13-Day Kilimanjaro Trek and Tanzania Safari with Uhuru Peak

13 Days Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Reach Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route
  • 02 Trek through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and summit landscapes
  • 03 Explore Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater
  • 04 Look for elephants, flamingos, tree-climbing lions, and Big Five wildlife
  • 05 Enjoy sweeping views of Mawenzi Peak, Kibo, and northern Tanzania
  • 06 Stay in mountain huts, safari lodges, and a tented bush camp
  • 07 Visit the world's largest intact volcanic caldera at Ngorongoro Crater
  • 08 End the journey with a nature walk at Napuru Waterfall near Arusha

Experience an unforgettable 13-day journey in Tanzania that combines a Mount Kilimanjaro trek via the Marangu Route with a classic northern circuit safari. Travel through lush rainforest, alpine moorland, and high-altitude desert on your way to Uhuru Peak, then continue to Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater for outstanding wildlife viewing. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking scenery, diverse landscapes, and rich East African nature. The adventure ends with a refreshing visit to Napuru Waterfall near Arusha.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 13 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park, Marangu
Languages English, French, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Arusha

Arusha is a vibrant gateway city nestled at the foot of Mount Meru, serving as the starting point for many of Tanzania's most iconic adventures. Surrounded by lush landscapes and cool highland air, it offers easy access to world-famous destinations like Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Mount Kilimanjaro.

The city blends cultural richness with natural beauty, where local markets, coffee plantations, and Maasai traditions create an authentic East African experience. Visitors can explore nearby Arusha National Park for walking safaris, waterfalls, and views of flamingos on Momella Lakes, or simply enjoy the relaxed pace of town life.

With welcoming people, diverse cuisine, and stunning scenery, Arusha is more than just a stopover - it's a destination that captures the spirit of Tanzania and invites travelers to begin their journey of discovery.

The Charity Hotel

  • Mid-range hotel located in Arusha (City)

Meals & Drinks:

  • Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
  • Non-alcoholic drinks
2
Day 02

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Marangu Gate is one of the main entry points to Mount Kilimanjaro, located on the southeastern side of the mountain within lush montane forest. It serves as the starting point for the popular Marangu Route, often called the "Coca-Cola Route," known for its gradual ascent and hut accommodations.

At the gate, climbers complete registration formalities and meet their guides and porters before beginning the trek. The surrounding area is rich in biodiversity, with towering trees, colorful birds, and curious colobus monkeys often seen along the trail.

As you begin your journey, the path winds through dense rainforest, offering a cool, shaded introduction to the climb. Marangu Gate also features basic facilities, informative displays, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it an exciting and memorable starting point for those aiming to reach Africa's highest peak.

Mandara Hut

  • Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
3
Day 03

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Mandara Hut is the first overnight stop on the Marangu Route of Mount Kilimanjaro, set at about 2,700 meters within a lush montane rainforest. Surrounded by towering trees and rich vegetation, the area is alive with birdsong and the occasional sighting of blue monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys.

The huts provide simple but comfortable A-frame wooden cabins, offering trekkers a sheltered place to rest after the first day's hike from Marangu Gate. Nearby, a short walk leads to the Maundi Crater, where hikers can enjoy beautiful views of northern Tanzania and, on clear days, glimpses of Kenya.

The peaceful forest setting, cool climate, and welcoming atmosphere make Mandara Hut a perfect place to acclimatize and prepare for the journey ahead toward higher altitudes on Africa's highest mountain.

Horombo Hut

  • Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
4
Day 04

Horombo Hut and Mawenzi Ridge Acclimatization

Horombo Hut is a key stop along the Marangu Route on Mount Kilimanjaro, located at about 3,720 meters above sea level. Set in a dramatic alpine moorland zone, it offers sweeping views of Mawenzi Peak and the slopes of Kibo.

The huts are larger than those at Mandara, accommodating many trekkers as they ascend or descend the mountain, making it a lively meeting point. This is also an important acclimatization stop, where climbers often spend an extra day to adjust to the altitude.

The surrounding landscape is dotted with giant lobelias and senecios, creating a unique, almost otherworldly scenery. With cooler temperatures and thinner air, Horombo Hut marks a significant transition in the climb, preparing adventurers for the more challenging stages ahead toward the summit.

Horombo Hut

  • Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
5
Day 05

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Horombo Hut is a key stop along the Marangu Route on Mount Kilimanjaro, located at about 3,720 meters above sea level. Set in a dramatic alpine moorland zone, it offers sweeping views of Mawenzi Peak and the slopes of Kibo.

The huts are larger than those at Mandara, accommodating many trekkers as they ascend or descend the mountain, making it a lively meeting point. This is also an important acclimatization stop, where climbers often spend an extra day to adjust to the altitude.

The surrounding landscape is dotted with giant lobelias and senecios, creating a unique, almost otherworldly scenery. With cooler temperatures and thinner air, Horombo Hut marks a significant transition in the climb, preparing adventurers for the more challenging stages ahead toward the summit.

Kibo Hut

  • Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
6
Day 06

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

Kibo Hut is the final base camp on the Marangu Route of Mount Kilimanjaro, located at about 4,700 meters above sea level in the stark alpine desert between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.

The landscape here is dry, rocky, and windswept, with little vegetation, creating a dramatic and otherworldly setting. The huts provide basic shelter for climbers preparing for the summit push, which typically begins around midnight.

Temperatures can drop well below freezing, and the thin air makes rest challenging, adding to the sense of anticipation. From Kibo Hut, trekkers begin their ascent to Uhuru Peak via Gilman's Point, guided by headlamps under a sky full of stars.

Despite its harsh conditions, Kibo Hut is a place of determination and excitement, marking the final step before reaching the roof of Africa.

Horombo Hut

  • Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
7
Day 07

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Marangu Gate is one of the main entry points to Mount Kilimanjaro, located on the southeastern side of the mountain within lush montane forest.

It serves as the starting point for the popular Marangu Route, often called the "Coca-Cola Route," known for its gradual ascent and hut accommodations. At the gate, climbers complete registration formalities and meet their guides and porters before beginning the trek.

The surrounding area is rich in biodiversity, with towering trees, colorful birds, and curious colobus monkeys often seen along the trail. As you begin your journey, the path winds through dense rainforest, offering a cool, shaded introduction to the climb.

Marangu Gate also features basic facilities, informative displays, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it an exciting and memorable starting point for those aiming to reach Africa's highest peak.

The Charity Hotel

  • Mid-range hotel located in Arusha (City)

Meals & Drinks:

  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
8
Day 08

Lake Manyara National Park Safari

Lake Manyara is a scenic gem nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, known for its diverse ecosystems and breathtaking beauty. The shallow alkaline lake attracts thousands of flamingos and other waterbirds, creating a vibrant pink shoreline during peak seasons.

Surrounding the lake is Lake Manyara National Park, a compact yet rich wildlife haven where visitors can spot elephants, giraffes, hippos, and the famous tree-climbing lions. The park features a mix of groundwater forests, open plains, and acacia woodlands, offering varied landscapes within a small area.

Visitors can enjoy game drives and cultural tours in nearby communities. With stunning views, abundant wildlife, and easy access from Arusha, Lake Manyara is a perfect introduction to Tanzania's natural wonders and safari experience.

Ikumbi Safari Lodge

  • Mid-range lodge located just outside Lake Manyara NP

Meals & Drinks:

  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
9
Day 09

Tarangire National Park Safari

Tarangire National Park is one of Tanzania's most beautiful and underrated safari destinations, located in the northern circuit not far from Arusha.

The park is famous for its vast savannahs, ancient baobab trees, and large herds of elephants, especially during the dry season when wildlife gathers around the Tarangire River. Visitors can also spot lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and over 500 bird species, making it a paradise for nature and photography lovers.

The landscape is a mix of woodlands, swamps, and open plains, offering diverse and scenic game drives. Compared to other parks, Tarangire is less crowded, giving a more peaceful and intimate safari experience. Its rich biodiversity and dramatic scenery make it a must-visit stop on Tanzania's northern safari circuit.

Ikumbi Safari Lodge

  • Mid-range lodge located 1-2hr drive from Tarangire NP

Meals & Drinks:

  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
10
Day 10

Mto Wa Mbu to Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park is one of Africa's most iconic wildlife destinations, located in northern Tanzania and forming part of the larger Serengeti ecosystem that extends into Kenya's Maasai Mara.

The park is world-famous for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move across the plains in search of fresh grazing, closely followed by predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. Its endless golden savannahs, rocky kopjes, and acacia-dotted landscapes create breathtaking scenery and some of the best game viewing on the continent.

Visitors can enjoy game drives and incredible photography opportunities. With its rich biodiversity and dramatic natural cycles, Serengeti offers an unforgettable safari experience and stands as a symbol of untamed African wilderness.

Shuhudia Adventure Camp

  • Mid-range tented bush camp located inside Central Serengeti NP

Meals & Drinks:

  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
11
Day 11

Serengeti to Ngorongoro Highlands

Serengeti National Park is one of the most famous wildlife areas in the world, located in northern Tanzania and forming part of a vast ecosystem that also stretches into Kenya's Maasai Mara.

It is best known for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move across the endless plains in search of fresh grazing, closely followed by predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. The park's landscapes are made up of wide open savannahs, scattered acacia trees, and rocky kopjes that provide shelter for wildlife.

Ngorongoro Wild Camp

  • Mid-range tented camp located inside Ngorongoro Highlands

Meals & Drinks:

  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
12
Day 12

Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive

Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest intact volcanic caldera and one of Africa's most extraordinary wildlife destinations, located within the broader Ngorongoro Conservation Area in northern Tanzania.

Formed millions of years ago after a massive volcanic eruption, the crater is about 19 km wide and 600 meters deep, creating a natural enclosure that supports a dense concentration of wildlife.

Its diverse habitats - grasslands, swamps, forests, and a soda lake - host animals such as lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras, hippos, and the rare black rhinoceros. The crater floor offers some of the best game viewing in Africa, as animals remain within the area year-round due to its permanent water and fertile land.

With breathtaking scenery and unmatched biodiversity, Ngorongoro Crater is often described as a natural "Garden of Eden" and a highlight of any Tanzanian safari.

The Charity Hotel

  • Mid-range hotel located in Arusha (City)

Meals & Drinks:

  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
13
Day 13

Napuru Waterfall and Departure

Napuru Waterfalls is a scenic natural attraction located on the outskirts of Arusha in northern Tanzania. Surrounded by lush green vegetation and peaceful countryside, the waterfall offers a refreshing escape from the city's bustle.

Water flows down rocky cliffs into a clear pool below, creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere ideal for nature walks, photography, and quiet reflection.

The area is also home to local birdlife and small forest wildlife, adding to its natural charm. Visitors can enjoy short hikes through rural paths and interact with nearby communities for a cultural experience. With its cool mist, serene environment, and beautiful scenery, Napuru Waterfalls is a hidden gem that perfectly complements a safari or trekking adventure in the Arusha region.

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
7 cities · 13 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Porterage
  • Rescue fee
  • Climbing gear
  • Park fees (for non-residents)
  • All activities (unless labeled as optional)
  • All accommodation (unless listed as upgrade)
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
  • All taxes/VAT
  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Drinks (as specified in the day-by-day section)

What's Not Included

  • International flights (from/to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (tipping guideline: US$10.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

What to bring

  • Comfortable hiking shoes or boots
  • Lightweight clothing for warm days
  • Warm jacket and layers for cool mornings and evenings
  • Rain jacket or poncho
  • Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
  • Personal medications and a basic first-aid kit
  • Camera or smartphone with spare batteries/power bank
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Small daypack for daily excursions
  • Insect repellent

Know before you go

  • Weather can vary from warm days to chilly nights, especially in highland areas.
  • Comfortable walking fitness is recommended for hiking activities.
  • Wildlife viewing is best during early morning and late afternoon drives.
  • Follow your guide's instructions for safety around wildlife.
  • Carry cash for personal expenses, tips, and souvenirs.
  • Mobile network coverage may be limited in some remote areas.
  • Respect local cultures, communities, and conservation regulations.
  • Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all participants.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Arusha, Tanzania
End of the journey

Your 13 days finish where they began.

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