12 Day Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari Adventure

Upon reaching Arusha/Kilimanjaro airport, your guide from Ways African Safaris will greet you and provide a seamless transfer to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi, Tanzania. Take the time to unwind in your chosen accommodation, immerse yourself in the African ambiance, and prepare for an exciting adventure as you embark on the 12-day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb & Tanzania Safari Tour.

In the early morning, embark on a roughly 50-minute drive to Machame Gate. Upon arrival, our guide will handle the necessary registrations at the gate. Once the registration process is complete, you will commence your ascent through the lush rain montane forest along a ridge, making your way towards Machame Camp.

Begin your trek early in the morning from Machame Camp after a satisfying breakfast. The journey leads you to the second high-altitude camp at 3750 meters. As you ascend, you’ll transition from the rainforest, treating you to breathtaking views of the Shira Plateau. Traverse through the heather and open moorland landscapes, eventually reaching Shira 2 Camp. Once at the camp, enjoy both lunch and dinner against the scenic backdrop of Shira 2.

Commence your day early with breakfast at Shira 2 Camp (3750 meters), and proceed to ascend eastward along a ridge. Subsequently, turn southeast towards the impressive Lava Tower, a 4630-foot-tall volcanic rock formation. Descend to Barranco Camp, navigating through the peculiar yet captivating Senecio Forest, reaching an altitude of 13,000 feet. This phase is crucial for acclimatization, despite ending the day at the same elevation as the start. Take the opportunity to rest, savor dinner, and spend the night at Barranco Camp.

Rise early at Barranco Camp, situated at an elevation of approximately 4,600 meters (15,091 feet). Resume your ascent towards Karanga Camp, traversing rocky terrain along the way. Upon reaching Karanga Camp, a warm lunch will be provided. Following a brief rest, embark on the final ascent to Barafu Camp (4,640 meters), where a hot dinner awaits you.

Departing from Karanga, we follow the trail that intersects with the Mweka Trail. The journey persists through the rocky terrain, leading us to Barafu Hut. At this juncture, the Southern Circuit is successfully traversed, providing diverse perspectives of the summit. Establish camp, take the opportunity to rest, and indulge in an early dinner, preparing for the impending summit day. From this vantage point, the two prominent peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible, adding to the awe-inspiring surroundings.

In the early morning, following breakfast at Barafu Camp, the ascent continues in a north-western direction toward Stella Point on the crater rim. Upon reaching Stella Point at 5685 meters, a brief rest is in order, offering a splendid vantage point for an unparalleled sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. The journey concludes at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent. Take a moment to absorb the sweeping views of the African plains and acknowledge your remarkable achievement. Following this, the descent to Horombo Hut ensues. In the evening, relish the last dinner on the mountain and a well-deserved night’s rest.

Following breakfast at Mweka Camp, commence your descent through the vibrant rainforest. The trail meanders downward, gradually descending through the lower altitudes. As you continue the descent, reach the Mweka Park Gate to receive your well-earned summit certificates. Bid farewell to the majestic mountain, and a vehicle will be waiting at Mweka village to transport you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

On this day, depart from Arusha, the central hub for safaris in northern Tanzania, and embark on a scenic drive along the Arusha–Dodoma highway toward Tarangire National Park. En route, you have the option to stop at a supermarket for any last-minute personal shopping needs. The journey traverses the picturesque Masai Steppe, reaching Tarangire in approximately two hours. Your driver will handle the necessary paperwork at the park’s gate, and you’ll begin your first game drive in Tarangire National Park, renowned for its vast elephant herds and iconic baobab trees scattered across the grassland.

Lunch will be enjoyed at a designated picnic site, followed by afternoon game drives extending into the late afternoon. Later, you will transfer to Karatu for check-in at Kankari Lodge Karatu, where dinner and overnight accommodation await. The day’s itinerary includes lunch and dinner.  http://www.icdpreview.com/kankari/

Departing from Karatu, your day begins early after breakfast. The journey takes you across the floor of the Great Rift Valley, up the escarpment, and through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This scenic drive offers a delightful experience, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the surroundings and enjoy breathtaking vistas en route to Serengeti National Park.

Arriving in the Serengeti in the afternoon, you’ll engage in a game drive until late in the day. Subsequently, you’ll check in at a camp or lodge for a relaxing evening around the campfire, followed by dinner and an overnight stay. Lunch will be enjoyed at one of the Picnic sites, likely at the Naabi Hill Gate, providing an opportunity to stretch your legs while your guide takes care of registration and relevant paperwork. The day concludes with dinner and overnight accommodation at Serengeti Heritage Central Camp, with all meals included.

Serengeti Luxury Tented Camp Central Serengeti

On this day, consider an early wake-up to embark on a sunrise game drive, offering the chance to spot rare nocturnal animals and witness the early activities of diurnal creatures. This time of day provides excellent opportunities to observe animals up close, as many tend to gather along the roadsides to avoid the morning dew.

Following breakfast at your camp, the day unfolds with extensive game drives within Serengeti National Park. The name Serengeti, derived from the Maasai word ‘Siringit,’ translates to “plains without end.” True to its name, you’ll explore vast stretches of the African savannah in pursuit of the diverse wildlife that Serengeti has to offer. In addition to wildebeests, anticipate encounters with elephants, lions, cheetahs, elusive leopards, zebras, elands, and a plethora of resident and migratory birds. The day concludes with another night at Serengeti Heritage Central Camp, with all meals included.

Serengeti Luxury Tented Camp Central Serengeti

After breakfast at your camp or lodge, check out and embark on one last memorable game drive in the Serengeti. Your exploration may take you to the Seronera River Valley, known for its rich wildlife and birdlife, or other notable locations within the Serengeti, guided by the expertise of your professional safari guide. Throughout the day, your guide will maintain communication with other guides via VHF high-frequency radios, ensuring that you visit the most promising and captivating spots.

In the late afternoon, journey back to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and check in at Serena Lodge for dinner and overnight. This marks the end of another exhilarating day on your safari, with all meals included.

Begin your day with breakfast at your lodge, followed by an early descent into the Ngorongoro Crater for game drives. To maximize your chances of spotting rare animals like Black Rhinos, consider descending either after breakfast or with a packed breakfast, ensuring an early arrival on the Crater floor.

Spend the morning exploring the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural zoo enclosed by 600 to 650-meter-high walls, boasting the highest concentration of wild animals. This location offers a remarkable opportunity to potentially witness the Big Five in a single day if luck is on your side. After a picnic lunch, likely taken at the designated picnic site near the hippo pool, drive up the Crater rim and exit the Conservation Area.

The day concludes as you return to Arusha, arriving later in the afternoon. You’ll be dropped off at Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa for an overnight stay, with all meals included. This marks the end of your safari adventure. https://www.tuliahotelandspa.com/gallery/