12-Day Tanzania Safari & Mount Kilimanjaro Climb

 

12-Day Tanzania Safari & Mount Kilimanjaro Climb – Machame Route & Northern Circuit

 

The 12-day Tanzania safari and Mount Kilimanjaro climb combines a 7-day ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route with a 4-day northern circuit wildlife safari. This itinerary is designed for travelers seeking both high-altitude trekking and immersive wildlife experiences within one comprehensive journey.


After summiting Uhuru Peak, the adventure continues with guided game drives in Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater — three of Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations.

 

Why Choose This 12-Day Kilimanjaro & Safari Package?


Structured Acclimatization on Machame Route

The Machame Route offers a gradual ascent profile and diverse landscapes, supporting acclimatization before reaching Uhuru Peak.


Northern Circuit Wildlife Highlights

Experience high wildlife density in Ngorongoro Crater, predator-rich Serengeti plains, and elephant herds in Tarangire National Park.


Balanced Adventure & Recovery

The safari portion allows recovery after the climb while continuing the adventure through Tanzania’s most scenic ecosystems.


Professionally Guided & Ethically Operated

Incredible Africa Adventures provides certified mountain guides, experienced safari driver-guides, organized logistics, and responsible tourism practices.

 

Plan Your 12-Day Kilimanjaro & Tanzania Safari

Incredible Africa Adventures offers professionally guided Mount Kilimanjaro climbs and northern circuit safaris designed for seamless logistics and responsible operations. This 12-day itinerary can be customized to include alternative Kilimanjaro routes such as Lemosho or extended safari days. Contact us to begin planning your combined Kilimanjaro and Tanzania safari experience.


Itinerary


ARRIVAL DAY: WELCOME TO TANZANIA

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our team will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. You will meet your experienced mountain guide for a full briefing on your upcoming Kilimanjaro trek and an equipment check to ensure you’re well-prepared. Any missing gear can be rented on this day, so you’re all set for the adventure of a lifetime.

 

DAY 1: MACHAME GATE – MACHAME CAMP| RAIN FOREST

Trekking Time: 4-6 hours | Distance: 9km | Altitude Gain: 1210m

A one-hour drive from Moshi lays the gate to the Machame route, where we complete park formalities, meet our crew of porters and start to climb! The first section of the route climbs steadily and involves real jungle-bashing through magnificent forest. This path is less well-trodden & often wet & muddy underfoot. We camp at Machame camp (3100m)

 

DAY 2: MACHAME CAMP – SHIRA CAMP| MOORLAND

Trekking Time: 4-6 hours | Distance: 9km | Altitude Gain: 740m 

The route continues on up through the forest until we are at the steep ascent on the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you will be able to see Mt. Meru rising high above Arusha town. We camp at Shira caves (3840m). 


DAY 3: SHIRA CAMP – LAVA TOWER – BARRANCO CAMP| SEMI DESERT

Trekking Time: 6-7 hours | Distance: 15km | Altitude Gain: 60m 

Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and finally reach camp at Barranco camp (3900m). The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600m), but we have followed the mountaineering code of walk high, sleep low to avoid altitude sickness by aiding our bodies in acclimatization.


DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP| ALPINE DESERT

Trekking Time: 5-7 hours | Distance: 5km | Altitude Gain: 100m

We start the day by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up what has been termed the Breakfast Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It is a climb over rocks, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga Valley (4000m) for overnight. 
 

DAY 5: HIKE KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP| ALPINE DESERT

Trekking Time: 2-4 hours | Distance: 4km | Altitude Gain: 600m 

The day is characterized by a short hike on terrain formed by scree. We walk through arid and desolate land towards Barafu camp (4600m).
 

DAY 6: BARAFU CAMP – SUMMIT| GLACIERS

Trekking Time: 6-8 hours | Distance: 7km| Altitude Gain: 1296m

We avoid walking too long in the heat of the sun today by starting around midnight, walking steeply upwards to the Summit glaciers. You will be climbing scree for 5 to 6 hours but you gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5750m) as the first rays of the sun emerge. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hours walk takes us to our goal, the summit of Uhuru (5896m), the highest point; Uhuru means freedom in Swahili. 

 

We begin the descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope back to Barafu camp for breakfast and a rest before finally heading down to Millenium Camp (3000m) for a well-earned rest. On our descent we have fabulous views of the plains and Mawenzi peak. 

Trekking Time: 6-8 hours | Distance: 12km | Altitude Loss: 2896m

 

DAY 7: MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – MOSHI| RAIN FOREST

Trekking Time: 4-5 hours | Distance: 10km | Altitude Loss: 1360m

A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate (1640m), where we complete park formalities, are met by our vehicles, receive your certificate of ascent courtesy of the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority and drive back to your hotel to Moshi.

 

DAY 8:  RELAX DAY

After a successfully Kilimanjaro summit, you will spend this day at your hotel to relax and stroll around or you can walk around in this small town of Moshi with view of the mountain Kilimanjaro is as good as it reveals. We will gather in the late afternoon for a safari briefing.

 

DAY 9: MOSHI – TARANGIRE

In the early morning you will meet your guide and pile into your very own 4×4 safari vehicle for the start of your adventure in Tarangire National Park. You will arrive mid-morning in Tarangire, known for its bulbous baobab trees and savannah woodland habitat heavily populated with herds of elephants and a variety of migratory zebra, wildebeest, gazelle, impala, buffalo and more. The park’s annual perennial river serves as a water source for these migrating herds during the dry season, making the game viewing spectacular. As the sun starts to dip in the sky, you will exit the park for the short drive to the hotel/campsite for overnight.

 

DAY 10: TARANGIRE – SERENGETI

After breakfast we head towards the Serengeti National Park, via the beautiful high lying farmland of Karatu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Leaving the highlands behind, we descend into the heart of wild Africa – the Serengeti National Park – with its endless plains, rolling into the distance as far as the eye can see. We head to the central park area, known as the Seronera area, one of the richest wildlife habitats in the park, featuring the Seronera River, which provides a valuable water source to this area and therefore attracts wildlife well representative of most of the Serengeti’s species. We arrive in time for lunch and enjoy an afternoon game drive in the Serengeti and early evening you drive to your lodge/campsite for overnight.

 

DAY 11: FULL DAY IN SERENGETI PARK

On this day you will spend your time at the Serengeti plains doing game drives. Here you have the choice to do the early morning game drives if you so wish. This will give you the chance to see nocturnal species retire from a night out as well as the diurnal majority waking up for a new day. In the evening you will drive to your lodge/campsite for overnights.

 

DAY 12: NGORONGORO CRATER – ARUSHA/MOSHI

In the morning after breakfast you will drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and after registration you will descend to the Crater Floor. You will drive down the Ngorongoro Crater walls to the Crater floor where we will spend the better part of the day doing game drives in this 8th wonder of the world also referred to as the Eden of Africa. Here we will get the chance to spot the animals that we might have missed at Serengeti with a little luck you can spot the Big 5 that is; Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Buffaloes, and Rhinos, in a single day’s game drive then in the late afternoon you will drive back to Arusha/Moshi and be taken to your hotel, which ends our Kilimanjaro Climb and Wildlife safari tour.

 

DEPARTURE DAY

Spend the day at leisure in Moshi, recovering from your trek. The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight back home. Depending on flight schedule, you may explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.

 

Zanzibar trip and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.


Group price


CAMPING TOUR

$4950 per person when 1 person travels alone

$3750 per person when 2 – 4 persons travel together

$3350 per person when 5 – 6 persons travel together

 

LODGE TOUR

$5500 per person when 1 person travels alone

$4400 per person when 2 – 4 persons travel together

$3800 per person when 5 – 6 persons travel together

 

For a more accurate estimate, it's best to contact us directly and discuss your specific requirements and budget. We can provide you with a detailed quote based on your itinerary, group size, and preferred level of comfort.


What is included


Included in Mountain Trek

Airport Transfers: Hassle-free transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport and your accommodation in Moshi for a seamless start and finish.

 

Comfortable Accommodation: Two nights in Moshi—one night before your climb and one night after—designed for rest and relaxation.

 

Transportation: Reliable transport to and from the Kilimanjaro National Park gate, ensuring timely access to the trail.

 

All Necessary Fees: Coverage of Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees, camping fees, and rescue fees for your peace of mind.

 

High-Quality Gear:

   >Four-Season Mountain Tents: Durable and weatherproof tents to keep you safe and comfortable in all conditions.

   >Double-Layered Sleeping Mats: Extra comfort and insulation for restful nights on the mountain.


Professional Support Team: Knowledgeable and experienced mountain guides, a skilled cook, and hardworking porters to support your journey.

 

Daily Hot Meals: Nutritious, freshly prepared hot meals served three times daily to keep you energized.(We are happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions or requests.)

 

Clean Drinking Water: Unlimited supply of treated and filtered water to keep you hydrated throughout your climb.

 

Hot Water for Washing: Daily provision of hot water for washing, ensuring you stay refreshed during your adventure.

 

Ethical Treatment of Crew: We prioritize the fair treatment and proper payment of our guides, cooks, and porters, ensuring a motivated and supportive team.

 

Enhanced Safety Measures:

    >Portable oxygen tanks and an oximeter to monitor your health and oxygen levels during the climb.

   >A fully equipped emergency first-aid kit for any unexpected situations.


Private Toilet Facilities: Enjoy a portable flush toilet with its own privacy tent for added convenience on the mountain.

 

Included in Safari

Transport in Custom Safari Vehicles: Enjoy your journey in comfortable 4x4 Toyota Land Cruisers, equipped with pop-up roofs for panoramic game viewing and unbeatable photo opportunities.

 

Park Entry Fees: All national park entry fees are included, giving you seamless access to Tanzania’s top wildlife destinations.

 

Full-Board Accommodation: Stay in quality accommodations that offer full-board service, providing you with all meals and a comfortable place to rest after each thrilling day on safari.

 

Ngorongoro Crater Service Fee: Experience the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, with all service fees included to make your visit smooth and enjoyable.

 

Dedicated Private Safari Guide: Travel with a knowledgeable, English-speaking private guide who will share insights on Tanzania’s incredible wildlife and ecosystems.

 

All Meals While on Safari: Enjoy delicious, freshly prepared meals each day of your safari, so you can focus on the adventure.

 

Bottled Mineral Water: Stay hydrated throughout your journey with plenty of bottled mineral water provided.

 

International Airport Transfers: Relax with convenient transfers to and from the international airport, ensuring a stress-free start and end to your safari.


What is not included


Meals and Drinks at Hotel: Lunches, dinners, and beverages at your hotel before and after the trip are not covered.

 

Travel Insurance: We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking.

 

Flights: International and domestic flights to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport are not included.

 

Laundry Services: Laundry facilities are available at your hotel but are not included in the package.

 

Personal Items and Toiletries: Make sure to bring your own personal essentials, including toiletries and other comfort items.

 

Tips for Guides, Porters, and Cook: While tipping is not mandatory, it’s a valued tradition to show appreciation for your team’s hard work and dedication, and so highly recommended. 


Request a Quote for this tour – Our Tour Expert Will Be in Touch Shortly!












Tell us your Travel Idea, We plan then you confirm

Customize your trip with a Sustainable travel company.