Name: 13 Day Kilimanjaro, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire Safari with Hiking in Tanzania
Brand: Gracepatt Ecotours Kenya
Price: 7645 USD
Availability: InStock

Safari and Hiking Tour in Tanzania

Have an unforgettable experience with the thrill of climbing the Machame route, the most popular way up the Kilimanjaro mountain. Followed by visiting Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara National Parks.

Key information

Private or group safari
Tour starts and ends in Arusha
Service of a professional, English-speaking driver / guide
All park entrance fees to include government taxes included

Highlights

Spot different wildlife during morning and afternoon game drives
Climb the Machame Route, also known as the "whiskey" route, with one of the highest success rates
View Mt. Kilimanjaro and see Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, as well as lake Manyara
Ground transport whilst on safari in a comfortable 4×4 safari land cruiser
All park entrance fees to include government taxes included
12 nights accommodation
Meal plan included as described

Styles

Wildlife Safaris

13 activity days

Airport transfer available:
Kilimanjaro International Airport (US$ 30 per person)

Accommodation

Machame Camp or similar (1 night)

Also known as Machame Hut Campsite, Machame Camp's elevation is 2,835 meters. It is the first accommodation point that you will come across after leaving the Machame Gate. This campsite is an overnight camping point situated along Mount Kilimanjaro’s Machame route.

It is only used by climbers when they go up the mountain since the Machame route is exclusively used for ascent to climb up the mountain. Descent uses the Mweka hut through the Mweka Route, proceeding towards the exit at Mweka Gate.

Originally, a long time ago, a metallic hut existed there and it has belonged to the rangers since the early days. Therefore, this hut gave that campsite the hut name.

Ironically, Machame Camp is an area reserved only for tents and there is no sight of a single cabin or any other structures for that matter. Climbers with the intent to use this campsite for overnight accommodation are required to bring their own tents.

There is a mix of two types of toilets found on Mount Kilimanjaro. One of them is the dry toilets in the form of pit latrines, while the other type is the recently built water closet (WC toilet) using water from streams nearby. Apart from the toilets, the other structure is the ranger’s house, which is made out of wood and is located at the center of the campsite.

Located beneath the southwestern side on the foot slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Machame Hut Campsite is encompassed by the montane forest vegetation of the mountain. It lies along the popular and one of the oldest routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, the Machame Route.

This is one of the routes that lead to the summit of the Mountain, Uhuru Peak. Due to its location on the low elevation of the mountain and the ever-wet rainforest zone, this area receives plenty of rainfall and has a lot of windbreakers. Hence, it is less windy.

Unfortunately, while on Machame Camp, it is not possible to spot big game wildlife as they can only be found in much lower altitudes.

Shira Camp or similar (1 night)

Shira Camp Kilimanjaro is the second camp on the Machame Route. There are two camps on the Shira Plateau: Shira Camp 1 on the western side and Shira Camp 2 on the eastern side. People using the Shira and Lemosho Routes usually stay at Shira Camp 1. However, trekkers on these routes sometimes stay at Shira Camp 2 as well.

Shira Camp 2 (3,847m) sits on the eastern edge of the Shira Plateau. It is the first camp at which altitude sickness might be felt. It also provides stunning views across the Kilimanjaro Valley below.

Barranco Camp or similar (1 night)

Situated at the base of Kilimanjaro’s Barranco Wall and south of the Kibo volcanic cone, this is an accommodation campsite used by climbers scaling Mount Kilimanjaro to rest and spend the night via the following routes: Machame, Umbwe, Shira, and Lemosho, with an attempt to reach to the summit.

Descent doesn’t go through Barranco campsite as it takes an entirely different way. All climbers using Barranco Camp as accommodation have to bring along their own tents as there is no presence of any cabin accommodation or huts. Porters usually carry these tents.

The only structures present at the Barranco campsite are the rangers hut, perched at the northern side of the campsite next to the Barranco Wall and water closet (WC) toilets with water, which is located inside a building erected right in the middle of the Barranco Camp.

This campsite is located right on the edge of the moorland vegetation zone of Mount Kilimanjaro near the beginning of the alpine desert, just a short distance away from the valley.

Since Barranco Camp misses the alpine desert by a whisker, the campsite receives enough rainfall and humidity to sustain plants and animal life, meaning, you would be lucky enough to spot a few here and there.

The campsite is shielded from high winds due to its location in the Karanga Valley, with the Barranco Wall lying on the Eastern side, a hill to the west, the valley to the south, and Kibo to the north.

Barafu Camp or similar (1 night)

Located at an elevation of 4,673m (15,330ft) on Mount Kilimanjaro, Barafu Hut Campsite, also known as Barafu Camp, is a climber’s delight and an ideal location for summiting the highest mountain in Africa.

Strategically situated on top of a ridge at the southeastern base of the mountain’s Kibo volcanic cone, Barafu hut offers hikers an ideal resting point before their final push to the summit.

The camp is an overnight resting point that lacks basic structures, save for a ranger’s hut and a few dry toilets in the form of pit latrines. As the campsite is often packed with high traffic, it is hard to find a good spot for pitching tents due to the presence of huge rocks and numerous toilets.

Due to the high elevation, with temperatures ranging from four degrees Celsius to -20 degrees Celsius near the summit, hikers will need to carry thick sleeping bags with a minimum rating of -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit). It is also best to opt for down sleeping bags for the ascent as the area experiences freezing temperatures and low humidity.

Since the area has sparse vegetation and lack of water, the campsite has no flora or fauna. In order to survive, hikers will need to carry their own supplies and enough water for cooking or drinking. Fortunately, porters often carry additional water to service the camp.

Though the ground is rocky and full of volcanic soils and scree, the scenery is breathtaking, and mountaineers will find it worth the effort. In addition to enjoying the stellar view, you will be in for an extraordinary experience as it takes six to seven hours to reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (19,341ft or 5,895m), from Barafu.

Barafu Hut Camp is the last campsite before summiting the highest mountain in Africa. Those on the path to the top of the peak will find this resting point ideal for an overnight stay as the cold and the altitude will render them completely exhausted for the final push to the summit.

As soon as you leave Barafu Camp, the hike is completed in a few hours and you can reach the summit by early morning, just in time for an amazing sunrise. Set your eyes on what is set to be one of the greatest adventures of your life.

Mweka Camp or similar (2 nights)

Mweka Camp is strategically located on Mount Kilimanjaro's Mweka Route, serving as a primary descent campsite for climbers who have reached the summit via various routes. Situated at an altitude of approximately 3,100m (10,170ft), it provides a much-needed resting point after the exhausting summit attempt.

The camp is nestled in the upper forest zone, offering a cooler and more humid environment compared to the higher altitudes, with the potential for rain. This setting allows climbers to enjoy the rich biodiversity of Kilimanjaro's montane forest, including dense vegetation and the chance to hear and see various bird species.

Mweka Camp features basic amenities for climbers to rest and recover, preparing for the final descent to the park gate on the next day. The camp's location also offers picturesque views of the mountain above and the opportunity for reflection on the accomplishment of reaching Uhuru Peak.

Moshi hotel (1 night)

You will stay overnight at a hotel in Moshi for bed and breakfast.

Burudika Lodge or similar (1 night)

The lodge consists of nineteen bandas ('banda' is the Swahili word for a single standing house, chalet, or bungalow), each one with a private veranda. Among them, six are doubles, two are twins, and eleven can accommodate families.

From your private veranda, you'll be overlooking Lake Manyara and the Great East Rift Valley escarpment. It offers sightings of plains wildlife such as wildebeest, gazelles, zebras, and an abundance of bird species.

The restaurant is nested under a majestic Baobab tree and offers a tempting range of international and local inspiring meals made of the finest ingredients.

The use of canvas windows with secure mosquito netting not only allows for constant airflow, but also intensifies the safari experience. Each banda consists of a spacious bedroom with Tanzanian styled wooden beds interwoven with sisal ropes, mosquito nets, and a working desk.

The ensuite bathrooms entail a hand basin, separate shower, and separate toilet. Towels, slippers, toiletries, and morning cloth will be provided.

Accommodation level: Mid-range

Osinon Tented Camps or similar (2 nights)

Just a few miles drive from Seronera airstrip in the heart of Serengeti National Park, there lies a true wilderness retreat in the name of Osinon Camp. Set under the stunning umbrella of the acacia trees, Osinon is the perfect camp for exploring the centre of Serengeti.

Positioned in central Serengeti, which was voted the best safari park in Africa, the luxury camp gives you a unique chance to view a stunning array of wildlife, passing from southern Serengeti to the northern corridor.

With the Big Five and the world’s largest wildebeest’s migration in the Serengeti, the evening sundowner at the amazing fireplace and bush dinner, Osinon puts you in the center of it all. The comforts embrace 14 luxury ensuite canvas tents, including a family tent with a perfect private lounge - all giving you a spectacular view of the endless plains of Serengeti.

Accommodation level: Luxury

Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge or similar (1 night)

Ideally located on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater rim, Rhino Lodge offers a perfect base from which to explore the Ngorongoro Crater and its surroundings. With 24 comfortable ensuite rooms, a cozy living space, friendly local staff, and generous African-inspired meals, Rhino Lodge welcomes guests to Africa's most remarkable game park.

There are 24 guest rooms, all with a veranda overlooking a stretch of high mountain forest. Each room has its own shower, toilet, and hand basin.

To keep the cold away, each room has a wood-burning stove, and hot water bottles can be filled if you want one. In the bar / dining room, there are two large fires, which are a natural focus and by where guests like to meet and exchange stories of the day.

Accommodation level: Budget

Sangaiwe Tented Camp or similar (1 night)

Located near the new Sangaiwe Gate to Tarangire National Park with stunning views over Lake Burunge, Sangaiwe Tented Lodge offers travelers to Tanzania luxury tented accommodation, great service, and fresh food. Enhance your safari experience by staying at this lodge while joining on your visit to Tarangire on the northern circuit in Tanzania.

Sangaiwe Tented Lodge offers a peaceful setting wherein you can relax after your busy safari days. Sit on the deck of your tent and enjoy the uninterrupted views over Lake Burunge and to the Great Rift Valley escarpment beyond.

Program

Day 1 - Machame Gate (1490m) to Machame Camp (2980m)

You will be picked up from Arusha hotel at 08:00 and driven to the Machame Village. In the village, you can buy mineral water and you will receive a packed lunch. You'll also have dinner and stay overnight at the camp.

Day 2 - Machame Camp (2980m) to Shira Camp (3840m)

You will rise early at Machame camp and after breakfast, you will climb an hour or so to the top of the forest, and then for two hours at a gentler gradient through the moorland zone. After a short lunch and rest, you will continue up a rocky ridge onto the Shira plateau.

Day 3 - Shira (3840m) to Lava Tower (4630m) to Barranco Camp (at 3950m)

The route will turn east into a semi-desert and rocky landscape surrounding Lava Tower, where you reach an altitude of 4630m after about a five hours' walk.

Day 4 - Barranco Camp (3950m) to Barafu Camp (4550m)

After spending a night at the Great Barranco Wall (a very imposing sight at first), you will make your way up this awesome-looking obstacle.

Day 5 (summit attempt) - Barafu camp (4550m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Mweka (3100m)

You will rise at around 23:30, and after some tea and biscuits, you will shuffle off into the night. You will head in a north-westerly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim.

Day 6 - Mweka Camp (3100m) to Mweka Gate (1980m) to Moshi

Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. It is there on the mountain that you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters.

Day 7 - Mweka Hut to Mweka Gate and then back to Moshi

After breakfast, descend steeply through the forest on a narrow path. After three to four hours of walking, you will reach Mweka National Park Gate at 1400m. Then, you will stay overnight at a hotel in Moshi for bed and breakfast.

Day 8 - Transfer to Lake Manyara National Park

Depart from your hotel at 08:00 and drive to Lake Manyara National Park to arrive in good time for lunch at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge. Proceed for afternoon game drives, then have dinner and overnight stay at Burudika Lodge.

Day 9 - Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park

You'll go on game drives in the morning then return to the lodge for breakfast. Depart the lodge and proceed to Serengeti, passing through Olduvai Gorge, then stay overnight at Osinon Tented Camps or similar.

Day 10 - Serengeti National Park

Spend the whole day with morning and afternoon game drives to explore the plains, then have dinner and overnight stay at Osinon Tented Camps or similar.

Day 11 - Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Take breakfast at leisure then view game as you drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area for an overnight stay at Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge or similar.

Day 12 - Ngorongoro Crater to Tarangire National Park

Leave after early morning breakfast with picnic lunch for a full day crater tour. Then, have dinner and stay overnight at Sangaiwe Tented Camp.

Day 13 - Tarangire National Park to Arusha

Take early breakfast then proceed for morning game drives at Tarangire National Park. Afterwards, you'll return to the camp for lunch, then drive to Arusha to arrive by 16:00, where the safari ends.

What's included

All game drives as detailed in the itinerary
Ground transport whilst on safari in a comfortable 4×4 safari land cruiser
Service of an English-speaking professional driver / guide
Full board accommodation whilst on safari and meal plan as described (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, and D - Dinner)
Complementary bottled water whilst on safari
12 nights accommodation
All park entrance fees to include government taxes

How to get there

Recommended Airports

JRO

Kilimanjaro International Airport

42 km

Transfer available for additional US$ 30 per person

Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport Airport transfer available: Kilimanjaro International Airport (US$ 30 per person) Additional charges may apply. You can request this in the next step.

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