Combo Safaris

8 Days Tanzania Safari and Mount Kilimanjaro Adventure

Adventure to Mt. Kilimanjaro Via Marangu Route

Route Overview

Embark on the ultimate Tanzanian adventure with this 8-day package that combines the thrill of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route with an unforgettable safari experience. Starting with your arrival in Arusha, you’ll trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro over six days, acclimatizing at scenic camps along the way before reaching the iconic Uhuru Peak. This challenging but rewarding climb offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the opportunity to conquer Africa’s highest mountain.

After your summit success, unwind with a 2-day safari extension that takes you to the famous Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Discover the rich wildlife of Tanzania, including elephants, lions, and diverse bird species, while exploring the breathtaking landscapes of these renowned parks. This package offers the perfect balance of adventure, challenge, and relaxation, making it an ideal choice for those seeking both a mountaineering feat and a wildlife immersion in one unforgettable journey.

Trip Itinerary

  • Arrival

    Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
    Activity: Trek briefing and preparation

    Arrive in Moshi, Tanzania, and transfer to a comfortable lodge or hotel. A briefing with your guides ensures you are prepared for the trek, and rental gear is available if needed. Rest and acclimatize before starting the adventure.

  • Accommodation

    Kiliwonders Hotel Moshi

  • Day 1: Trekking From Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

    Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
    Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
    Accommodation: Mandara Hut (2,700m)

    Activity: The adventure begins with a scenic drive to Marangu Gate (1,860m), where registration and permits are handled. The trek kicks off with a gentle ascent through the lush rainforest, home to colobus monkeys and a variety of bird species. The well-maintained trail makes for a comfortable walk, offering stunning views of giant ferns and towering trees. The humidity is high in this zone, and occasional mist adds to the mystical atmosphere. After a 4-5 hour hike, Mandara Hut is reached, offering a warm and cozy overnight stay. Nearby, Maundi Crater provides an excellent viewpoint for those eager to explore before dinner. The evening includes a hearty meal and an early night’s rest in preparation for the next leg of the journey.

  • Day 2: Trekking from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

    Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
    Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
    Accommodation: Horombo Hut (3,720m)

    Activity: Departing Mandara Hut, the landscape gradually shifts from dense rainforest to open heathland. The change in vegetation provides stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The trail is well-defined and climbs steadily, with occasional rocky sections. Hikers pass through the moorland zone, home to unique flora such as giant lobelias and senecios. The higher altitude becomes noticeable, and pacing is crucial for acclimatization. Along the way, the changing scenery offers remarkable photography opportunities. Upon reaching Horombo Hut after 6-7 hours, trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. The hut is spacious and well-equipped, accommodating hikers comfortably. This night serves as an essential acclimatization step before progressing further. A nourishing dinner is provided before an early night’s sleep.

  • Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut

    Trekking Time: Varies (Optional hikes)<br< Distance: 5-10 km (3-6 miles)
    Accommodation: Horombo Hut (3,720m)

    Activity: This extra day at Horombo Hut is crucial for acclimatization. Trekkers have the option to take a short hike to Zebra Rocks (4,020m) or towards Mawenzi Ridge, both excellent opportunities to adapt to the altitude. The landscape here is striking, with volcanic rock formations and alpine vegetation. The guides provide insights into high-altitude trekking techniques, and hikers learn to recognize signs of altitude sickness. The day is spent walking at a relaxed pace, taking in the stunning views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding landscape. Returning to Horombo Hut, the evening allows for rest, hydration, and a hearty meal. This acclimatization day significantly increases the chances of reaching Uhuru Peak and prepares trekkers for the challenges ahead.

  • Day 4: Trekking from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

    Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
    Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
    Accommodation: Kibo Hut (4,703m)

    Activity: Leaving Horombo Hut, the trek ascends through the alpine desert zone, a stark contrast to the previous landscapes. The vegetation thins out, replaced by rocky and dusty terrain. The air becomes thinner, and trekkers must maintain a steady pace. The trail crosses the famous "Saddle," a vast, barren plateau between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. The sight of Kibo looming ahead is both inspiring and daunting. After 5-6 hours of trekking, Kibo Hut is reached, a basic yet essential rest stop before the summit push. The high altitude makes even small tasks tiring, so trekkers are advised to rest as much as possible. An early dinner is served before an extremely early bedtime in preparation for the midnight summit attempt.

  • Day 5: Summit Day - Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut

    Trekking Time: 12-15 hours
    Distance: 22 km (13.7 miles)
    Accommodation: Horombo Hut (3,720m)

    Activity: The most challenging and rewarding day begins around midnight. The steep ascent starts slowly, with switchbacks leading up to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim. From here, the final stretch to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) is exhausting but incredibly fulfilling. Witnessing the sunrise from the "Roof of Africa" is an unforgettable experience. After capturing the moment, the descent begins, retracing steps down to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing to Horombo Hut. The long descent is tough on the legs but brings a sense of accomplishment. A well-deserved dinner and deep sleep await at Horombo Hut.

  • Day 6: Descent from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

    Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
    Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
    Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi

    Activity: The final stretch descends through the lush rainforest, offering a refreshing change in scenery. The trail leads back to Marangu Gate, where successful trekkers receive summit certificates. A vehicle transfer returns trekkers to Moshi for a hot shower, relaxation, and celebration. The evening is free for unwinding and reflecting on the incredible achievement.

  • Accommodation

    Kiliwonders Hotel Moshi

  • Day 7: Tarangire National Park – The Elephant Paradise

    Airport Pickup

    Your voyage into the heart of the African wilderness begins with a morning pick-up from your Moshi accommodation, then on to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania's most iconic safari sites. This breathtaking park is famous for its huge vistas, towering baobab trees, and the highest number of elephants in the country. As you reach the park, you will be greeted by herds of elephants, some numbering in the hundreds, quietly wandering the golden savannah. These gentle giants are frequently spotted digging into dry riverbeds in quest of subsurface water, displaying remarkable intelligence and flexibility. Tarangire is home to a rich range of species, including zebras, wildebeests, and beautiful giraffes, all of which help to maintain the vibrant ecology.

    The afternoon is spent on an exhilarating game drive, which allows you to discover the park's diverse wildlife. Tarangire, with its vast plains and limited vegetation, offers some of Tanzania's best prospects for animal viewing. Lions and cheetahs are common predators that can be seen hiding in the grasslands, waiting for the right moment to strike. Meanwhile, birdwatchers will be enthralled by the park's 500+ bird species, which include brilliant yellow-collared lovebirds and majestic bateleur eagles flying overhead. As the sun begins to set, painting the sky with brilliant hues, you will return to Eco Farm for a relaxing evening, enjoying a delicious meal and reflecting on the day's activities.

  • Accommodation

    Njia Panda Tented Lodge

  • Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater – Exploring a Natural Wonder

    ngorongoro crater

    Day two of your Tanzania safari begins with an early morning departure for Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's Seven Natural Wonders. Descending 600 meters into the world's largest unbroken volcanic caldera, you will be welcomed with an incredible concentration of species. The crater's contained ecology provides an ideal habitat for a wide variety of animal species, making it one of the greatest places in Africa to see the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and the endangered black rhino. The morning hours are good for wildlife viewing since predators are still active and herbivores emerge to feed in the chilly air.

    As you walk across the crater floor, you'll see beautiful scenery, from grassy plains dotted with acacia trees to glittering soda lakes teeming with pink flamingos. Hippos lounge in the pools, while hyenas stalk the land in quest of an easy meal. The lush Lerai Forest, home to vast elephant herds, stands in dramatic contrast to the crater's wide grasslands, providing yet another breathtaking background for your safari journey. With each turn of the road, Ngorongoro offers a new breathtaking scene, cementing its reputation as one of the world's most stunning wildlife refuges.

    As your memorable safari in Tanzania comes to a close, you will have a final picnic lunch amidst the stunning surroundings before ascending the crater walls. From here, you will return to Kilimanjaro International Airport to catch your departing flight. As you reflect on your fantastic journey through Tarangire and Ngorongoro, the memories of breathtaking scenery and unforgettable wildlife encounters will stay with you for a lifetime. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this two-day safari tour highlights the finest of Tanzania's natural splendor and provides an unforgettable African adventure.

Climbing Cost Includes

  • All transfers
  • Hotel before and after the hike
  • Camping equipment
  • Meals on the hike
  • Professional guides and porters
  • Oxygen tanks
  • Fully-loaded medical kits
  • All park fees and taxes
  • Innovative and user-friendly travel planning portal
  • Dedicated support team

Climbing Cost Excludes

  • International flights
  • Visa fee;
  • Travel insurance;
  • Tips to the climbing crew
  • Lunch and dinner in the hotel
  • Portable toilet
  • Single supplement
  • Personal gear rentals

Book this Tour

6 Days
Starting from
N/A
per person*

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