"I went to Africa hoping to stand on top of Mount Kilimanjaro, but left with it being simply a point in my journey. I did not expect such hospitality, graciousness and seemingly unending happiness of the porters, guides and hikers alike. I received a hug almost everyday, ate bacon in the mornings and had the best mangos ever! Coming home, I find that I miss the stark amazing landscape, random hugs and group dining. Thank you!"
- James N.
Kilimanjaro Shira Plateau Climb
Elevation: 19,340 feet / 5895 meters
ALMOST 30 YEARS GUIDING ON MOUNT KILIMANJARO - 90%+ SUCCESS RATE!
The route: Lomosho trek approach to the Shira Plateau & Western Breach; with overnight in the crater and only a 1-2 hour climb from your last camp to the summit. Participants will have a chance to safari in Arusha National Park, which is included in the climb only itinerary.
Join Mountain Madness on this once in a lifetime guided climb up Mount Kilimanjaro- the roof of Africa! On this trekking ascent of Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and one of the Seven Summits, you will enjoy first class style the entire way! Our seldom-traveled route requires no technical experience. Participants need to only be in great physical shape and have the desire to stand on the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Arusha National Park: For those with limited time the game viewing here offers a mini-safari and is included in our climb only itinerary! You will spend two nights here before your climb and enjoy our private luxury camp in the park with our guides where you'll enjoy game viewing, hiking, fine dining, and exclusive access to camp facilities as you prepare for the ascent.
Safari option: Lake Mayara, Ngorongoro Crater, & Serengeti
Other African Extensions: Serengeti: Walk on the Wild Side, Zanizbar, or Mount Meru
Africa is a diverse continent that will enchant and delight the adventurer in everyone. Our success rate is high: more than 90% of all Mountain Madness clients summit Kilimanjaro! Our route takes us up the Western Breach via the Shira Plateau, a route pioneered by Mountain Madness founders Scott Fischer and Wesley Krause. Krause eventually moved to Tanzania and since the early 1980’s has been overseeing Mountain Madness operations on Kilimanjaro. He has played a key role in the certification and training of our guides and providing seamless services for our groups.
The Shira Plateau Western Breach is the best non-technical route on the mountain. Our summit day is only a 1-2 hour hike from our last camp. Along the way you will enjoy fine mountain dining and comfortable camps throughout the climb. Porters carry your equipment, set up your tent and assure your comfort. All these factors combine to maintain our high success rate. After the climb, we stay at the comfortable Moivaro Lodge where you can relax, swim in the pool, and enjoy a celebratory dinner surrounded by the beautiful Tanzanian landscape.
The safari portion of the trip will allow us to experience the beautiful landscape and wildlife of Tanzania with our highly knowledgeable Tanzanian guides. Rather than staying crowded, busy lodges your safari will be in private luxury camps accesible to only our groups. Here you enjoy exquisite food and relax in the evening with a glass of wine listening to the wild Africa under a star-studded sky. And it's not all about animals; you'll enjoy a visit with our Maasaai friend Ole Dorop and his family, visit famous sites Dr. Leakey found the roots of manking, and much more.
Once on safari your driver guides’ expertise will make your journey not only enjoyable, but educational as well. We travel in Land Cruisers equipped with many windows to ensure that everyone has a great view of the spectacular landscape and animals of Africa. It all starts with the diverse aquatic ecosystems found in Lake Manyara, and then the Ngorongoro Conservation Area always proves to be a wonderful location for viewing rhinoceros, zebra, elephants, lions, and wildebeests. Add a couple of days and you'll enjoy the wildlife viewing in Serengeti.
(Video for Shira Plateau and Machame routes)
(Video for Classic Safari)
