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Wilderness Alternative ExpeditionMountains · Safaris · East Africa

Kenya · Tanzania · Uganda

Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda each need a different plan.

Kenya can connect mountains, safari and coast. Tanzania changes with the northern circuit, Kilimanjaro and the season. Uganda asks you to plan around forests, primates, the Nile and the Rwenzori. Start with the country, then compare the regions that give it its character.

For teachers and expedition leaders

School Expeditions

Start with what you want students to learn. We will shape the right mix of mountains, wildlife, cycling and coast around their age, confidence and time.

Accompanying teachers travel freeExplore School Expeditions

Choose a country

Country

Kenya

Alpine ridges, conservancy country, open savannah, Rift Valley lakes, northern desert and the Indian Ocean — often connected within one journey.

Explore Kenya →
 Country

Tanzania

Kilimanjaro, Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, with each season changing how the northern circuit should be travelled.

Explore Tanzania →
 Country

Uganda

Rainforest primates, crater lakes, the Nile and the Rwenzori — a greener journey through forests, mountains and water.

Explore Uganda →

All destinations

Destination guides across East Africa.

Browse by country and experience, then open each guide for access, seasons, places to stay and the journeys that connect the region.

WAE guests on the Shira Plateau with Kibo behind them

Tanzania

Shira Route — Mount Kilimanjaro

Understand the Shira Route’s high western start, plateau landscapes, early-altitude exposure, shared southern circuit and practical vehicle access.

Seven mountain days can create a sound later pattern, but the first-day altitude remains the defining concern. recommended

WAE guests at Gilman’s Point during the night ascent on Mount Kilimanjaro

Tanzania

Marangu Route — Mount Kilimanjaro

Plan the Marangu Route with an honest view of its hut system, common schedule, acclimatisation limits, summit night and suitability for different climbers.

Six mountain days with an acclimatisation day at Horombo is the minimum pattern we would discuss seriously; the familiar five-day version is compressed. recommended

WAE guests in Kilimanjaro’s alpine zone beneath the snow-covered summit

Tanzania

Rongai Route — Mount Kilimanjaro

Explore the Rongai Route from Kilimanjaro’s northern side, including its terrain, acclimatisation pattern, summit approach and Marangu descent.

Seven mountain days gives the route a better rhythm; six-day programmes require careful scrutiny. recommended

View from a Kilimanjaro tent across a high camp above the clouds

Tanzania

Northern Circuit Route — Mount Kilimanjaro

Understand Kilimanjaro’s long Northern Circuit: its quieter northern traverse, strong acclimatisation profile, daily stages and logistical demands.

Nine mountain days is the common full circuit pattern; reducing it undermines the reason for choosing the route. recommended

Shira 1 Camp at sunrise with Mount Kilimanjaro rising behind it

Tanzania

Lemosho Route — Mount Kilimanjaro

Plan the Lemosho Route with a clear view of its western approach, acclimatisation days, shared southern circuit, summit night and practical trade-offs.

Seven days can work; eight mountain days gives the route its fullest acclimatisation value and a calmer rhythm. recommended

WAE guests hiking beneath volcanic cliffs in Kilimanjaro’s high alpine zone

Tanzania

Machame Route — Mount Kilimanjaro

A detailed guide to the Machame Route: daily stages, acclimatisation profile, terrain, summit approach and who this popular Kilimanjaro climb suits.

Seven mountain days is the balanced version; six days is possible but removes the Karanga night and useful acclimatisation time. recommended

Namunyak conservacy

Kenya

Namunyak & the Mathews Range

Forested mountains, elephant corridors and Samburu community conservation rising above the dry northern lowlands.

3–4 nights recommended

Wilderness Alternative guests, guides, cooks and porters together after a Mount Kenya journey

Kenya

Mount Kenya Planning Guide

StartWeatherAltitudeFitnessEquipmentCamp lifeTeamResponsibility Mount Kenya practical planning guide Build the expedition from the route, the guest and the mountain—not a template. A good Mount Kenya journey connects six decisions:…

Lake Ellis and the surrounding Mount Kenya moorland seen from above

Kenya

Mount Kenya Lakes, Tarns & Valleys

OverviewEastern lakesHigh tarnsValleysOriginsEcologyCare The water-shaped geography of Mount Kenya Lakes, tarns and glacial valleys tell the mountain’s oldest story. Mount Kenya is an ancient extinct volcano whose present…

Upper Simba Tarn beneath snow-speckled volcanic slopes on Mount Kenya

Kenya

Mount Kenya Summit Circuit

OverviewLandmarksDirectionDifficultyPlanningFAQs The high-level journey around Mount Kenya’s central peaks The Summit Circuit reveals one mountain from every side. The Summit Circuit is a demanding high-altitude trek around the…

Golden sunrise above a snow-covered Mount Kenya valley seen from Point Lenana

Kenya

Point Lenana — Mount Kenya

OverviewApproachesSummit dayAltitudeConditionsPlanningFAQs Mount Kenya’s principal trekking summit Point Lenana is a high-altitude mountain objective—not a technical climb. At 4,985 metres, Point Lenana stands above nearly every summit in…

Mount Kenya expedition crew beside giant lobelias in the Afro-alpine zone

Kenya

Kamweti Route — Mount Kenya

OverviewAt a glanceForestUpper routePracticalWho it suitsFAQs A less-travelled southern approach Kamweti enters Mount Kenya through forest, water and quiet. Kamweti is a southern Mount Kenya approach for travellers…