Mount Kilimanjaro Trek - Summit Leaders
Mount Kilimanjaro Trek & Tanzania Safari (12-Day Adventure)
Conquer Africa’s highest peak and explore Tanzania’s most iconic safari destinations in this unforgettable 12-day journey. This package blends the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with the thrill of world-class wildlife safaris in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Route: Marangu Route (5,895m)
Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Mountain huts (not tents) during the trek
The Marangu Route, often called the "Coca-Cola Route," is the only Kilimanjaro route with hut accommodations. It is the shortest and one of the most popular trails, offering a gradual ascent and a well-maintained path through diverse landscapes, from rainforest to alpine desert to the glacier-covered summit.
Itinerary
Fitness Level & Requirements
Additional Information
Best dates
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Trek Briefing & Preparation
- Arrival: Land at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). A representative will greet you for a transfer to Arusha.
- Check-in: Settle into a comfortable lodge in Arusha, Tanzania’s adventure capital.
- Trek Briefing: Meet your mountain guides for a full trek orientation. Cover altitude sickness, packing lists, safety, and the day-to-day itinerary.
- Gear Check: Any missing equipment can be rented or purchased in town.
- Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner and a good night’s rest before the adventure begins.
📍 Accommodation: Lodge in Arusha
🍽 Meals: Dinner
Days 2–7: Kilimanjaro Trek via Marangu Route
Day 2: Arusha to Marangu Gate (1,860m) – Trek to Mandara Hut (2,720m)
- Drive: 2.5 hours (110 km) from Arusha to Marangu Gate.
- Registration: Sign in at the park gate before starting the trek.
- Trek Begins: Walk through lush tropical rainforest, home to blue monkeys and colobus monkeys.
- Scenery: Dense vegetation, streams, and vibrant birdlife.
- Hiking Distance: 8km (~4–5 hours).
📍 Accommodation: Mandara Hut (basic wooden hut with bunk beds)
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (3,720m)
- Terrain: Transition from rainforest to moorland with stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
- Notable Stops: Maundi Crater (optional short detour with breathtaking panoramic views).
- Altitude Gain: 1,000m – slow, steady trekking to aid acclimatization.
- Hiking Distance: 12km (~5–6 hours).
📍 Accommodation: Horombo Hut (larger mountain hut, sleeping 120 climbers)
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
- Purpose: Allow your body to adjust to the altitude, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
- Optional Hike: Climb up to Zebra Rocks (4,000m) to aid acclimatization.
- Rest: Spend the afternoon relaxing, hydrating, and enjoying the incredible scenery.
📍 Accommodation: Horombo Hut
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (4,703m)
- Terrain: Alpine desert, with stark landscapes and minimal vegetation.
- Landmarks: The Saddle – a lunar-like valley between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
- Hydration Tip: Drink plenty of water to combat high-altitude effects.
- Hiking Distance: 10km (~6–7 hours).
- Summit Preparation: Early dinner and rest before the midnight summit attempt.
📍 Accommodation: Kibo Hut (basic stone structure, bunk beds, shared facilities).
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Summit Day – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), Descend to Horombo Hut
- Start: Begin ascent at midnight with headlamps lighting the path.
- Summit Route:
- Gilman’s Point (5,685m): First major landmark (~5–6 hours).
- Stella Point (5,739m): Short rest before final push.
- Uhuru Peak (5,895m): Reach the highest point in Africa at sunrise!
- Photos & Celebration: Enjoy breathtaking glacier views and take summit photos.
- Descent: Return to Kibo Hut for a short break, then continue down to Horombo Hut.
- Total Distance: 21km (~12–15 hours total).
📍 Accommodation: Horombo Hut
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Descend to Marangu Gate – Return to Arusha
- Hiking Distance: 20km (~5–6 hours).
- Finish: Arrive at Marangu Gate, collect summit certificates, and meet your driver.
- Drive: 2.5 hours back to Arusha.
📍 Accommodation: Lodge in Arusha
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 8–12: Safari in Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
Day 8: Arusha to Serengeti National Park
- Drive: ~7 hours (325 km) via the Great Rift Valley and Ngorongoro Highlands.
- Afternoon Game Drive: Spot the Big Five, wildebeest, giraffes, and cheetahs.
- Sunset Views: Experience the golden hues of Serengeti’s vast savannah.
📍 Accommodation: Luxury safari lodge or tented camp
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Full-Day Safari in Serengeti
- Sunrise Game Drive: Best time to see lions and leopards hunting.
- Migration Viewing: (Seasonal) Witness thousands of wildebeests and zebras.
- Cultural Visit: Optional Maasai village experience.
📍 Accommodation: Safari lodge or tented camp
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Drive: 3–4 hours through wildlife corridors.
- Stop at Olduvai Gorge: Learn about early human fossils.
- Evening Relaxation: Enjoy a campfire under African skies.
📍 Accommodation: Safari lodge near Ngorongoro
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Ngorongoro Crater Safari – Return to Arusha
- Morning Descent: Explore the crater’s unique ecosystem (black rhinos, flamingos, hippos).
- Drive Back: ~4 hours to Arusha.
📍 Accommodation: Lodge in Arusha
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12: Departure from Arusha
- Optional Activities: Visit local markets or relax at the lodge before transfer to JRO.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast
Optional Additions:
- Zanzibar Beach Extension (3–5 Days)
- Tarangire National Park Safari (1 Extra Day)
- Mto Wa Mbu Cultural Tour (1 Extra Day)
Best Time to Visit
- January to March, June to October:
- Dry Season: Optimal trekking conditions on Kilimanjaro with clear skies and wildlife viewing at its peak.
- Great Migration: Seasonal wildlife spectacle in the Serengeti (June to October).