11-Days Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari

Customizable Kilimanjaro Climb and SafariItinerary

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11-Days Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari: At a Glance

  • Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights (7-Day Climb + 2-Day Safari)+Arrival and Departure days
  • Perfect for: Adventure seekers and ambitious travelers who prioritize the highest possible climb safety and success rate, combined with the iconic wildlife viewing of Tanzania's Northern Circuit.
  • Key Destinations: Moshi/Arusha (Base), Mount Kilimanjaro (7-Day Machame Route), Tarangire National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater.
  • Ekuseni Difference: We prioritize a successful and safe ascent. By choosing the 7-day Machame trek, we maximize your chances of reaching the summit. The itinerary is extended to 11 days to dedicate Day 8 to pure recovery and intentionally pace the Safari phase (Days 9 and 10) to be gentle and restorative after your achievement.

Trip Highlights

  • Uhuru Peak Summit: Successfully reach the rooftop of Africa, Uhuru Peak (5,895m), via the scenic and high-success 7-day Machame Route.

  • Superior Acclimatization: The 7-day schedule includes a crucial extra night, significantly boosting the body’s ability to handle altitude.

  • Ultimate Wildlife Reward: Transition directly from the mountain to the plains for a high-impact Safari reward in two of Tanzania’s most famous parks: Tarangire (elephants and baobabs) and the Ngorongoro Crater (Big Five density).

  • Guaranteed Recovery: Day 8 is specifically scheduled for transfer, rest, hot showers, and celebration before starting the relaxed Safari portion of your journey.

Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari Images

11-Days Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari Gallery

Why We Love this Combined Itinerary

We love the “Climb and Safari” package because it offers an intense, beautiful duality: the physical challenge of the mountain followed immediately by the serene, rewarding beauty of the wildlife plains. It’s the perfect narrative arc for a world-class adventure.

This revised itinerary, featuring the 7-day Machame, is the best way to ensure both safety and success. The entire package is designed with your post-climb fatigue in mind, offering a highly restorative Safari that avoids the excessive travel time of a deeper Serengeti trip.

Your Kilimanjaro Climb
and Safari, Day by Day

Day 1: Arrival and Preparation in Moshi/Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), your Ekuseni host will provide a smooth private transfer to your hotel near Moshi or Arusha. Today is also dedicated to a thorough climb briefing and gear check with your dedicated mountain team. We ensure you feel completely prepared and supported before starting your ascent.

We drive to Machame Gate, complete park formalities, and begin the trek through the lush rainforest zone to Machame Camp. Trekking time: 5-7 hours.

Today, we ascend steeply, leaving the forest and entering the beautiful moorland zone. We gain altitude quickly, offering the first spectacular views of Kibo Peak before reaching Shira 2 Camp. Trekking time: 4-6 hours.

This is a critical acclimatization day. We climb high to the massive Lava Tower (4,600m) before descending to the picturesque Barranco Camp, following the crucial “climb high, sleep low” principle. Trekking time: 6-7 hours.

The day begins with the negotiation of the challenging, yet fun, Barranco Wall, a scramble that boosts morale. We then enjoy a relatively short trek across ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp. Trekking time: 4-5 hours.

A morning trek to Barafu (Base) Camp, the staging point for the summit. We enjoy an early dinner and rest to prepare for the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak. Trekking time: 3-5 hours.

The Summit: We begin our attempt around midnight. After reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m), we descend all the way to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest. Trekking/Descent time: 10–14 hours total.

A final descent through the forest zone to Mweka Gate. Recovery: A final transfer to a comfortable, well-appointed lodge near Karatu or Arusha for much-needed rest, a hot shower, and celebration before the Safari begins. Descent time: 3-4 hours.

After a restful morning and a late start to allow for full recovery, we head directly to Tarangire National Park. This game drive is a superb reward after the mountain, focusing on the park’s massive elephant herds and unique baobab landscape.

Expert Insight: The gentle pace of the Safari is intentionally designed to allow you to relax and simply enjoy the wildlife following your intense climb.

An early descent into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater floor for a truly spectacular half-day Safari. This World Wonder is the place with a high chance to spot the “Big Five” and is a high-impact way to end your wildlife viewing.

After ascending the crater rim, we return to the Arusha Town for your final night.

Your Ekuseni host will provide a smooth and timely private transfer from your accommodation back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departing international flight.

Common Questions, Expert Answers

What is the success rate for the 7-day Machame Route?

The 7-day route has the highest success rate (over 90%) due to the vital extra night for acclimatization. This follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle, minimizing altitude sickness risk.

It is a challenging, non-technical route, steeper than others and includes some fun scrambling (like the Barranco Wall). The 7-day schedule, however, makes the altitude profile excellent for safety.

No, rental is highly recommended for expensive items like sleeping bags and down jackets. We’ll complete a thorough gear check on Day 1 and advise you on clothing essentials.

It’s designed as a high-impact, low-stress reward. Focusing on the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire avoids the long, fatiguing drives of the Serengeti, letting you relax and maximize viewing.

Day 8 is fully dedicated to recovery. You’ll have a comfortable lodge, a hot shower, and a celebratory dinner. The Safari on Day 9 also has a deliberately late start for extra rest.

Can I extend the Safari portion to include the Serengeti?

Absolutely. We can extend Phase 2 to a full 4- or 5-day Safari to include the Serengeti, extending the total trip to approximately 13-15 days.

We can arrange an internal flight (e.g., to Lake Manyara) to maximize rest by eliminating the longer road transfers and replacing them with a quick, scenic flight.

You stay in comfortable, high-quality mountain tents. Your dedicated cook prepares three hot, nutritious meals a day (including soup, pasta, and fresh fruit) to fuel your recovery and ascent.

Safety is our top priority. Our experienced guides are trained in altitude medicine and carry pulse-oximeters for daily monitoring and portable oxygen for emergencies. They will safely facilitate a rapid descent if needed.

The best months are the warm and dry seasons: January, February and June through October. These periods offer the clearest mountain views and optimal Safari conditions. Avoid the heavy rains of April and May.

What's Included and Excluded?

Understanding your total trip cost is important, and as your friends, we want to be transparent about what your Ekuseni Safari package will cover:

Price Includes

  • Climb Support: Professional, licensed, and highly experienced English-speaking mountain guides, assistant guides, and porters.

  • Mountain Logistics: All park entry fees, camping fees, rescue fees, and VAT for the 7-day Machame Route.

  • Accommodation: Hotel accommodation (3 nights: Day 1, Day 8, Day 10) and all required mountain tent accommodation (6 nights).

  • Meals: All meals while on the mountain (Days 2-7), full board for the Safari (Days 9 and 10), and daily breakfast at the hotels.

  • Safari Transportation: Private 4×4 customized Safari vehicle with a pop-up roof and expert driver-guide.

  • Park Fees: All required national park fees for Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater descent fees.

  • Transfers: All airport transfers (JRO) and all ground transportation between phases.

Price Excludes

  • International Airfare & Visas: Flights to/from JRO and Tanzania visa fees.

  • Optional Climb Costs: Tipping for the mountain crew and the use of rental gear.

  • Optional Flight Upgrade: The cost of any internal flight option mentioned (e.g., Arusha to Lake Manyara).

  • Personal Items: Laundry, telephone calls, premium alcoholic beverages, and souvenir purchases.

  • Gratuities & Insurance: Tipping for the Safari guide/lodge staff and comprehensive travel/medical insurance (mandatory).

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