14-Day Kilimanjaro Trek and Tanzania Safari with Serengeti and Ngorongoro

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Day 01

Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport and Transfer to Arusha

• Our driver will be waiting at the airport to pick you up and take you to the Papagei home or hotel in Arusha. Orientation regarding your Kilimanjaro safari package will take place at the hotel, and our guides will emphasise all the important details. An inspection of your hiking gear will also take place.

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Day 02

Machame Gate Trek to Machame Camp

• Depart for Machame Gate in the morning, where you will meet your porters, guides, and cooks. The drive to the gate is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and passes through coffee farms and friendly local villages. Registration will take place at the entrance, and then we will embark on our journey to Africa's rooftop. Every day, your porters and cooks will hike ahead of the guide to ensure that the campsite is organised by the time you arrive.
• Spend the night at Machame Camp. The initial trail is set in Kilimanjaro's enchanting cloud forest. Branches arch above, creating an ember tunnel with delicate clouds floating overhead. As we near the campsite, the scenery will begin to transform - high grasses, dry heather plants, and vibrant wildflowers will inhabit the land. Unblemished blue skies will ensure that Kibo's frosted cone is visible.

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Day 03

Machame Camp to Shira Camp Across Expansive Views

• Today's trail features many increasing inclines, but it is considered the easiest trek on the route. We recommend carrying copious amounts of drinking water and hydrating regularly because the trail is exposed. There are numerous viewpoints from which you can witness the emerald canopy of the forest and the vistas of Kibo and the jagged-toothed Mawenzi Peaks. The fauna and flora diminish as we gain altitude, and the infamous high-altitude plants begin to sprout, including the colossal Lobelia and the striking Scenecio Kilimanjaro. We will take a break, and your tasty lunch will be served. Once we climb the ashen, engraved walls of the Shira Plateau, we will reach Shira Camp. You can enjoy the splendid views of Kibo towering over the luscious slopes of Mount Meru during your unwinding time.

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Day 04

Shira Camp via Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

• Every step we take towards the Lava Tower enlarges the magnificent sight of Kibo. The trail steepens as we approach the Lava Tower and, as a result, the trek's difficulty increases slightly. The tower rises to a height of three hundred feet and was formed thousands of years ago when an enormous volcano erupted. A steep trail will lead us to the spectacular landscape of the Barranco Valley and to Barranco Camp, which lies on a col (a flat area) encompassed by three steep valley walls and the stunning Kibo massif. The dangling icicles twinkle and reflect the scenic splendour. Heather plants dominate the scenery and create patches of flamboyance. We will abide by the mountaineer rule of hiking high and sleeping low by ascending to Barranco Camp (12,950 feet / 5-6 hours of walking). You will be provided with a delicious meal prepared by our Papagei cook.

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Day 05

Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley Camp

• Your second acclimatisation day will commence with a downward journey into the mysterious gorge. Climbing the eastern wall will allow us to marvel at the glitter-lined ice fields. We will continue trekking until we reach Karanga Valley Camp (13,900 feet / 4-5 hours of walking), where an appetising meal awaits.

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Day 06

Karanga Valley Camp to Barafu Base Camp

• We will venture along the uphill trail in the Karanga Valley and follow the striking lava ridge to Barafu Camp (15,200 feet / 6-7 hours of walking). As we hike towards the campsite, the temperature will decrease and the landscape will become scarcer. Barafu Camp is situated on a small, uncovered area on a ridge. It will be the unofficial base camp from which you will attempt the summit. A hearty dinner will be served, and we suggest that you rest for the midnight climb.

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Day 07

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru and Descent to Mweka Camp

• The challenging trek to the summit will begin shortly after midnight (12-17 hours of trekking). Before we encounter Stella's Point, we will voyage among the Rebmann and Tarzel glaciers beneath the topaz blaze. Temperatures can drop as low as freezing before the sun's glow begins to heat the land (freezing temperatures: -23°C to 10°C). Smashing your goals and reaching Africa's rooftop will reveal a resplendent landscape (6-7 hours of hiking). Peach-hued rays dye the frosted fields, and the clouds attempt to engulf everything on the mountain. You will have a chance to take photos and gaze at the magnificence before the descent to Barafu Camp. A short breather will take place once we reach the camp. We will then journey to Mweka Camp (9,840 feet / 3-4 hours of walking on the descent), where a delectable meal and snug sleeping await your arrival.

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Day 08

Mweka Camp to Park Gate and Return to Arusha

• The final trek is a leisurely walk to the park gate (3-4 hours). After exchanging final goodbyes with your crew, we will drive to Arusha.

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Day 09

Safari Begins at Lake Manyara

• After an appetising breakfast, we will proceed to Lake Manyara for the second part of your Kilimanjaro safari package. Colourful birds soar across the scenic plains, and their harmonic symphonies permeate the air. The lush rainforest is home to the largest concentration of baboons. There is a possibility of spotting many fascinating animals such as elephants, buffalo, giraffes, impalas, and hippos. We will venture through the various habitats in the park and enjoy a picnic lunch.

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Day 10

Lake Manyara to the Endless Plains of Serengeti

• We will depart for Serengeti National Park shortly after breakfast. A direct translation of Serengeti is 'the land that carries on forever', and this complements the vast plains of golden-brown savannah that seem to fade perfectly into the horizon. This untouched land is home to wildebeest, lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, baboons, hippos, rhinos, antelopes, and many species of birds. We will stop for a picnic lunch on a koppie (a small hill in a generally flat area). Our game drive will venture further into the park for the remaining hours of the day.

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Day 11

Morning Game Drive in Serengeti

• Our morning game drive is a thrilling experience. The cackles of hyena packs resonate across the plains, and unspoilt track marks could lead us to the den of a predator. Superb beams of orange, pink, and purple begin to materialise across the horizon as the herds make their way to the watering hole. Your guide will astound you with his capability to track down the game. We will have a delicious lunch in the park.

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Day 12

Final Serengeti Game Drive to Ngorongoro Crater Rim

• Today is our final game drive on the vast plains of the Serengeti before we travel to the famous Ngorongoro Crater. We will camp at Simba Camp, which is located on the crater rim, an ideal place for watching the sunset spread over the savannah within the caldera. You will enjoy a delectable dinner at camp.

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Day 13

Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha

• We will descend into the Ngorongoro Crater early in the morning, as early mornings provide the perfect opportunity to spot game, especially within the

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Day 14

Transfer from Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport

• Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport.