Kilimanjaro Route: The Western Approach
Photo Credit: Penny Lacy
Overview
Our most popular Kilimanjaro trek combines the Shira and Lemosho routes. Featured in The New York Times and on MTV, the Western Approach has a 98% summit success rating with Thomson!
KILIMANJARO ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS
- Ample acclimatization time (the number one factor in summit success)
- Far less crowded than the Machame or Marangu Kilimanjaro routes
- Daytime summit bid
- Breathtaking scenery on the trail
- Visit to Lava Tower
- Choice campsites in more remote locations
- 98% summit success overall on this Kilimanjaro route
- Personal porters available to all trekkers*
- 9 days trekking, 11 days in Tanzania
Only on Crater Camp departures
- A chance to camp in the crater near Kili’s famed glaciers
- An exclusive opportunity for the most adventurous trekkers
- Weather and strength of the group permitting for this overnight; your highly experienced guide will make the best decisions based on your safety
- It can be very cold and windy but our packing list will help keep you comfortable
- Plenty of acclimatization time is built in to the route to best prepare you
*Personal porter hire available for an additional fee.
Extend your trip with a safari!
Visit the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater on a 5-day or 7-day safari; call us for custom safari options.
Unsure which Kilimanjaro route best fits your needs? See how they stack up on our Route Comparison page.
Arrival Day
Arrive into Tanzania
A staff member will greet you at the airport and escort you to your scenic lodge.
Overnight: Planet Lodge
Acclimatization Day
Ndarakwai Ranch
Acclimatize during a day at this private conservation area. Spot local wildlife and warm up for your climb on hikes through open savannah.
Overnight: Ndarakwai Ranch (4,200')
Trek Day 1
Begin Trek to Forest Camp
Your first mountain camp is located in the rainforest. Watch for rare black-and-white Colobus monkeys swinging in the lush canopy overhead.
Overnight: Forest Camp (8,694')
Hours trekking: 3-4
Trek Day 2
Forest to Shira 1 Camp
Pass into the heath, where dense rainforest gives way to the wide expanse of the Shira Plateau. This is where you'll catch your first view of the summit towering above the clouds.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp (11,844')
Hours trekking: 5-6
Trek Day 3
Shira 1 to Moir Camp
Explore the Shira Plateau during an acclimatization day that will increase your chances of summit success. Look west for breathtaking views of Mt. Meru.
Overnight: Moir Camp (13,780')
Hours trekking: 5-6
Trek Day 4
Moir to Barranco Camp
Trek past Lava Tower, one of Kilimanjaro's most famous volcanic formations before descending into the Great Barranco Valley. Your camp is set at the foot of the Barranco Wall.
Overnight: Barranco Camp (12,795')
Hours trekking: 5-6
Trek Day 5
Barranco to Karanga Camp
Scramble up the steep Barranco Wall, enjoying gorgeous views of waterfalls below and the imposing glaciers that crown Kilimanjaro above.
Overnight: Karanga Camp (13,107')
Hours trekking: 4-5
Trek Day 6
Karanga to Barafu Camp
Temperatures drop and the landscape starts to resemble the surface of the moon as you hike higher up the mountain. Rest up before tomorrow's daytime summit bid.
Overnight: Barafu Camp (15,331')
Hours trekking: 2-3
Trek Day 7
Barafu to Summit
As dawn breaks you'll set out for the summit, Uhuru Peak (19,341'). Arrive in the afternoon, when weather is generally better and most trekkers from more crowded routes have already descended.
Overnight: Barafu Camp (15,331')
Hours trekking: 8-10 ascent to summit / 2-4 descent to camp
Trek Day 8
Barafu to Mweka Camp
After a celebratory breakfast begin your descent.
Overnight: Mweka Camp (10,171')
Hours trekking: 3-4
Trek Day 9 / Departure Day
Mweka Gate / Return to North America
Enjoy a farewell ceremony at the park gate with your guides and porters. Transfer to a day room where you can shower and relax before your evening flight home.
Day room: Planet Lodge
Planet Lodge
Enjoy cozy accommodations set among lush gardens at this Arusha mainstay. Stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro make it a perfect place to start or end a trek.
Ndarakwai Ranch
This 11,000-acre private conservation refuge is a perfect place to acclimatize before your trek. Hike, view local wildlife, and sleep under the stars in thatched-roof huts. Private en suite bathrooms and a dining tent offer a comfortable wilderness experience.
Mountain Camps
Camp in comfort in customized all-weather tents with upgraded zippers, flysheets, and closed-cell full-ground pads. Private toilet tents and solar-lit dining tents are provided daily. Hot meals are prepared from fresh ingredients by the camp’s chef. In the afternoons, hot drinks and snacks are provided.
9 days
International airfare not included
Single accommodations: $700
Personal Porter: $495
Can’t find a date that works for you? Call us to set up a private trek!
Please note: We can’t guarantee departures with only one guest. A small group supplement of $500 per person will be applied to departures with two or three participants.
All prices are subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to produce this information accurately. We reserve the right to correct errors.
-
ACCLIMATIZATION DAY
NDARAKWAI RANCH
Welcome! Arrive at Ndarakwai Ranch, a favorite destination among our guests. Get acclimatized and prepare your body for Kili with guided wildlife walks.
-
ACCLIMATIZATION DAY
NDARAKWAI RANCH
Spend a day viewing wildlife at Ndarakwai. More than 350 bird species and 65 mammal species can be seen on the ranch, thanks to decades of conservation work.
-
ACCLIMATIZATION DAY
NDARAKWAI RANCH
Take in the serenity of Ndarakwai and rest up for your first trekking day. In the morning, you'll begin your life-changing journey.
-
TREK DAY 1
RAINFOREST TREK
And so it begins! Start your trek in the rainforest under a tangled canopy of moss-coated vines.
-
TREK DAY 1
LUNCH IN THE FOREST
Refuel and get your first taste of Thomson's mountain cuisine with an outdoor meal just off the trail.
-
TREK DAY 1
RAINFOREST TREK
As you make your way through the forest, keep an eye out for monkeys and exotic birds in the tree branches.
-
TREK DAY 1
FOREST CAMP
Settle in at your first camp, nestled in verdant forest. Fall asleep to the soothing sounds of Kilimanjaro.
-
TREK DAY 2
HIKE OUT OF THE FOREST
Make a steep ascent out of the rainforest, passing through a misty, cloud-covered terrain of volcanic rock.
-
TREK DAY 2
SHIRA PLATEAU
Take in some of Kilimanjaro's most fascinating views, including your first sighting of snow-capped Kibo. Trust us - this image will forever be etched into your memory.
-
TREK DAY 2
SHIRA CAMP 1
The heather zone offers a stark contrast from last night's camp in the rainforest. Get ready: Kili is going to serve up even more dramatic landscapes to come!
-
TREK DAY 3
SHIRA PLATEAU
An extra day on the plateau will help your body acclimatize, so use this time to take in Kili's beautiful scenery and unique flora.
-
TREK DAY 3
SHIRA CATHEDRAL
Take the "scenic route" on this optional trek for dramatic views of the Shira peaks - and don't forget to snap some pictures!
-
TREK DAY 3
SHIRA CAMP 2
Watch the clouds roll over the jagged peaks of Shira. Your camp is perfectly situated to bask in the glow of the magical sunsets.
-
TREK DAY 4
TREK THROUGH ALPINE DESERT
Just keep trekking! Continue up expansive ridges on a long, steady climb through the alpine desert.
-
TREK DAY 4
LAVA TOWER CAMP
You're above the clouds, situated next to one of Kilimanjaro's most recognized landmarks – what's better than this?
-
TREK DAY 5
DESCEND INTO THE VALLEY
Start your descent from the alpine desert into the moorlands, giving you time to acclimatize in the lower altitudes.
-
TREK DAY 5
BARRANCO VALLEY
The terrain of volcanic rock and boulders is dotted with strange and beautiful plant life, such as groundsels, giant lobelias, and everlasting flowers.
-
TREK DAY 5
BARRANCO VALLEY
The valley floor is filled with Giant Groundsels, known as "Dr. Seuss trees." They can only be found on Kili, and can grow as high as 20 feet!
-
TREK DAY 5
BARRANCO WALL
It's every trekker's dream to traverse narrow switchbacks and scramble up the Barranco Wall. Be sure to show "Kissing Rock" a little love when you pass by it at the top.
-
TREK DAY 5
TOP OF BARRANCO WALL
After the scramble, take a break and enjoy the view at the top of the wall. You've certainly earned it!
-
TREK DAY 5
KARANGA VALLEY HIKE
Follow the trail over a rolling, rocky terrain directly to your next camp. With such surroundings, it's easy to stay motivated and inspired.
-
TREK DAY 5
KARANGA CAMP
Sleeping at a lower altitude tonight will further help you acclimatize. On a clear night, you can see the lights of Moshi town!
-
TREK DAY 6
ALMOST THERE!
Congratulations, you are getting closer and closer to the summit! Keep on trekking and going "pole, pole."
-
TREK DAY 6
HIKE TO BARAFU CAMP
Enjoy the extraordinary views as you pass massive volcanic formations scattered throughout the fields of scree.
-
TREK DAY 6
BARAFU CAMP
Camp in this lunar landscape where you may see the hanging glaciers that drape Kilimanjaro's summit cone.
-
TREK DAY 7
SUMMIT DAY!
Begin your ascent after a nourishing breakfast at camp. You’ll trek over a varied terrain of switchbacks, loose scree, and snow-packed trails.
-
TREK DAY 7
VIEW OF MAWENZI PEAK
As you make your way to the summit, enjoy spectacular views of the jagged, tower-like Mawenzi Peak and the slopes below.
-
TREK DAY 7
STELLA POINT
Reaching Stella Point is a major accomplishment and serves as a gateway to the glaciers and Uhuru Peak. You're so close!
-
TREK DAY 7
GLACIERS
Snow in Africa? Consider yourself one of the lucky few to see the famed glaciers of Kilimanjaro before they disappear.
-
TREK DAY 7
UHURU PEAK
Ah, the famous summit sign. Approaching this iconic sign is an emotional moment for many trekkers.
-
TREK DAY 7
UHURU PEAK
Congratulations, you did it! Hugs, pats on the back, and selfies are in order. Take this time to snap photos that you can share with friends and family back home.
-
TREK DAY 7
DESCEND INTO CRATER CAMP
On select departures,* this exclusive camp will be your home for the night. Explore the glaciers and ash pit, and have two summit bid options from this base.
*Departures with Crater Camp overnight. Weather and strength of the group permitting. -
TREK DAY 7
GLACIER EXPLORATION
Using Crater Camp as your base, see the glaciers for yourself – up-close and personal. Scientists estimate that by 2030, they could disappear.
-
TREK DAY 7
CRATER CAMP
Now that's a room with a view! Savour the unique privilege of being inside Kilimanjaro's ancient crater.
*Departures with Crater Camp overnight -
TREK DAY 7
ASHPIT
Yes, there's an ash pit on Kili - it is a volcano, after all! Be sure to explore this fascinating sight before you descend.
-
TREK DAY 8
DESCEND
Time to venture back down and begin your descent over fields of scree. Only 8,000 feet to go to your next camp!
-
TREK DAY 8
MWEKA DESCENT ROUTE
Follow the path toward the clouds. Your trek will take you from the frigid Arctic to the warmer Heather Zone.
-
TREK DAY 8
MWEKA MILLENNIUM CAMP
Retire to your next camp, complete with a gorgeous view of all that you've just accomplished.
-
TREK DAY 9 / DEPARTURE DAY
RAINFOREST
Enjoy your final morning on the mountain before starting your trek through the lush, green canopies of the rainforest. Before you know it, you'll arrive at the gate.
-
TREK DAY 9 / DEPARTURE DAY
MWEKA GATE
Celebrate the completion of your mountain adventure with a farewell lunch at the park gate. This is the time to thank your crew for making your trek a success!
-
TREK DAY 9 / DEPARTURE DAY
PLANET LODGE
Land Rovers will transfer you from Mweka Gate to your dayroom at Planet Lodge. Relax by the pool or in your room.
-
TREK DAY 9 / DEPARTURE DAY
PLANET LODGE
Farewell! Use your dayroom for a shower and some rest before your flight home this evening.
My Kilimanjaro trek was an amazing experience
My Kilimanjaro trek was an amazing experience. My head guide, Abel, was a great leader. He was very thorough and I felt safe with him on the mountain. Liberate was extremely helpful and attentive. It was clear that he loved his work and was very experienced. Calvin was a delight who kept the group morale high…
Read More
It was even more enjoyable than I could have ever dreamed
I had a wonderful time. I was really concerned if I could actually physically do it and come to find out I was underestimating my abilities and I was on top of it. It was an awesome trip. Thomson Safaris was unbelievable. The food, staff, guides and how we were treated were amazing! I’ve been…
Read More
We really didn't have to worry about a thing from the time we deplaned to the departure.
The service, guides and experience were all exceptional. We really didn’t have to worry about a thing from the time we deplaned to the departure. Our trek was an amazing experience and the trip of a lifetime. I would highly recommend Thomson Safaris.
Read More
The trek was a wonderful experience of a lifetime
I recently climbed Kilimanjaro with Thomson Safaris and it was a wonderful experience of a lifetime. This was my second adventure with Thomson, the first being a great safari in 2012. The preparation for the trip and selection of the appropriate route for my skill and condition level, and the trip organization was very professional…
Read More
We had a great time and would do it again in a heartbeat!
The trip was amazing, and exceeded all of our expectations. It was over too quickly. Our guides were great, very knowledgeable and we felt like we were in good hands. Abel did an excellent job as our head guide. I loved picking his and Respicius’s brain about the mountain and all the other treks they…
Read More
They were an awesome team. I couldn't have asked for a better trip.
It was a spiritual journey for me. There was a point on the descent from the peak that I needed assistance from Andrew our head guide and Charles the lead for that day. I was returned safely to camp gratefully. The team cook brought food to my tent so I didn’t have to go anywhere and…
Read More
I am so impressed with Thomson – they were always willing to go above and beyond
What a fantastic experience, I am so impressed with Thomson and our incredible trek and safari. I was not sick at all, we were so well taken care of by all of the guides, who know exactly how slowly to go and how much to eat and drink. The food was fabulous – even a…
Read More
Thanks to Thomson for making this trip so successful and memorable!
Thanks to Thomson for making our trip so successful and memorable. We chose Thomson for a variety of reasons, including the good presentation of the website and the design of the climbing routes. We appreciated the great and close customer service before the trip. We also liked the way in which our safari and Kilimanjaro…
Read More
My daughter and I shared an experience we’ll never forget!
Years ago, out of the blue, my daughter told me that she wanted to climb Kilimanjaro with me. Last Christmas I surprised her when I said we were going to climb it in 2015, though I had no idea at the time how I was going to make this happen. I called a friend who’s…
Read More
Because of Thomson’s kindness, care, and support, we truly had the trip of a lifetime!
On June 29th, 12 strangers aged 15 – 75 came from all over the U.S. for a Thomson Safaris trek. We quickly bonded as a group as we were all hoping to experience the trip of a lifetime – a Kilimanjaro summit! Some of the group came for high school graduation gifts and some for
Read More
Picking Thomson Safaris was the smartest move I’ve ever made traveling!
I’ve been to five star hotels around the world. The people who work for you are better and work harder than anyone I’ve ever met. They are by far superior and I’m beyond impressed! I really can’t express how much this trip meant to me. After several personal challenges and tragedies over the past few…
Read More
I could never have believed what was possible with simple drive and determination.
Waiting with anticipation and trepidation in a small tent on a wind-swept moonscape at 15200 feet elevation the night before summiting Kilimanjaro leads one to reflect on life and what matters. I thought I would share a few lessons I learned from this amazing trip. 1) Extend your comfort zone: Despite leading a pretty adventurous…
Read More
It’s like another world altogether – a collision of the moon, the arctic and a land I’d never known.
On our epic trip to Mt. Kilimanjaro, we took the Western Approach route, which led us to traverse 43 miles in 9 days. We trekked through 5 different climates: rain forest, heath, moorland, alpine desert and the arctic. The hardest part of our journey was overcoming the mind and the limitations it tries to impose.
Read More
This trek reinvigorated my thirst for adventure and helped fine-tune my life for the better.
I had been looking forward to climbing Kilimanjaro for 13 years. About ten years ago, I started doing web searches and Thomson was consistently rated the best. The awards and testimonials made the difference. After years of dreaming, it all finally came true on summit day. Absolutely awesome experience. As climbing Kilimanjaro had been on
Read More
A wonderful culture and the kindest of people.
You were a gem in helping me through the arrangements and ALL the details. You were always available to answer my questions and allay any worries. The packing list was perfect and all the gear was great! The climb is amazing. Our guide, Onest Mtui, is terrific and has to be one of, if not,
Read More
I had security, safety, care and camaraderie with Thomson. It was all fantastic.
My guides, Bwenje, George, Sam, Respicious, Godlove, Ema (head waiter), Ibrahim, (our chef), Zach (my personal porter), Damas (who carried my night bag/tent, etc.) were all great! I posted the video online of me receiving my Kilimanjaro certificate…. 600+ views! I only know about 30 people! One guy said “I didn’t get that when I
Read More
I can see why the workers on this mountain all aspire to work for Thomson.
My Thomson experience was first class all the way, and I can see why the workers on this mountain all aspire to work for Thomson. I would like to point out just how great some of the members of the staff were. The Head Guide, Gabriel, was a wizened, well-experienced leader. His wisdom and experience
Read More
The Thomson experience was exactly what I was looking for.
I am a lifelong hiker who got started in my mid-teens. The first mountain I climbed was Mount Washington via the glen Boulder trail. I was hooked. I spent most of my college years climbing throughout New Hampshire and Maine and completed all the 4000 footers in New Hampshire except one! Back then climbing was
Read More
We felt as one with the staff moving up the mountain.
Thomson gave us guidance before, during and after the trip. We appreciated the staff’s professionalism and organization, the guides’ warmth, kindness, laughter and leadership, and the porters and camp staff’s enthusiasm and hard work. The outcome of this collaboration was a 100% success rate to the summit of Kili, and a great safari. The trip
Read More
We loved every minute, even the hard parts.
None of this would have been possible without Thomson and its incredible team. Absolutely every aspect of the trip– from planning to execution – was characterized by the highest quality. As I think back to our initial research into the climb, I couldn’t be more pleased by our choice of company. It was clear that your company cares
Read More
The trip was worth every single penny.
We love each other and the friendships will last a lifetime. We absolutely loved our guides and porters as well. It was a well matched group. So many stories…I’ll be talking about this trip for a year!
Read More
I really was blown away by the trip.
What an incredible team you have in Tanzania. These people are smart, some of the hardest workers I’ve ever seen, and have a genuine desire to improve their lives and the lives of others. There’s spirit and hope here, and at levels that you can’t fully grasp or describe in words.
Read More
First class every step and detail of the way.
We will all carry this experience with us through life’s challenges and be better prepared to handle anything. We chose Thomson Safaris because of a friend’s strong recommendation, Thomson’s stellar reputation and their philosophy toward their porters, Tanzanians and Mt. Kilimanjaro
Read More
Far more beautiful and rewarding…
I have given you all the highest of praise and recommended Thomson Safaris to many friends and many more patients (they all ask about our trip). I look forward to joining you on more adventures in the future. Thanks again for an experience of a lifetime! My son, Harrison, and I could not have been more pleased with our experience.
Read More
Our guide was in good spirits 100% of the time.
Looking back at everything, it was an adventure and I can certainly understand how important the role of Thomson Safaris is in a country like Tanzania. I would certainly recommend Thomson again.
Read More
We all had a great time on our respective trips.
We all had a wonderful time and appreciated how Thomson Safaris ran a largely flawless trip so we could just focus on enjoying what Tanzania had to offer.
Read More
Thomson Safaris treats their staff well.
From the start, the Thomson Safaris staff was super helpful; any questions I had got answered quickly and thoroughly. Both our guides were helpful, patient and kind. The food was great, always well prepared, and getting to know the rest of our group was a joy!
Read More
Thomson took amazing care of our party of four
Thomson took amazing care of our party of four. The guides and porters made sure we had everything we needed to make it to the top. The climb was challenging both physically and mentally. Thomson had provided excellent preparation materials and packing lists. All in all it was a great adventure that will always be…
Read MoreSee more of what Tanzania has to offer with a post-trek safari
5-DAY
Crater & Plains Safari
See the Great Migration and hundreds more species in breathtaking locations like the Serengeti and the lush Ngorongoro Crater. It’s the perfect complement to your Kilimanjaro climb!
LEARN MORE
7-DAY
Highlights Safari
Our premiere safari extension features visits to remote Maasai communities, world-class wildlife viewing in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, and a stay in an exclusive private nature refuge.
LEARN MORE