Tanzania: Conquering Kilimanjaro, Safaris and Zanzibar

Your Tanzanian adventure begins in Moshi. The drive to your accommodation here will take about 1.5 hours.

Located near the slopes of Africa's highest peak, Moshi is known for its cultural richness and natural beauty. It is the starting point for hikes to Mt. Kilimanjaro. You can catch stunning views of the mountain's snow-capped peaks amidst thick clouds from the town.

Moshi’s markets are worth visiting to catch a glimpse of the local life and shop for souvenirs. You can also see the scenic Marangu waterfalls, explore the snake park, and enjoy camel rides. For an immersive cultural experience, visit the Chagga village, Maasai Village, and the Coffee Auction at Kahawa House. Moshi is located close to Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Arusha National Park, which makes it a great base for wildlife lovers as well.

You will be driven from your hotel to the airport, which is approximately an hour-long drive.

Towering at 19,340 feet, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest mountain, the world’s highest freestanding peak, and one of the largest volcanoes. This magnificent peak, which has a base spanning nearly 69 kilometres, can be spotted from over 160 kilometres away. Kilimanjaro’s summit is perpetually cloaked in snow, even though it is located only three degrees south of the Equator.

Kilimanjaro Hike

Services of guides, cooks and porters during the climb, full board, all camping equipment (including mattresses but excluding sleeping bags), dining tent, portable mountain toilet, all Kilimanjaro National Park, Camp and Rescue fees.

The Machame Route is famous for its breathtaking scenery, which makes it a favourite among climbers. This route will take you beneath the glaciated Southern Ice Fields, connecting with the Barafu Route as you approach the top. The Machame Route, with its gentler incline, offers a far better chance of reaching the summit.

Day 1: Machame Gate (1830m) - Machame Camp (3050m) | 11km | 5-6hrs

On your drive towards Kilimanjaro's base, you will pass through several charming mountainside villages until you reach the Machame National Park Gate. Here, you will receive your permits and watch the crew prepare for the trek. Soak in your lush surroundings and learn about the local flora and fauna from your expert guide on a trail walk. The trails can be muddy and slippery at lower altitudes, so please be careful as you make your way about.

Day 2: Machame Camp (3050m) - Shira 2 Camp (3810m) | 5km | 4-5hrs

Begin your ascent on a gently inclined trail after a hearty breakfast. Savour the beautiful scenery that unfolds around you as you approach the rim of the Shira Plateau. The temperatures will begin to drop from this point on.

Day 3: Shira 2 Camp (3810m) - Barranco Camp (4000m) via Lava Tower | 10km | 5-7hrs

Trek through the rugged, panoramic Alpine Desert to the Lava Tower, which is also known as the 'Shark’s Tooth'. You will soon reach the second junction that leads to the Arrow Glacier. From there, descend to the Barranco Hut, your stop for the night. You will end the day at the same altitude as when you began, but this is crucial for acclimatisation, and will help your body prepare for the journey to the summit.

Day 4: Barranco Camp (4000m) - Karanga Camp (4050m) | 5km | 4-5hrs

Cross the Barranco Valley floor and scale the Barranco wall on your way to Karanga Valley. This is where your camp for the night will be set up. Prepare to be amazed by your crew’s skill and strength as they effortlessly navigate the wall.

Day 5: Karanga Camp (4050m) - Barafu Camp (4700m) | 4km | 4-5hrs

Enjoy stunning views of the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks as you gradually ascend toward Barafu Camp. Located on an exposed ridge, this camp will be your rest stop to prepare for the upcoming climb to the summit.

Day 6: Barafu Camp (4700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Mweka Camp (3100m) | 7-8hrs ascent - 5-6hrs descent

Prepare for an early start today - you will be woken up shortly before midnight. Munch on some biscuits and tea before starting your ascent to the summit. The route will take you between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Focus on staying warm and on the remarkable achievement you’re about to accomplish.

Ascend through the scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim to take a short rest break and admire a stunning sunrise. If you’re a fast hiker, you may be able to catch the sunrise from the summit, which is a gentle one hour ascent beyond Stella Point.

Celebrate your achievement and take lots of photos before beginning your steep descent down to Mweka Camp, with a brief stop for lunch and rest at Barafu.

Day 7: Mweka Camp (3100m) - Mweka Gate (1680m) | 10km | 3-4hrs

Make your way down to Mweka Gate, a 3-hour descent. Here, all hikers are required to sign their names to receive their certificates of completion. Once you get your certificate, continue descending for another hour to reach the Mweka village and enjoy a hot lunch before heading to Arusha for a much-needed shower.

You will be driven from Mweka village to Arusha, which is an approximately 2-hour journey.

Situated near the base of Mount Meru, Arusha offers breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and is the gateway to some of Tanzania’s renowned game reserves. Seasoned hikers can also choose to climb the 4,556-metre Mount Meru instead of Mount Kilimanjaro, as it is less crowded and the risk of altitude sickness is lower.

You will be driven from Arusha to Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro, which will take approximately 3–4 hours.

Situated at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park is famous for its remarkable beauty and wildlife. Keep an eye out for the famous tree-climbing lions lounging on the branches of flat-topped acacia trees. The lake, which is visited by over 400 bird species, including pelicans, is a great spot for bird-watching.

Your next stop, the Ngorongoro Crater, is renowned for its rich density of wildlife that includes antelopes, zebras, wildebeests, lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and African buffaloes. Ngorongoro’s wildlife coexists peacefully with the local Maasai people, which makes it one of nature’s most spectacular wonders. The crater’s foothills are a vista of scenic landscapes, charming villages, and lush coffee and tea plantations.

Game drive in Tarangire

Experience nature up close on daytime game drives through Tarangire National Park. As you explore the African wilderness, you can spot lions, elephants, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, mongooses, and baboons. The abundance of birdlife offers ample opportunities for birdwatching.

Tarangire is also known for its lush vegetation, riverbeds dotted with towering termite mounds, and majestic baobab trees, making this an unforgettable safari experience.

Game drive in Ngorongoro Crater

Head for the Ngorongoro Crater Floor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its lush and fertile grazing lands and high predator density. Set against the backdrop of the volcanic crater and surrounding highlands, this stunning region offers some spectacular opportunities for game viewing.

Catch a glimpse of zebras, wildebeests, lions, hyenas, rhinos, a variety of birds and more. Stop for a delightful picnic lunch and enjoy the magical landscape around you before returning to your accomodation for the night.

Manyara & Ngorongoro - Private Vehicle & Driver Guide

A private vehicle with chauffeur-guide will be available throughout the day for game drives.

You will be driven to Central Serengeti. The travel time is about 5-6 hours.

At the heart of the famous Serengeti National Park is Central Serengeti, a major wildlife hotspot that is densely populated by lions, cheetahs, and leopards. The Seronera River flows through this lush area, making it one of Serengeti’s richest and most vibrant ecosystems.

Note the kopjes, rocky granite outcrops that are often used by big cats as hideouts. If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the elusive black rhinos in their native habitat at Moru Kopjes. See the ancient rock art at Gong Rock and the graceful pink flamingos at Lake Magadi. The Retina Hippo Pool, located at the confluence of the Orangi and Seronara Rivers, is another must-see attraction.

The Great Migration is a spectacular annual event where millions of zebras, wildebeests, and gazelles cross the Serengeti region. April and November are the best months to spot these migrating herds in the Central Serengeti. A hot-air balloon safari is the perfect way to get a bird’s-eye view of this amazing spectacle and the surrounding landscape.

Serengeti Wilderness Camp: Morning & Evening game drives

Go on morning, afternoon, and full-day game drives to explore the diverse, breathtaking landscape and wildlife of the Serengeti.

Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge: Morning & Evening game drives

Go on morning, afternoon, and full-day game drives to explore the diverse, breathtaking landscape, and rich wildlife of the Serengeti.

Central Serengeti - Private Vehicle & Driver Guide

A private vehicle with chauffeur-guide will be available throughout the day for game drives.

You will be driven to the Central Serengeti airstrip to board your flight to Zanzibar. The flight time is approximately 2-3 hours. Upon arrival in Zanzibar, you will be transferred from the airport to your hotel, which will take about one hour.

Located off the Tanzanian coast, Zanzibar is a tropical paradise renowned for its spices, turquoise waters, breathtaking beaches, and historic sites. After exploring the Tanzanian wilderness, soak in the relaxing vibe of this archipelago town. Walk through the winding alleys of the famous Stone Town to get a glimpse of the city’s rich heritage and diverse cultural influences. If you are feeling more adventurous, you can explore the small fishing villages on the surrounding islands.