Arrival and Transfer to Arusha

Arusha Region - Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be transported to your hotel in Arusha. Spend the day unwinding, unpacking, and mentally preparing for the upcoming climb. Check into your reserved accommodation, Kibo Palace Hotel (or a similar option). This comfortable setting serves as your base for the pre-climb briefing with your head guide, who will review your gear and outline the days ahead.

Marangu Gate (1,860m) to Mandara Hut (2,720m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast, travel to the Marangu Gate to complete park formalities. Begin your trek by hiking through a lush, beautiful montane rainforest. You may spot blue monkeys and hear the calls of colobus monkeys. The trail is well-maintained and steady. Spend the night at Mandara Hut, a shared frame hut located in a clearing at the forest’s edge.

Mandara Hut (2,720m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Depart the rainforest and enter the open moorlands, featuring giant heathers and stunning views of the summit. This day is longer and more challenging as you acclimatize to the increasing altitude. Overnight at Horombo Huts, which are a welcome sight after a long day. The air is noticeably thinner here.

Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut

Mount Kilimanjaro - This day is crucial for acclimatization. Take a day hike to the base of Mawenzi Peak (the second highest peak of Kilimanjaro), reaching approximately 4,600m. This “hike high, sleep low” strategy significantly enhances your chances of successfully reaching the summit by helping your body adjust to the altitude.

Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Kibo Hut (4,730m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Trek across the barren, alpine desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The landscape is stark and lunar-like. Rest early at Kibo Hut, as the final ascent to the summit begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo Hut, which offers basic dormitory-style accommodations. Try to sleep before the early wake-up call.

Kibo Hut (4,730m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - This is the most challenging and rewarding day. Begin trekking around midnight, navigating steep scree slopes by headlamp. Reach Gilman’s Point (5,681m) on the crater rim at sunrise. Then, trek along the rim to Africa’s highest point, Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Celebrate your incredible achievement before descending back to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut for a well-deserved night’s sleep.

Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Marangu Gate (1,860m) to Moshi/Arusha

Arusha Region - A sustained descent through the moorland and back into the rainforest. At the Marangu Gate, receive your summit certificates. You will then be driven back to your hotel for a long shower and a celebration!

Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park - Meet your safari guide and vehicle. Drive to Tarangire National Park, renowned for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and the Tarangire River. Enjoy an afternoon game drive. Overnight at Lake Burunge Tented Camp, a charming mid-range tented camp on the shores of Lake Burunge. It offers a true safari atmosphere with comfortable beds and en-suite bathrooms.

Tarangire to Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park - Begin with a morning game drive in Tarangire, followed by a long but scenic drive to the legendary Serengeti National Park. Enter the park and start game viewing en route to your camp, getting your first taste of the endless plains. Dinner and overnight at Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp – a semi-permanent mobile camp that offers an authentic and intimate safari experience. It’s designed to bring you close to nature without sacrificing comfort.

Full-day Game Drives in Serengeti

Serengeti National Park - Spend a full day exploring the Serengeti. Your guide will track wildlife, focusing on areas with the highest concentration of animals, which may include the Great Migration herds (location depends on the season). Look for lions, cheetahs, leopards, and vast herds of wildebeest and zebra.

Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Ngorongoro Conservation Area - Enjoy a final morning game drive in the Serengeti before driving towards the Ngorongoro Highlands. Stop at the Olduvai Gorge museum to learn about the “Cradle of Mankind.” Continue to your lodge on the crater’s rim. Overnight at Marera Valley Lodge, a comfortable lodge set on a coffee plantation near Karatu, offering beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere.

Ngorongoro Crater Tour

Ngorongoro Crater - Descend 600m into the Ngorongoro Crater for a spectacular half-day of game viewing. This natural amphitheater is home to a dense population of wildlife, including the “Big Five.” It’s one of the best places to see the endangered black rhinoceros. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor.

Lake Eyasi – Cultural Experience

Lake Eyasi - Experience a unique cultural day. Visit Lake Eyasi, a seasonal salt lake, and spend time with the Hadzabe tribe, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer communities in Africa. You may join them on a morning hunt or gathering. You might also visit the Datoga tribe, skilled blacksmiths. This is a profound and humbling experience.

Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha

Lake Manyara National Park - Your final safari stop is the scenic Lake Manyara National Park. Known for its tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and dense groundwater forest, it’s a beautiful park for a morning game drive. Afterward, drive back to Arusha for a day room or directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home, filled with a lifetime of memories.

• Private transportation
• Entrance fees
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Airport and departure taxes

This 14-day adventure stands out by uniquely combining two of Tanzania’s most renowned experiences into one journey: reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via the picturesque Marangu Route and enjoying a classic African safari through Tarangire, Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater. Few itineraries offer both the physical challenge of climbing Africa’s highest peak and the excitement of top-tier wildlife viewing, all in one seamless trip. Enhancing the experience, a visit to the Hadzabe community at Lake Eyasi offers a genuine cultural connection, making this an ideal choice for travelers seeking adventure, authenticity, and unforgettable contrasts—from snow-capped peaks to expansive savannahs.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.