Here’s a unique 12-day itinerary combining the 7-day Lemosho Route on Kilimanjaro and a 3-day Tanzania safari. This package offers a mix of adventure and wildlife exploration, giving you the best of both worlds in Tanzania.
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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. Here, you’ll have time to relax and prepare for your climb, with a briefing session scheduled to go over the Lemosho Route itinerary and ensure your equipment is in order. Spend the night at your hotel, resting up for the upcoming adventure.
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a drive from Moshi or Arusha to the Lemosho Gate, located on the western side of Kilimanjaro. After registering, you’ll start your hike through the dense rainforest, home to black-and-white colobus monkeys and vibrant bird species. This first day of trekking is a gentle introduction, taking about 3 to 4 hours to reach Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp) at 2,800 meters. Here, you'll camp for the night surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the forest.
On day two of the climb, you’ll leave the rainforest behind and move into the moorland zone. The trail opens up as you ascend through heather and shrubs, with stunning views of the Shira Plateau, a high-altitude desert formed by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. The day's trek covers around 8 kilometers, taking approximately 5 to 6 hours to reach Shira 1 Camp at 3,500 meters, where you’ll spend the night.
After a hearty breakfast, the trek continues across the vast, open landscapes of the Shira Plateau, with views of Mount Meru in the distance. This is a relatively short day, taking around 3 to 4 hours to reach Shira 2 Camp at 3,850 meters. The steady ascent will help with acclimatization, and the camp offers breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s western breach. You’ll have plenty of time to relax and acclimatize in preparation for the higher altitudes ahead.
Day four of the trek brings you to the Lava Tower, an iconic volcanic formation that rises to an altitude of 4,600 meters. This is a crucial acclimatization day, as you’ll climb high and then descend to sleep low. After reaching the Lava Tower, you’ll continue your descent to Barranco Camp at 3,950 meters. The trail leads you through rocky terrain, with views of the Southern Icefields and dramatic landscapes all around. The trek takes around 7 to 8 hours in total, and you’ll camp at Barranco, famous for its stunning sunsets.
Today’s trek begins with an ascent of the Barranco Wall, a steep but exhilarating climb that offers sweeping views of the valleys below. While the wall looks intimidating, the path is safe and manageable, with some light scrambling. After conquering the wall, the trail flattens out, leading you through alpine desert landscapes towards Karanga Camp, which sits at 3,995 meters. This shorter hiking day of 4 to 5 hours allows for some rest and acclimatization before the summit attempt.
Today’s journey leads you to Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt. The trail gradually ascends through barren, rocky terrain, offering a true sense of being on the roof of Africa. After 3 to 4 hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at Barafu Camp, located at 4,673 meters. Once there, you’ll rest, have an early dinner, and prepare for the midnight start of your final ascent to Kilimanjaro’s summit. Your guide will give you a final briefing before you head to bed for a few hours of sleep.
Summit day begins at midnight, as you begin the challenging but rewarding trek to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The climb takes around 6 to 8 hours, as you pass through the snow-capped slopes and arrive at Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) in time to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the continent. After celebrating at the summit, you’ll descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and then continue down to Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters, where you’ll spend the night after a long and unforgettable day.
The final day of your Kilimanjaro trek involves a 3 to 4-hour descent through the lush rainforest, ending at Mweka Gate. After signing out and receiving your summit certificates, you’ll be picked up and driven back to Arusha or Moshi for a much-needed rest at your hotel. This day marks the transition from the Kilimanjaro adventure to the wildlife safari portion of your trip.
Your safari adventure kicks off with a drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its vast elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and diverse wildlife. The park is home to lions, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, and over 500 bird species. You’ll spend the day exploring the park on game drives, witnessing the incredible diversity of wildlife. After a full day of exploration, you’ll settle into a lodge or tented camp near the park for the night.
After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most famous wildlife reserves in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The crater is home to a dense concentration of animals, including lions, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos. You’ll spend the day on game drives inside the crater, surrounded by its breathtaking walls and unique ecosystem. At the end of the day, you’ll return to a lodge near the crater rim or nearby for the night.
On the final day of your safari, you’ll visit Lake Manyara National Park, a smaller yet beautiful reserve famous for its tree-climbing lions and large flocks of flamingos that line the shores of the lake. The park is also home to hippos, giraffes, and a variety of bird species. After a morning of game drives, you’ll head back to Arusha, where you can enjoy an optional visit to a Maasai village before being transferred to the airport for your departure.
This 12-day itinerary offers a thrilling combination of the challenging Lemosho Route on Kilimanjaro and a shorter yet spectacular Tanzanian wildlife safari, making it a perfect adventure for those seeking both physical accomplishment and the chance to experience Tanzania’s renowned natural beauty.