9-Day Kilimanjaro Trek and Safari
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Overview
This 9-day Kilimanjaro trek and safari package combines two of Tanzania’s most iconic experiences: summiting Africa’s highest mountain and exploring world-renowned wildlife reserves.
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route to Uhuru Peak, then continue your journey with a classic Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater safari.
This itinerary is ideal for adventurous travelers who want both high-altitude achievement and unforgettable wildlife encounters in one seamless trip.
Ideal for: Adventure lovers who want to combine a safari with mountain trekking.
Highlights:
Summit Mount Kilimanjaro at 5,895 meters
Trek the popular Marangu Route
Explore Serengeti National Park
Descend into Ngorongoro Crater
Experience Tanzania’s mountain and savannah landscapes in one journey
📌 Best time to visit: January – March & June – October for best trekking conditions.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
Arrive in Moshi and check into a comfortable hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may meet with your guide for a trek and safari briefing, resting in anticipation of your adventure ahead.
Overnight: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel or similar mid-range hotel in Moshi.
Meals plan: No meals.
Day 2: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut – Mountain Ascent
Day 4: Acclimitization Day
This day is used for acclimatization. The hike climbs toward Zebra Rocks before returning to Horombo Hut. The purpose is to help the body adjust to altitude while keeping physical strain moderate. The afternoon is usually spent resting and preparing for higher elevations.
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Arusha
Overnight: Parrot Hotel Arusha or similar mid-range hotel.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch.
Day 8: Arusha to Tarangire overnight Karatu
Spend a full day on a private game drive in Serengeti, tracking the Big Five and more. Optional: Rise early for a hot air balloon safari (extra cost) over the plains, landing for a bush breakfast. Return to your camp for dinner, the savannah’s raw beauty fueling your post-trek adventure under Tanzania’s vast skies.
Overnight: Bouganivillea Safari Lodge or similar mid-range lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive and transfer to Airport/Back to Arusha
Enjoy a morning game drive in Serengeti, then transfer to Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive, spotting dense wildlife lions, rhinos, and elephants. Ascend and drive back to Arusha, arriving by evening for a final dinner or departure. Your adventure ends with memories of Kilimanjaro’s peak and Tanzania’s wildlife wonders.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch.
Difficulty Level
The Kilimanjaro climb via Marangu Route is considered moderate but physically demanding due to altitude. Proper acclimatization and preparation are essential.
Safari portion is relaxed and conducted in comfortable 4×4 vehicles.
Included:
- Accommodation: In Moshi, on Kilimanjaro and in Arusha as specified.
- Meals: All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) on trek and safari, prepared by cooks.
- Transportation: Private safari vehicle with driver/guide, transfers to/from Kilimanjaro gate and Arusha.
- Activities: 6-day Kilimanjaro trek Marangu Route, private game drives in Taramgore and Ngorongoro.
- Support: Kilimanjaro guides, porters, cook; safari guide.
- Fees: National park entry fees, Kilimanjaro park and hut/camping fees.
- Safety: First aid kit, pulse oximeter on Kilimanjaro.
Excluded:
- International Flights: Airfare to/from Tanzania.
- Travel Insurance: Personal travel and medical insurance (mandatory for Kilimanjaro).
- Visas: Tanzanian visa fees.
- Gear: Personal climbing gear (e.g., sleeping bag, trekking poles rentals available).
- Beverages: Alcoholic drinks, bottled water (boiled water provided on trek).
- Gratuities: Tips for guides, porters, and staff.
- Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, additional nights, or upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fit do I need to be for this Kilimanjaro and safari package?
No technical climbing experience is required. Kilimanjaro is a trekking peak, not a technical mountaineering climb.
Do I need prior climbing experience?
No technical climbing experience is required. Kilimanjaro is a trekking peak, not a technical mountaineering climb.
What wildlife will we see in Serengeti?
In Serengeti National Park, you may see lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest.
Is altitude sickness a concern?
Altitude affects each climber differently. Proper pacing, hydration, and guidance from experienced mountain staff reduce risks significantly.
Can this itinerary be customized?
Yes. Additional safari days or a Zanzibar beach extension can be added after the safari portion.
Can beginners climb Kilimanjaro?
Yes. Kilimanjaro is a trekking peak and does not require ropes or technical mountaineering skills. However, altitude makes it physically demanding, and preparation is important.