Trek the Peak, Roam the Wild: Kilimanjaro + Big Five Safari

Today marks the beginning of your journey along the Machame route, renowned for its breathtaking scenery and diverse landscapes. This path is one of the most remarkable ways to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

As you go on this adventure, prepare to be captivated by the stunning views and unique wildlife that will accompany you along the way. Each step you take will bring you closer to an unforgettable experience and a sense of accomplishment.

Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft

Distance: 11 km/7 miles

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

As you trek the clearings of the rainforest today, you begin your ascent up a steep and rugged ridge.

Upon reaching the Shira Plateau, the scenery transforms into expansive moorlands dotted with heather. After navigating a broad river gorge, you finally make your way to Shira Camp. The fresh air invigorates your spirit, and the vibrant colors of the landscape captivate your senses. Each step brings you closer to the breathtaking views that await at your campsite.

Elevation: 9,950 ft to 12,600 ft

Distance: 5.3 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Heath & Moorland

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Today, you will trek east along a ridge and then move southeast toward the Lava Tower, a striking 300-foot volcanic formation.

After that, you'll make your way down to Barranco Camp, traversing the stunning and distinctive Senecio Forest as you ascend to an elevation of 13,000 feet. Although you begin and conclude the day at the same height, the time spent at higher altitudes aids our bodies in acclimatizing to the reduced oxygen levels.

Shira Cave Camp to Lava Tower

Elevation: 12,600 ft to 15,190 ft

Distance: 7 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Semi Desert

Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft

Distance: 3 km/2 miles

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

Habitat: Semi Desert

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

You begin your day by descending into a ravine at the foot of the Great Barranco Wall. After that, you ascend the steep yet doable 900-foot wall.

Upon reaching the summit, you will trek gentle hills and valleys before descending sharply into Karanga Valley.

A final uphill trek leads you to Karanga Camp. This day is intentionally shorter to aid in acclimatization.

Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

You depart from Karanga and take the path leading to the junction with the Mweka Trail. Next, you ascend a rocky trail to reach Barafu Hut, which signifies the conclusion of the Southern Circuit and offers breathtaking views of the summit from various perspectives.

Once at Barafu, you establish your campsite, take some time to rest, and enjoy an early dinner in preparation for the upcoming summit ascent. From this location, you can observe both peaks, Mawenzi and Kibo.

Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft

Distance: 4 km/2 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Around midnight, we start our final ascent to the summit, which is the most challenging part of the journey. The wind and cold can be intense as we navigate in the dark, taking brief breaks along the way. Close to Stella Point (18,900 ft), we are treated to a stunning sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. Eventually, we arrive at Uhuru Peak—the highest point on Kilimanjaro and in all of Africa.

After celebrating our achievement at the summit, we make our way down directly to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The rocky path can be hard on the knees, so using trekking poles is beneficial. Mweka Camp is located in the upper forest, where mist or rain is often encountered in the evenings.

Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft

Distance: 12 km/7 miles

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

On our last day, we trek down to Mweka Gate, where we are awarded our summit certificates. The path can be quite damp and muddy in the lower regions.

Afterward, a vehicle will transport us back to our hotel in Arusha, allowing us to relax and reflect on our incredible journey.

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft

Distance: 10 km/6 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

Meals included: Breakfast.

Today is your day to relax and revel in your significant achievement before going on the next chapter of your adventure in the vast landscapes of Tanzania.

Take this time to reflect on your success and enjoy the moment fully. Embrace the beauty around you, as it will fuel your spirit for the exciting experiences that lie ahead.

In the morning, we'll collect you from your hotel in Arusha and take you to Tarangire National Park. Once we arrive, your driver will set up the open-roof jeep for a comprehensive wildlife viewing adventure. You'll have the chance to discover the park's expansive tree savanna and seasonal marshes, which are home to the largest elephant herds in northern Tanzania.

A picnic lunch will be served at a picturesque location within the park. In the evening, we'll make our way to your lodge for an overnight stay, giving you the opportunity to unwind after a thrilling day in nature.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before being collected from your lodge at 7:00 AM for a trip to Ngorongoro Crater.

Throughout the day, take in the spectacular sights of the crater as you listen to the melodies of different bird species. You might also encounter large cats and other wildlife, such as lions, elephants, buffalo, wildebeests, Thomson’s gazelles, zebras, and reedbucks.

In the evening, head back to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, all while enjoying the breathtaking African sunset.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Begin your day with breakfast before traveling to Lake Manyara National Park for a game drive at the foot of the Great Rift Valley.

This park boasts a diverse array of wildlife, including lions, hippos, elephants, zebras, buffalo, giraffes, baboons, monkeys, and warthogs. It features five unique vegetation zones and is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with more than 350 species documented.

After lunch, take a trip to a Maasai village to explore their rich culture and gain insight into their daily lives as pastoralists.

In the evening, head back to your hotel in Arusha for a peaceful night’s rest.

It's time to say goodbye to Tanzania after an adventure of a lifetime!

You will bid farewell to your team and get transferred to the airport.