7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Tour and Gorilla Tracking Rwanda
This 7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Tour and Gorilla Tracking Rwanda combines two of Africa's most iconic experiences in one unforgettable journey. Beginning with the challenge of conquering Africa's highest peak at 5,895 meters, your Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Tour and Gorilla Tracking Rwanda expedition takes you through diverse climate zones from tropical rainforest to arctic summit conditions. The adventure seamlessly transitions from Tanzania's majestic mountain landscapes to Rwanda's lush volcanic forests, creating the perfect blend of physical achievement and wildlife encounters.
Your Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Tour and Gorilla Tracking Rwanda experience follows the renowned Machame Route, known locally as "Barranco ya Whiskey" (Whiskey Route), offering spectacular scenery and excellent acclimatization opportunities. After conquering Uhuru Peak, the journey continues to Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas made famous by Dian Fossey's groundbreaking research. The pristine bamboo forests and volcanic slopes of the Virunga Mountains provide an intimate setting for this once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter.
This comprehensive Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Tour and Gorilla Tracking Rwanda itinerary includes expert mountain guides, porters, and experienced gorilla trackers who ensure your safety and maximize your chances of success. From the snow-capped summit of Kilimanjaro to the misty forests where gorillas roam, every moment is carefully orchestrated to create lasting memories while contributing to conservation efforts in both countries.
Tour highlights
Day 1: Pick Up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and Transfer to Machame Gate
Day 2: Proceed to Machame Camp through Montane Forest Zone
Day 3: Continue Ascent to Barranco Camp via Shira Plateau
Day 4: Transfer to Karanga Camp and Acclimatization Trek
Day 5: Proceed to Uhuru Peak Summit and Descent to Mweka Camp
Day 6: Transfer to Rwanda and Kigali City Tour Experience
Day 7: Gorilla Tracking Adventure in Volcanoes National Park
Price Includes:
- Park fees for Kilimanjaro National Park and Volcanoes National Park
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport in custom 4x4 vehicles
- Bottled water during treks and transfers
- Full board accommodation including mountain camping and hotels
- Professional English-speaking Mountain guides and gorilla trackers
- Porter services and camping equipment for Kilimanjaro
- Driver allowances and park fees
- Gorilla tracking permits
- All mentioned activities (excluding optional experiences)
Price Excludes:
- Tanzania and Rwanda Visas (where applicable)
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional activities
- Laundry services
- Travel insurance
- Beverages beyond provided water
- Tips for guides, porters, and trackers
Itinary in details
- Day1Pick Up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and Transfer to Machame Gate
Your Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Tour and Gorilla Tracking Rwanda adventure begins with pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport, followed by a scenic 45-minute drive to Machame Village at 1,640 meters elevation. This exciting Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Tour and Gorilla Tracking Rwanda journey continues with registration at Machame Gate, where you'll meet your experienced climbing team and complete park formalities before beginning your ascent through the lush montane forest zone. Your Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Tour and Gorilla Tracking Rwanda day concludes with a 5–7-hour trek covering 11 kilometers to Machame Camp at 2,835 meters, where you'll enjoy your first mountain dinner and rest in preparation for the challenging days ahead.
- Day2Proceed to Machame Camp through Montane Forest Zone
Today's Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Tour and Gorilla Tracking Rwanda expedition takes you from Machame Camp through the moorland zone toward Shira Camp, covering approximately 5 kilometers in 4-6 hours of steady climbing. Your Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Tour and Gorilla Tracking Rwanda experience includes traversing the famous Barranco Wall, known locally as "Ukuta wa Barranco," where you'll gain spectacular views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding glaciers. The Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Tour and Gorilla Tracking Rwanda journey continues as you reach Shira Camp at 3,750 meters, where you'll acclimatize while enjoying panoramic views of the Shira Plateau and preparing for higher altitudes ahead.
- Day3Continue Ascent to Barranco Camp via Shira Plateau
Your Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Tour and Gorilla Tracking Rwanda adventure continues with an acclimatization trek from Shira Camp to Lava Tower at 4,630 meters, covering 7 kilometers in approximately 4-5 hours. This crucial Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Tour and Gorilla Tracking Rwanda day follows the principle of "climb high, sleep low" as you descend to Barranco Camp at 3,976 meters after reaching the tower formation known locally as "Mnara wa Lava." Your Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Tour and Gorilla Tracking Rwanda experience includes spectacular views of the Western Breach and Breach Wall, while your body adapts to the decreasing oxygen levels essential for summit success.
- Day4Transfer to Karanga Camp and Acclimatization Trek
Today's Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Tour and Gorilla Tracking Rwanda challenge involves conquering the famous Barranco Wall, a 257-meter rock scramble that tests your climbing skills over 1-2 hours. Your Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Tour and Gorilla Tracking Rwanda journey continues across the Karanga Valley, covering 5 kilometers in 4-5 hours to reach Karanga Camp at 4,035 meters elevation. This strategic Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Tour and Gorilla Tracking Rwanda positioning provides the perfect launch point for your summit attempt, with stunning views of Mawenzi Peak and the glaciated southern face of Kibo while you rest and prepare for the final ascent.
- Day5Proceed to Uhuru Peak Summit and Descent to Mweka Camp
Your Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Tour and Gorilla Tracking Rwanda summit day begins at midnight with a challenging 6-7 hour ascent covering 4 kilometers to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, the highest point in Africa. This triumphant Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Tour and Gorilla Tracking Rwanda moment takes you through Stella Point at 5,756 meters before reaching the summit, where you'll sign the register book and capture photos at the famous summit sign. Your Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Tour and Gorilla Tracking Rwanda achievement is celebrated briefly before beginning the long descent to Mweka Camp at 3,080 meters, covering 12 kilometers in 4-6 hours through diverse ecological zones from arctic to rainforest.
- Day6Transfer to Rwanda and Kigali City Tour Experience
Today your Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Tour and Gorilla Tracking Rwanda adventure transitions from Tanzania's mountains to Rwanda's capital city with a morning descent to Mweka Gate, covering 10 kilometers in 3-4 hours. Your Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Tour and Gorilla Tracking Rwanda journey continues with a 2-hour drive to Kilimanjaro International Airport, followed by a 1.5-hour flight to Kigali International Airport covering approximately 850 kilometers. This cultural phase of your Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Tour and Gorilla Tracking Rwanda experience includes an afternoon city tour of Kigali, visiting the Genocide Memorial, local markets, and craft cooperatives before overnight accommodation in preparation for gorilla tracking.
- Day7Gorilla Tracking Adventure in Volcanoes National Park
Your Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Tour and Gorilla Tracking Rwanda finale begins with a 2-hour drive covering 116 kilometers from Kigali to Kinigi in Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. This extraordinary Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Tour and Gorilla Tracking Rwanda day includes a morning briefing at park headquarters before embarking on a 2–6-hour trek through bamboo forests and volcanic slopes in search of one of the habituated gorilla families. Your Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Tour and Gorilla Tracking Rwanda adventure concludes with an magical hour spent observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat, followed by return to Kigali for departure, completing an unforgettable journey that combines Africa's highest peak with its most precious wildlife.