14 Days Mt Kilimanjaro Climb – Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro, you will be seamlessly transferred to your chosen hotel in Moshi or Arusha. In the evening, a comprehensive briefing awaits you, providing essential insights into the upcoming climb. During this session, we will meticulously review the gear you have brought, ensuring that you are well-equipped for the ascent and addressing any additional needs that may arise. Our goal is to ensure your comfort, safety, and preparedness for the exhilarating journey ahead.

Embark on the exciting journey to Mt. Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route by transferring to Machame Gate. After completing entry formalities, commence your ascent through a misty 4 x 4 track, meandering into the lush forest for approximately an hour. The track concludes, leading you further through the enchanting, verdant forest. While trekking, you’ll likely be serenaded by the calls of exotic birds overhead, and may even spot black & white colobus monkeys and sykes monkeys along the forest floor.

The trek, though lengthy, unfolds gradually without steep inclines, typically taking 5 to 7 hours to reach the initial camp. Machame Camp, situated just above the forest zone in the heather zone, offers stunning views of the jagged Shira ridge and the summit on clear days. Your journey begins at Machame Gate (5,950 ft./1,815 m) and ascends to Machame Camp (9,850 ft./3,000 m), marking the start of your unforgettable Kilimanjaro adventure.

Rise early to the comforting aroma of steaming tea or coffee served right in your tent. Following a nourishing breakfast, embark on the ascent along a steep track cutting through a savannah adorned with tall grasses, giant Heather, and Erica trees. As the clouds disperse, revel in the splendid vista of the Western Breach and the glacier-capped summit, Uhuru Peak.

Navigate through sizable boulders as you transition into the moorland zone, characterized by peculiar lobelia and senecio plants, alongside volcanic rocks draped with lichen beards. These rocks provide a protective environment for wild alpine flowers flourishing at their bases. After descending a small valley, crossing a brook, and ascending onto the Shira Ridge, you’ll reach your next destination, Shira Camp, within approximately 4 to 5 hours of trekking. Shira Camp sits at an elevation of 12,600 ft. (3,840 m), offering a captivating setting for the next phase of your Kilimanjaro expedition.

Commence the day with an exhilarating scramble up the steep ‘Barranco Wall,’ followed by a 3-4 hour trek that leads to a halt in the scenic Karanga Valley for a hot lunch. In the afternoon, the trail ascends steadily, and as you progress, anticipate a drop in temperature and a more sparse landscape signaling your approach to Barafu Camp.

Nestled on a small, exposed flat area atop a ridge, Barafu Camp serves as the pivotal base camp from which you’ll launch your summit attempt at midnight tonight. Prior to retiring to your tent for rest and sleep, indulge in consuming as much nourishment and hydration as possible. This leg of the journey spans from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp, reaching an elevation of 15,200 feet (4,630 m), setting the stage for the climax of your Kilimanjaro adventure.

The monumental day commences with the delivery of a steaming hot drink in the early hours. A midnight wake-up call marks the beginning of an endurance feat spanning 12-17 hours of trekking. Setting out between 12:30 to 1 am, you’ll navigate temperature fluctuations from just below freezing at midnight to a range of -10°F (-23°C) just before dawn at the summit.

As you ascend, the winding path of endless switchbacks takes shape in the shadows of the Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers at early dawn. Behind you, the spires of Mawenzi create captivating silhouettes against the red glow of the sun emerging from beneath the clouds. Approximately 6 hours into the trek, you’ll reach the edge of the crater at Stella Point, situated at 19,000 feet (5,790 m), marking the end of the steep track. From Stella Point, a gentle slope upwards unfolds, requiring about 1 more hour to reach Uhuru Peak.

After spending a brief period at the summit, descend the steep scree trail back to Barafu Camp for some well-deserved rest. Summon your strength once again for the subsequent descent to Mweka Camp, where you’ll spend the night. This challenging journey covers the stretch from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft./5,895 m) and then onward to Mweka Camp (10,200 ft./3,110 m), encapsulating the triumph and endurance of your Kilimanjaro ascent.

Descend directly to the gate, a journey lasting 2-3 hours, where a well-deserved lunch awaits along with the presentation of climbing certificates. Upon reaching the gate, indulge in a satisfying lunch before being transferred back to a Base Hotel in Moshi for dinner and an overnight stay. This final leg of the trek spans from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, concluding the remarkable journey at an elevation of 6,000 feet (1,830 m).

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Moshi / Arusha, and after lunch, embark on a journey to Tarangire National Park. Arrive in time for a brief afternoon game drive, exploring the park’s diverse wildlife until sunset. Later, head to Sangaiwe Tented Camp for a delightful dinner and an overnight stay, surrounded by the natural beauty of Tarangire.

Following breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Enjoy lunch at the lodge before descending 2000 feet (over 600 meters) to the crater floor for a day-long crater tour, complete with picnic lunches. Explore the diverse habitats, from the forested areas inhabited by monkeys and elephants to the lake regions where flamingos gather, and the open savannah where lions engage in their hunt for food. Conclude the day with a hearty dinner and an overnight stay at the Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge or a similar accommodation.

Embark on an early morning game drive as you descend into the crater, exploring its varied landscapes of forests, swamplands, lakes, and open grasslands within this volcanic caldera, renowned for hosting the densest concentration of wildlife in Africa. Enjoy exceptional game viewing throughout the year, as the majority of animals remain within the crater. Keep an eye out for Maasai tribesmen guiding their cattle down the steep crater walls for grazing. After an exciting day of wildlife encounters, return to Rhino Lodge for a delightful dinner and a restful overnight stay.

Embark on a journey to Serengeti National Park, making a fascinating stop at Olduvai Gorge—renowned for Louis and Mary Leakey’s groundbreaking archaeological discoveries, which include some of humanity’s earliest known ancestral remains. Enjoy lunch at the lodge in Serengeti, and in the afternoon, experience a thrilling game drive across the expansive plains. Witness the spectacular sight of great herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, or perhaps catch a glimpse of a pride of lions relaxing in the shade. Conclude the day with a delightful dinner and an overnight stay at Serengeti Mawe Camp.

Immerse yourself in a full day of exhilarating game viewing in the Serengeti, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife. Enjoy meals and overnight accommodation at the Serengeti Mawe Camp within the Serengeti National Park.

While wildlife populations experience a notable surge during the migration season, the Serengeti remains home to some of the densest and varied animal populations on the African continent throughout the year. Expect to encounter substantial herds of plains game, including buffalo, giraffe, and warthog, as well as a rich array of antelope species such as dik dik, bushbuck, waterbuck, eland, impala, and topi. Abundant prey year-round allows predators to manage smaller territories.

The Serengeti is renowned for its superb big cat viewing, boasting populations of lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Within driving distance of the river, twelve different lion prides reside, contributing to the captivating wildlife encounters. Additionally, keep an eye out for smaller cats like caracals, servals, and African wild cats, ensuring a diverse and memorable safari experience.

Savor an early morning game drive before breakfast, immersing yourself in the vibrant wildlife activity of the area. Following breakfast, embark on a journey to the Ngorongoro Highlands, making a stop for lunch at the lodge in Lake Manyara. In the afternoon, continue your exploration with a game drive in Lake Manyara, extending until sunset. Conclude the day with a delectable dinner and an overnight stay at Isoitok Camp, surrounded by the captivating landscapes of the Ngorongoro Highlands.

Following breakfast, embark on a morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, where you’ll encounter a diverse array of wildlife, including hippos, monkeys, tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and a variety of birdlife. Enjoy lunch at the lodge before beginning your journey back to Arusha. From there, proceed to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure flight in the evening. Reflect on the incredible safari experiences and wildlife encounters as you bid farewell to the enchanting landscapes of Tanzania.