The best of Tanzania Kilimanjaro hiking and Tanzania Safari

After arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to your lodge in Moshi. Depending on your arrival time, you can relax and enjoy your first glimpses of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. Spend the evening unwinding at your lodge and preparing for the adventure ahead.

Today you’ll explore the lively town of Moshi, nestled at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. Together with your local guide, you’ll stroll through colorful markets filled with coffee, spices, and handmade crafts while learning about Chagga traditions and daily life beneath the mountain. Enjoy a tasty Tanzanian lunch and visit a local gear shop to prepare for your climb. The afternoon is free to relax and get ready for tomorrow’s adventure.

After breakfast and a short briefing, you’ll drive about three hours to Lemosho Gate (2,100m), the starting point of your Kilimanjaro trek. With a packed lunch, you’ll begin hiking through lush rainforest, surrounded by ferns, moss, and towering trees. Keep an eye out for the playful colobus monkeys swinging through the canopy. As you ascend, the forest opens into lighter woodland before reaching Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m), where your tent awaits and hot water is ready for a refreshing wash. Relax and enjoy your first evening on Kilimanjaro.

Elevation gain: 550m | Distance: 7km | Duration: 3–4 hrs | Difficulty: Easy | Zone: Rainforest

Today, the scenery transforms as you leave the rainforest behind and ascend into heathland. Trees give way to shrubs, rocks, and grasses as you approach the Shira Plateau. Stop at Shira 1 Camp for lunch with sweeping mountain views.

In the afternoon, continue along a gentle, wide trail to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m). The terrain is easier, but the altitude becomes noticeable, so take it slow and rest often. In the evening, camp at cloud level and, if skies are clear, enjoy a golden sunset over the peaks—a perfect end to the day.

Elevation gain: 1,200m | Distance: 17km | Duration: 8–10 hrs | Difficulty: Difficult | Zone: Heathland

Today’s trek takes you up to the Lava Tower (4,600m), combining steep climbs with flatter sections to help your body adjust to the higher altitude.

Pause at Lava Tower for a long lunch and rest—this acclimatization stop is crucial to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Afterwards, descend to Baranco Camp (3,900m), surrounded by unusual high-altitude flora, including tall cactus-like plants and vibrant “everlasting flowers” found only in this region.

Elevation gain: +750m / -700m | Distance: 10km | Duration: 6–8 hrs | Difficulty: Moderate | Zone: Heathland

Today begins with a short descent through Baranco Valley, leading to the iconic Baranco Wall. While not technically difficult, the steep climb may require using your hands, making it an exciting challenge. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of the camp and distant Moshi.

After reaching the top, take a moment to soak in the panorama before descending into Karanga Valley for lunch at Karanga Camp. If you still have energy, an optional acclimatization hike to around 4,200m helps your body adjust for the summit ahead.

Elevation gain: 100m | Distance: 6km | Duration: 4–5 hrs | Difficulty: Difficult | Zone: Heathland

Today the landscape changes dramatically: the lush heathland gives way to a rugged, gray, lunar landscape. You’ve truly reached great heights. The hike to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the final climb, is relatively short but demanding. The first section of the trail climbs steeply, then the terrain flattens out and you even descend a few sections.

Throughout the trek, you’ll have constant views of Kilimanjaro’s impressive summit, a powerful motivation for what’s to come. In clear weather, your guide will show you the way to Uhuru Peak, the highest point at 5,895 meters.

Once you arrive at Barafu Camp, lunch will be waiting for you, after which you’ll use the rest of the day to rest and prepare. Tonight begins the most challenging and spectacular part of your climb: the night climb to the summit!
Elevation gain: 670m | Distance: 4km | Duration: 3 hours | Difficulty: Moderate | Zone: Alpine desert

Around midnight, the final push to Kilimanjaro’s summit begins. Depart with your guide for Uhuru Peak (5,895m), Africa’s highest point. The climb is steep, the air thin, and the temperatures freezing, but your experienced guides will ensure your safety and well-being throughout.

Reaching the summit, you’ll stand on the roof of Africa, witnessing a breathtaking sunrise above the clouds—a truly unforgettable moment. After soaking in the view, descend to Barafu Camp for a warm welcome, lunch, and a short rest.

Continue your descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m), where lower altitudes make breathing easier. This is your final night on Kilimanjaro, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible achievement.

Elevation gain: +1,225m / -2,795m | Distance: 17km | Duration: 8–14 hrs | Difficulty: Difficult | Zone: Arctic

Today you’ll descend through the lush rainforest toward Mweka Gate, surrounded by the sounds of birds and playful monkeys. At the gate, you’ll receive your official Kilimanjaro summit certificate, a treasured keepsake of your achievement.

Afterwards, transfer back to the lodge to relax, shower, and reflect on your incredible climb. Enjoy a refreshing drink or a dip in the pool before preparing for the next adventure: a thrilling safari through Tanzania’s iconic wildlife parks.

Elevation gain: -1,450m | Distance: 10km | Duration: 4 hrs | Difficulty: Easy | Zone: Rainforest

After breakfast, head to Materuni, a charming village at the foot of Kilimanjaro. On clear days, enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped peak.

Hike through lush hills to Materuni Waterfall, passing banana plantations, small farms, and traditional homes. Along the way, learn about Chagga life, farming, and coffee traditions. Take a refreshing dip in the waterfall before returning via a different scenic route.

Back in the village, visit a local coffee plantation to see how coffee is grown, processed, and roasted. Try your hand at the steps and savor a fresh cup of homemade coffee—a perfect taste of local culture.

Today marks your first real safari adventure. After breakfast, head to Tarangire National Park, often called the “home of elephants.” On arrival, your game drive begins, offering the chance to see hundreds of elephants, giraffes, lions, impalas, hyenas, and warthogs up close.

Explore the park’s vast savannas, dotted with iconic baobab trees and vibrant wetlands teeming with birds. After a day full of wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes, return to your lodge and unwind while taking in the beauty of the African bush.

Today offers a unique cultural experience in the vibrant village of Mto wa Mbu, surrounded by fertile land and green banana plantations. Explore the village on foot or by bike, visiting colorful markets, local schools, and workshops where handicrafts are made.

Enjoy warm interactions with the residents, gaining insight into daily life in this lively community. The day concludes with a traditional Tanzanian lunch, featuring dishes like ugali, chapati, rice, fresh vegetables, and spicy sauces prepared by local women.

Today is a full-day safari adventure. Depart early for the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, one of Tanzania’s top highlights. Drive up to the crater rim, enjoying stunning panoramas, then descend to the crater floor for a game drive. The crater is an excellent place to spot the Big Five in a breathtaking natural setting.

After lunch, continue to the Serengeti National Park, where the landscape opens into endless plains. On arrival, enjoy a short game drive en route to your lodge or camp, and perhaps spot wildlife from your veranda in the evening.

Spend the next two days in the world-famous Serengeti, home to the Great Migration and abundant wildlife. Depending on the season, you may explore the northern Mara River area for river crossings, the southern Ndutu region for calving season, or the central Seronera area for excellent year-round game viewing, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

Enjoy game drives through different parts of the park, with lunch in the bush or at your lodge. End each day relaxing at your camp or lodge, sipping a drink by the campfire or dining under the stars.

Full day Serengeti National Park

Start the day with an early morning Serengeti game drive, when predators are active and the soft light creates perfect photo opportunities.

After breakfast, leave the park and drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

After breakfast, set out for Lake Manyara National Park, a compact park with diverse landscapes—from forests and grasslands to wetlands and the lake itself.

Spot tree-climbing lions, elephants, baboons, flamingos, and possibly hippos along the water. Its rich wildlife and scenic variety make Lake Manyara a perfect finale to your safari adventure.

The last day of your Tanzania and Kilimanjaro adventure has arrived. Depending on your flight, you can enjoy a short hike, a visit to a nearby waterfall, or simply relax at your lodge—by the pool or with a good book on the terrace.

If you’re continuing to Zanzibar, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your domestic flight, letting you unwind on the tropical coast.

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