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The journey
Embark on a breathtaking Tanzanian adventure that combines wildlife exploration in Tarangire National Park, the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, a memorable 6-day Machame Route hike on Mount Kilimanjaro, and time to unwind in Zanzibar. Discover baobab-studded savannas, rich wildlife, and dramatic volcanic scenery before challenging yourself on Africa's highest peak. Round off the journey by exploring Stone Town's historic charm and relaxing on Zanzibar's pristine beaches.
Book this 11-day Tanzania Safari and Kilimanjaro Trek with Zanzibar Escape with Serengeti Wildlife Safaris, a licensed Tanzania tour operator based in Arusha since 2017. Every itinerary can be tailor-made to your travel dates, budget and interests, and combined with Serengeti and Ngorongoro safaris, Kilimanjaro climbs or Zanzibar beach stays.
At a glance
Day by day
After an early breakfast, depart Tarangire for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend 600 metres to the floor of the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Spend the day on a game drive looking for lions, elephants, buffaloes, black rhinos, hippos, and flamingos against the backdrop of the volcanic caldera walls.
Enjoy a picnic lunch by the hippo pool, then drive back to Arusha in the late afternoon to rest and prepare for your Kilimanjaro climb. Dinner and overnight in Arusha.
After breakfast, drive to Machame Gate (1,800 m), where your guides and porters complete the park registration.
Hike for 5 to 7 hours through lush montane rainforest, home to blue monkeys and colobus monkeys, to Machame Camp.
Dinner prepared by your mountain cook and overnight in tents at Machame Camp.
Leave the rainforest behind and climb a steep ridge into the heath and moorland zone, with your first wide views of Kibo, the summit cone.
About 4 to 6 hours of hiking brings you to Shira Cave on the Shira Plateau. Dinner and overnight in tents.
A key acclimatisation day: hike up through alpine desert to the 90-metre volcanic plug of Lava Tower for lunch.
Descend to Barranco Camp, following the climb-high, sleep-low rule that helps your body adjust to the altitude. About 6 to 8 hours of hiking. Dinner and overnight in tents.
Scramble up the famous Barranco Wall, then cross a series of valleys and ridges via Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt.
Arrive in the afternoon, have an early dinner, and rest before your midnight start. About 7 to 8 hours of hiking.
Wake around midnight for tea and begin the steady climb by headlamp to Stella Point on the crater rim (5,739 m), then continue to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa, ideally in time for sunrise.
After summit photos, descend to Barafu for a short rest and lunch, then continue down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m). A long day of 12 to 16 hours. Dinner and overnight in tents.
Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (about 3 to 4 hours), where you sign out of the park and successful climbers receive their summit certificates.
Drive back to Arusha for a hot shower, a celebration dinner, and a well-earned rest.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Zanzibar.
On arrival, explore historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a local guide: narrow winding streets, carved wooden doors, the Old Fort, the former slave market, and the bustling Darajani Market.
Overnight in Zanzibar.
Relax on the white-sand beaches and in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean after your safari and climb.
Optional activities (at extra cost) include a spice farm tour, snorkelling, a boat trip to Prison Island to see the giant tortoises, or a sunset dhow cruise. Overnight in Zanzibar.
Enjoy a final breakfast and some time on the beach before your transfer to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for your onward flight. Kwaheri and safe travels!
The route
The fine print
Luggage
Clothes
Shoes
Sun protection
First aid supplies
Photography & electrical equipment
Electrical charging and power supply
Your safety on safari: Our 4x4 Land Cruisers are checked and serviced before every trip, every vehicle carries a first aid kit, and our guides are first-aid trained. Guides carry radios to stay in contact where there is no internet, including with park rangers, and you can reach our Arusha office at any time by WhatsApp or phone call.
Our representative will collect you from the airport and take you to your accommodation in Arusha for the night.
We are happy to book accommodation before and after your safari if needed.
Flying into Arusha / Kilimanjaro Airports is quite straightforward. English is widely spoken and used for signs and directions.
Arusha Airport is a 30-minute drive from Arusha.
Kilimanjaro Airport is roughly a one-hour drive from Arusha. If you arrive on an international flight, clearing immigration can be lengthy.
The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling. US dollars and euros are widely accepted. Most places will not accept older US dollar bills printed before 2006.
If you intend to use your credit or debit card to withdraw funds, we suggest taking more than one card with you, as you may find that your card is not accepted at the first ATM. Visa and Maestro cards are best.
We recommend informing your bank that you will use your card abroad to avoid it being blocked. ATMs are available in Arusha and allow you to withdraw local currency.
We advise you to arrive in Arusha at least one day before your trip begins. Return flights can be booked for the late afternoon or evening of the final day of your safari, but please ensure your guide is aware of this so that you can arrive at the airport in plenty of time for your flight.
Please check with the relevant embassy in your country for up-to-date visa and passport information. Ensure your passport will not expire within six months of your trip and that it has at least three clear pages.
You will probably need a visa to enter Tanzania. Check with your country's government travel website to find out how to get your visa. Most visas can be bought on arrival into the country.
You will require vaccinations for your trip. As we are not medically trained, we cannot give detailed advice on vaccination requirements. However, the following vaccinations are generally recommended for Tanzania: Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Rabies, Yellow Fever, and malaria. Yellow fever vaccination is compulsory when you enter Tanzania from a country with yellow fever.
Vaccination certificates are often checked at immigration. If you are entering Tanzania from a country that does not have yellow fever, vaccination is not needed. Please visit the World Health Organization website for an up-to-date list.
In some areas we visit, there is a risk of contracting malaria. You must know that whatever malaria tablets you take only offer partial protection. They must be coupled with your physical efforts against being bitten - the best prevention. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes come out at sunset, so you should wear long sleeves and trousers from this time. Exposed skin, especially ankles, should have insect repellent containing 'Deet' applied to them.
We strongly recommend that you have extensive travel insurance to cover you for your trip. It is also wise to leave a copy of your insurance policy with a friend or relative for safekeeping. Your policy should include adequate medical emergency and repatriation coverage.
Tanzania has a well-established tipping culture.
Guides: If you feel you have received good service, a typical tip is USD 10-15 per person daily.
In Tanzania, the year is loosely divided into the 'short' rains (November) and the 'long' rains (March to May). The 'rains' usually last one or two hours daily and are followed by hot, sunny weather. Nights can be surprisingly cold at higher altitudes, e.g. Ngorongoro Crater.
Logistics
Your 11 days finish where they began, in Arusha.
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