This Serengeti-Ngorongoro and Kilimanjaro safari takes you to Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa, for about 5 days.
The remaining days are spent in Serengeti National Park, known for the wildebeest migration, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to the largest extinct volcanic crater in the world.
This safari is a great choice for any traveler. It offers unforgettable moments in the wild, such as seeing the wildebeest migration, watching wildlife, and enjoying the amazing views from Mount Kilimanjaro.
When you reach the summit, you will stand at the highest point in Africa.
Serengeti-Ngorongoro & Kilimanjaro Safari Highlights
- Day 1: Transfer from hotel to Marangu gate, hike to Mandara Hut
- Day 2: Hike from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
- Day 3: Hike from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
- Day 4: Hike from Kibo Hut to summit and back to Horombo Hut
- Day 5: Hike from Horombo Hut to Marangu gate, transfer to Moshi
- Day 6: Transfer to Serengeti National Park
- Day 7 & 8: Full day game drives in Serengeti National Park
- Day 9: Transfer to Ngorongoro and game drive
- Day 10: Return to Arusha, Tanzania
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from hotel to Marangu gate, hike to Mandara Hut
You will be picked up from your hotel in Moshi town and driven to Marangu gate, where the hike begins. At the gate, you will get a briefing and collect all the needed equipment.
You will also sign in and hire porters to help carry your luggage. The hike starts with a guide for safety. The trail through the rain-forest is muddy and slippery, so walking sticks and gaiters are recommended.
You will spend the night at Mandara Hut.
Day 2: Hike from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
After a good night’s rest and breakfast, you will hike for 6 to 8 hours through the moorland. You will see giant lobelias and groundsels along the way.
Stop for lunch during the hike and arrive at Horombo Hut in the evening. From here, you will have a great view of the Kibo summit.
Day 3: Hike from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
After breakfast, continue hiking to Kibo Hut. The hike takes 7 to 8 hours through a semi-desert area.
You will pass heathland that changes into a moonscape as you reach the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo.
Stop for lunch on the way. Kibo Hut is at 4695 meters above sea level, where you will spend the night.
Day 4: Hike from Kibo Hut to summit and back to Horombo Hut
Wake up around 2 a.m. and start the final climb to the summit before sunrise. Use a headlamp and bring enough water and snacks.
If you reach the summit early, you can enjoy the sunrise at 5895 meters above sea level. Take photos and celebrate your achievement at Uhuru Peak.
Then start the descent, which can be challenging on your legs. Spend the night at Horombo Hut.
Day 5: Hike from Horombo Hut to Marangu gate, transfer to Moshi
After breakfast, hike down to Marangu gate. Sign out and return any rented equipment.
Receive your trekking certificate and meet your driver who will take you back to Moshi town, where you can enjoy a massage if booked.
Day 6: Transfer to Serengeti National Park
Leave Moshi and travel to Serengeti National Park. The drive takes about 7 hours with stops at scenic points. Enjoy lunch on the way. Check in at your lodge and choose to do an evening game drive or relax.
Day 7 & 8: Full day game drives in Serengeti National Park
Spend two full days exploring the vast Serengeti plains. The park is home to many animals including wildebeests, buffaloes, giraffes, elands, impalas, and cheetahs.
Enjoy picnic lunches near the Grumeti River where many animals gather.
Visit different kopjes and watch various birds. If you visit from June to September, you can witness the annual wildebeest migration and see predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, foxes, and vultures hunting.
Day 9: Transfer to Ngorongoro and game drive
After breakfast, drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Spend the day game driving along the crater rim. See animals like black and white rhinos, elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, and giraffes.
You may also see birds such as kestrels, swallows, bee-eaters, wheatears, starlings, weavers, and vultures. Enjoy the spectacular view of the crater.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 10: Return to Arusha, Tanzania
Leave Ngorongoro after breakfast and enjoy a final game drive. Travel back to Arusha for some free time.
You will be dropped off at the airport after lunch or in the evening, depending on your flight schedule.
This marks the end of your Kilimanjaro hike and wildlife safari in Serengeti and Ngorongoro.