Itinerary - Tanzania Trekking: Mt Kilimanjaro Summit & Safari Expedition

You've been dreaming of your Tanzanian trip for so long, and the day has finally arrived! Once you arrive in Arusha, you'll head to your accommodation where you can settle in and relax. Settle in, swim in the pool, or simply relax and adjust to the new time zone surrounded by tropical greenery. In the evening, we’ll gather for a briefing about the journey ahead.

After an early breakfast, we’ll drive through Machame Village to Machame Gate, the starting point of our Kilimanjaro ascent. After registration, we’ll begin trekking through dense montane rainforest on a winding trail. Expect muddy and slippery terrain; gaiters and trekking poles are helpful. By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at Machame Camp, enjoy dinner, and take in our first night under the stars.

• Elevation: 1,830m → 3,050m

• Distance: 11 km (7 miles)

• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

• Habitat: Montane Forest

We’ll ascend from the rainforest into the moorland zone, crossing valleys and climbing a rocky ridge with sweeping views of the Shira Plateau. After reaching Shira Camp, we’ll break for lunch and take a short acclimatization hike toward Lava Tower, then return to camp for the evening.

• Elevation: 3,050m → 3,850m

• Distance: 5 km + acclimatization walk

• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

• Habitat: Moorland

• Included: accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner

• Money Pot: tips

Today is key for acclimatization. We'll trek past a junction leading toward Kibo Peak and ascend to the striking Lava Tower, also known as the "Shark’s Tooth," standing at 4,650m (15,250ft). After a break near the tower, we’ll begin your descent to Barranco Camp. Though we’ll end the day at a similar elevation to where we started, this hike will be key for acclimatization and preparing the body for the summit day ahead.

• Elevation: 3,850m → 4,650m → 4,000m

• Distance: 10 km

• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

• Habitat: Semi-desert

An early start takes us up the steep Barranco Wall (elevation 4,250m / 13,900ft), an unforgettable scramble with rewarding views. From there, we’ll head to the scenic Karanga Valley (4,050m / 13,250ft) for a short rest before continuing upward. We’ll then join the Mweka Trail and ascend to Barafu Camp, our base for the summit push. At this stage, we’d have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers incredible views of Kibo Peak from multiple angles. We’ll enjoy dinner and rest while soaking in views of the summit, we’ll be heading there very soon!

• Elevation: 4,000m → 4,700m

• Distance: 9 km

• Hiking Time: 6–8 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

We’ll begin our final ascent in the early hours of the night, climbing between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers. The trail winds up steep scree toward Stella Point, the toughest part of the climb, both mentally and physically. At Stella Point, we’ll pause to witness a stunning sunrise before pushing on for about an hour, possibly through snow, to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. We made it!

After celebrating at the summit, we’ll descend to Barafu Camp for lunch and a rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp (3,090m) for our final night on the mountain.

• Elevation: 4,700m → 5,895m → 3,090m

• Distance: 5 km ascent, 13 km descent

• Hiking Time: 10–13 hours

• Habitat: Arctic zone to forest

After your final mountain breakfast, we descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we'll receive your well-earned summit certificate! A private vehicle will take you back to Arusha. Tonight, relax at the hotel and celebrate your incredible accomplishment.

The trail down passes through lush forests and can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles can come in handy for better stability. The weather will be milder here, so you’ll likely be comfortable in shorts and a t-shirt, but keep your rain gear and warmer clothing close by just in case. Once in Mweka Gate, a private vehicle will take us back to our hotel, where we’ll enjoy a relaxed dinner and Arusha. Tonight, relax at the hotel and celebrate your incredible accomplishment and unwind after our incredible adventure.

• Elevation: 3,090m → 1,680m

• Distance: 10 km

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

After an early breakfast, we depart for Arusha National Park, just a short drive away for our first safari experience. Our adventure begins with a walking safari, led by an expert guide, offering a chance to explore the park's diverse flora, fauna, and natural history. After the walk, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the park’s beauty. Next, we embark on a guided game drive, where we may spot giraffes, monkeys, colorful birds, and more. Arusha National Park’s stunning landscapes, including Momella Lakes, Mount Meru, and dense forests, offer a unique safari experience. In the late afternoon, we return to our hotel to relax and reflect on the day's adventures.

Drive to Tarangire National Park, home to Tanzania’s largest elephant population. Explore this wild haven dotted with ancient baobabs and spot giraffes, lions, and possibly the rare Gerenuk and Oryx. After a full day, head to the accommodation for dinner and stargazing.

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site brimming with wildlife, including rhinos, lions, hippos, and flamingos. After a thrilling game drive and picnic by the hippo pool, return to Arusha for a farewell dinner and your final night at the hotel.

As our unforgettable journey comes to a close, we bid farewell to this incredible land that has challenged us on the climb, amazed us with its safari wonders, and offered moments of peace and renewal by the glacier or poolside in such a serene, natural setting. Enjoy a final breakfast before saying goodbye, carrying unforgettable memories of your journey from Kilimanjaro’s summit to the wild plains of Africa.