11 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing and Safari
Tour Overview
11 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing and Safari, Embark on an unforgettable 11-day adventure that combines the thrill of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro with the awe-inspiring beauty of a Tanzania safari. This unique experience offers the opportunity to conquer Africa’s highest peak before exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Tanzania’s iconic national parks.
Day 1-7: Kilimanjaro Climbing (Machame Route) Your journey begins with a 7-day trek on the Machame Route, one of Kilimanjaro’s most popular and scenic paths. Starting at Machame Gate, you’ll ascend through lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and rocky terrain, before reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak. Along the way, you’ll experience breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow climbers and expert guides. Acclimatization days ensure you’re ready for the final push to the summit. The climb is challenging but rewarding, with unforgettable moments as you approach the “Roof of Africa.”
Day 8-11: Safari Adventure After your Kilimanjaro climb, the safari portion begins, offering a well-deserved rest and a chance to immerse yourself in the wildlife of Tanzania. Over the next 4 days, you’ll visit renowned parks such as Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. Experience game drives in search of the Big Five, see massive herds of wildebeest during migration, and witness stunning landscapes, including the volcanic crater. Your expert guide will lead you through these diverse environments, ensuring every moment is filled with discovery.
Whether you are on the trail to the summit or witnessing lions in the wild, this 11-day adventure blends the challenge of climbing with the serenity of Tanzania’s natural wonders, leaving you with lasting memories of both triumph and discovery.
This exciting 11-day journey combines the thrill of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro with the serenity of Tanzania’s most iconic safari destinations, offering an unforgettable experience for adventure seekers. Whether you’re looking to conquer Africa’s highest peak or explore the diverse wildlife of Tanzania, this tour offers the perfect blend of both.
Climbing: 7 Days Lemosho or Machame Route The adventure begins with a 7-day trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, choosing between the Lemosho or Machame Route. Both routes offer stunning landscapes, including lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and rocky terrain, leading to the summit of Uhuru Peak. With proper acclimatization days, you’ll be well-prepared for the final ascent, ensuring a safe and successful summit experience.
Safari: 3 Days (Lake Manyara, Tarangire & Ngorongoro Crater) After your Kilimanjaro climb, you’ll embark on a 3-day safari, beginning with the breathtaking Lake Manyara National Park, known for its flamingos and tree-climbing lions. Then, head to Tarangire National Park, famous for its elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Your safari culminates in the Ngorongoro Crater, where you’ll experience the highest concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five.
This unique combination of Kilimanjaro climbing and game drives through Tanzania’s premier national parks ensures a perfect balance of challenge, adventure, and relaxation, creating memories to last a lifetime.
11 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing and Safari Itinerary
Day 1:Arrival & Pre-Climb Preparation
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or any nearby airport, you will be warmly greeted by our representative. From there, you will enjoy a private transfer to your hotel in Moshi town, where you can relax and unwind after your journey.
After a short rest, you’ll meet your experienced mountain guide, who will assist you with a gear check. Our guide will ensure that all necessary climbing equipment is in order. If there are any missing items, you will be directed to local rental shops where you can acquire what’s needed for the climb.
The remainder of the day is yours to rest, enjoy dinner, and settle in at the hotel, preparing for the exciting adventure that lies ahead. Dinner & Overnight at the hotel. Meals Plan: Half Board
Kilimanjaro Climbing - Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Distance: 5 km
Time Taken: 3 hours
Habitat: Mountain Forest
After breakfast, you will embark on a scenic 3-hour drive from your hotel in Moshi to Londorossi Gate (2100m), the starting point of your Kilimanjaro climb. At the gate, you will complete the registration process, pay necessary entrance fees, and receive your climbing permits. During this time, porters will be sorting and weighing your luggage.
Once all procedures are completed, you will begin your hike toward the first camp, Mti Mkubwa (2821m). The trail is a gentle slope and passes through lush rainforests, providing you with a first glimpse of the incredible flora and fauna that thrive at this elevation.
Upon reaching Mti Mkubwa campsite, you’ll have the rest of the day to rest, enjoy dinner, and settle in for your first night on the mountain. This is a perfect time to acclimatize and prepare for the journey ahead. Overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp.
Mti Mkubwa to Shira 2 Camp
Distance: 16.5 km
Time Taken: 10 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest Zone to Moorland Zone
After breakfast, you will continue your ascent from Mti Mkubwa to Shira 2 Camp (3840m). The trail takes you out of the rainforest and into the montane forest zone, gradually transitioning into the moorland zone. As you hike across the plateau, you’ll cross several streams, providing scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
The journey offers an excellent opportunity for acclimatization, as the elevation increases and the air becomes thinner. A lunch box will be provided along the way, ensuring you stay energized during the trek. You will arrive at Shira 2 Camp in the late afternoon, where you can unwind and relax.
The evening will be spent resting, followed by dinner, and an overnight stay at Shira 2 Camp. This is a crucial part of the journey as it allows your body to adjust to the higher altitudes, setting you up for the days ahead.
Shira 2 to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Distance: 10 km
Time Taken: 8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, you’ll begin the hike towards Lava Tower (4642m), which is the highest point of the day. This is an excellent opportunity for acclimatization. A short break and a packed lunch will be provided at Lava Tower, giving you time to rest and adjust to the altitude.
From Lava Tower, you will descend towards Barranco Camp (3950m), passing through a unique landscape of alpine desert. As you descend into Barranco Valley, you will be treated to a view of the famous Barranco Wall, a giant rock face that you’ll tackle on the following day.
Barranco Camp is a popular site as it serves as the junction for three climbing routes: Machame, Umbwe, and Lemosho. As a result, it can be quite crowded, but it’s a great place to rest and interact with other climbers. Upon arrival at camp, you can relax, enjoy dinner, and settle in for an overnight stay at Barranco Camp.
Barranco to Karanga Camp
After breakfast at Barranco Camp, you’ll begin the short but steep hike towards Karanga Camp. This section of the climb is relatively short, but the altitude gain can make it a bit challenging. As you ascend, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Upon arrival at Karanga Camp, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy a hot lunch. The camp provides an excellent place to rest and acclimatize, preparing you for the higher altitudes ahead. After a well-deserved rest, enjoy a hearty dinner before spending the night at Karanga Camp.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Base Camp (Summit Overnight)
After breakfast at Karanga Camp, you’ll continue your ascent to Barafu Base Camp, which will be your last stop before attempting the summit. The hike is relatively short but steep as you make your way up to this high-altitude camp.
Once at Barafu, you’ll have time to rest, eat, and hydrate, knowing that the summit attempt is just a few hours away. It’s important to prepare yourself mentally and physically for the challenging climb ahead. You’ll enjoy an early dinner to fuel your body, and then get a few hours of sleep before your midnight wake-up call for the summit attempt.
Summit Attempt:
At around 1:00 AM, your guide will wake you up to begin the final leg of your Kilimanjaro journey. After getting dressed in layers of warm clothing (suitable for temperatures as low as -10°C), you’ll begin your summit hike. The path will take you from Barafu Base Camp to Stella Point (5685m), where you can catch your first glimpse of the summit. From there, it’s a challenging but rewarding push to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Expect to take it slow, as the climb is steep and the altitude can be demanding. As you approach the summit, the air gets thinner, and every step is a triumph. Reaching Uhuru Peak is the pinnacle of your Kilimanjaro adventure, offering breathtaking views of the glaciers and the surrounding landscape. After spending a brief moment at the summit, you’ll begin your descent back down to Barafu Base Camp to rest and recover.
From Summit (Uhuru Peak) to Barafu - Mweka Camp
After reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak, if the weather allows, you’ll have a few precious moments to take in the stunning views, capture photographs, and savor the sense of accomplishment. You may even enjoy a warm drink from your thermal bottle as you watch the sunrise over the vast, awe-inspiring landscape.
Once you’re ready, the descent begins. The journey back down from the summit to Barafu Camp will take you through rugged terrain, but it’s less strenuous than the climb up. At Barafu Camp, you’ll take a well-deserved rest, rehydrate, and have a light snack before continuing your descent.
Next, you’ll continue down to Mweka Camp, where you’ll enjoy a hot lunch and time to relax. The camp is nestled in the lower regions of the mountain, surrounded by lush vegetation and an incredible view of the valley below. After dinner, you’ll have the opportunity to reflect on your extraordinary journey before resting overnight at Mweka Camp.
Final Day of the Tour - From Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
On the final day of your Kilimanjaro adventure, you’ll begin by packing your belongings and preparing for your departure from the mountain. The crew will assist with organizing and sorting everything as they mark the successful end of your climb. There will be songs, celebrations, and heartfelt congratulations to honor your achievement.
Afterward, you’ll embark on the final hike down to Mweka Gate. Upon arrival, you’ll sign out and, if you successfully reached the summit, you’ll receive your well-earned certificate as a memento of your remarkable journey.
A short drive from Mweka Gate will bring you back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can rest and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of your climb. You’ll be ready for any additional adventures or relaxation ahead, feeling accomplished and rejuvenated after your incredible ascent.
Full Day Game Drive at Tarangire National Park
SAFARI ITINERARY
Your safari adventure begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Moshi around 7:00 am. The journey starts with a drive to Arusha, where you’ll have time for shopping and exploring before continuing to Tarangire National Park, a 2-hour drive from the city.
Once you arrive at the park and complete the registration process, you’ll embark on a full day of game drives. Tarangire is known for its large herds of elephants, flocks of birds, and a diverse range of wildlife including buffalo, zebra, giraffe, and more. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of lions and leopards, adding to the excitement of your safari.
As the day draws to a close, you’ll exit the park and head to Mto wa Mbu town. Here, you’ll enjoy some well-deserved rest, dinner, and an overnight stay at a lodge or tented camp, immersing yourself in the serene surroundings of this charming area.
Full-Day Game Drive at Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, you’ll depart Mto wa Mbu town for a one-hour drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Upon arrival, you’ll spend a few minutes at the main entrance gate for registration and payment.
Once inside, you’ll begin your game drive along the crater rim before descending into the Crater itself, an area often referred to as the “Garden of Eden” for its abundant wildlife and breathtaking scenery. During the game drive, you’ll have the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife, including different species of birds, a large hippo pool, herds of wildebeests, zebras, buffaloes, lions, and even the endangered black rhino in its natural habitat.
In the afternoon, you’ll stop for a picnic lunch at a scenic spot near the hippo pool, allowing you to relax and enjoy the magnificent views. After lunch, you’ll continue your game drive until late afternoon before ascending back to the Crater rim and heading back to your hotel in Mto wa Mbu for dinner and overnight.
Lake Manyara National Park & Departure
On the final day of your adventure, you’ll head to Lake Manyara National Park, located close to your accommodation. After breakfast, you’ll enter the park around 9 am to begin your game drive. Lake Manyara is known for its stunning landscapes, including the Great Rift Valley Wall, and is home to large flocks of flamingos and pelicans, which often cover the lake’s surface. During your game drive, you’ll also have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and baboons, as well as the park’s famous hot springs.
Around lunchtime, you’ll take a break at a picnic site, enjoying a meal in the heart of the park. Afterward, you’ll continue your game drive before exiting the park in the late afternoon.
Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll be driven back to Moshi or Arusha for your final overnight stay or your departure, concluding your unforgettable Kilimanjaro climb and safari adventure.
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