6-Day Marangu Route Climb and 4 Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our team will warmly welcome you and transfer you to Kibo View Farm Lodge in Moshi for your pre-climb overnight stay.

Located in a peaceful environment with beautiful views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the lodge offers the perfect place to relax and prepare for your adventure. In the evening, you will meet your mountain guide for a full trek briefing, equipment check, and final preparations for the climb.

This day is important for rest, hydration, and mental preparation before beginning your Kilimanjaro ascent.

Accommodation: Kibo View Farm Lodge

Meal Plan: Dinner Included

- Route: Marangu Gate → Mandara Hut - Distance: 8 km (5 miles) - Time: 4–5 hours - Elevation: 1,870 m → 2,700 m (6,135 ft → 8,860 ft) - Accommodation: Mandara Hut

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a scenic drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate, where you will register for the trek and meet your guides and porters. From here, you start your hike through lush rainforest filled with giant ferns, moss-covered trees, and vibrant flowers. Keep your eyes open for colobus monkeys, hornbills, and other unique wildlife along the trail. The trail is relatively gentle, allowing your body to start adjusting to the higher altitude. After 4–5 hours of trekking, you reach Mandara Hut, a cozy mountain hut set in a peaceful clearing. Enjoy a warm meal, relax, and take in the surrounding scenery. Your guide will brief you on the next stage, helping you prepare mentally and physically for the days ahead.

- Route: Mandara Hut → Horombo Hut - Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles) - Time: 6–7 hours - Elevation: 2,700 m → 3,720 m (8,860 ft → 12,205 ft) - Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Today, you leave the rainforest behind and climb into the heath and moorland zone. The scenery changes dramatically as the dense forest gives way to open landscapes dotted with giant lobelias and groundsel plants. The higher altitude may make the pace slower, but your guide will ensure you ascend comfortably with short breaks. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks, including glimpses of Mount Kilimanjaro’s upper slopes. The trail offers plenty of photo opportunities as you gradually climb to Horombo Hut, a well-equipped hut in a beautiful highland setting. Here, you can rest, enjoy a hot meal, and admire the breathtaking sunset over the mountains.

- Route: Horombo Hut → Kibo Hut - Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles) - Time: 5–6 hours - Elevation: 3,720 m → 4,700 m (12,205 ft → 15,420 ft) - Accommodation: Kibo Hut

On Day 3, you enter the alpine desert zone, a stark and beautiful landscape of volcanic rocks and sparse vegetation. The trail becomes more rugged, with rocky paths leading toward the Kibo Hut. Take your time, stay hydrated, and enjoy the unique scenery of this high-altitude environment. Your guide will provide tips for coping with thinner air and maintaining energy for the summit push. After 5–6 hours of trekking, you arrive at Kibo Hut, your base for the final ascent. Prepare your gear, get a good meal, and rest early, as your summit climb will begin around midnight.

- Route: Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak → Horombo Hut - Distance: 18 km (11 miles) - Time: 12–14 hours - Elevation: 4,700 m → 5,895 m → 3,720 m (15,420 ft → 19,341 ft → 12,205 ft) - Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Summit day! You start very early (around midnight) to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The climb begins in the dark through volcanic scree, but as the sun rises, you’ll witness a stunning sunrise over the alpine desert. The final stretch to the summit is challenging but immensely rewarding, reaching Uhuru Peak offers panoramic views over the surrounding plains and Mount Meru. After celebrating your success, descend carefully back to Horombo Hut. This long day is physically demanding but unforgettable, giving you a true sense of achievement and the beauty of Kilimanjaro’s unique environment.

- Route: Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate - Distance: 20 km (12.5 miles) - Time: 5–6 hours - Elevation: 3,720 m → 1,870 m (12,205 ft → 6,135 ft)

Your final day involves descending from Horombo Hut through moorland and rainforest back to Marangu Gate. The descent is easier on the legs, and you can enjoy the changing scenery one last time. At Marangu Gate, you will receive your official summit certificate before driving back to Moshi or onward to Kilimanjaro Airport. This marks the end of your incredible 5-day Marangu trek, a journey full of adventure, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable memories.

After breakfast, your safari adventure begins with a drive to Tarangire National Park.

Tarangire is famous for its giant baobab trees and large elephant herds. The Tarangire River attracts a wide variety of wildlife including giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, lions, and many bird species.

After a full day game drive and picnic lunch, you will continue to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay at Karatu.

- Distance: Approx. 120 km - Travel Time: 2–3 hours - Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge in Karatu - Meal Plan: Full Board

After an early breakfast, you will depart for the world-famous Serengeti National Park.

The drive takes you through the beautiful Ngorongoro Highlands before entering the endless plains of the Serengeti. Wildlife viewing begins immediately upon entering the park, as the Serengeti is home to one of the largest concentrations of animals in Africa.

The Serengeti is most famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration, where millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles move across the plains in search of fresh grazing. The park is also renowned for its large population of predators including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas.

During your game drive, you may witness dramatic wildlife interactions while enjoying the breathtaking landscapes that have made the Serengeti one of the most iconic safari destinations in the world.

After a packed lunch and extensive game viewing, you will continue to your tented camp for dinner and overnight stay inside the park.

- Main Destination: Serengeti National Park - Driving Distance: Approx. 250 km - Travel Time: 5–6 hours including game viewing en route - Accommodation: Serengeti Katikati Tented Camp in Serengeti - Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, you will continue with a morning game drive in the Serengeti, giving you another opportunity to explore this incredible ecosystem and search for wildlife you may not have seen the previous day.

The early morning hours are often one of the best times for wildlife activity, especially predators. Your guide will carefully track animal movements and position the vehicle for the best viewing and photography opportunities.

Later in the day, you will begin your journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area while enjoying an en-route game drive through the Serengeti plains.

As you leave the Serengeti behind, the scenery changes dramatically from open grasslands to lush green highlands. Upon arrival at your lodge, you can relax and enjoy the cooler temperatures and beautiful surroundings.

- Main Destination: Ngorongoro Conservation Area - Driving Distance: Approx. 180 km - Travel Time: 4–5 hours including game viewing - Accommodation: Lodge in Karatu / Ngorongoro Highlands - Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After an early breakfast, you will descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive.

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife destinations and is often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Formed millions of years ago after a giant volcano collapsed, the crater now shelters an extraordinary concentration of wildlife within its towering walls.

This is one of the best places in Tanzania to see the endangered black rhino as well as lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, hippos, hyenas, wildebeests, and many other species. The crater floor also contains lakes, swamps, forests, and open plains, creating a diverse and beautiful environment for wildlife.

After enjoying a picnic lunch inside the crater and completing your game drive, you will ascend from the crater and return to Arusha where your safari adventure comes to an end.

- Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater - Driving Distance: Approx. 190 km - Travel Time: 4–5 hours - Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch