11-Day Tanzania Safari and Kilimanjaro Trek via Marangu Route

• You'll be picked up from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

• Embark on a seamless journey as you're picked up from Arusha for a scenic 2-hour drive to Tarangire National Park. Once the paperwork is complete, immerse yourself in a full day of serenity in this picturesque haven, adorned with majestic baobab trees towering at over 300 years old. Marvel at herds of elephants, which gather here during the dry season, creating a captivating spectacle.
• As the day draws to a close, make your way to the enchanting campsite for a delightful dinner and a restful overnight stay, ensuring your experience is not just a safari but a harmonious blend of nature and comfort.

• Embark on an early morning drive to Serengeti National Park, one of Africa's most renowned wildlife sanctuaries.
• Witness the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife as you explore the vast plains. Marvel at the Great Migration, where wildebeest and zebras traverse the open savannah.

Spend the night in a safari camp, immersing yourself in the sounds of the untamed wilderness.

• Commence your day with the enchanting glow of sunrise, marking the beginning of an extraordinary adventure.
• Following a satisfying breakfast, set out on an extensive game drive, where expansive plains adorned with acacia trees, diverse bird species, and the regal presence of mammals and big cats unfold before you. As the day progresses, the wonders of the Serengeti come alive, offering a captivating spectacle of wildlife in their natural habitat.
• As night falls, embark on a scenic drive towards Ngorongoro Crater, concluding the day with a delightful dinner and a restful overnight stay at the charming Ngorongoro Simba Campsite. Immerse yourself in the serenity of the surroundings, crafting enduring memories of this unparalleled African safari experience.

• Journey to the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a haven for a variety of wildlife.
• Descend into the crater for thrilling game drives, offering the chance to encounter the Big Five and numerous bird species. Spend two days exploring this natural wonder, enjoying the stunning scenery and diverse ecosystems.

Your accommodation on the crater rim will provide breathtaking views and a comfortable setting for relaxation after your exciting adventures.

• On the final day of your journey, bid farewell to the captivating landscapes of Manyara National Park as you embark on a scenic transfer back to Arusha. The journey unfolds with a leisurely drive, allowing you to reflect on the memorable wildlife encounters and the breathtaking scenery you've experienced.
• As you traverse the picturesque routes, relish the last glimpses of Tanzania's diverse terrain, from the lush surroundings of Manyara to the vibrant towns en route to Arusha.
• Conclude your safari adventure with a mix of nostalgia and satisfaction, carrying with you the indelible memories of the wildlife, landscapes, and cultural richness that define this remarkable corner of East Africa.

Arriving in Arusha, you bring your safari expedition to a close, leaving with a heart full of experiences and the desire to return to Tanzania's enchanting wilderness in the future.

• Departing from Moshi, a 1-hour drive will take you through the village of Marangu to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead.
• Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and winding trails while your guide tells you about the local flora, fauna, and natural wildlife.

At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.

• After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rainforest and continue on an ascending path through the heathland, looking for giant lobelias and groundsels.
• Continue up into open moorlands where small shrubs are the main vegetation.
• Stop halfway for lunch to enjoy amazing views of Mawenzi.
• Arrive at the Horombo Huts in the late afternoon beneath the spectacular Kibo summit viewpoint.

Temperatures begin to drop.

Elevation: 2740m/9000ft to 3690m/12,100ft

• After breakfast, we continue on through the dwindling heathland that blends into a moonscape as you enter the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo.
• Here, while we stop for lunch, and later when you cross this surprisingly large saddle, you can examine the summit climb up to Kibo that you will be starting in just a few hours.

Elevation: 3690m/12,100ft to 4695m/15,400ft

• Ascending from 4,695m/15,400ft to 5,895m/19,340ft, the climax of the Mount Kilimanjaro trek unfolds. Beginning between midnight and 2 a.m., this segment proves mentally and physically demanding.
• The ascent to Gillman's Point on the crater rim involves a challenging switchback climb through scree and possible snow.
• A short rest at Gillman's Point offers a breathtaking sunrise, with faster hikers witnessing it from the summit.
• The final hour to Uhuru Peak entails navigating snowy terrain.

Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro and in Africa, a sense of accomplishment prevails.

• Amid photos and celebrations, the descent to Mweka Camp begins, passing Barafu for lunch.

Gaiters and trekking poles are recommended for the loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain.

• The steep descent leads to a well-deserved rest at Mweka Camp, marking the end of an extraordinary journey on Mount Kilimanjaro.

• After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it's time to say goodbye. We continue the descent, stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch.

Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here.

• You return to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates.

As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, and we highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles.

• From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). Enjoy a long-overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations.

Elevation: 3690m/12,100ft to 1830m/6000ft