12 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Trek & Safari

Welcome to Kilimanjaro! Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our team will be there to greet you. You will then be transferred to the Chanya Lodge or a similar hotel in Moshi for an overnight stay. The best part is that you can start your trek on any day of the year!

After a delicious breakfast and a briefing, we will drive you to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate, which takes about an hour. Once there, you will register and begin your climb. The trail will lead you through the enchanting rainforest, where you can admire the towering Eucalyptus trees, diverse birdlife, and playful Colobus monkeys. If you’d like, you can also take a side trip to Maundi Crater to enjoy the breathtaking views of Northern Tanzania and Kenya.

Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft

Distance: 8km/5mi Hiking

Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Leaving behind the rainforest, you will ascend to the Horombo encampment through the open moorlands. Along the way, be prepared to witness the awe-inspiring views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo. Keep an eye out for the magnificent giant lobelias and grounsels that thrive in this habitat. You may start experiencing the effects of altitude as you climb higher.

Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft

Distance: 12km/7.5mi

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Heathland

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Take a well-deserved rest day at Horombo Hut, where you can relax and recharge. If you’re up for it, you can embark on an optional hike to Mawenzi Peak, which offers incredible panoramic views.

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft

Distance: 0km/0mi

Hiking Time: 0 hours

Habitat: Heathland

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Continuing your ascent, you will pass the last watering point and enter the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The landscape transforms from heathland to an otherworldly “moonscape” devoid of vegetation. Rest, have dinner, and prepare for the final push to the summit.

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft

Distance: 9km/5.5mi

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Rise early in the morning, around midnight to 2 am, to begin the climb to the summit. The path will be steep and covered with scree or snow, leading you to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. From there, continue your ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking views surrounding you at every turn. Don’t forget to capture the moment with a picture at the summit to share with your loved ones. Afterward, descend to Kibo for lunch and a well-deserved rest before continuing to the Horombo encampment.

Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft Descend to 3700m/12,200ft

Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on a steady descent through the moorland to the Mandara Hut. As you continue descending, the lush forest path will guide you to the National Park gate at Marangu. Keep in mind that the lower elevations can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles will come in handy. Dress comfortably in shorts and t-shirts, but be prepared with rain gear and warmer clothing. At Marangu gate, a vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi, which is approximately a one-hour journey.

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft

Distance: 20km/12.5mi

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Forest Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Lake Manyara National Park

Start your day with a scenic drive to Lake Manyara National Park. This park, nestled against the steep escarpment of the Rift Valley, boasts an evergreen groundwater forest and a variety of ecosystems, including acacia woodland, grassy plains, and a swampy fan delta. The expansive lake itself attracts a diverse range of mammals, birds, and wildlife species. Look out for buffalo, impala, giraffe, bushbuck, waterbuck, hippos, and elephants roaming near the lake. You may also be fortunate enough to spot rare tree-climbing lions. Keep an eye open for blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, and Olive baboon troops, which are highly active in this area. Overnight at the lodge/hotel, where you will enjoy a delightful lunch, dinner, and breakfast.

After a satisfying breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Serengeti National Park. The name “Serengeti” originates from the Maasai language and means “endless plain.” Along the way, you have the option to visit a Maasai Village, where you can immerse yourself in Maasai culture and even partake in tribal activities. Alternatively, you can explore Olduvai Gorge, renowned as the Cradle of Humanity. The accompanying museum tells the fascinating story of human evolution from its humble beginnings in East Africa to its present dominance on Earth. Enjoy a game drive en-route to your camp, which will be either Ikoma Wildcamp, Serengeti Wildcamp, or Serengeti Wildebeest Camp. Indulge in a delicious lunch, dinner, and breakfast at the camp.

Take advantage of two full days to relax and explore the mesmerizing beauty of the Serengeti. The park is renowned for the Great Wildebeest Migration and is home to vast herds of plains game, including wildebeest, zebra, and antelope. Among them, you’ll find majestic predators such as lions and cheetahs, often found lounging among the scattered kopjes that dot the plain. The Serengeti’s landscape varies, with open grass plains in the south, savanna with scattered acacia trees in the center, and hilly, wooded grassland in the north, all adding to its diverse allure. Overnight at your choice of Ikoma Wildcamp, Serengeti Wildcamp, or Serengeti Wildebeest Camp, where you’ll be treated to delightful lunches, dinners, and breakfasts.

Enjoy a morning game drive in the Serengeti before your transfer to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Upon arrival, check-in at the lodge and prepare for an exciting afternoon walking safari. Accompanied by a local Maasai guide, explore the hills and plains of Maasai country, gaining insights into this ancient culture. Along the way, you might encounter local herdsmen and observe the harmonious cohabitation of the Maasai people and the abundant wildlife within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Rest and rejuvenate at the Ngorongoro Wild Camp, where you will be treated to delicious lunches, dinners, and breakfasts.

This morning, venture into the Ngorongoro Crater floor for an unforgettable game drive and exploration. The Ngorongoro Crater is a natural wonder, 600 meters deep, 16 kilometers across, and covering an area of 265 square kilometers. As you marvel at the stunning scenery, keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife inhabiting this unique ecosystem. Among the many animals, you may spot Tanzania’s last remaining black rhinos, grazing on the open grasslands of the crater floor. Other inhabitants include lions, cheetahs, elands, zebras, and gazelles. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of flamingos and other bird species at Makat Soda Lake. After an eventful day, embark on an afternoon drive back to Moshi or Arusha for your overnight stay at the hotel. Enjoy delicious lunches, dinners, and breakfasts throughout your stay.