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Kilimanjaro Experience – 3 Days / 2 Nights

Hike the Slopes of Africa’s Tallest Mountain, Then Safari Through Its Wild Heart.

Discover Tanzania’s Untamed Beauty – On Foot and By Safari Jeep

This unique 6-day journey combines the thrill of high-altitude hiking with the adventure of a classic Tanzanian safari. Begin with a scenic walk along the Shira Plateau on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, where breathtaking views, rare flora, and volcanic landscapes set the stage for an unforgettable encounter with Africa’s highest peak. Then transition into the heart of Tanzania’s safari circuit—Tarangire National Park and the legendary Ngorongoro Crater—where abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes await. Perfect for those seeking both physical challenge and immersive safari exploration, this itinerary delivers the best of both worlds.

Itinerary summary

Day 1:
Arrive in Arusha – Lunch/Dinner at Simba Farm
Overnight: Simba Farm

Day 2:
Drive to Shira Plateau (3,400m) – Hike to 3,600m on Mount Kilimanjaro
Return for lunch – Drive to Arusha
Overnight: Arusha

Day 3:
Game drive in Tarangire National Park
Overnight: Tarangire or Karatu

Day 4:
Full-day safari in Tarangire – Drive to Karatu
Overnight: Karatu

Day 5:
Game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater
Overnight: Karatu

Day 6:
Drive back to Arusha – Departure

DAY to Day Program

Day 1: Arrival at Simba Farm

Arrive in Arusha, where you’ll be welcomed and driven to Simba Farm for a delicious lunch or dinner. Take this time to relax and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Overnight: Simba Farm, Arusha

Activities:

  • Enjoy a thrilling game drive, spotting elephants, giraffes, zebras, and lions.
  • Picnic lunch inside the park with views of the Tarangire River, a magnet for wildlife during the dry season.

Unique Features:

Witness ancient baobab trees and diverse birdlife, including vibrant hornbills and kingfishers.

Overnight Stay:

Lodge or tented camp near Tarangire or Karatu.

Start the day early with a scenic drive to the Shira Plateau (3,400 meters / 11,155 feet) on the Shira Route of Mount Kilimanjaro. From here, begin your hike to 3,600 meters / 11,811 feet. This hike provides a rewarding way to experience Kilimanjaro’s grandeur and unique ecosystems.

  • Ecosystem Journey:
    Begin in the montane rainforest at lower elevations, home to colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and vibrant birdlife like the crested turaco. As you ascend, the landscape shifts to the shrub-steppe and heath zones, where you’ll see giant heather, Senecio trees, and alpine flora adapted to high altitudes.

  • Breathtaking Views:
    Throughout the hike, enjoy unobstructed vistas of Kilimanjaro’s iconic snow-capped summit, and on clear days, catch a glimpse of Kibo Peak and its glaciers. The Shira Plateau, formed by ancient volcanic lava flows, offers stunning panoramas, especially at sunrise and sunset.

After your hike, return to Simba Farm for a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, drive back to Arusha.

Overnight: Arusha

Activities:

  • Descend 600 meters into the crater for a game drive on the crater floor, a haven for wildlife.
  • Spot black rhinos, elephants, lions, and an array of other animals against the backdrop of the crater’s stunning walls.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch by a hippo pool as you soak in the unique atmosphere of this natural wonder.

Unique Features:

  • Spend the night at a lodge or camp near the crater rim, with panoramic views of the landscape.

Overnight Stay:

Return to your lodge or camp for a restful night under the star-studded African sky.

Depart from Arusha and drive to Tarangire National Park, enjoying an en route game drive. Known as a hidden gem, Tarangire boasts some of Africa’s highest elephant densities and is dotted with massive baobab trees, some over 500 years old. The park’s dramatic landscapes and seasonal swamps create a surreal setting. On the park’s outskirts, the Maasai and Barabaig people have lived for generations, adding to the area’s rich cultural heritage.

Overnight: Tarangire

Activities:

  • Descend 600 meters into the crater for a game drive on the crater floor, a haven for wildlife.
  • Spot black rhinos, elephants, lions, and an array of other animals against the backdrop of the crater’s stunning walls.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch by a hippo pool as you soak in the unique atmosphere of this natural wonder.

Unique Features:

  • Spend the night at a lodge or camp near the crater rim, with panoramic views of the landscape.

Overnight Stay:

Return to your lodge or camp for a restful night under the star-studded African sky.

Enjoy a full day of exploration in Tarangire. The park is teeming with wildlife and offers excellent chances of spotting elephants, lions, zebras, wildebeests, and more. The striking baobab-dotted scenery creates unforgettable photo opportunities.

Dinner and Overnight: Karatu

Activities:

  • Descend 600 meters into the crater for a game drive on the crater floor, a haven for wildlife.
  • Spot black rhinos, elephants, lions, and an array of other animals against the backdrop of the crater’s stunning walls.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch by a hippo pool as you soak in the unique atmosphere of this natural wonder.

Unique Features:

  • Spend the night at a lodge or camp near the crater rim, with panoramic views of the landscape.

Overnight Stay:

Return to your lodge or camp for a restful night under the star-studded African sky.

 

Descend into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. Spanning 260 km² with walls rising 610 meters high, the crater is the largest intact volcanic caldera on Earth. Formed over 2 million years ago, it is now home to over 25,000 large mammals, including the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and the critically endangered black rhino. Predator sightings are common, with lions, hyenas, and jackals frequently spotted.

Dinner and Overnight: Karatu

Activities:

  • Descend 600 meters into the crater for a game drive on the crater floor, a haven for wildlife.
  • Spot black rhinos, elephants, lions, and an array of other animals against the backdrop of the crater’s stunning walls.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch by a hippo pool as you soak in the unique atmosphere of this natural wonder.

Unique Features:

  • Spend the night at a lodge or camp near the crater rim, with panoramic views of the landscape.

Overnight Stay:

Return to your lodge or camp for a restful night under the star-studded African sky.

After breakfast, enjoy the scenic drive back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport, taking in the vibrant life along the way. Continue learning about Tanzania’s rich cultures and landscapes as you reflect on an unforgettable safari experience.

Activities:

  • Descend 600 meters into the crater for a game drive on the crater floor, a haven for wildlife.
  • Spot black rhinos, elephants, lions, and an array of other animals against the backdrop of the crater’s stunning walls.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch by a hippo pool as you soak in the unique atmosphere of this natural wonder.

Unique Features:

  • Spend the night at a lodge or camp near the crater rim, with panoramic views of the landscape.

Overnight Stay:

Return to your lodge or camp for a restful night under the star-studded African sky.

Inclusive

  • Accommodation (lodges or luxury camps) on a full-board basis.
  • Professional safari guide and private 4×4 safari vehicle.
  • All park entry fees and game drives.
  • Bottled water and refreshments during safaris.
  • Transfers to and from Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport.

Optional Add-Ons

  • Hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti.
  • Cultural tours to nearby Maasai villages.
  • Additional days for Zanzibar or Mount Kilimanjaro exploration.

Vibrant Culture

Tanzania is a melting pot of diverse cultures and traditions. From the Maasai warriors with their vibrant attire to the Swahili coastal heritage, every corner of Tanzania offers a glimpse into the lives of its warm and welcoming people.

 

Unforgettable Adventures

Game Drives

Explore vast savannahs teeming with the Big Five and other fascinating wildlife.

Walking Safaris:

Experience nature up close with guided treks through the wilderness.

Balloon Safaris:

Soar over the Serengeti at sunrise for a bird’s-eye view of the landscape.

Cultural Tours:

Immerse yourself in the stories, traditions, and daily life of Tanzania’s communities.