11-Day Mount Meru Climb and Northern Tanzania Safari with Zanzibar

Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Overland Safaris will arrange a private transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Arusha Safari Lodge, where the rest of the day is at leisure. We stay at Arusha Safari Lodge, which is beautifully located on the slope of Mt. Meru and is a perfect place to prepare for your adventure.

We will gather at the hotel for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check. We will also confirm that you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.

Dinner and overnight at Arusha Safari Lodge: bed, dinner, and breakfast included.

We drive from Arusha to Momela Gate. After a short registration at the gate, our walk begins with a fully armed ranger escort. Along the way, we may see wild animals including elephants, zebras, giraffes, monkeys, and antelope.

Dinner and overnight at Miriakamba Hut.

Elevation (m): 1,387 m to 1,500 m
Elevation (ft): 4,921 ft to 3,000 ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest.

The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a short day, but it is a steep climb.

The trail takes us slowly along the ridge for spectacular views of the Meru Crater and the impressive Ash Cone. After a hot lunch at Saddle Hut, we can make a short climb to the summit of Little Meru (3,820 m) for superb views just before sunset.

Dinner and overnight at Saddle Hut.

Elevation (m): 2,514 m to 3,570 m
Elevation (ft): 8,250 ft to 11,712 ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking time: 3-5 hours
Habitat: Forest and Moorland.

We start early at around 1:30 a.m. and climb steeply to Rhino Point (3,800 m) and on to Cobra Point (4,350 m). We reach the summit (4,566 m) in time for sunrise, and there is a possibility of seeing Kilimanjaro Peak above the clouds. The final part of the climb follows a spectacular narrow ridgeline between the sheer inner cliffs and the sloping outer wall of the crater.

We take a short rest and brunch at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to Momella Gate. The return transfer will be waiting at Momella Gate to take you back to Arusha and the safari lodge.

Elevation (m): 3,570 m to 4,565 m to 2,514 m
Elevation (ft): 14,977 ft to 11,712 ft to 8,250 ft
Distance: 5 km up, 13 km down
Hiking time: 12-14 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert, Moorland, and Montane Forest.

Dinner and overnight at Arusha Safari Lodge: bed, dinner, and breakfast included.

We depart from your lodge in Arusha and proceed to Lake Manyara National Park. Although small in size, this park is one of the most diverse reserves in the country. Lake Manyara covers two-thirds of the park. In the backdrop is the wall of the Great Rift Valley, before which lie the groundwater forest, areas of open grassland near the lake foreshore, and the Soda Lake.

We enjoy a picnic lunch in this area, which consists of open grassy areas, hot springs, dense woodlands, and steep mountainsides. Lake Manyara National Park is a birding paradise with more than 350 species of birds. The park is also famed for its unique and elusive tree-climbing lions.

Dinner and overnight at Nsya Lodge: full board.

We proceed to Olduvai Gorge, known as the "Cradle of Mankind." It was here, in the Great Rift Valley, that the remains of early hominids dating back 2 million years were uncovered.

Afterwards, we visit the most famous wildlife sanctuary in the world - Serengeti National Park. The word "Serengeti" means "endless plains," which describes the park's 5,600-square-mile boundary. Yet for all its sprawling area, the Serengeti does not disappoint when it comes to rich game viewing. The Serengeti ecosystem is one of the oldest on earth.

We make our way to our lodging for the night.

Dinner and overnight at Serengeti Wild Tented Lodge: full board.

We embark on an encore game drive in the expansive Serengeti National Park. The Serengeti boasts one of the most varied collections of wildlife on the planet.

Annually, from May to December, millions of animals embark on a migration that brings them from central Serengeti to Kenya's Masai Mara and back again in an incredible spectacle. Even during the "down-time," vast herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle roam here, along with groups of elephant, giraffe, and buffalo, while lions, leopard, cheetah, hyenas, and jackals stalk their meals.

We make our way to our lodging for the night.

Dinner and overnight at Serengeti Wild Tented Lodge: full board.

We depart from the Serengeti to visit the largest intact volcanic crater in the world, the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. At more than 2,000 feet deep and 12 miles in diameter, the Ngorongoro Crater has one of the largest concentrations of wildlife in Africa.

Some 30,000 animals make their home in this crater, making it an ideal place for sightings of the "Big 5" - lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard. This truly world-class attraction is also known as the "8th Wonder of the World." We then make our way to our lodging for the night in Arusha.

Dinner and overnight at Arusha African Tulip Hotel: HB.

Your program starts with a morning walking visit on our historical Stone Town Tour. This tour takes you through the fabled Stone Town, where history appears to stand still.

With visits to the House of Wonders, the Palace Museum (People's Palace), and the Arab Fort, among others, it offers a fascinating look at the essence of Zanzibar. You will see Zanzibar's bustling market, winding alleyways, ornately carved and studded doors, two cathedrals, and countless mosques.

Dinner and overnight stay at Coral Beach Resort: half board.

Snorkeling in Zanzibar is an experience of a lifetime. Unlike many other popular snorkeling destinations around the world, it is still possible to find places along the coast that have never been explored.

The many varieties of coral provide a home to thousands of colorful and exotic creatures, including blue ribbon tail rays, fire fish, and, for the "Finding Nemo" fans, clownfish.

Dinner and overnight stay at Coral Beach Resort: half board.

Depending on your flight schedule and departure point, you will be transferred to Zanzibar Airport to take your flight back home. If you are flying out of Dar Es Salaam or Nairobi, we will arrange a connection flight for you to catch your onward flight home.