It takes approximately 45 minutes by car to reach the entrance gate of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park from Moshi. During this journey, we pass through the village of Machame, situated on the mountain’s lower slopes. We begin trekking through the winding rainforest trail leading to a ridge when we arrive at the park gate. It is crucial to remember that the trail’s lower elevations can be muddy and slippery. Therefore, wearing gaiters and using trekking poles for safety is advisable. After a short distance, we finally arrived at the Machame Camp.

• Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
• Distance: 11km/7mi
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest

Meal and Accommodation

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Budget Accommodations: Machame Camp

After breakfast, we depart from the rainforest glades and follow an uphill trail, crossing a valley via a steep rocky ridge. Afterward, we head west towards a river gorge until we finally reach the Shira campsite.

• Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
• Distance: 5km/3mi
• Walking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

Meal and Accommodation

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Budget Accommodations: Shira Camp

We journey from the Shira Plateau towards the east and ascend along a ridge, passing by the intersection leading to the Kibo peak. Our course then turns towards the southeast, heading for the Lava Tower, also known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (elevation 4650m/15,250ft). After a brief period, we reach the second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then proceed downwards to the Barranco Camp. Although we end the day at the same elevation as when we began, this day is crucial for acclimatization and will help our bodies prepare for summit day.

• Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
• Distance: 10km/6mi
• Walking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Semi-desert

Meal and Accommodation

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Budget Accommodations: Barranco Camp

After breakfast, we ascend the steep Barranco Wall and reach the Karanga Valley, where we connect with the Mweka Trail.

• Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
• Distance: 5km/3mi
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meal and Accommodation

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Budget Accommodations: Karanga Camp

We reach Barafu Camp after completing the South Circuit, offering various summit viewpoints. Here, we rest, dine, and prepare for summit day.

• Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
• Distance: 4km/2mi
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meal and Accommodation

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Budget Accommodations: Barafu Camp

Early in the morning, between midnight and 2 a.m., we embark on our journey towards the summit through the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. We proceed northward, ascending through a challenging terrain of heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most physically and mentally demanding part of the trek. At Stella Point, we take a short break and witness a breathtaking sunrise. Faster hikers may get a chance to view the sunrise from the summit. As we ascend towards the summit, we may encounter snow at Stella Point. It takes up to an hour to reach the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak. After getting to the summit, we begin our descent by heading straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Use gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Once we reach Mweka Camp, we will enjoy our final evening on the mountain.

• Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
• Down to 3090m/10,150ft
• Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
• Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down

Meal and Accommodation

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Budget Accommodations: Mweka Camp

Once breakfast is done, we will proceed with the descent towards the Mweka Park Gate for the summit certificates. The lower elevations may be muddy and wet, so wearing gaiters and using trekking poles is advisable. You can wear shorts and T-shirts, but keep rain gear and warm clothes within reach. After reaching the gate, you can walk for an hour to Mweka Village to catch a vehicle that will take you back to Moshi, where your hotel is located (approximately 30 minutes away). Lastly, remember to show your guides and porters appreciation by tipping them.

— Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft

— Distance: 10km/6mi

— Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

— Habitat: Forest

Meal and Accommodation

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Mid-Range Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Halisi at Machare Farm

Today, we will depart for Lake Manyara National Park and enjoy a game drive while having a picnic lunch until late afternoon. The park is located beneath the Rift Valley wall and boasts a thin green band of forest flanked by towering red and brown cliffs measuring 600 meters high. Lake Manyara is named after the soda lake bordering the woods, known for its tree-climbing lions. In addition to these majestic creatures, Lake Manyara is also home to almost 400 different bird species, including red-billed quelea, pelicans, cormorants, and thousands of flamingos.

OR

Set off for Tarangire National Park with a picnic lunch and enjoy a game drive until late afternoon. Tarangire is renowned for its extensive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. During the dry season, antelope and elephants travel great distances to quench their thirst at the Tarangire River.

Meal and Accommodation

• Meals included Lunch, Dinner
• Budget/Mid-Range Accommodations: Endoro Lodge
• Mid-Range Accommodations: Escarpment Luxury Lodge
• Luxury Accommodations: Tarangire River Camp

After a 3- 4 hour drive, you can take an afternoon game drive in the Serengeti. The Serengeti is considered one of Africa’s most magnificent national parks, and its name means “endless plains.” This vast park is a habitat for over a million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and 300,000 Thomson’s gazelles that migrate annually to new grazing grounds. This migration attracts a variety of predators, such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas, which also reside in the

Meal and Accommodation

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Budget/Mid-Range Accommodations: Serengeti Halisi Camp
• Mid-Range Accommodations: Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp
• Luxury Accommodations: Kubu Kubu Tented Camp

Enjoy a full-day game drive in Serengeti and savor a delicious lunch at the Visitor’s Center.

Meal and Accommodation

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Budget/Mid-Range Accommodations: Serengeti Halisi Camp
• Mid-Range Accommodations: Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp
• Luxury Accommodations: Kubu Kubu Tented Camp

Take a game drive from Serengeti to Ngorongoro with optional visits to the Olduvai Gorge and Maasai village.

Meal and Accommodation

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Budget/Mid-Range Accommodations: Rhino Lodge
• Mid-Range Accommodations: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
• Luxury Accommodations: Gibbs Farm

Start your day by descending into the Ngorongoro Crater for a 6-hour tour after breakfast. This magnificent location is home to many wildlife, including Tanzania’s last remaining black rhinos, with over 20,000 large animals. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area has a unique feature: it allows over 40,000 Masaai pastoralists to live alongside the abundant wildlife with their cattle, goats, and sheep in a natural setting. Return to Moshi/Arusha or the airport in the late afternoon for an onward journey.

Meal and Accommodation

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch