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The journey
Embark on the ultimate 10-day Tanzanian adventure combining the thrill of scaling Africa's highest peak with an unforgettable wildlife safari across the iconic Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Trek Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Marangu Route, passing through lush rainforests, heather moorlands, and alpine deserts to reach the roof of Africa at Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Then continue into Tanzania's world-renowned Northern Safari Circuit to explore the vast savannahs of the Serengeti and descend into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, home to one of Africa's densest concentrations of big game, including the rare black rhino. Designed for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike, this itinerary brings together the best of Tanzania in one seamless trip.
At a glance
Day by day
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will be met by your professional guide and transferred to your hotel.
Receive a comprehensive safety briefing, gear check, and itinerary review with your lead mountain guide.
Spend the afternoon at leisure, recovering from your journey and preparing your daypack.
Trek Begins - Rainforest Canopy Walk
Elevation: 1,860 m (6,100 ft) to 2,700 m (8,860 ft)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Highlights:
Register at Marangu Gate before commencing your trek through the lush tropical rainforest.
Spot wildlife such as Colobus monkeys, exotic birds, and unique flora.
Arrive at Mandara Hut for dinner and an overnight stay.
Ascent into the Moorland Zone
Elevation: 2,700 m (8,860 ft) to 3,720 m (12,200 ft)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Highlights:
Emerge from the rainforest into the open giant heather moorland.
Take in spectacular views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
Arrive at Horombo Hut to rest and acclimatize for the higher altitudes ahead.
Traversing the Alpine Desert
Elevation: 3,720 m (12,200 ft) to 4,700 m (15,420 ft)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Highlights:
Hike past the 'Last Water Point' across the vast Saddle separating Mawenzi and Kibo.
Experience the stark beauty of the alpine desert landscape.
Enjoy an early dinner and early sleep at Kibo Hut in preparation for the midnight summit attempt.
Summit Day - Reaching the Roof of Africa
Elevation: 4,700 m to 5,895 m (19,341 ft) summit, down to 3,720 m
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours ascent / 4-5 hours descent
Highlights:
Begin your midnight push to Gilman's Point (5,685 m) on the crater rim.
Continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, for sunrise views over the continent.
Descend back to Kibo Hut for lunch and a short break before continuing down to Horombo Hut.
Descent & Celebration
Elevation: 3,720 m to 1,860 m
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Highlights:
Make your final descent through the rainforest back to Marangu Gate.
Collect your official summit certificates.
Transfer to your hotel in Arusha for a long hot shower, a celebratory dinner, and a well-earned rest.
Journey to the Great Plain
Highlights:
Depart Arusha early in the morning and drive through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Enjoy an en-route game drive into the world-famous Serengeti National Park.
Take an afternoon game drive across endless savannahs, looking for big cats and abundant plains game before settling into your lodge or tented camp.
Wildlife & Big Cat Tracking in Serengeti
Highlights:
Spend a full day on game drives across the Serengeti, searching for the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, buffalos).
Track herds depending on the season, including Great Wildebeest Migration movements.
Enjoy a bush picnic lunch surrounded by wild wilderness before returning to camp for dinner under the stars.
Descending into the Ngorongoro Crater Floor
Highlights:
Enjoy a morning game drive as you exit the Serengeti toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Descend 600 meters into the UNESCO World Heritage Ngorongoro Crater floor.
Spot dense wildlife concentrations including black rhinos, hippos, wildebeests, and prides of lions.
Transfer in the evening to Karatu or Arusha for dinner and an overnight stay.
Cultural Highlights & Departure
Highlights:
Visit local Maasai or Arusha cultural markets, or coffee plantations, in the morning if time permits.
Enjoy souvenir shopping and a final Tanzanian lunch.
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure flight home.
The route
The fine print
Airport Transfers: Round-trip airport pickup and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Accommodation:
Hotel stays in Arusha/Moshi before and after the trek (with breakfast).
Mountain hut accommodation during the Kilimanjaro trek (Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo Huts).
Safari lodges/high-quality tented camps during the Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari.
Meals: Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the Kilimanjaro trek and safari, plus fresh purified drinking water throughout the trip.
Guides & Crew:
Professional, licensed, English-speaking lead mountain guides, assistant guides, mountain cooks, and porters.
Experienced, English-speaking professional safari driver-guide.
Park Fees & Permits: All Kilimanjaro National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater conservation fees, camping/hut fees, rescue fees, and government taxes.
Safari Transport: 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for optimal 360-degree wildlife viewing and photography, equipped with a fridge and charging ports.
Gear: Mountain safety equipment, including pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen canisters.
Certificates: Official Kilimanjaro summit completion certificate upon a successful climb.
Flights: International flights to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and any domestic flights.
Tanzania Entry Visa: Passport fees, entry visa fees ($50-$100 depending on nationality), and travel documentation.
Travel & Medical Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking (up to 6,000 m), emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and lost luggage.
Tips & Gratuities: Tips for mountain guides, cooks, porters, and safari driver-guides (customary and expected in Tanzania).
Personal Trekking Gear: Sleeping bag, trekking poles, thermal clothing, boots, daypack, and other personal clothing/gear (available for rent locally if needed).
Personal Expenses: Laundry, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, souvenir shopping, telephone/Wi-Fi charges, and room service.
Optional Activities: Serengeti hot air balloon safari, Maasai village visits, or additional day tours in Arusha.
For the Kilimanjaro Trek:
Layered Clothing: Thermal base layers, fleece mid-layers, and a windproof/waterproof jacket and pants.
Footwear: Broken-in waterproof hiking boots and high-quality wool trekking socks.
Head & Hands: Warm beanie or hat, sun hat, lightweight gloves, and heavy waterproof summit gloves.
Gear: 4-season sleeping bag (rated -10°C/14°F or lower), trekking poles, 30-35L daypack (with rain cover), headlamp with extra batteries, and 2-3L water bladder or bottles.
For the Safari & General Travel:
Safari Attire: Neutral-colored, lightweight clothing (khaki, beige, green; avoid dark blue/black, which attract tsetse flies).
Binoculars & Camera: Binoculars for wildlife viewing, a camera with zoom lens, extra memory cards, and a power bank.
Sun & Health Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, insect repellent (with DEET), and personal first-aid supplies or medication.
Documents & Extras: Passport (valid for 6+ months), yellow fever certificate (if applicable), cash (USD printed after 2013 for tips and small purchases), and wet wipes or hand sanitizer.
Logistics
Your 10 days finish where they began, in Kilimanjaro International Airport [KIA].
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