Kilimanjaro Trekking & Tanzania safari Experience
OVERVIEW
Embark on a thrilling 14-day adventure that combines the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with the excitement of exploring Tanzania’s premier wildlife destinations. Your journey begins with a warm welcome at Kilimanjaro International Airport and a comfortable stay at Springlands Hotel, where you’ll receive a pre-trekking briefing. From there, you’ll tackle the iconic Machame Route, ascending through lush rainforests, scenic moorlands, and rugged terrains, culminating in a triumphant summit at Uhuru Peak. Each day offers unique challenges and breathtaking vistas, with nights spent in well-equipped camps.
Following your Kilimanjaro climb, dive into the wonders of Tanzania’s wildlife with visits to Tarangire National Park, the Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. Experience exceptional game viewing, from the “Big Five” to rare tree-climbing lions, and conclude your adventure with a day at Lake Manyara National Park. Your journey wraps up with a return to Springlands Hotel and an optional extension to Zanzibar for a taste of tropical paradise. This itinerary promises an unforgettable blend of high-altitude trekking and world-class safari experiences.
- Price per person
Kilimanjaro Trekking & Tanzania safari
1 Person
Price From
$ 4650
Per Person
2 Persons
Price From
$ 3820
Per Person
3 Persons
Price From
$ 3600
Per Person
4+ Persons
Price From
$3480
Per Person
Detailed Itinerary
As you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our dedicated driver will be eagerly anticipating your arrival at the airport holding a sign with your name on it, ready to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome. From there, a seamless and comfortable transfer service will whisk you away to our enchanting Springlands Hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be served a delicious meal. Later on, our experienced mountain coordinators and your Guide will give you a pre-trekking briefing, an exciting opportunity to learn about the wonders that await you in your upcoming
expedition.
Enjoy the relaxing environment of Springland Hotel with a swimming pool, a beautiful garden with a bar and a restaurant.
After breakfast and a briefing at your hotel, you’ll embark on a 45-minute drive from Moshi to Machame Park Gate. Upon arrival, you’ll complete the registration process and receive your lunch pack. The trek begins as you enter the lush rainforest, where you may encounter muddy and slippery conditions if it has rained.
The trail to Machame Camp covers approximately 11 km and typically takes about 6 hours to complete. In the evening, the porters will boil drinking and washing water, while the cook prepares your dinner. With temperatures potentially dropping to freezing, you’ll retire to your tent for a chilly but rewarding night.
Altitude: 910 meters (2,985 feet) – 3,000 meters (9,840 feet)
Hiking distance: 11 km
Hiking time: 6 hours
After breakfast at Machame Camp, you’ll start your trek towards Shira Camp. The hike covers a distance of approximately 5 km and takes around 4 to 5 hours. The trail begins with a steep ascent through the moorland zone, offering stunning views as you climb. As you approach Shira Camp, you’ll be walking along a ridge with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape.
Upon arrival at Shira Camp, our porters will set up the tents and prepare lunch. You’ll have time to relax and acclimate before dinner. In the evening, your guide will brief you on the plans for the next day’s trek.
Altitude: 3,000 meters (9,840 feet) – 3,840 meters (12,598 feet)
Hiking distance: 5 km
Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
After breakfast at Shira Camp, you’ll embark on a challenging trek to Lava Tower, reaching 4,630 meters. The 11 km hike takes 7 to 8 hours and features rocky, semi-desert terrain.
Enjoy lunch with panoramic views at Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp at 3,960 meters. The descent, lasting about 2 hours, offers stunning vistas of the Western Breach. Upon arrival at Barranco Camp, the team will set up your tents and prepare dinner. Your guide will brief you on the next day’s trek in the evening, preparing you for the adventures ahead.
Altitude: 3,840 meters (12,598 feet) – 4,630 meters (15,190 feet) – 3,960 meters (12,992 feet)
Hiking distance: 11 km
Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours
Start your day early with a wake-up call and a nourishing breakfast to fuel your trek. The journey may involve ascending the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but rewarding section. After conquering the Wall, you’ll descend into the scenic Karanga Valley, known for its lush vegetation and breathtaking landscapes. Upon reaching the Karanga campsite, the porters will set up tents while our chef prepares lunch.
After your meal, you’ll embark on an acclimatization hike towards Barafu Camp, ascending 200 meters before returning to camp. In the evening, enjoy a hot meal prepared by the chef. Following dinner, your experienced guide will brief you on the next day’s trek, discussing the route, challenges, and key details.
Altitude:3,960m – 4,035 m
Hiking distance: 5 km
Hiking time: 5 hours
Start your day with an early wake-up call and a hearty breakfast to fuel your trek toward Barafu campsite. The trail features varied terrain, including rocky sections and gradual slopes, offering breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s high-altitude landscapes. As you ascend, focus on acclimatization to avoid altitude-related issues. Upon reaching Barafu, our porters will handle camp setup while the chef prepares lunch.
After eating, rest until dinner. In the evening, your guide will brief you on the upcoming summit attempt, covering the route, challenges, safety measures, and preparations. Try to rest well, as the summit ascent begins late in the evening.
Altitude:4035m – 4,046 m
Hiking distance: 5 km
Hiking time: 5 hours
You’ll rise around 11:30 PM and start the ascent after some tea and biscuits. Heading northwest, you’ll climb through scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. The 6-hour trek to Stella Point (5685m) is often the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. After a brief rest at Stella Point, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise, weather permitting. From there, it’s a 2-hour snow-covered ascent to Uhuru Peak. Your time at the summit will depend on the weather, so don’t linger too long due to the cold and fatigue. The descent to Barafu takes about 3 hours for a short rest before continuing to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight.
Altitude: 4,640 m – 5, 895 m – 3,090 m
Hiking distance: 17 km
Hiking & descending time: 15+ hours
You’ll rise around 11:30 PM and start the ascent after some tea and biscuits. Heading northwest, you’ll climb through scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. The 6-hour trek to Stella Point (5685m) is often the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. After a brief rest at Stella Point, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise, weather permitting.
From there, it’s a 2-hour snow-covered ascent to Uhuru Peak. Your time at the summit will depend on the weather, so don’t linger too long due to the cold and fatigue. The descent to Barafu takes about 3 hours for a short rest before continuing to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight.
Altitude: 4,640 m – 5, 895 m – 3,090 m
Hiking distance: 17 km
Hiking & descending time: 15+ hours
After breakfast at Mweka Camp, you’ll descend to Mweka Gate and be driven back to Springlands Hotel, where a hot lunch and refreshing shower awaits. At the end of the trip, tipping the team is encouraged and appreciated; special envelopes for this purpose are available at the hotel. If you wish to extend your adventure with a safari, you can meet with our safari coordinator at the hotel. After some rest, the Safari coordinator will provide a briefing on the next safari adventure, which will start from visiting the Tarangire national park.
Altitude: 3,090 m – 1,650 m
Hiking distance: 10 km
Descending time: 4-5 hours
After breakfast, you’ll drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its incredible game viewing, especially during the dry season when hundreds of animals gather. The park’s diverse landscape includes grassy savannahs, swamps, hills, and iconic baobab trees. Elephants are abundant, and you’ll also see zebras, buffalo, lions and oryxes seeking water. The park is home to many bird species and the Tarangire River, a vital water source during the dry season. After a day of wildlife exploration, return for an overnight stay at Highview Hotel or similar accommodation.
Overnight: Highview Coffee Lodge (with lunch, dinner & breakfast) or similer
In the morning, after breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to the Serengeti, one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. As you travel, enjoy a game drive through the park’s diverse landscapes, where you might encounter the majestic “Big Five” and other wildlife such as cheetahs, giraffes, and elephants. The Serengeti’s expansive savannas and woodlands offer stunning vistas and abundant animal sightings. In the evening, you’ll arrive at Serengeti Safari Lodge, where you’ll settle in for a comfortable overnight stay. This lodge provides a perfect vantage point to unwind and reflect on the day’s wildlife encounters.
Overnight:Serengeti Safari Lodge/ Serengeti Wild Camp or Similar.
In the morning, after breakfast, you’ll embark on a full-day game drive through central Serengeti. The Serengeti’s diverse landscapes, ranging from open savannahs to dense woodlands, are a sanctuary for the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros), along with cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, and a multitude of bird species. Your safari will reveal captivating scenes of predator-prey interactions, heartwarming family dynamics, and the harmonious coexistence of wildlife in their natural habitat. Prepare for an unforgettable adventure, fully immersing yourself in the timeless beauty and wildlife wonders of the Serengeti.
Overnight: Serengeti wild camp/ Serengeti wildebeest camp/ Serengeti Safari Lodge
In the morning, after breakfast, you’ll depart from the Serengeti and embark on a scenic drive towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Upon arrival, you’ll descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a thrilling game drive, where you can expect to see an extraordinary variety of wildlife, including lions, rhinos, elephants, and flamingos. The crater’s unique ecosystem offers a rich diversity of habitats, making it one of the most remarkable wildlife viewing locations in the world. After a day filled with exploration, you’ll head to Karatu, where you’ll settle in for a comfortable overnight stay.
Overnight: Highview Hotel/ Highview Coffee Lodge or Similar
In the morning, after breakfast, you’ll drive to Lake Manyara National Park. This diverse ecosystem attracts a wide variety of mammals, birds, and other wildlife species. Manyara is renowned for its rare tree-climbing lions and offers excellent game viewing opportunities, with buffalo, impala, giraffe, bushbuck, waterbuck, hippos, and numerous elephants often seen near the lake.
Keep an eye out for blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, and the active Olive baboon troops. Lake Manyara is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with large flocks of flamingos, circling birds of prey, and the brightly colored lilac-breasted roller. In the Afternoon you will drive back to moshi.
Overnight: Springlands Hotel or similar.
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred back to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure. If you wish to extend your adventure, you may choose to add a day trip to your itinerary, exploring nearby attractions or immersing yourself in local culture. For more details, we invite you to visit our Day Trip page. Alternatively, you can continue your journey with a visit to the stunning island of Zanzibar. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on pristine beaches or delving into the island’s rich culture, Zanzibar offers something for everyone. Explore our Zanzibar page to discover the perfect package for your next excursion.
Travel Information
Destination Location
Lake Manyara National Park covers 330 sq km (127 sq mi), 70% of which is a lake. Along with its western boundaries is the Rift Valley’s western wall. The park is famous for its birdlife – almost 400 different species – and for its elephant population and tree-climbing lions, who have a large variety of tree species to choose from. The short game-viewing circuit through Manyara offers a microcosm of the Tanzanian safari experience.
One of nature’s true wonders and a photographer’s paradise, Ngorongoro is the largest intact crater in the world, covering 265 square kilometers (102 sq mi). The 2,000-foot deep crater is home to an abundance of wild game including elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, lions, leopards, hyenas, serval cats, jackals, pushbacks, elands, waterbucks, wildebeest, many antelope, and a large variety of birds. This is a sight that you will always remember!
Tarangire National Park covers 6,734 sq km (2,600 sq mi) and includes two large plains and a seasonal swamp in the south. This is a beautiful park filled with Baobabs and Acacias with a large variety of game such as zebras, elephants, giraffes, and waterbuck. All the animals enjoy the water coming from the Tarangire River. The animals are best viewed during the dry season, including elephant herds, elands, oryx, lesser kudo, rhino, leopards, lions, and cheetah. The birdlife is varied and plentiful. You can also see the very rare Roam Antelope in this park.
Is This Trip For You?
Zara Tours has been working successfully with visitors in the region since 1986 as a tour operator.
We were established in 1987 as an official Agent of ZaraTours organising Mount Meru, Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing and National wild parks safaris and have guided Safely, Reliably and Professionally many visitors anywhere from the plain of Serengeti to the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Our years of experience and knowledge as qualified climbing guides and safari tours operation in Tanzania, Assures you an experience you can remember a life time. Safety, efficiency and reliability have earned us the reputation for being one of the best-valued and most reliable operators in the region.
With 88 registered Kilimanjaro Guides and a fleet of 4x4 Land rovers, 4x4 mini buses and 4x4 Land cruisers (all equipped with viewing roofs) we are ready to take you on your safari adventure and on top of Kilimanjaro Mountain.
Our English-speaking guides will share the knowledge and stories of the incredible Tanzania Game reserves or joining you on your climb on the many routes to the top of magnificent Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Travel Companions
The maximum group size for this trip is 16. If you are interested in organizing a group with Zara we offer great incentives! Please inquire if you are interested.
Guide(s)
With 88 registered Kilimanjaro Guides and a fleet of 4x4 Land rovers, 4x4 mini buses and 4x4 Land cruisers (all equipped with viewing roofs) we are ready to take you on your safari adventure. Our English-speaking guides will share the knowledge and stories of the incredible Tanzania Game reserves
Safari Tips for guide and cook:
$15/day for driver/guide and $10/day for cook (basic camping) for the whole safari group.
Gifts: Guides and porters also appreciate your warm clothing, shoes, and packs. You may want to bring some older clothing items just for this purpose.
Celebration: You are also welcome to invite your guides back to the Springlands Hotel for drinks and/or dinner (on you) as a thank-you in addition to their tip.
Expectations
Tips should not be dependent on whether you summit or not, but rather whether they were professional and had your best interests in mind.
Transportation
With the exception of airfare, all Zara trips include all transportation costs and arrangements within the destination country. This does not include transfers to and from the aiport to the hotel or the equipment for all activities listed.
Money
The local currency is Tanzanian shillings. U.S. dollars, Euros, and credit cards may be accepted by larger stores and hotels, but the exchange rate is better with shillings. ATM's are only available in larger towns like Moshi and Arusha. Yahoo Currency Converter
Safari Packing List Notes
- You can leave extra luggage in a locked storage room at the Springlands Hotel for no charge.
- You can leave valuables in a safe deposit box at the Springlands Hotel for $1/day.
Footwear
- Sturdy, comfortable shoes, preferrably waterproof. They will get dirty.
- Tennis shoes or sandals for lounging in the evening
- Comfortable, breathable socks
Clothing
- Shorts, mid-thigh or longer
- Lightweight, breathable pants
- Short-sleeved shirts, cool and breathable
- Long-sleeved shirt or sweater for evenings
- Rain racket and pants or rain poncho
Baggage
- Day pack, for you to carry
- Large duffel bag or backpack
Sleeping, for camping safaris
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad and repair kit
- Tents are supplied by Zara at no charge
- Foam sleeping pads are provided by Zara at no charge
Other
- Water bottles, and water purification tablets or purifier
- Bottled water is also available for purchase on safari
- Sun hat with brim
- Sunglasses
- Bandana (for dust, etc.)
- Money ($400 or more in cash and/or travellers cheques, including some small U.S., Euro, or Tanzanian bills)
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Camera, film/disks, mini-tripod
- Video camera, tapes
- Maps, guidebooks
- Batteries
- Binoculars
- Notebook, pencil, and pen
- Pocket knife
- Electricity adapter
- Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
- Playing cards, games, books, frisbee, football, kite
- Chocolate or pens for village children, momentos for guides and other travellers
- Umbrella, particularly useful in the rainy season, can be purchased in the market for around $2
- Plastic bags and zip-lock bags for waterproofing
- Sewing kit
- Salt, pepper, spices for bland food
- Business cards
- Alarm clock
- Calculator (for currency conversion)
- Swim suit for hotel swimming pool
Toiletries
- Toilet paper (and baggie to carry used paper while walking)
- Small towel
Soap - Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Handi-wipes (moist towelettes for cleaning)
- Hand sanitizer
- Lotion
- Glasses, contacts, solution
- Comb, mirror
Documents
- Passport
- Yellow fever certificate
- Tanzania Visa
- Medical insurance
- Address book
- Vaccination records
- Airline tickets
- Cash, travellers cheques, credit cards
- Maps, guidebooks
- Make copies of passport, TZ visa, airline tickets/schedule, travellers cheques numbers.
Leave a copy with someone at home and put a copy in a separate place in your luggage.
First Aid
- Ibuprofin, Aceteminophen, or Aspirin
- Throat losenges
- Bandaids
- Moleskin
- Sunscreen (SPF 15+)
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Disinfectant, Antiseptic cream
- Bandages and tape
- Diahrea medicine
- Antihistemines
- Ace bandage
- Melatonin (1-3mg) or other sleep aid
- Malaria pills (talk to your doctor)
- Antibiotics (talk to your doctor)
- Prescription drugs (talk to your doctor)
- Diamox (talk to your doctor)
Gifts for Guides, Locals
- Shoes
- Any warm clothing
- T-shirts
- Hats
- Nerf football, frisbees
- Candy
- Pens
Packing for your flight to Africa
- U-shaped neck pillow (blow-up)
- Books/magazines
- Toiletries
- Snacks
- Water
- Walkman and music
- Eye shades, ear plugs
- Melatonin or other sleep aid
- Critical items (in case baggage is delayed)
Springlands Hotel
Pembo Road
Moshi
Tanzania, United Republic of
The following locations are available:
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| Category: | Safari | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Destination: | Tanzania | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Theme: | Culture and Sightseeing | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Skill Level: | Intermediate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Cancellation of a booking or failure to join a tour will result in a retention of funds by ZaraTours Inc. as follows: Upon receipt of written cancellation by any member of the tour indicated on this reservation 30 days or longer prior to departure, 20% of the reservation of the canceling party will be retained by ZaraTours and the balance of the package price refunded. If a cancellation is received at least 14 days and up to 29 days prior to departure, 50% of the package price will be retained by ZaraTours Inc.
If a cancellation is received less than 14 days prior to departure, 100% of the total package price will be retained by ZaraTours Inc. and all outstanding payment will become payable immediately. Should the canceling party be able to find a replacement for themselves no less than 14 days prior to departure and the replacement completes this booking form individually, no retention of funds will take place.
However, should no replacement be found by 14 days prior to departure, a 100% cancellation penalty will apply to the canceling party. ZaraTours Inc. and its agents reserve the right to terminate, at their discretion and with immediate effect, the participation of any person on the tour.
Payment:
- A 20% deposit is due at time of reservation.
- Final payment is due 60 days prior to arrival.
- We accept Visa, AMEX, and Mastercard.
- You can also wire transfer your money directly to our bank.
- Please review our Cancellation Policy.
Price Increases:
- Price increases are permitted when an itinerary is changed at the request of customer(s)
- Prices will remain quoted unless otherwise add-ons and or other changes are requested and availed by customer(s) and such requests are provided by Zara Tours Inc.
Forms and Other Documents Required by all Passengers:
- VISA (as detailed below)
- All passengers must sign the waiver form and return to us.
- Your passport must be valid for six months.
- Entry to another country may be refused even if the required information and or travel documents are complete
VISA:
- Visas can be obtained upon arrival at Dar es Salaam International Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, Zanzibar International Airport and the border posts of Namanga, Tunduma, Taveta and Holili.
- All Canadian Citizen who hold Canadian Passports are required to pay US$50.00 for the purpose of obtaining an ordinary VISA.
- All United States Passport holders are required to pay US$100.00 for the purpose of obtaining an ordinary VISA.
- All Passport holders with EU Citizenship are required to pay US$50.00 or €50.00 for the purpose of obtaining an ordinary VISA.
- For additional information on obtaining a VISA to Tanzania please go to https://reveccs.com/resources/
Living Standards:
- Living Standards and practices at the destination and the standards and conditions with respect to the provision of utilities, services and accommodation may differ from those found universally.
Insurance:
- In order to obtain travel Insurance coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage loss and or other travel insurance related matters, kindly follow the link to reach World Nomads, who provide such insurance coverage services
Cancellation Policy:
- Zara Tours Cancellation policy applies to the package offered, upon payment of deposit and confirmation of reservation.
Cancellation of booking or failure to join a tour will result in retention of funds by Zara Tours as described below:
- Upon receipt of written cancellation by any member of the tour indicated on this reservation 30 days or longer prior to departure, 20% of the reservation of the cancelling party will be retained by Zara Tours and the balance of the package price refunded.
- If a cancellation is received at least 14 days and up to 29 days prior to departure, 50% of the package price will be retained by Zara Tours.
- If a cancellation is received less than 14 days prior to departure, 100% of the total package price will be retained by Zara Tours and all outstanding payment will become payable immediately.
- Should the cancelling party be able to find a replacement for themselves no less than 14 days prior to departure and the replacement completes this booking form individually, no retention of funds will take place. However, should no replacement be found by 14 days prior to departure, a 100% cancellation penalty will apply to the cancelling party.
- Zara Tours and its agents reserve the right to terminate, at the discretion and with immediate effect, the participation of any person on the tour.
Refund Processing Fee:
- While processing a refund, a 3% credit card fee is charged to the client's Visa, AMEX, or MasterCard.
- When a refund is processed using a Bank Wire payment, bank charges apply.
Disclaimer of Liability:
Kindly check the details of your trip. Please contact us directly for any questions you may have at zara@zaratours.com or at 1-866-550-4447.
Thank you for choosing Zara Tours and you are most welcome again to adventure with us!
TICO Registration No. 50020519
Package Includes and Excludes
- All Meals
- All ground and plane transportation
- All accommodation
- Full trek guide and staffs
- All trek pack and equipment
- Alcohol or Beverage
- Camera and other non trek accessories
Let's Plan your Trip
Our sample itineraries are fully adjustable and can be tailored to perfectly suit your unique preferences and interests.
