16-Day Kilimanjaro Trekking And Tanzania Safari Itinerary Guide

Trekking to the summit of Kilimanjaro and then going on a luxury safari through Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area will force you out of your comfort zone and introduce you to the wonders and beauty of Tanzania.

Starting with an incredible ascent to 19,341 feet on Kilimanjaro, this unparalleled trip offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stand atop the planet. We will take the longer and less travelled Lemosho route, which takes us through verdant rainforests, across the vast Shira Plateau, and beneath the magnificent southern ice fields. Eventually, we will reach the “Roof of Africa” and watch the sunrise above the clouds. Hikers may take it easy on Kilimanjaro for 8 days and 43 miles with the support of safety-conscious mountain guides.

This gives them more time to acclimatise, which increases their chances of reaching the summit of Africa’s tallest peak. After you’ve accomplished your goal, your adventure will continue with a safari tour of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. During this time, you’ll stay at two of the country’s most luxurious safari camps and spend days searching for the Big Five in Africa. This journey offers the finest of Africa’s untamed beauty while simultaneously challenging your senses to new heights.

A Detailed 16-Day Kilimanjaro Trekking And Tanzania Safari Itinerary

Day 1

The vibrant city of Arusha serves as the entry point to Mount Kilimanjaro and your Tanzania safari journey. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a representative from OARS will be there to greet you and transfer you to your accommodations. You might have lunch at the lodge if you get there early enough. You have the afternoon at your leisure to unwind after a long day of travelling or to go exploring on your own. Before calling it a night, the gang will have dinner at the lodge. [L, D]

Day 2

A trip to a coffee plantation in neighbouring Moshi Town is in our future after we have breakfast at the resort. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in every step of the coffee-making process, from selecting berries to grinding them into a cup, while also learning about organic coffee cultivation and Fairtrade on this hands-on tour. Naturally, there will also be chances to sample the tasty treat for yourself.

Before setting off on our Kilimanjaro journey the next morning, we’ll take a walk to the Materuni Waterfalls to cool down and tone our muscles.

Tonight, we’ll all be back at the lodge for dinner. Before we start our Kilimanjaro walk, your lead guide will give you a comprehensive orientation and answer any concerns you may have.

Take a break. Attempting to reach the peak of the highest free-standing mountain in the world will push you beyond your comfort zone and test your stamina throughout the next week on the mountain. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Your Kilimanjaro Trek Begins: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Elevation gain: 1,804 feet (6,890 ft to 8,694 ft)
Distance: 3.7 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

The Lemosho Route starts at the Londorossi Gate, so after breakfast at the lodge we’ll head there to register as climbers. The first part of the excursion is a gradual climb through verdant rainforest, where you may get a feel for the terrain, observe some species, and gradually increase your height.

There is a common belief that the steep ascent and subsequent acclimatisation to the altitude are more challenging than the actual hiking itself when climbing Kilimanjaro. Taking it easy and getting ready for the climb are the priorities for today. By afternoon, we will have arrived at our first camp, Mti Mkubwa, also known as Big Tree.

Our expedition’s support crew is widely considered to be among the mountain’s most competent and professional. A professional chef, a team of mountain leaders trained in Wilderness First Responder techniques, and a committed support crew will all be there to ensure the safety and comfort of the party.

Every morning, the porters who can move the most quickly will go ahead of the pack to set up camp and prepare food and water so that the hikers can relax and recharge for the next day’s walk. Ensuring everyone is acclimating properly is of utmost importance, thus every evening your lead guide will take pulse oximeter readings. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Your Kilimanjaro Trek Begins: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Elevation gain: 1,804 feet (6,890 ft to 8,694 ft)
Distance: 3.7 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

The Lemosho Route starts at the Londorossi Gate, so after breakfast at the lodge we’ll head there to register as climbers. The first part of the excursion is a gradual climb through verdant rainforest, where you may get a feel for the terrain, observe some species, and gradually increase your height.

There is a common belief that the steep ascent and subsequent acclimatisation to the altitude are more challenging than the actual hiking itself when climbing Kilimanjaro. Taking it easy and getting ready for the climb are the priorities for today. By afternoon, we will have arrived at our first camp, Mti Mkubwa, also known as Big Tree.

Our expedition’s support crew is widely considered to be among the mountain’s most competent and professional. A professional chef, a team of mountain leaders trained in Wilderness First Responder techniques, and a committed support crew will all be there to ensure the safety and comfort of the party.

Every morning, the porters who can move the most quickly will go ahead of the pack to set up camp and prepare food and water so that the hikers can relax and recharge for the next day’s walk. Ensuring everyone is acclimating properly is of utmost importance, thus every evening your lead guide will take pulse oximeter readings. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

Elevation gain: 3,149 ft (8,694 ft to 11,843 ft)
Distance: 5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

The trail crosses the Shira Ridge today, making it a difficult climb day. As you leave the tropical forest, the scenery changes to a heather-covered moorland. Keep in mind that the key to a successful trek is taking it “one step at a time” as you make your way up the trail.

As we draw near Shira 1 Camp, the landscape changes from rough to open. With sweeping views of both the plains below and Kilimanjaro above, our second camp is set on the Shira Plateau, along to a stream. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp

Elevation gain: 788 feet (11,843 ft to 12,631 ft)
Distance: 4.3 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

This is an acclimatisation day, so we’ll take it easy and climb slowly across the lower alpine moorland. Views of Kibo Peak and the Western Breach are seen as the trail traverses the expansive Shira Plateau. Shira 2 Camp is a great place to continue acclimatisation, and there are afternoon walks you can choose to do if you so like. Because of its exposed location, this camp is likely to experience cold weather and strong winds. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Shira 2 to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Elevation gain: 2,460 feet (12,631 ft to 15,091 ft)
Elevation loss: 2,296 feet (15,091 ft to 12,795 ft)
Distance: 6.2 miles
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours

As we climb to the Lava Tower at 15,091 meters, the Lemosho Route from Shira 2 gets considerably steeper and more difficult. Acclimatisation is essential, therefore your guides will probably tell you to “pole, pole,” which means “go slowly,” today.

There will be a brief rest at Lava Tower before continuing down to Barranco Camp, which is located in a valley beneath the Barranco Wall in an arid yet breathtaking alpine landscape. While the “walk high, sleep low” method can help with acclimatisation, it’s important to be aware that certain hikers may experience altitude sickness, including difficulty breathing and overall exhaustion. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation gain: 311 feet (12,795 ft to 13,106 ft)
Distance: 3.1 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

An arduous but ultimately rewarding struggle up the eastern side of the notorious Barranco Wall, which offers hikers stunning vistas, kicks off the day’s activities. Afterwards, the trail ascends to Karanga Camp via the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley, which is traversed by glacier valleys. Camp provides lunch most days, and the afternoons are free for lounging around. Assuming weather permits, Kilimanjaro will appear as a distant mountain. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation gain: 2,225 feet (13,106 ft to 15,331 ft)
Distance: 2.5 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Our half-day climb takes us across arid alpine desert to Barafu Camp, our starting point for the climb to the peak. Barafu Camp, perched precariously on a small ridge and battered by the elements, provides stunning views of the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks despite the wind.

After lunch today, you’ll have plenty of time to settle in, drink some water, and get ready for the last climb, such as gathering your gear and layers. After a late meal, get as much sleep as you can before getting up this evening to make the last ascent to Kilimanjaro’s summit, Uhuru Peak. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation gain: 4,010 feet (15,331 ft to 19,341 ft)
Elevation loss: 9,171 feet (19,341 to 10,170 ft)
Distance: 8.1 miles
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours to summit, 6-7 hours to descend

We will start our ascent to Stella Point in the dark, a challenging and rocky terrain, about midnight, in our push for the summit. The last stretch is a snow-covered trail that leads to Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro. If the weather is kind, you’ll be able to enjoy a breathtaking sunrise at Uhuru Peak.

As you stand on the “Roof of Africa,” having ascended approximately 15,000 feet, pause for a moment to revel in the accomplishment of this enormous undertaking.

We will start our descent from the summit towards Barafu Camp, where the party will pack up and relax, because the expedition is far from over. Returning to Mweka Camp, the descent follows the identical rock and scree trail that was used for the ascent. By late afternoon, you ought to have arrived at the last camp. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation loss: 4,790 feet (10,170 ft to 5,380 ft)
Distance: 6.2 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

We will descend the last stretch of rainforest to Mweka Gate this morning to award summit certificates to climbers. A car will then take us back to our hotel in Arusha, where we can relax with a nice shower and enjoy a celebratory meal. (B, L, D)

Days 11-12: Serengeti National Park & Stay at Sametu Camp

The group will gather at the resort for breakfast at approximately 8:30 in the morning. We will then take a short 45-minute flight to Serengeti National Park, where our safari adventure in Tanzania will begin.

Once you’ve arrived, go on an exciting game drive to see some of the amazing animals that live in this expansive and varied habitat. Keep an eye out for the elusive black rhinos and the Big Five—lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos—in Africa. Millions of herbivores, including wildebeests, zebras, and others, make the Great Wildebeest Migration across the Serengeti every year in quest of water and better pastures. Our professional safari guides will follow the herds as they migrate into the northern Serengeti and Kenya in September, allowing you to see animals up close and personal.

Located on the banks of the Ngarenanyuki River, Sametu Camp is our opulent retreat that awaits us after a full day of game driving. Get comfortable in your luxurious safari tent, complete with all the contemporary conveniences, and relax on your private deck while taking in breathtaking views of the African wilderness.

Once you’ve had your fill of the local flavours and foreign delicacies, make your way to the luxurious dining room and lounge for some gourmet cuisine made by talented chefs. As the sun goes down, sip on a sundowner cocktail while listening to the untamed sounds of Africa’s horizon.

On the second day of your Serengeti safari, you can go on a game drive first thing in the morning, when the park’s wild residents are most active. On the other hand, visitors may experience the Serengeti from above on a hot air balloon safari, taking in the breathtaking morning colours as they soar over the region.

Once you return to camp, unwind and recharge by the pool or just take it easy in your private quarters while taking in the breathtaking views of the expansive bushland in every way. (B, L, D)

Days 13-14: Ngorongoro Crater & Stay at Lion’s Paw

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO; we will be travelling there after breakfast. The drive is filled with excitement because of the different fauna and the breathtaking scenery of the area. Before our crater tour the next morning, we’ll spend the night at Lion’s Paw, the sister property of Sematu Camp, where we can rest and enjoy some wonderful food.

We will start our day with an early breakfast and then travel into Ngorongoro Conservation Area in search of wildlife. Around midday, we will halt at the base of the crater for a picnic lunch. An extinct volcano fell millions of years ago, leaving behind a natural refuge that is home to an astounding variety of species. The biggest unbroken caldera on Earth is located in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater, which is one of the eight wonders of the world. After lunch, we’ll explore the 115 square mile crater, which is approximately 2,000 feet deep and is inhabited by a variety of species. Big groups of wildebeest, African cape buffalo, zebras, Thomson and Grant gazelles, hippos, black-backed jackals, lions, hyenas, and bird species numbering in the hundreds may be spotted in the crater.

Our last night in the majestic wilderness will be at Lion’s Paw, our luxurious safari lodge, after the crater tour. (B, L, D)

Day 15

We will have lunch in Arusha after breakfast, and then you will be transferred back there. You have the remainder of the afternoon to relax, take in your surroundings, and get ready to leave the next day. At our last group supper, we will salute our new friends and the memories we have made together. (B, L, D)

The Last Day of Your Trip

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge, before being transferred to the airport for flights home. (B)

End of the 16-Day Kilimanjaro Trekking And Tanzania Safari Itinerary