Kilimanjaro Machame Route and Wildlife Safari – 9 Day Adventure
Overview
This package offers a perfect blend of mountain trekking and classic wildlife safari. You will spend 6 days ascending Mount Kilimanjaro via the stunning and less-crowded Machame Route, reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. Following the trek, enjoy 3 days exploring Tanzania’s iconic wildlife parks, including Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Please note, while the adventure portion covers 9 days of trekking and safari, the entire journey spans 11 calendar days, including your arrival and departure days. Hotel accommodation and transfers on these days are included to ensure a smooth and relaxing start and end to your trip.
This Kilimanjaro Machame Route and Wildlife Safari 9-Day Adventure offers the perfect blend of high-altitude trekking and immersive safari experiences. Start with a six-day climb along the Machame Route—known for its scenic beauty and high success rate—before transitioning into a classic three-day wildlife safari through Tanzania’s iconic parks, including Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. Ideal for adventurers who seek both challenge and comfort, this trip combines the best of Tanzania’s mountains and wildlife.
Tour Highlights
- Scenic 6-day Machame Route trek up Mount Kilimanjaro
- Diverse landscapes: rainforest, moorlands, alpine desert, and glaciers
- Experienced guides and high summit success rate
- 3-day classic Northern Circuit safari
- Game drives in Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire
- Comfortable lodges and tented camps
- Inclusive arrival and departure airport transfers and accommodations
Included/Exclude
- Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
- 2 nights hotel accommodation (arrival & departure days)
- Full 6-day guided Machame Route trek (with park fees, tents, meals, crew)
- All meals during trek and safari
- 3-day guided safari with accommodation in lodges/tented camps
- Transport in 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional mountain and safari guides
- Bottled water during safari
- International airfare
- Tanzania entry visa
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides, porters, and safari drivers
- Personal gear for trekking
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Tour Plan
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our team will meet and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and preparing for your trek. Pre-climb briefing will be provided in the evening by your guide.
After breakfast, drive to Machame Gate (1,800m) where park formalities will be completed. Begin trekking through the lush rainforest, ascending to Machame Camp (2,835m) by late afternoon.
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Distance: ~11 km
Habitat: Rainforest
Today’s trek climbs steadily to the moorland zone, crossing ridgelines and providing excellent views. You’ll reach Shira Camp (3,750m) in the afternoon.
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Distance: ~5 km
Habitat: Moorland
Ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m) for acclimatization before descending to the scenic Barranco Camp (3,960m). This “climb high, sleep low” strategy aids acclimatization.
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Distance: ~10 km
Habitat: Alpine desert
Today involves the thrilling scramble up the Barranco Wall, followed by an easier trail to Karanga Camp (3,995m). You’ll enjoy panoramic views along the way.
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: ~5 km
Habitat: Alpine desert
This shorter hike takes you to Barafu Camp (4,673m), the base camp for your summit attempt. Rest and prepare for the midnight summit push.
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: ~4 km
Habitat: Alpine desert
Start your trek at midnight to reach Stella Point (5,756m) and then Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—Africa’s highest point—by sunrise. Descend to Mweka Camp (3,110m) for overnight rest.
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Distance: ~17 km
Habitat: Glaciers, snow, moorland
Complete your trek with a descent to Mweka Gate (1,640m), where you’ll receive summit certificates. From here, you’ll be transferred to Arusha for your safari briefing and overnight stay.
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: ~10 km
Habitat: Rainforest
Drive from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, home to large herds of elephants and iconic baobab trees. Enjoy a full-day game drive and overnight at a safari lodge.
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a thrilling game drive in one of Africa’s most famous wildlife sanctuaries. Expect to see lions, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, and hippos. Overnight near Karatu.
Conclude your adventure with a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, known for tree-climbing lions and flamingos. After lunch, transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for departure.