12-Day Big 5 Safari and Mount Kilimanjaro Hiking Expedition

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport and transfer to Moshi, where your guide will welcome you and transfer you to your lodge in Arusha. After a relaxing dinner, you’ll have a peaceful night to rest and prepare for your upcoming adventure.

Accommodation: Mtoni River Lodge, Arusha (Mid-range lodge)

Day 2-3: Marangu Route Hike, Mount Kilimanjaro
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a 2-day trek. Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, offers breathtaking scenery. The Marangu Route is one of the most accessible paths, providing you with lush rainforests, incredible views, and wildlife sightings like monkeys along the way.

Day 1 of the hike: You will Start your trek towards Mandara Hut (4-6 hours), walking through tropical forests where you may spot black-and-white colobus monkeys.
Day 2 of the hike: Continue towards Horombo Hut, enjoying stunning panoramic views of the mountain and surrounding landscapes.
This route is ideal for those looking to experience the beauty of Kilimanjaro without the strenuous climb to the summit, all while being surrounded by nature’s wonders.

Day 4-5: Tarangire National Park
After your Kilimanjaro trek, your journey continues with a drive to Tarangire National Park, a hidden gem in Tanzania. Spend the next 2 days exploring the park’s incredible natural beauty, particularly around the Tarangire River, the park’s lifeline. This area is famous for its large elephant herds and the predators that come to the river in search of prey. The Tarangire River also attracts a wide variety of other animals, including giraffes, lions, and leopards, making it a top wildlife destination.

The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with more breeding bird species than anywhere else in the world. During your game drives, you’ll be captivated by the stunning landscapes and the chance to observe elephants interacting in their herds, providing unforgettable wildlife moments.

Accommodation: Various lodges near Tarangire
Day 6: Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast this morning, your driver guide will pick you up to start your day with a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. The park is known for its tree-climbing lions and abundant birdlife. With its variety of landscapes, from lush forests to the lake’s edge, it’s a great place to see a wide range of wildlife. The lake is home to thousands of flamingos and waterbirds, especially during the rainy season, making it a beautiful sight to see.
During your game drive, you’ll have the chance to see flamingos, giraffes, zebras, and perhaps even lions resting in the trees. The mix of different habitats and the opportunity to see iconic animals in such unique places makes Lake Manyara a truly special experience.
Accommodation: Comfort lodges in Karatu

Day 7: Lake Manyara Forest Hike
Today, you’ll enjoy a guided forest hike in Lake Manyara National Park. As you walk through the park’s beautiful forests, your ranger guide will share interesting details about the local wildlife and plants. After the hike, you’ll have a picnic lunch in the park, then head back to your lodge to relax for the night. This activity lets you experience the park’s beauty up close and gives you a different view compared to the game drives. Later in the afternoon, you’ll continue with a game drive as you make your way to Central Serengeti.
Day 8-9: Serengeti National Park
After your exciting visit to Lake Manyara, you’ll enjoy a 2 Day full game drives in the Serengeti. The Serengeti is famous for its huge golden plains and the amazing Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles travel across the land in search of fresh grass, creating one of the most incredible wildlife events on earth.

During your game drives, you’ll have the chance to see predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards, as well as large herds of wildebeest and zebras. Depending on the time of year, you might even witness the dramatic Mara River crossings, where wildebeest battle strong river currents and crocodiles as they try to survive
Accommodation: Embalakai Serengeti Camp

Day 10: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater is a natural wonder and one of the world’s best wildlife viewing destinations. It is home to an incredible concentration of animals, including the endangered black rhino. The crater’s high walls enclose a rich ecosystem with watering holes and lush grasslands, making it a haven for wildlife.

You’ll explore the crater floor on a thrilling game drive, where you’ll encounter wildebeest, zebras, elephants, and more. In the evening, check into your lodge on the crater rim, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the crater.

Accommodation: Rhino Lodge (Lodge on the crater rim)

Day 11: Ngorongoro Crater Exploration
Today, descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of game viewing. With its high concentration of animals, the crater offers the chance to see lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, and other wildlife in one of the most dramatic settings in Africa.

You’ll also visit the Gora Conservancy, a culturally rich area where you’ll interact with Maasai communities and learn about their traditions. This cultural experience adds another layer to your adventure, making it a perfect blend of wildlife and culture.

Accommodation: Comfort lodges in Karatu

Day 12: Karatu to Arusha
After breakfast, drive back to Arusha. You’ll have time to relax or shop for souvenirs before your flight home, marking the end of your 12-day Kilimanjaro trek and safari adventure. From hiking the world’s highest peak to experiencing Africa’s finest wildlife, this journey will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Transfer to and from Kilimanjaro Airport
Marangu Route trek with full board accommodation
2 nights hotel accommodations in Arusha
All park entrance fees and government taxes
Professional English-speaking Mountain guide, porters, and cook
Treated water during the trek
Return airport transfers

Tips, laundry, sleeping bags, drinks, and climbing gear
Medical evacuation (USD 30 per person)
International flights and taxes
Visas
Items of personal nature and any extras not listed above
$4,285 to $4,763 pp (USD)