School Hut

Day 8: School Hut to Crater Camp

Day 9: Ascend Uhuru Peak and Descend to Millennium Camp

Day 10: Descend from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

Day 11: Drive to Arusha for your flight to Kigali

Day 12: Kigali city excursion and drive to Volcanoes national park

Day 13: Gorilla trekking experience

Day 14: Transfer to Kigali for your departure flight

A Detailed 14 Days Kilimanjaro & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Day 1: Trek from Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

 

The first day of the 14-day Kilimanjaro Hike and Rwanda gorilla trekking expedition will commence with your guide transporting you from Arusha to the Mountain Kilimanjaro headquarters for registration and a briefing on the trekking experience. Upon completing the registration and obtaining a climbing permit, you will commence a gradual hike into the Lemosho Glades. As you traverse through verdant rainforests, you will appreciate the captivating melodies of various exotic birds. Throughout the hike, tourists will encounter various wildlife, including the distinctive black and white colobus monkeys, among others.

 

Upon your arrival at Mti Mkubwa Camp during lunchtime, the mountain crew will take care of all essential arrangements, including setting up tents, preparing lunch, and organizing supper for you to enjoy.

Accommodation at Mti Mkubwa Camp

Day 2: Trek from Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Following your early morning breakfast, you will trek from the montane forest zone to the moorland zone, where you will encounter several stunning tree species, including the Giant Heather and Erica.

 

Hiking up the Shira Ridge will give you an excellent glimpse of Kibo, the highest point on the daring mountain. Subsequently, you will proceed to the Shira plateau and establish your base at Shira 1 Camp, which is situated adjacent to a stream. At Shira Camp, the mountain crew will expertly prepare your lunch and set up tents for the evening.

 

Accommodation at Shira 1 Camp

 

Day 3: Trek from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

 

Following a delectable breakfast, you will begin a second hike through the lower alpine moorland, which is renowned for its stunning wild alpine flowers, the unusual big lobelia, and the enormous groundsel plants, in order to reach Shira 2 Camp. Upon arrival at Shira Camp 2 during lunchtime, you will have the opportunity to rest at the camp after your meal, while the mountain specialists prepare your dinner and set up your tents.

 

Accommodation at Shira 2 Camp is available.

 

Day 4: Trek from Shira 2 Camp to the Lava Tower and descend to Moir Hut.

 

Following breakfast, you will embark on a hike from Shira 2 Camp to the Lava Tower, navigating through the rocky terrain. As the hike progresses, the path becomes increasingly challenging and steep, which may lead some hikers to experience fatigue or shortness of breath. Given this weakness and oxygen loss, it is recommended that you proceed with caution to prevent exacerbating the symptoms.

 

Your lunch will be served at the tower, followed by a brief trek to a higher elevation. Subsequently, you will descend to Moir Hut for dinner and an overnight stay.

 

Accommodation available at Moir Hut

 

Day 5: Trek from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

 

Following breakfast, you will go off on a lengthy but manageable trek from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp. Following the ascent from Moir Hut, you will begin traversing the northern slope of Kilimanjaro, navigating a route characterized by varying elevations.

 

Because this route runs near the Kenyan border, you may expect breathtaking vistas of the Tsavo and Amboseli valleys as you pass through it.

 

Accommodation at Buffalo Camp

 

Day 6: Trek from Buffalo Camp to 3rd Cave Camp

 

On this day, you will complete your hike up Mount Kilimanjaro’s northern side and spend the night at Third Cave Camp, where the trail will re-join the old Rongai route.

 

Accommodation at the 3rd Cave Camp

 

Day 7: Trek from 3rd Cave Camp to School Hut

 

Rise and enjoy your breakfast in preparation for the hike to the School Hut Summit camp. It is recommended that you proceed at a pace that is comfortable for you during this hike, and ensure you get adequate rest upon reaching the camp. It is recommended that you refrain from engaging in strenuous activities and ensure you stay well-hydrated, as you will be heading to the crater camp the following day.

 

Accommodation at School Hut

 

Day 8: Trek from School Hut to Crater Camp

 

This day will present significant challenges on your route, as it involves a trek to the crater rim that demands considerable dedication. During your visit to the crater, take a moment to appreciate the ancient glaciers and snow. If you still have the energy, you may choose to continue your ascent to the Ash Pit or opt to wait until the following day. A warm dinner will be provided to recharge you.

Day 9: Summit Uhuru Peak and Return to Millennium Camp

 

Enjoy your early morning breakfast before making your ascent to Uhuru Peak, navigating through the darkness. Mountain guides will accompany you, ensuring that your stamina and health are closely monitored throughout your hike. In a matter of hours, you will arrive at Uhuru Peak, where you will witness breathtaking sunrises as you commemorate the successful ascent. After there, you will begin the descent through Barafu to Millennium Camp.

Accommodation at Crater Camp

 

Day 10: Descend from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

 

On the 10th day of the hike, savor your final mountain breakfast as you prepare for your descent through the lush Afromontane forest to the park’s exit, Mweka Gate.

 

You will have the opportunity to express your thoughts on the Kilimanjaro hike in the guest book and receive commemorative certificates.

Day 11: Proceed to Arusha for your flight to Kigali.

 

Enjoy your early morning breakfast and get ready for your transfer to Arusha, the capital of Tanzania, for your flight to Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. There, you will have the opportunity to observe the endangered mountain gorillas up close in Volcanoes National Park.

 

Day 12: Kigali city tour and Transfer to Volcanoes national park

Start your day with an early morning breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a city tour of Kigali. This trip will provide an opportunity to explore various beautiful and adventurous locations, including the Kandt Museum, where you will observe historical craft pieces. Your itinerary will include a visit to the genocide memorial site along with other significant destinations.

 

Following the city tour, you will proceed to Volcanoes National Park, which is approximately a 3-hour drive away.  You are expected to arrive at the park during the evening hours and proceed to check in at your reserved lodge or hotel.

 

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

 

Day 13: Rwanda Gorilla trekking experience

 

Begin your day with breakfast before proceeding to the park headquarters at Kinigi for a briefing, followed by the commencement of your trekking adventure into the rainforests of Volcanoes National Park. The duration of the experience ranges from 2 to 6 hours, contingent upon the location of the designated gorilla group.

Upon locating the gorillas, you will have the opportunity to spend one hour in their presence, followed by the collection of your certificates at the starting point. Following this, you will return to the lodge for lunch and have the opportunity to relax at the lodge or choose to visit a nearby village, where you can experience various forms of entertainment provided by the locals.

 

Day 14: Departure

Following breakfast in the morning, you will proceed to drive from Volcanoes National Park, with a scheduled lunch stop, to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.