5-Day Tanzania Safari and Kilimanjaro Hike with Mandara Hut

5 Days Round trip from Arusha Moderate pace

Experience a wildlife safari at Tarangire National Park

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Tarangire National Park, known for majestic elephants and iconic baobab trees
02 Experience sunrise wildlife viewing across the breathtaking plains of the Serengeti
03 Visit Maasai bomas for insight into distinctive customs and traditional dances
04 Descend into the ancient Ngorongoro Crater, a natural haven with dense wildlife
05 Hike Kilimanjaro's Marangu route to Mandara Hut for scenic mountain views

Embark on a captivating 5-day journey through Tarangire National Park, the legendary Serengeti, and the ancient Ngorongoro Crater before heading to Kilimanjaro for a scenic hike to Mandara Hut. Encounter majestic elephants among iconic baobab trees, enjoy action-packed game drives across sweeping savannahs, and take in breathtaking sunrise wildlife viewing on the Serengeti plains. The experience also includes a visit to Maasai bomas for cultural insight and a day on Kilimanjaro's Marangu route, combining safari adventure with mountain scenery.

Book this 5-day Tanzania Safari and Kilimanjaro Hike with Mandara Hut 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

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, Marangu

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arusha to Tarangire's Land of Giants

On this day, you will set out on a captivating journey through the "land of giants" as you explore the endless golden savannah bordering the Tarangire River. Tarangire National Park is renowned for its majestic elephants and iconic baobab trees.
You'll savor a delightful picnic lunch at a scenic spot overlooking the Tarangire River while keeping a vigilant eye on your meal to deter crafty local monkeys.
Your action-packed game drive continues until late evening.
Afterward, you will head to your accommodation in Mto wa Mbu, where a freshly prepared dinner and a restful night await.

Day 02

Through Ngorongoro to the Legendary Serengeti

Following breakfast, you will embark on an early departure across the floor of the Great Rift Valley.
You'll ascend the escarpment and traverse the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This picturesque drive leads you to the legendary Serengeti.
You'll arrive in the Serengeti in the afternoon for an exciting game drive until late evening. Lunch is enjoyed at one of the designated picnic sites, providing an opportunity to stretch your legs.
You'll be immersed in Maasai culture with a visit to the renowned Maasai bomas, where you can partake in traditional Maasai dances and gain insights into their distinctive customs. Despite the evolution of their traditions, some aspects, like lion hunting to become a warrior and consuming raw cow blood, endure.
You will conclude the day at your accommodation, where a delectable dinner awaits. Ensure a rejuvenating night's rest for the adventures ahead.

Day 03

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 provides 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, you will continue your exploration of the boundless Serengeti grasslands.
Subsequently, you'll journey to Ngorongoro and check in at your selected accommodation.
A sumptuous dinner will be served as you prepare for the day ahead.

Day 04

Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha

You will embark on an unforgettable drive into the ancient Ngorongoro Crater, a haven for remarkable wildlife experiences.
You will begin your day with an early breakfast. The earlier you descend to the crater floor, the greater your chances of spotting elusive species like black rhinos.
You'll 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, you'll begin your ascent from the crater rim, departing the Conservation Area.
Ultimately, you'll return to Arusha, concluding your remarkable safari adventure at your accommodation.
You will have dinner and enjoy a beautiful night at Forest Hill Hotel before waiting for the following day to go to Kilimanjaro for more amazing experiences.

Day 05

Kilimanjaro Hike to Mandara Hut and Back

Your adventure begins with a convenient hotel pick-up in Arusha. From there, you'll start a leisurely drive to the Marangu Gate, beginning on the south-east side of Kilimanjaro at an altitude of 1,879 meters above sea level, ascending to 2,720 meters at Mandara, and then descending back to 1,879 meters. This route approaches the mountain from the southeast.
The primary objective for the day is to reach Mandara Hut, the initial stopping point for full-scale treks, and return.
During this journey, you'll enjoy a picnic lunch at Mandara Hut.
Upon arrival, a well-deserved 30 to 45-minute rest period will reinvigorate you before beginning the gradual descent back to the Main Gate.
As you return, your driver will be waiting to transport you back to your hotel in Arusha, serenading you with relaxing music and offering a choice of cold or warm Kilimanjaro beer to alleviate any fatigue. Remember, it's not just about climbing Kilimanjaro; it's also about savoring the experience.

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

Park fees (for non-residents)
All activities mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
Roundtrip airport transfer
A professional driver/guide
All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
All taxes/VAT
Rescue fee

What's Not Included

International flights (from/to the client's home country)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips: tipping guideline of US$ 5.00, US$ 10.00, US$ 15.00, US$ 20.00, US$ 25.00, US$ 50.00, or US$ 100.00. No tip is expected per person per day for the guide and crew.
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, and other personal items)
Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

What to bring

Luggage
Choose a duffel bag or soft-sided bag. Ideally, the fabric should be hardy and waterproof, and the bag should be lockable. Put anything that is of value in a separate day pack, such as a backpack. Anything of real sentimental or monetary value should ideally be left at home.
Clothes
Pack for hot days and cool nights. Tanzania can be hot and dusty by day, but it is often cool and crisp by night. Layers are ideal for safari days. Pack clothing that can keep you cool but protect you from the sun and biting insects. Choose mid-tone colors and avoid white or bright colors that may distract the animals, as well as dark colors like black and blue, which can attract tsetse flies. The best colors are the safari classics: olive, green, and khaki. For evenings at lodges, you can stay in your casual gear, as even luxury lodges do not expect smart wear out in the bush. Check the temperature before you travel to make sure you have clothing that is warm enough for the season. It is always a good idea to bring a waterproof coat, whatever the season.
Shoes
As you want to be careful not to overpack, you need to think carefully about what shoes to take. As long as you are not going on a safari that requires a lot of walking, you will be fine with some light hiking boots and some sports sandals. Sandals are also great for walking around the camp at night. You may also like to take flip-flops for the showers.
Sun Protection
The African sun can be brutal, so be sure to bring a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. You'll also need a hat that shades your face and covers your ears and neck so you have maximum sun protection. Of course, take plenty of high-protection sun cream and lip salve.
First Aid
This is a suggested list of first aid supplies:
Antiseptic ointment
Antihistamine cream and 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 or storage media (2 memory cards in case one gets corrupted)
Binoculars. These will be essential when you are out spotting wildlife.
Photography Etiquette
It is forbidden in Tanzania to take photos of anything military. Bridges, border posts, and airports are also sensitive, so be careful or be prepared to have your film or camera confiscated. Please act with discretion and respect when taking photos of people - it is always better to ask first before you snap away.
Electrical Charging & Power Supply
All our safari vehicles have power and charging points. Please bring travel adaptors to ensure they are suitable for your appliances and devices.
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.
Security
All towns and cities have their share of petty crime, and sensible precautions need to be taken. Wearing expensive-looking jewelry or watches and carrying cameras will draw unnecessary attention. You may find a simple money belt is 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's 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.

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. 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.

Arrival in Tanzania & Accommodation
You will be collected from the airport by a Serengeti Wildlife Safaris representative and taken to your accommodation in Arusha for a night stay.
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 shilling. US dollars and euros are widely accepted. Most places will not accept older US dollar bills, especially 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 is not going to expire within six months of your trip 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 against 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 them.
Travel Insurance
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.
Tipping
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 would 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.
Climate
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.