The Prefect 12-Day Kenya Safari And Kilimanjaro Hike

A “Kenya safari and Kilimanjaro” trip combines wildlife viewing in Kenya with a climb or view of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. These tours typically include safaris in iconic Kenyan parks like the Masai Mara and Amboseli National Park, known for the Big Five, followed by travel to Tanzania for a Kilimanjaro trek. Some trips focus on viewing Kilimanjaro from the Kenyan side, while others involve an actual climb of the mountain.

This Kenya Safari And Kilimanjaro Hike itinerary is designed to provide a perfect balance of wildlife wonder and mountain challenge, ensuring optimal acclimatisation, maximum sightseeing, and an unforgettable experience.

Join us for an unforgettable 12-day trekking safari in Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro, where you will witness the most incredible animal spectacle on Earth while taking on the formidable challenge of climbing Africa’s highest peak. Start your carefully planned Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro adventure in the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, home to the majestic Great Migration (during certain times of the year) and the fabled Big Five. Take part in genuine cultural exchanges with the Maasai and go on game drives like no other. The adventure continues with a transfer to Tanzania, where the Machame Route, famous for its beautiful scenery and high success rate, is used to climb Kilimanjaro. Expert KPSGA and WMGA-certified guides provide individualised attention in our small group safari format. Experience Africa like never before with an all-inclusive Kenya Tanzania trip package. Enjoy luxurious lodgings, gourmet meals, park fees, and high-quality trekking gear—all included at an unbeatable pricing.

A Complete Kenya Safari And Kilimanjaro Hike

Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya – The Adventure Begins

An agent from Paradise Africa Safari will be waiting for you at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) when you land. After a lengthy flight, you can finally unwind at your hotel. Join your lead guide for a thorough briefing and a welcome supper this evening. Gather with other travellers, get answers to your questions, and build anticipation for the next Kilimanjaro climb and ultimate Kenya safari.

Day 2: Journey to the World-Famous Masai Mara

We will leave Nairobi after breakfast and travel down into the Great Rift Valley, stopping along the way to take in the stunning scenery. Just in time for a sumptuous lunch at our resort, we continue our drive through the Masai grassland and reach the Masai Mara National Reserve. Our first afternoon game drive will begin after lunch. As the sun sets over Africa, keep a look out for majestic animals like giraffes, elephants, lions, and cheetahs.

Day 3: Full Day Exploring the Masai Mara

We will be spending the entire day in the Mara in search of wildlife. We take our packed lunches on an adventure into the reserve, where we can spend the day exploring prime animal habitats. Here you will have the most memorable part of your safari in Kenya. If you’re travelling between July and October, you can see the incredible Great Migration, when millions of zebras and wildebeests cross rivers that are home to crocodiles. As an optional side trip, you can immerse yourself in the Maasai culture by visiting a traditional hamlet.

Day 4: Morning Game Drive and Return to Nairobi

Enjoy one last morning game drive in the Masai Mara, a final chance to spot the elusive leopard or a black rhino. Our picturesque return to Nairobi starts after breakfast at the lodge, when we check out. Take the evening to unwind or discover more of the city at your own pace.

Day 5: Nairobi to Moshi, Tanzania – Preparing for the Climb

Our journey to Tanzania will begin after breakfast. Stunning views of the countryside may be enjoyed during the ride. We reach Moshi, a bustling town at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. You will have a comprehensive pre-climb briefing and equipment check with your lead mountain guide in the evening. Everyone will be ready and assured for the journey ahead if this is done.

Day 6: Machame Gate to Machame Camp (Trekking Day 1)

Our journey to the Machame Gate to finalise our park registration will begin after breakfast and a last inspection of our kit. The ascent of Kilimanjaro commences! As we walk, we pass through verdant, picturesque jungle. You should bring rain clothing and gaiters because this trail, although picturesque, can be muddy. Afternoon finds us at Machame Camp, where we’ll have supper and spend the night.

Day 7: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (Trekking Day 2)

As we emerge from the rainforest today, we will see heath and moorland with breathtaking views of the peak. As we draw near the Shira Plateau, one of the world’s highest, the path becomes arguably more pleasant. Lunch at Shira Camp is served hot. Rest and acclimatisation, two essential components of a successful Kilimanjaro trip, need to be prioritised throughout the afternoon.

Day 8: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (Trekking Day 3)

An acclimatisation day at high altitude. Following the “climb high, sleep low” principle, we trek eastwards towards Lava Tower (4,630m / 15,190ft) for lunch. The Great Barranco Valley will be our destination after lunch. As you get your body ready for summit night, you can enjoy the day’s breathtaking scenery. The Barranco Wall, seen ahead, will be your obstacle for the following day.

Day 9: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (Trekking Day 4)

The formidable Barranco Wall is acclimatised to with relative ease; it is a scramble, not a technical climb. We will begin our ascent to Barafu Camp, our base for the summit attempt, after a journey via Karanga Valley. We eat dinner early and then relax for a while before making the last climb. Get yourself hydrated and ready.

Day 10: Summit Day! Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp (Trekking Day 5)

We begin our last ascent at dark, using our headlamps for illumination. The mental and physical challenges of the climb reach their peak at this point. Before dawn, our goal is to reach Stella Point at an elevation of 5,739 meters (18,829 feet), and from there we will continue along the crater rim to UHURU Peak, Africa’s highest peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). We will descend to Barafu Camp for a little pause after the celebrations and photos, and then continue on to Mweka Camp.

Day 11: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi (Trekking Day 6)

We descend to Mweka Gate from the rainforest for the last time after a much-needed breakfast. Here you may pick up your official Kilimanjaro climbing certificate—green for those who reach Stella Point and gold for those who reach the summit. We return to our Moshi hotel for a relaxing hot shower, a celebratory meal, and to hear all about your amazing accomplishment.

Day 12: Departure from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and appreciate the memory of conquering a mountain and experiencing Africa’s greatest animals. Your flight schedule will determine whether you have time to unwind by the pool or grab a few last-minute souvenirs. We will provide a transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable 12-day Kenya and Kilimanjaro Hike.