Overview
This adventure combines the best of Tanzania’s highlands and savannah. Begin at the foot of Africa’s tallest mountain with a guided Mount Kilimanjaro climb. Over five days, traverse its rugged slopes and enjoy the challenge and reward of high-altitude trekking. After your descent, the safari begins. Explore Lake Manyara’s emerald forests and flamingo-filled shores, descend into the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, and spend two full days on the endless plains of the Serengeti. This journey balances mountain trekking with classic game drives in iconic landscapes, offering a full spectrum of Tanzania’s natural wonders.
Itinerary
You will be met at Kilimanjaro International Airport by your guide and transferred to your lodge in Moshi, at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. The evening is yours to relax and prepare for the climb ahead.
Overnight: Keys Hotel, Moshi
Spend four challenging and rewarding days on Mount Kilimanjaro. Depending on your chosen route, the trek will take you through rainforest, alpine moorland, and rocky highlands. With each ascent, you will be surrounded by shifting landscapes and incredible views. Your guides will support you every step of the way.
Overnights: Mountain huts or tents (depending on route)
After a hearty breakfast and descent from Kilimanjaro, your driver will meet you for the journey to Lake Manyara National Park. Nestled at the foot of the Rift Valley escarpment, the park is rich with wildlife and birdlife. You may spot elephants, giraffes, hippos, and tree-climbing lions during your afternoon drive.
Overnight: Popo Camp
Depart for Ngorongoro and descend into the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. The crater floor offers an unparalleled density of wildlife, including black rhino, lions, elephants, and large flocks of flamingos. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor before heading to your lodge for the evening.
Overnight: Rhino Lodge, Ngorongoro
Today you enter the vast Serengeti, a name that evokes images of unending plains and roaming herds. Game viewing is exceptional year-round. Depending on the season, you may witness wildebeest migrations or predators in action.
Overnight: Ikoma Lodge, Serengeti
Enjoy a full day of game drives in the heart of the Serengeti. From sunrise to sunset, your guide will take you through river valleys, grasslands, and acacia woodlands, following wildlife movements and tracking the Big Five.
Overnight: Ikoma Lodge
After an early morning game drive, begin your journey back to Arusha. Watch the landscapes shift from open plains to rolling hills as you return to town. The evening is free to relax and reflect on the safari.
Overnight: Outpost Lodge, Arusha
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Inclusions
Includes
- Accommodation in listed lodges/camps (or similar)
- All meals during the safari
- Park entrance and conservation fees
- All ground transport in 4x4 safari jeep with pop-up roof
- Game drives as per itinerary
- English-speaking professional safari driver-guide
- Bottled water on game drives
- Airport transfers
Excludes
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Hot air balloon safari (optional, extra cost)
- Cultural village visits (optional, small fee)
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, souvenirs)
- Extra accommodation before/after the tour (available on request)
FAQs
The trek is non-technical but physically demanding due to altitude and terrain. It is recommended for active travelers with good fitness levels. Your guides are trained to support you safely and steadily throughout.
Routes can vary depending on preference and availability. The most common are Marangu or Machame, but your itinerary can be adjusted to your preferred route on request.
Yes, proper hiking boots, layered clothing, and a good sleeping bag are essential. A complete gear list will be provided before your trip. Some items can also be rented locally.
The migration is seasonal, moving through different parts of the park during the year. Your guide will plan your drives based on current wildlife movement for the best possible sightings.
The crater is known for lions, black rhinos, hyenas, elephants, flamingos, and large herds of zebra and wildebeest. Most of the Big Five can be seen in a single game drive.
