Tour Overview
This 10-day adventure combines a 7-day Machame Route trek on Mount Kilimanjaro with a 3-day wildlife safari. The trek takes you through lush rainforest, dramatic moorlands, alpine desert, and finally the arctic summit zone, with a chance to stand on Africa’s highest peak. After the climb, the journey continues into Tanzania’s famous national parks, visiting Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara for exceptional wildlife viewing. This tour is designed for budget travelers who want both the challenge of Kilimanjaro and the relaxation of a classic safari.
Itinerary
Elevation 5,400ft to 9,400ft. Distance 11 km. Hiking time 5 to 7 hours. Habitat rainforest. Morning pickup from your hotel in Arusha and transfer to Machame Gate. Begin the trek through rich montane forest, the most water-abundant area of Kilimanjaro. Lunch is taken at Halfway Clearing before continuing to the Machame Camp near the ruins of the old Machame Hut. First views of Kibo may appear if the sky is clear.
Elevation 9,400ft to 12,500ft. Distance 5 km. Hiking time 4 to 6 hours. Habitat moorland. Begin with a steep ridge ascent toward Picnic Rock with panoramic views over Kibo and Shira Plateau. Continue more gently across the moorland to Shira Plateau and camp near Shira Hut with dramatic views of Mt. Meru and lava formations.
Elevation 12,500ft to 13,000ft. Distance 10 km. Hiking time 6 to 8 hours. Habitat semi-desert. A steady ascent along lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. Lunch near Lava Tower junction before descending into the Great Barranco Valley surrounded by towering cliffs.
Elevation 13,000ft to 13,100ft. Distance 5 km. Hiking time 4 to 5 hours. Habitat alpine desert. Climb the Barranco Wall with excellent views before following an undulating trail toward the Karanga Valley, the last water point before Barafu. Optional acclimatization walk in the afternoon.
Elevation 13,100ft to 15,300ft. Distance 4 km. Hiking time 4 to 5 hours. Habitat alpine desert. Begin with a steep climb out of Karanga then a steady ascent to Mweka Junction. Continue to Barafu Camp and onward to the plateau below the South-East Valley. Rest early in preparation for the summit attempt.
Elevation 15,300ft to 19,345ft then descend to 10,000ft. Distance 5 km ascent and 12 km descent. Hiking time 7 to 8 hours ascent and 4 to 6 hours descent. Habitat arctic. Begin the summit climb in darkness on a zig-zag path of volcanic scree leading to Stella Point for sunrise. Continue to Uhuru Peak for the highest point in Africa. Descend to Barafu, rest briefly, then continue down to Mweka Camp.
Elevation 10,000ft to 5,400ft. Hiking time 3 to 4 hours. Habitat rainforest. Descend the well-built forest trail to Mweka Gate, sign out, continue past local farms to meet the vehicle, and transfer to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.
Pickup from your hotel in Arusha with lunch boxes. Drive to Tarangire National Park for mid-morning and afternoon game drives. Expect large herds of elephants, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, elands, gazelles, and predators such as lions and leopards. Evening drive to your lodge in Karatu for relaxation.
Full-day game viewing inside Ngorongoro Crater. The crater hosts about thirty thousand animals including rhinos, elephants, lions, buffalo, zebras, and hippos. Enjoy a picnic lunch before driving back to your lodge in Karatu.
Morning pickup from your hotel with packed lunch. Drive to Lake Manyara National Park for full-day game viewing including elephants, flamingos, tree-climbing lions, and rich birdlife. Afternoon return to Arusha.
