Experience a Tanzania safari coupled with an ascents of Mt Kilimanjaro along the popular Machame route (5,895m).
- Enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi before pushing to the summit of Uhuru Peak (5895m)
- Experience wildlife viewing in the world famous Serengeti National Park, spectacular World Heritage Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park
- Ascend the Barranco wall, admire spectacular vistas and hike to the rim of the Shira Plateau
- Marvel at panoramic viewpoints while trekking
- Visit a Masai village and the renowned paleolithic site of Olduvai Gorge
- Explore the city of Arusha, located below Mount Meru
2023 Departure Dates & Costs
10 day trip with Mount Kilimanjaro trek: Every two weeks Jan to Mar.; Jun to Oct
$ 5,300 CAD / $ 4,350 USD (includes park entry fees)
Itinerary details on request
14 day trip with wildlife safari in 2021 via Lemosho route: Ask for departure dates.
Tour Cost: $ 7,850 CAD / $ 6,440 USD (includes park entry fees)
14 day trip with wildlife safari in 2021 via Shira route: ask for departure dates.
Tour Cost: $ 7,950 CAD / $ 6,520 USD (includes park entry fees)
Itinerary showing Moutn Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho route. (ask for Shira route details)
Day 1: Arrival Arusha
Today is an arrival day. If you choose to fly into Kilimanjaro Airport we recommend a private transfer to Arusha where the rest of the day is at leisure. We stay at the Moivaro Coffee Lodge which has spacious rooms, a pool, and restaurant. This afternoon at 16:30 you will meet the rest of the group and your guide for a trip briefing. Upon arrival into the Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha, our representative will be awaiting to greet and transfer you to The Ilboru Safari Lodge. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and get over any jetlag.(D)
Day 2: To Macahme Gate
After completing the necessary registration formalities, the climb starts from Machame Gate (1800m) and follows a ridge through dense montane forest. This is the richest forested area on the mountain, and also the zone from where 96% of the water on Kilimanjaro originates. On sunny days, and especially in the dry season, this section is very lush and beautiful; it can also be a very muddy experience, particularly if it has rained recently! We have lunch at ‘Halfway Clearing’, a small opening in the trees, and continue climbing steadily. The gradient becomes gentler as the forest slowly merges into giant heather close to the next camp near the ruins of Machame Hut (3000m). We may get our first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo if the evening clouds permit. [6-8 hours walking].
Day 3: Kilimanjaro - Morum Gate to Shira Camp (Trek)
A shorter day that begins by climbing up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as Picnic Rock. There are excellent views of Kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau from here, and it is a good rest point too! The trail continues less steeply to reach the Shira Plateau. We camp near Shira Hut (3840m) which has some of the most stunning views on Kilimanjaro; close to the huge volcanic cone of Kibo, the spectacular rock formations of Shira Plateau, and looking across to Mt Meru floating on the clouds. [4-6 hours walking] (B,L,D)
Day 4: Mt. Kilimanjaro - to Barrano Camp (Trek)
A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction (4550m) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3900 m), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. [5-7 hours walking] (B,L,D)
Day 5: Mt. Kilimanjaro - Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (Trek)
A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the south-eastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Icefields. The terrain changes to scree, with pockets of lush vegetation in sheltered hollows, and there is only a short distance to our camp at Karanga (4000m), the last water point on the way to the summit. There is plenty of time to rest, or for a short optional acclimatisation walk in the afternoon up the valley above the camp. [4-5 hours walking] (B,L,D)
Day 6: Mt. Kilimanjaro - Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (Trek)
Departing from Karanga camp, we have another relatively short hiking day to the Barafu campsite at 5,500 feet/4,600 meters. We begin by scrambling over boulders and ascending the Barafu Ridge. This ridge marks the point where the South Circuit Path, which we’ve been following for a couple of days, joins the Mweka Trail. As we head up the Mweka Trail, following the boulder strewn ridge, we have our first glimpse of Mawenzi's jagged rocky spires. We reach the Barafu campsite in time for lunch. The remainder of the day is to relax, sleep and mentally prepare for our final ascent to the summit, Uhuru Peak, starting at midnight. Total trekking time 4-5 hours. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Mt. Kilimanjaro - Summit Day, Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp (Trek)
We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point (5735m), in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the two hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5895m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite Millenium (3800m). [11-15 hours walking] (B,L,D)
Day 8: Final trek and transfer to Arusha
A sustained descent on a well constructed path through lovely tropical forest alive with birdsong and boasting lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. Our route winds down to the National Park gate at Mweka (1650m). Here we sign out from the National Park before walking on for a further 15 minutes through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village where our vehicle awaits. The shower, the beer, and the swimming pool are tantalisingly close! Overnight at Moivaro Coffee Lodge. [4-6 hours walking] (B,L,D)
Day 9: Tarangire National Park (Game Drive)
After breakfast, we will drive to Tarangire National Park (approx 2- 3 hours) where we will have lunch on arrival. Later in the afternoon we will spend time game viewing within the park. This area has the largest population of elephants in northern Tanzania, with approximately 2000 sighted along the river at certain times of the year. In the dry season, (July–November) most of the wildlife in the Tarangire ecosystem migrates to the permanent water of the Tarangire River. The lush green shores of the river are a big attraction to many varieties of wildlife, so they offer fantastic game viewing. Dry baobab and acacia trees are scattered widely throughout Tarangire National Park and these provide an ideal home to over 500 species of birds. Most people who have visited East Africa give fabulous accounts of their safaris in this national park, which is famous for both its flora and fauna. Accommodation: Migunga Tented Camp, or Tarangire Sopa Lodge (4 star upgrade) or similar. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Ngorongoro
Today is a long but rewarding day, filled with scenic driving and fabulous wildlife viewing. We leave early this morning for a 3 - 3.5hr drive up the Rift Valley escarpment to Ngorongoro Crater. At nearly 2300m on the Crater rim, the mornings are brisk and low cloud sometimes covers the area. Please bring some warm clothing as it can be cold here. We drop down into the Crater for a day of game viewing, including a picnic lunch. The World Heritage listed Ngorongoro Crater is one of the last refuges for the endangered black rhino in northern Tanzania; the rhino population here is carefully protected and they are quite commonly seen. With over 30,000 animals, the 100 sq km caldera of the Ngorongoro Crater is a natural amphitheatre for wildlife with its permanent water source and varied habitats. We drive to our accommodation back up on the rim of the Crater in the late afternoon. Accommodation: Crater Forest Tented Camp, or Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge (4 star upgrade) or similar (B,L,D)
Day 11: Olduvai Gorge & Serengeti
On our way to the Serengeti National Park we visit the world famous Olduvai Gorge, where our earliest ancestors were discovered by Professor Richard Leakey. We will also visit a Masai boma (village) to learn about Masai traditions and way of life.The hills and plains en route are home to wildlife as well as the Masai people and we are likely to see both on our journey. After passing through the Serengeti park gate we have opportunity to see a variety of wildlife as we game drive our way to our accommodation. We begin to get an idea of the vastness and remoteness of this incredible park as we travel across the savannah to our base for the next two nights. Accommodation: Kati Kati Tented Camp, or Serengeti Serena Lodge (4 star upgrade) or similar. (NOTE: Kati Kati is a semi-permanent tented camp operating from December - March and from June - October. Outside of these months, an alternative property will be used)
Day 12: Serengeti National Park (Game Drive and optional Hot Air Balloon)
We spend a full day in the Serengeti National Park, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage area for its wildlife and natural beauty. Mornings and late afternoons are the best times for wildlife spotting, as the animals retreat to the shade of trees to escape the heat of the day. We will follow this pattern to make the most of the time when wildlife is most active. We will wake with the sun and generally return to our camp or lodge after sunset, with time in the middle of the day to relax. Depending where we find most game, we may take a picnic lunch and stay out all day or return to our accommodation over lunch for a siesta before going out again in our 4WD safari vehicle to explore the different habitats found within the park. Famed for its annual migration, the Serengeti offers amazing game viewing at any time of the year: herds of buffalo, groups of elephant and giraffe, zebra, eland, topi, kongoni, impala and gazelle, among other wildlife. We hope to experience a blazing Serengeti sunset, with silhouetted acacia trees, to top off a magical day. Accommodation: Kati Kati Tented Camp, or Serengeti Serena Lodge (4 star upgrade) or similar
Day 13: Serengeti to Arusha (Game drive)
We will enjoy one last early morning game drive in the Serengeti before transferring to the Seronera airstrip for a 11:00 flight back to Arusha. (Please note that flight schedules are subject to change and availability.) On arrival in Arusha we will be met at the airport and transferred to our accommodation. There is time for an optional visit to a cultural market en route if you wish. Accommodation: Moivaro Coffee Lodge (B,L)
Day 14: Departure
Today you will be transferred back to the Arusha International Airport to connect with your flight back home. You can spend the morning around camp, walk in the forest, climb the rift valley escarpment or depart early for Arusha for some last minute shopping. Please make sure you book a flight that departs after 3:30pm. (B)
NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change with any change in community regulations as well as governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control.
Additional Information
The Machame Route is well known as the "Whiskey Route" and one of the most popular trails on Mount Kilimanjaro, fondly known as Kili. It is reported that around 50% of trekkers use this route to ascend to the highest point in Africa and for good reason. The trail, whilst challenging, also offers spectacular vistas, ascends the Barranco wall and allows good acclimatisation opportunities. From lush rainforest, the trail rises steeply towards the Shira Plateau, providing trekkers with scenic mountain views and varying landscapes. While the ascent does not require any technical climbing, the trails are demanding and a sound level of fitness are essential pre-requisites.
With seven days on the mountain, there is excellent opportunity for a safe and successful climb, with a sound sense of achievement more than reward for your effort. Before or after ascending Kilimanjaro, we indulge in an all encompassing fly-drive safari highlighting the best game parks in northern Tanzania including huge herds of elephants in Tarangire, the spectacular World Heritage listed Ngorongoro Crater, visits to a Masai village and the renowned paleolithic site of Olduvai Gorge, and culminating in the distinctive scenery and abundant wildlife in the world famous Serengeti National Park.