5-Day Tanzania Safari with Kilimanjaro Hike and Zanzibar Flight

5 Days Round trip from Arusha Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Hike through the captivating foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro and the enchanting Lake Chala forest
  • 02 Enjoy panoramic crater-rim vistas before swimming, canoeing, or relaxing by Lake Chala
  • 03 Spot the Big 5 on game drives across the vast Serengeti plains
  • 04 Immerse yourself in vibrant Maasai culture through traditional dances and distinctive customs
  • 05 Explore the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Embark on a thrilling 5-day adventure through Tanzania's stunning landscapes, from a hike in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro and the enchanting Lake Chala forest to game drives across the vast Serengeti plains and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater. Spot the Big 5 - lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo - and immerse yourself in vibrant Maasai culture through traditional dances and distinctive customs. With luxury accommodation, private transport, park fees, safari meals, and a flight to Zanzibar included, this journey combines wildlife, scenery, and cultural encounters in one remarkable safari experience.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Luxury
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Arusha, Moshi, Zanzibar, Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Languages English, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Mount Kilimanjaro Foothills Hike and Lake Chala Escape

  • As the day begins, prepare for an extraordinary journey after breakfast. Our experienced guide will pick you up at your hotel in Arusha or Moshi, driving you 129 km from Arusha town and 49 km from Moshi town.
  • Situated in the eastern foothills of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, your one-day expedition begins with a guided hike through the enchanting Lake Chala forest, which surrounds this splendid crater lake. Along the trek, keep an eye out for playful monkeys, other wildlife, and the vibrant tapestry of wild birds that call this pristine habitat home.
  • After savoring the panoramic vistas from the crater rim, descend to the water's edge. Here, you can choose to take a refreshing swim, embark on a serene canoe safari, or simply relax in the tranquility with a good book.
  • Following a delectable picnic lunch in this natural haven, begin the journey back to Mto Wa Mbu for accommodation.
2
Day 02

Great Rift Valley Journey to Serengeti

  • Following breakfast, embark on an early departure across the floor of the Great Rift Valley, ascend the escarpment, and travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
  • This picturesque drive leads you to the legendary Serengeti.
  • Arrive in the Serengeti in the afternoon for an exciting game drive that continues until late evening.
  • Lunch is enjoyed at one of the designated picnic sites, giving you an opportunity to stretch your legs.
  • Immerse yourself in Maasai culture with a visit to the renowned Maasai bomas, where you can take part in traditional Maasai dances and gain insight into their distinctive customs. Despite the evolution of their traditions, some aspects, such as lion hunting to become a warrior and consuming raw cow blood, still endure.
  • Conclude the day at your accommodation, where a delectable dinner awaits. Enjoy a rejuvenating night's rest for the adventures ahead.
3
Day 03

Flexible Full-Day Safari in Serengeti

  • Dedicate the entire day to exploring the vast Serengeti National Park.
  • Your preferences will guide the day's itinerary, giving you the flexibility to choose from a variety of safari experiences.
  • Consult with your safari guide regarding the day's schedule, including game drive timings, wake-up times, and meal breaks.

Optional: Do a balloon safari or visit the Moru area, where rhinos can be seen more easily (additional payment required).

4
Day 04

Sunrise Game Drive and Transfer to Ngorongoro

  • A splendid sunrise awaits you, along with an early breakfast and a sunrise game drive across the Serengeti plains. This is a prime opportunity to witness lions, leopards, and other predators in action as the rising sun bathes the plains in breathtaking hues.
  • After a picnic lunch at a designated site, continue exploring the boundless Serengeti grasslands.
  • Later, journey to Ngorongoro and check in at your accommodation. A sumptuous dinner will be served as you prepare for the day ahead.
5
Day 05

Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha

  • Embark on an unforgettable drive into the ancient Ngorongoro Crater, a haven for remarkable wildlife experiences.
  • Begin your day with an early breakfast. The earlier you descend to the crater floor, the greater your chances of spotting elusive species such as black rhinos. Spend the morning exploring the Ngorongoro Crater, which resembles a natural zoo with an exceptionally high concentration of wild animals.
  • Following a picnic lunch, likely beside the hippo pool, begin your ascent from the crater rim and depart the Conservation Area. You will then return to Arusha, concluding your remarkable safari adventure.
  • After the trip, you will return to Arusha or go directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport, ready to fly to Zanzibar for beach relaxation, or you can fly back home according to your schedule.

Thanks for booking with us, and we welcome you again for another trip to Tanzania.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Arusha 6 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All accommodations
  • All activities, unless indicated as optional
  • All transportation, unless labeled as optional
  • Meals, as specified in the day-by-day section
  • Taxes / VAT
  • All transport by road
  • Domestic flights
  • Park fees
  • Professional guide
  • Drinking water on all days
  • Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
  • All meals on safaris
  • Quality safari jeep
  • Guide wages
  • Airport pickup
  • Air-conditioned car
  • Beer
  • Drink water
  • Free transfer in Zanzibar
  • Luxury accommodations
  • Flight to Zanzibar

What's Not Included

  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • International flights
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Tips (tipping guideline: USD 10-15 per person per day for your guide)

What to bring

  • Luggage
  • Clothes
  • Shoes
  • Sun protection
  • First aid
  • This is a suggested list of first aid supplies:
  • Antiseptic ointment
  • Antihistamine cream & tablets
  • Nurofen or equivalent painkiller
  • Eye-drops
  • Anti-diarrhea treatment
  • A couple of bandages
  • Medication for personal allergies, asthma, etc.
  • Insect repellent containing Deet
  • Rehydration sachets / vitamin tablets
  • Assorted plasters
  • Photography & electrical equipment
  • We recommend you bring:
  • A strong bag or carry case to protect the camera - zip-lock or plastic bags are useful for dusty or sandy conditions.
  • Spare or extra batteries
  • Memory / storage media (2 memory cards in case one gets corrupted)
  • Binoculars
  • Photography etiquette
  • Electrical charging & power supply
  • Phones / Wi-Fi
  • Most lodges and tented camps have Wi-Fi.
  • Some campsites have Wi-Fi, but this should not be relied upon.
  • The signal strength is variable.
  • It is possible to buy a SIM card with data that can be used. If you want to use it on your phone, you will need to make sure it is unlocked. You can also buy a fairly cheap phone in Tanzania for this purpose.
  • There are Vodacom and Airtel shops in Arusha that will be able to help and advise with this.

Know before you go

  • 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.
  • Arrival in Tanzania & accommodation
  • We are happy to book accommodation before and after your safari if needed.
  • On arrival
  • 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 are arriving in Kilimanjaro on an international flight, clearing immigration can be a lengthy process.
  • Money
  • The local currency is the Tanzanian Shillings. US Dollars and Euros are widely accepted. Most places will not accept older US dollar bills (anything printed before 2006).
  • Credit cards
  • 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 you try. Visa and Maestro cards are best.
  • We recommend that you inform your bank that you will be using your card abroad to avoid it being blocked.
  • ATMs
  • These are available in Arusha and allow you to withdraw local currency.
  • Flight information
  • We advise that you arrive in Arusha at least 1 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.
  • Visa & passports
  • Please check with the relevant embassy in your country for up-to-date visa and passport information. Make sure your passport will not expire within six months of your trip (for example, if your trip is in September, make sure your passport is valid until at least March of the following year) and that it has at least 3 clear pages.
  • You will probably need a visa to enter Tanzania. Check with your own country's government travel website to find out how to get your visa. Most visas can be bought on arrival into the country.
  • Vaccinations & health
  • You will require vaccinations for your trip. As we are not medically trained, we are unable to give detailed advice on vaccination requirements. However, the following vaccinations are normally recommended for Tanzania:
  • Tetanus
  • Polio
  • Hepatitis A
  • Typhoid
  • Rabies
  • Yellow Fever
  • Malaria
  • Yellow Fever is compulsory when you are entering Tanzania from a country that has 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.
  • Malaria: In some of the areas we visit, there is a risk of contracting malaria. You must be aware that whatever malaria tablets you are taking, they only offer partial protection. They must be coupled with your physical efforts to avoid being bitten, which is the best prevention. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes come out at sunset, so from this time you should wear long sleeves and trousers. Exposed skin, especially ankles, should have insect repellent containing 'Deet' applied to it.
  • We strongly recommend that you have extensive travel insurance to cover 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.
  • There is a well-established culture of tipping in Tanzania. Guides: If you feel you have received good service, a typical tip is USD 10-15 per person, per day. The guides work extremely long hours and tips supplement their income significantly. Anything you can afford is appreciated.
  • Tipping in accommodation is also discretionary. Most accommodation will have a tip box in reception. We recommend putting something in at the end of your stay rather than giving individuals money. Depending on the level of service, we recommend $10 per day for a group of 2.
  • In Tanzania, the year is loosely divided into the 'short' rains (November) and the 'long' rains (March to May). The 'rains' usually last for one or two hours each day, followed by hot sunny weather. Nights can be surprisingly cold at higher altitudes, such as Ngorongoro Crater.
  • All towns and cities have their share of petty crime, and sensible precautions need to be taken. Wearing expensive-looking jewellery or watches and carrying cameras will draw unnecessary attention. You may find a simple money belt more discreet than a bag.
  • Always be aware of your surroundings and, when approached by people you do not know, be very careful. At night in towns, it is best to use a taxi rather than walk around the streets. Single women in particular need to be careful, and we suggest that it is safer to be in a group.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Arusha, Tanzania
Tour start
Arusha, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 days finish where they began, in Arusha.

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