Arrival in Tanzania: Drive to Arusha town

You’ll meet  our ground handling team at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to the delightful Accommodation in Arusha. Relax in your thatched cottage, savor the enchanting views of Mount Meru, and unwind on the private verandah. Located just outside the vibrant town of Arusha, and set in its own tropical gardens under the canopy of Mount Meru, the lodge provides a gentle introduction to the natural beauty of Tanzania.

• High End Accommodation: Melia Arusha
• Semi-Luxury Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton, the Arusha Hotel
• Standard Accommodation: Gold Crest Hotel

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

• Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft
• Distance: 11 km/7 miles
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

The drive from Arusha to the Machame Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. As we leave the park gate, we walk through the dense rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Camp.

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp

• Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
• Distance: 5 km/3 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Heath

We leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp.

Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower

• Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
• Distance: 7 km/4 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

• Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
• Distance: 3 km/2 miles
• Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

• Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
• Distance: 5 km/3 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One steeper climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

• Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
• Distance: 4 km/2 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

• Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
• Distance: 5 km/3 miles
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
• Habitat: Arctic

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

• Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
• Distance: 12 km/7 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

• Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
• Distance: 10 km/6 miles
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us to your accommodation the deserved rest.

• High End Accommodation: Melia Arusha
• Semi-Luxury Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton, the Arusha Hotel
• Standard Accommodation: Gold Crest Hotel

Day 8: Arusha to Tarangire National Park: Distance: 130 | Travel Time: 2.5 hour.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast at your hotel, we will pick you up and embark on an exciting journey to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s largest and most captivating wildlife reserves located in the Manyara region. Known for its vast herds of elephants, iconic tree-climbing lions, and the majestic baobab trees, often referred to as the “Tree of Life” for their cultural and ecological significance, Tarangire is a haven for nature enthusiasts. The park’s defining feature is the Tarangire River, a lifeline for wildlife during the dry season as it remains a year-round water source.

Spend the day immersed in the park’s unique landscapes, observing a wide array of wildlife in their natural habitat. After an exhilarating game drive, your guide will take you to your lodge inside the park for (4stars and 5stars) or Karatu town for a delicious dinner and a restful.

• 3Stars: Marera Valley Lodge
• Kuro Treetops Lodge Tarangire: High End Accommodation
• Semi-Luxury: Elephant Springs Lodge

Day 9: Tarangire to – Serengeti National Park: Distance: 305km | Travel Time: 4hour

After finishing up a good breakfast, you will head out towards the Serengeti National Park and travel in the midst of the never ending plain grasslands. The Serengeti is arguably the most impressive wildlife sanctuary in the world. You will arrive Serengeti National Park for lunch and after picnic lunch you will embark on the afternoon game drive in the endless plains of the Serengeti for a chance to see the great herds of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles or a pride of lions lounging in the shade. The eventful day comes to an end with a heavy dinner and a good night’s rest in your accommodation.

Wildlife Highlights: wildebeest Migration, zebra, lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, cheetah, gazelle, giraffe, spotted hyena, jackal, Aardwolf, Serval, Agama lizard, rock hyrax, secretary bird, ostrich, black eagle & this is the most visited park in Tanzania; famous for massive migration of ungulates; more than 500 bird species.

• High End Accommodation: Four Seasons Serengeti
• Semi-Luxury Accommodation: Serengeti Semetu Camp
• 3Stars: Serengeti Safari Lodge

Day 10: Serengeti National Park Full Day

A full day is dedicated to game viewing in the Serengeti National Your guide will take you to the best spots to observe the wildlife. Elephants, buffaloes, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, topi, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles and many more can be seen in this large national park. Especially in the Seronera Valley you will be able to experience fantastic game viewing all year round. The Serengeti is home to the largest animal migration on the planet.

• High End Accommodation: Four Seasons Serengeti
• Semi-Luxury Accommodation: Serengeti Semetu Camp
• 3Stars: Serengeti Safari Lodge

Day 11: Serengeti National Park Half Day – Drive to Ngorongoro conservation Area: Distance160km | Travel Time: 3hour

After breakfast, you will enjoy a half day game drive in Serengeti National Park until lunch time, then with enroute game drive on the way to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you’ll spot thousands upon thousands of animals in herds; wildebeests and zebras migrating together, tall and graceful giraffes, jumping antelopes and gazelles, the powerful African elephant and the most respected group of animals: the predators. You will have the chance to spot lean cheetahs and shy leopards, foraging hyenas, and last but not least, the king himself; the lion. Dinner and overnight on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater.

• Semi-Luxury accommodation: Lion’s Paw Ngorongoro
• 3Stars: Rhino Lodge Ngorongoro
• High End Accommodation: The Highlands Ngorongoro Lodge

Day 12: Ngorongoro Crater Safari – Return to Arusha:

After breakfast, you’ll depart for Ngorongoro Crater; considered by some to be the Eighth Wonder of the World. Home to over 120 species of mammal including the fabled Big Five. It’s a particularly good place to see the endangered black rhinoceros enjoying a lonely meal out on the grass plains, as well as a place to see large numbers of hippopotamus enjoying the cool water. After the thrills and excitement of the day, you will have a picnic lunch in the park. Thereafter we will make our way back to Arusha or transfer to airport for your flight back home.

All rates quoted are in US Dollars and are per person based on group size:

Child Policy:

• Children (When shared a room with Adult) are paid 50% of Adults rate – Children are considered to be 5 to 15 years.
• Children (When shared their own room) are paid 75% of Adults rates.
• Children under 5 years are free of Charge.
• Baby Seat and baby cot are available on request.

Rooming: 

• 2Pax – 1 Double Room.
• 3Pax – 2 Rooms – 1 Double & 1 Single.
• 4Pax – 2 Double Rooms.
• 5Pax – 2 Double Rooms & 1 Single Room.
• 6Pax – 3 Double Rooms.
• 7Pax – 3 Double Rooms & 1 Single Room.

Different room arrangements are available on Request.

Inclusion:

• Safari according to the itinerary and Accommodation
• Transportation in a Luxury 4×4 safari (Safari Jeep)
• Professional English speaking guide (Other Language on request and Availabilities).
• All- accommodation
• Meals according to the itinerary in Full Board
• Mineral water & Soft Drinks
• All mentioned
• All national park fees and Entry
• Flying Doctors insurance (AMREF) during the
• Accommodation before Safari
• All Airport Transfers
• All Domestic Flights

Exclusion:

• International Flights
• Optional activities
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Tips to Driver/Guide ($15 – 20/group/Day)
• Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
• Travel Health insurance
• Serengeti Balloon safari. ($.599/person).
• Canoeing at Lake Momella ($. 150/person)
• Night Game drive at Lake Manyara ($100/person).

• A deposit of 20% is required to confirm the booking; this amount is for booking accommodations and domestic flights if applicable. (Refundable up to 30-days before Departure date).
• Children under 6-years must be accompanied by an adult.
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.
• A small amount of walking May involved, carry with you hiking shoes.
• The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions.
• A Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory when enters Tanzania.
• Visas are available on arrival. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler.