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Here’s a detailed 11-day itinerary that combines a 5-day Marangu Route Kilimanjaro trek with a 5-day Tanzania safari. This itinerary offers a perfect mix of trekking adventure and wildlife experiences, giving you a taste of both Kilimanjaro’s majestic peak and Tanzania’s rich biodiversity.
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Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. After checking in, you’ll attend a pre-climb briefing with your guide, who will go over the trekking plan and check your gear. This will give you time to relax and prepare for the trek ahead. Spend the night at the hotel and rest well before the climb begins.
Your Kilimanjaro trek begins with a morning drive from Arusha or Moshi to the Marangu Gate (1,860 meters), where you will complete the registration process. The trail starts through the lush rainforest, rich with birdlife and unique flora, and perhaps even sightings of blue monkeys. After approximately 5 to 6 hours of hiking, you’ll reach Mandara Hut at 2,700 meters. In the afternoon, you can take a short hike to the nearby Maundi Crater for spectacular views of the surrounding area. Dinner and overnight at Mandara Hut.
After breakfast, you’ll leave the rainforest behind and ascend into the heath and moorland zone, where the vegetation becomes more sparse and rugged. As you climb higher, you’ll enjoy views of the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, Kilimanjaro’s twin summits. The trek to Horombo Hut (3,720 meters) takes around 6 to 8 hours, covering a distance of about 11 kilometers. This section of the trail is known for its panoramic views and diverse plant species, such as giant lobelias and senecios. Overnight at Horombo Hut.
The third day of trekking involves a gradual ascent through the alpine desert, as the landscape becomes even more barren and rocky. The trail to Kibo Hut (4,700 meters) is longer, taking about 6 to 7 hours over a distance of 9 kilometers. As you approach Kibo, you’ll cross the Saddle, a high-altitude plateau between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Upon arrival at Kibo Hut, you’ll have an early dinner and go to bed early in preparation for the summit attempt, which starts around midnight.
Summit day begins with a midnight departure for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters), the highest point in Africa. The climb is steep and demanding, taking around 6 to 8 hours to reach the summit via Gilman’s Point (5,685 meters) and Stella Point (5,756 meters). Reaching the summit at sunrise is an unforgettable experience, with panoramic views over the African plains. After celebrating your achievement, you’ll descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut for the night. The total hiking time for the day is around 12 to 14 hours.
After breakfast, you’ll begin the final leg of your Kilimanjaro trek, descending through the moorland and rainforest to reach Marangu Gate. This 5 to 6-hour hike brings you back to civilization, where you’ll receive your summit certificates and bid farewell to your mountain crew. You will then be transferred back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for a well-deserved rest and relaxation. This day marks the transition from the Kilimanjaro adventure to the exciting safari portion of your journey.
After breakfast, you’ll depart Arusha for Tarangire National Park, a journey that takes about 2 to 3 hours. Known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees, Tarangire is a stunning park with a diverse array of wildlife. You’ll spend the day on game drives, looking for elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, and more. Bird enthusiasts will also enjoy spotting the hundreds of bird species that call Tarangire home. In the evening, you’ll head to your lodge or tented camp near the park for dinner and an overnight stay.
Today, after breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Serengeti National Park, the heart of Tanzania’s wildlife ecosystem. The drive will take you through the stunning Ngorongoro Conservation Area before arriving in the vast plains of the Serengeti. The Serengeti is famous for its abundant wildlife, especially the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) and the Great Migration, when millions of wildebeest and zebras move across the plains. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy an afternoon game drive before heading to your lodge or camp in the park for dinner and an overnight stay.
This day is dedicated to exploring the incredible Serengeti National Park. You’ll embark on early morning and afternoon game drives, maximizing your chances of spotting wildlife. In the early morning, you may see predators like lions and leopards on the hunt, while the vast herds of wildebeest and zebras graze on the plains. You can also opt for a sunrise hot air balloon safari for a bird’s-eye view of the Serengeti (optional). In the evening, return to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight accommodation.
After breakfast, you’ll depart the Serengeti and travel to the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The crater is home to a dense concentration of wildlife, including elephants, lions, hyenas, and the critically endangered black rhino. You’ll descend into the crater for a full day of game drives, with lunch inside the crater. In the late afternoon, you’ll ascend from the crater and drive to a nearby lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
On your final day, you’ll visit Lake Manyara National Park, a small but beautiful park known for its tree-climbing lions and large flocks of flamingos. The park’s ecosystem is diverse, ranging from the lake’s waters to dense forests and open savannah. After a morning of game drives, you’ll enjoy lunch before heading back to Arusha. Depending on your flight schedule, you may also have the chance to visit a Maasai village for a cultural experience. Later, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your incredible Tanzanian adventure.
This 11-day itinerary offers a perfect combination of adventure and wildlife, allowing you to experience the beauty of Kilimanjaro’s Marangu Route as well as the thrill of a Tanzanian safari, showcasing the best national parks and wildlife encounters.
