Kilimanjaro combined safari is a brilliant Tanzania holidays for energetic people who are eager to discover more. The highlights of this trip is climbing the astounding Kilimanjaro Mountain and short Northern Tanzania safari to the parks of Serengeti, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater each with special atmosphere and wildlife. Kilimanjaro and short Tanzania safari starts when we meet you at Kilimanjaro international airport and take you to Planet Lodge in Arusha for dinner & overnight.
During your precious 12 days Kilimanjaro combined safari in Tanzania you will have 6 days for Kilimanjaro trekking on Machame route & 5 days Tanzania mid-range lodge safari.
Highlights: Kilimanjaro Combined Safari in Tanzania
Climbing the free standing Mt. in Africa Kilimanjaro on Mahame route 6 days Visiting the famous Northern Tanzania Park with some cultural encounter when interacting with bushmen at Lake Eyasi.
Experience the Great Serengeti Wildebeest Migration, the big cats and Tanzania’s big 5
Price information about this trip:
- When 1 person travel alone – Prices is US$ 5,151
- When 2 person Sharing – Prices is US$ 4,111 per person
- When 3 person Sharing – Prices is US$ 3,712 per person
- When 4 person Sharing – Prices is US$ 3,542 per person
- When 5 person Sharing – Prices is US$ 3,533 per person
The package includes:-
- All transfers (arrival & departure)
- 2 Night accommodation at Planet lodge in Arusha on H/B
- 6 days Kilimanjaro trekking on Machame route
- All entry fees & camping fees on Mountain
- Service of professional & well experienced mountain guides, chef & porters
- Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents
- 6 Days 5 nights overnight in Tents during the trekking on F/B
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters
- Crisis management and safety procedures
- Rescue fees for Kilimanjaro
- 05 days private Tanzania lodge safari
- Transport and game viewing in modified 4WD Land Cruiser with photographic roof hatch
- Services of a professional, experienced English speaking safari driver guide
- 5 Days 4 night accommodation on F/B while on safari
- All park fees & game drives as per Itinerary
- 1.5 l mineral water per person during game drive
- All meals during the safari (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Included value added tax by the government
The Package does not include:-
- International flights
- All items of a personal nature
- Tips/gratuities for safari guides and mountain crew (please tip separately)
- Travel insurance
- Drinks and beverages in lodges or camps
- Accommodation in Arusha after safari (but still can arrange at extra cost)
There are three major international airports in Tanzania:
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): situated between Arusha and Moshi, this is the most common entry point into the country for those exploring the Northern Safari Circuit that includes the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara.
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR): a good option for those visiting Dar es Salaam or the Southern Safari Circuit that includes Selous Game Reserve, and Ruaha National Park.
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ): for those heading straight to Zanzibar, this airport is just 5km (3.1 miles) outside of Stone Town, Zanzibar’s capital.
All three airports have good international connections from most major cities in Europe and North America
Driving into Tanzaniais also possible if you’re coming in from a neighbouring country.
The roads from Nairobi, to Arusha or from Zambia over Mbeya and Iringa are in decent condition, although drivers should be aware that all driving in Tanzania can be quite hectic. Watch out for police controls and take caution not to underestimate the long distances between destinations.
If you book your adventure with us, all transport will be handled for you, so you can focus on the more exciting parts of your African adventure
Day by day Activities
On arrival at Kilimanjaro international airport meet our representative & transfer to Planet Lodge at the suburb of Arusha town. Later our Kilimanjaro manager & your guide for Kilimanjaro will come for detailed briefing & gear checking before leaving you to spend the rest of the day at the lodge, relaxing & get prepared for your Kilimanjaro trekking on next day.
Overnight at Planet Lodge or similar in Arusha. Dinner & breakfast included.
Sample Accommodations:
Arusha Planet Lodge
The African Tulip Hotel
Arusha Villa
Arusha Coffee Lodge
Trekking time: 5 to 7 hours
Distance: Approximately 11 kilometers
Habitat: Montane forest
Your Kilimanjaro combined safari tours starts after breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel in Arusha and drive to Machame Gate. The driving is of about 2 hours via some villages & local farms of banana and coffee plantation here you will get a little glimpse of the livelihood of Tanzanian close to the Mountain. At the gate you will do some park formalities including weighing luggage for porters to carry not to exceed 20 kg per porter. A valid permit will be issued to you showing 6 days of hiking through this route.
You will probably have lunch at the gate before the hiking. The trekking will start in the afternoon through the rain forest where you may expect rain, mud, and fog. During trekking you will possibly hear many exciting birds singing in the overlapping canopy above, and you may spot some black and white colobus monkeys, sykes monkeys as they move from trees to trees.
The route continues to the heath land and all the way to the end of your first day at Machame camp (9,875 feet), the trekking of the day is 9 Km in 5 to 7 hours of walking. This area is located above the rain forest vegetation type, the hiking is long but in a moderate steep.
The porters and chef, who move very fast up the mountain, will reach the camp before you and set up your tents, boil drinking water, and prepare snacks for your arrival. After washing up, a hot dinner will be served before going to sleep. At this point of Kilimanjaro combined Safari Mountain temperatures may drop to freezing so be prepared.
Overnight at Machame Camp. All meals included
Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 9 kilometers
Habitat: Moorland
Kilimanjaro combined safari continues, after breakfast, the day starts through lovely heath land and afro-alpine moorland furnished with superb views of Kilimanjaro Peak. The route starts getting steeper as you pass through the Savannah with tall grasses, Giant Heather and Erica trees. Hike nearby large stones as you arrive at the moorland zone ruled by lobelia and senecia plants as well as volcanic rocks wrapped with beards and lichen, which safeguard wild alpine flowers and other plants that growing beneath them. You will spend the night at Shira Camp (12,615 feet), trekking of this day is 9 km in 5 to 6 hours of walking. Getting to the camp same procedures will follow as of the first day.
Overnight at Shira Camp. All meals included
Trekking time: 7 hours
Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers
Habitat: Semi-desert
Today you are getting closer to the peak as we get nearer to the Lava Tower. The trek becomes a bit tougher the path gets steeper as you approach to the lava Tower, a volcanic plug of over 300 feet tall which codes an exposed pass at 15,000 feet. You will have packed lunch at this point while acclimatizing, here is where most climbers start feeling the effects from the high elevation which includes shorten of breath & headache. After lunch & some rest you will descend along the steep path from Lava Tower (4630 m) to Baranco Campsite at an altitude of (3950 m).
Lowering 680 m from Lava Tower to Barranco camp gives huge advantage to hikers to allow their body to get used to the conditions of high elevation. Walking down to the camp takes about 2 hours. This camp is located in a valley bellow “The Breakfast Wall” Baranco Wall & the Breach. Same procedure of hot water to wash, possibly dinner while watching the sunset.
Overnight at Baranco Camp (3950 m). All meals included.
Trekking time: 7 hours
Distance: Approximately 13 kilometers
Habitat: Alpine desert
Mt Kilimanjaro safari tours continue with a great challenge of climbing the Barranco Wall, begin your day after breakfast, you may need 1 to 1.5 hours to go on top of the great Barranco wall, advisable early start to avoid traffic jam at the wall. You will be above the cloud so you will be able to spot the barren and rocky plateau just behind the wall attentively waiting for you this morning. The stunning three southern glacier (Heim Glacier) and the beautiful view of Kibo peak can be seen if the weather is clear on this day.
The trekking will be on gravel and sand path along the rocky moors. Many times you will be passing through big stones, streams, grasses and across many herbs. After 2 to 3 hours of polepole pace you will reach the Karanga camp standing at an altitude of 4250 meters. When trekking up one hill after another you can be able to observe the other upcoming routes from the distance. This day hot lunch will be served at the camp, after lunch it will be a resting time may be walking around to enjoy the camps environment.
Overnight at Barafu Camp. All meals included.
Trekking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 7-8 hours to descend to Mweka
Distance: Approximately 7 kilometer ascent and 23 kilometer descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
The Night summit! Your guide will wake you up before midnight for some snakes before set off for your final push to the roof of Africa “The Uhuru Peak”. It is a very silent night when you and your guide pacing into the freezing cold trial. With slow pace step by step “polepole” the route leads sharply up and over rocks to reach the rim of the crater. At this point many climbers feels that this is the most mentally and physically challenging part of their entire climb, it can take you 5 to 6 hours to reach “The Stella point” stands at an altitude of 5740 m, from there you have only about 150 meters to reach the actual summit.
As the sun gets up in this morning, the first sun rays will accompany you towards Rebmann Glacier and further ahead to Hans Mayer point.
The amazing play of lights across the ice formation will soon appear as the sunrise. You will then start seen the summit sign of Kilimanjaro Mountain in front of you. It is done! You have made it via Machame route. Congratulations you have just conquer “The roof of Africa” Kilimanjaro Mountain the highest point in Africa 5895 meters above the sea level. The stunning view of the areas around the mountain is visible, you can proudly take some memorable and distinctive pictures of the summit.
If weather permits, you can take a short break before descending along the crater rim and further down to Stella point and more down to Rebman Glacier. Proceed descending via the same route of ascent down to Barafu Camp, Hot lunch will be served here,
After lunch you will continue further down to Mweka camp, as walking down along this trial you will observe how vegetation changing with altitude, reach your camp late afternoon. This will be a long and tiring day for you, reaching the camp late afternoon, wash and spend the rest of the day relaxing and gathering some strength for the next day of your Kilimanjaro combined safari adventurous.
Overnight at Mweka Camp (3,100 m). All meals included
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers
Habitat: Moorland & rain forest
Soon after a very good breakfast, “The celebration” dancing & singing will start, it will be time for short speech & tipping and maybe a souvenir photo of the whole team before walking down to Mweka gate a distance of about 10 km. Walk through a well-established forest road and the second half of the way is mostly characterized by rain forest. Kilimanjaro combined safari tours, climbing session Machame route 6 day.
As per National park rules & regulation all hikers will sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Climbers who reached Stella Point at an alt. of (5685 m) receive green certificates for those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895 m) receive gold certificates (Big Diploma). After receiving certificates, you will descend 3 km down to Mweka village this will take you about 1 hour.
You will have hot lunch at the gate & meet your drive who is already there waiting for you and drive you back to Mvuli hotel in Arusha. At the lodge you will meet our safari manager for short safari briefing. Spend the rest of the day at the lodge, possibly have a good hot shower before dinner.
Overnight at Planet Lodge or similar in Arusha. Dinner & breakfast Included.
Distance: 70 km
Non – game viewing time: 3 to 4 hrs.
This safari tour starts after breakfast, the first stop is at Arusha Town for any last minute purchases before driving to Lake Manyara National Park. This beautiful & ever green park is blessed with overlapping habitats ranging from Acacia woodlands, underground water forests, baobab strewn cliffs, algae-streaked hot springs, swamps and the Lake.
All these attracts a large number of animal species and many bird life. Lake Manyara is home to a largest number of baboons found nowhere in world. The tree climbing lion and the flocks of flamingos are among the unique feature in this park. Afterward drive to Lake Eyasi & visit the Datoga tribe & the blacksmith. Later afternoon you can go for sunset walk at Lake shore before driving to Lake Eyasi safari lodge for dinner & overnight.
Overnight at Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge close to Lake Eyasi. All meals included
Distance: 180 km
Non – game viewing time: 4 to 5 hrs.
On this day we take you for an early morning hunt with Bushmen including tuition on survival skills. Afterward depart for Serengeti National Park, via the beautiful high lying farmland of Karatu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and down to the heart of the wild Africa – the Serengeti National Park with its endless rolling plains.
Then heard to the central park area, known as the Seronera area, one of the richest wildlife habitats in the park, featuring the Seronera River, which provides a valuable water source to this area and therefore attracts wildlife well representative of most of the Serengeti’s species. Arrive in time for lunch and enjoy an afternoon game drive in the Serengeti national park.
Dinner and overnight at Thorn Trees Camp Central Serengeti. All meals included.
Day 10: Full Day Serengeti National Park
Start early in the morning with the first sun rays at 06:30 carry breakfast box & packed lunch. Early morning game drive allows you to see some nocturnal animal coming back from their long night of hunting, others waking up ready to start the new day in Serengeti. You might find a group of lioness organizing a morning ambush or eating along the road.
Break for breakfast in the bush and proceed with game drive till lunch time. Go back to your campsite before or during the sunset (depending on the season, if the wildebeests migration is packed in Serengeti then you will spend much time following the migration of herds).
Distance: 145 km
Non – game viewing time: 2 – 4 hrs.
On this day you can do another early morning game drive before departing for Ngorongoro Conservation area and ascent 600 meters into the crater floor for game viewing. With stable water supply & fodder Ngorongoro Crater supports a big number of wildlife, which include herds of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, eland, Impala, Topi, warthog, hippo, and African elephants and many more.
Another interesting part of this picturesque caldera is the dense population of predators, which include lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs and the ever-mysterious leopard, which sometimes requires binoculars eye to spot. We will visit Lake Magadi, a large but shallow alkaline lake in the southwestern corner, which is one of the main features of the crater.
A large number of flamingos, hippos and many aquatic birds can usually been seen here. Late afternoon transfer to Eileen’s Trees Inn for dinner & overnight.
Overnight at Marera Valley Lodge near Karatu town. All meals included
Distance: 210 km
Non – game viewing time: 3 – 4 hrs.
On this last day after leisurely breakfast & if not flying the same day or have late flight drive to Tarangire National park for game drive before depart to Arusha for overnight or drop off at Kilimanjaro international airport to catch your flight back home. (Accommodation on this day can be arranged upon request at extra cost.
Kilimanjaro combined safari tours is our best Tanzania holiday featuring Kilimanjaro trekking and short safari, this package is becoming more popular among tourists who want to experience both wildlife & the astounding Mt. Kilimanjaro Zanzibar beach vacation can be added upon request.
Meals Plan: Breakfast & Lunch Included
End of Service!
All accommodation subjected to Availability!
We have put together a short documentary below to show you what it’s really like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Find out what it’s really like to summit the roof of Africa at 5,895 m (19,341 ft) above sea level. No matter where you are in the planning stages, it’s an extremely useful watch as you:
- Meet the mountain crew who make this magnificent once-in-a-lifetime experience possible.
- Watch the team trek through five unique ecosystems.
- And find out what it really takes to conquer one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
We recommend arriving one day early (what we refer to as “arrival day”). This will give you time to relax, meet your fellow trekkers, and get a proper briefing before the climb starts. More importantly, if there’s any delay to your flight or your luggage goes AWOL, there’s enough wiggle room so that this delay doesn’t derail your climb. Seriously – this extra day really is a good idea, especially with post-pandemic airlines being in a little bit of a pickle right now.
All that said, we understand that travelling to Kilimanjaro can be a challenge. So we’ll accommodate your arrival time as best we can (for example, if you only arrive late at night the day before the climb starts, we’ll still be there to collect you!).
Yes, most foreigners need a Tanzanian visa to visit the country. US, Canadian, British and most European citizens can simply obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport. The cost is $100 for US passport holders and $50 for others. US citizens do get a longer visa, however.
If you’re a citizen of a different country, please check with your embassy if you can obtain a visa upon arrival – of if you even need one. Certain African nationals, for instance, can enter Tanzania without a visa.
Please also note that you need a passport that’s valid for at least six months after your departure date.
There are no specific vaccine requirements for entry into Tanzania. However, be aware that the Government of Tanzania requires proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival if you are travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever.
While it’s not mandatory by any means, we suggest you talk to your doctor about getting the following vaccinations (which are standard in developed countries): Hepatitis A & B, typhoid, yellow fever, tetanus, polio, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and meningococcal meningitis (Africa and Asia).
There are seven different Kilimanjaro routes up the mountain. We recommend the eight-day Lemosho, seven-day Machame and nine-day Northern Circuit routes. These routes offer the best balance of a high success rate and beautiful scenery.
Yes, many safari operators offer customized itineraries based on your interests and preferences. You can work with your tour operator to create a unique itinerary that includes the national parks and game reserves you want to visit, as well as any specific activities or accommodations you prefer. Overall, a Tanzania safari is an unforgettable experience that offers the opportunity to see some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife in their natural habitats. With careful planning and preparation, visitors can have a safe and enjoyable safari adventure.
The daily schedule on a Tanzania safari can vary depending on the itinerary and specific activities planned, but generally, safaris involve early morning and late afternoon game drives to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities, with breaks during the day for meals and relaxation.
The best time to go on a Tanzania safari depends on the specific national parks and game reserves you want to visit. Generally, the dry season, from June to October, is the best time to see wildlife in many of Tanzania’s parks, including the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. However, the wet season, from November to May, can also offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities, such as the wildebeest migration.
Visitors to Tanzania should pack light, comfortable clothing that is suitable for the climate and activities, such as hiking boots, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat. Visitors should also bring a camera with a zoom lens, as well as any necessary medications and toiletries.
Tanzania safaris offer a range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges and tented camps to budget-friendly camping options. Visitors can choose the level of luxury that best suits their preferences and budget.