Overview
This 12-day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb and Wildlife Safari is the ultimate African adventure, perfectly combining the thrill of standing on the Roof of Africa with unforgettable wildlife encounters across Tanzania’s most iconic national parks. Designed for travelers seeking both physical challenge and classic safari experiences, this journey takes you from lush mountain forests to endless savannah plains teeming with wildlife.
The itinerary features a 7-day Kilimanjaro climb via the Machame Route, followed by a carefully crafted safari through Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater, offering exceptional opportunities to see the African Big Five, abundant birdlife, and dramatic landscapes.
The best times for this adventure are January–March and July–September, though June and November–December also offer pleasant climbing and safari conditions. If witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration is a priority, our Kilimanjaro and safari specialists will help tailor the timing to your travel plans.
Explore more of our Tanzania safaris or see the related 13 Days Kenya & Tanzania Family Safari – Amboseli, Tsavo & Zanzibar.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Gateway to Kilimanjaro
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you are warmly welcomed by our team and transferred to Moshi or Machame Village, nestled at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. This day is dedicated to rest, final preparations, and a comprehensive briefing with your mountain guide ahead of the climb.
Overnight: Aishi Machame Hotel
Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
After breakfast, you drive to Machame Gate, where your Kilimanjaro climb officially begins. The trail winds through lush rainforest, alive with birdsong and towering ancient trees. As you ascend, the forest gradually thins, revealing heathland terrain. After several hours of trekking, you arrive at Machame Camp, perched just above the forest zone.
Overnight: Machame Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Today’s trek transitions into the moorland zone, offering expansive views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks on clear days. Giant lobelias and senecios dominate the landscape as volcanic rock formations emerge. The trail ascends steadily before leveling out at Shira Camp, situated on a high plateau beneath the mountain.
Overnight: Shira Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
This day plays a crucial role in acclimatization. You hike uphill toward the impressive Lava Tower, reaching higher altitude before descending into the stunning Barranco Valley. Towering cliffs and the dramatic Barranco Wall surround the campsite, creating one of the most scenic camps on the mountain.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, you climb the Barranco Wall and continue trekking across alpine desert terrain. The air becomes thinner, the temperatures cooler, and vegetation sparse as you approach Barafu Camp, your base camp for the summit attempt. The evening is spent resting, hydrating, and mentally preparing for the climb to Uhuru Peak.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Shortly after midnight, your summit push begins. Trekking slowly under a blanket of stars, you ascend past glaciers to Stella Point, then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the highest point in Africa. As the sun rises over the continent, you celebrate this life-changing achievement before descending to Mweka Camp.
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Park Gate – Transfer to Arusha
After breakfast, you descend through lush forest to Mweka Gate, where your climbing team bids you farewell. You are transferred to Arusha, marking the end of your Kilimanjaro climb and the beginning of your wildlife safari adventure.
Overnight: Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa / Mvuli Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Tarangire National Park Safari
Today you drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and rich birdlife. During your game drive, you may spot giraffes, buffaloes, lions, and leopards, especially along the Tarangire River, a vital water source during the dry season.
Overnight: Fanaka Lodge
Day 9: Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, you journey toward the legendary Serengeti National Park. The vast plains stretch endlessly to the horizon, home to millions of wildebeest, zebras, and predators. En-route game drives offer your first taste of this iconic ecosystem.
Overnight: Into Wild Africa Tented Camp
Day 10: Full-Day Serengeti Safari
Spend a full day exploring the Serengeti, one of the richest wildlife areas on Earth. Search for lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas while witnessing dramatic interactions between predator and prey. An optional hot air balloon safari provides a breathtaking aerial view of the plains at sunrise.
Overnight: Into Wild Africa Tented Camp
Day 11: Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Leaving the Serengeti, you travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater. This natural amphitheater hosts an incredible density of wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffaloes, flamingos, and the endangered black rhino.
Overnight: Pamoja Africa Farm Lodge / Country Lodge
Meals: All meals included
Day 12: Return to Arusha – End of Safari
After breakfast, you may enjoy an optional guided nature walk along the Endoro Trail, exploring forest scenery and elephant caves. Later, you return to Arusha, marking the end of your unforgettable 12-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb and Tanzania Wildlife Safari.
What's Included
✓ Included
- ✓ Accommodation
- ✓ Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner — specify)
- ✓ Transport (Safari vehicle / Tour bus / Airport transfers)
- ✓ Professional tour guide
- ✓ Park entry fees
- ✓ Activities listed in the itinerary
- ✓ Bottled drinking water
- ✓ All government taxes
- ✓ Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- ✓ Emergency medical evacuation
✗ Excluded
- ✗ International flights or visa fees
- ✗ Travel insurance
- ✗ Personal expenses (tips, shopping, laundry)
- ✗ Optional activities not in the itinerary
- ✗ Alcoholic beverages
- ✗ Extra meals or snacks not included
- ✗ Accommodation before and after the tour (unless added)
- ✗ Medical or vaccination costs
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