15-day Kilimanjaro and Serengeti safari: Ultimate Tanzania Adventure

 

Embark on the ultimate Tanzanian adventure with this 15-day Kilimanjaro and Serengeti safari, blending the thrill of summiting Africa’s highest peak with the awe-inspiring wildlife encounters of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. This meticulously crafted itinerary ensures optimal acclimatization, immersive cultural experiences, and unforgettable game drives. Below is a detailed, day-by-day breakdown of what to expect on this life-changing journey.

Tour Highlights: 15-day Kilimanjaro and Serengeti safari

✔ Summit Kilimanjaro (5,895m) via the Lemosho Route – the most scenic and less crowded path
✔ Big Five Safari in the Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater – spot lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and rhinos
✔ Maasai Village Visit – immerse yourself in Tanzania’s rich tribal culture
✔ Game Drives in Serengeti National Park – witness the Great Migration (seasonal)
✔ Ngorongoro Crater Exploration – the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera teeming with wildlife
✔ Cultural Walk in Mto wa Mbu – enjoy a traditional lunch with a local family

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Detailed Itinerary: 15-day Kilimanjaro and Serengeti safari

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi – Gateway to Kilimanjaro

Your adventure begins in Moshi, a vibrant town nestled at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you’ll be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax, explore Moshi’s lively markets, or prepare for the climb ahead. In the evening, you’ll attend a detailed briefing with your trekking team, covering the Lemosho Route, gear check, and safety protocols.

Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Moshi
Meals: Dinner (depending on arrival time)

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Day 2: Lemosho Route – Trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m)

After an early breakfast, you’ll drive to the Lemosho Gate (2,100m), where the official Kilimanjaro trek begins. The first day’s hike takes you through dense rainforest, home to colobus monkeys, exotic birds, and lush vegetation. The trail is gentle, allowing for a steady ascent to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp, where you’ll spend your first night on the mountain.

Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 7km
Altitude Gain: +550m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,500m) – Entering the Moorland Zone

Today’s trek takes you out of the rainforest and into the heath and moorland zone. The trail steepens as you ascend the Shira Ridge, offering your first breathtaking views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding valleys. You’ll reach Shira 1 Camp by mid-afternoon, where you’ll rest and acclimatize while enjoying panoramic sunset views.

Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 8km
Altitude Gain: +850m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,900m) – Crossing the Shira Plateau

A gradual trek across the vast Shira Plateau, one of the most scenic sections of the Lemosho Route. The terrain shifts to alpine desert, with volcanic rock formations and sweeping vistas. You’ll stop for short acclimatization hikes before reaching Shira 2 Camp, positioned near the ancient Shira Cave.

Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 7km
Altitude Gain: +400m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,960m) – Conquering the Lava Tower

Today is a key acclimatization day. You’ll ascend to Lava Tower (4,600m), a dramatic volcanic formation, before descending into the Barranco Valley. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps your body adjust to altitude. The descent leads you to Barranco Camp, nestled beneath the imposing Barranco Wall, which you’ll tackle the next morning. 15-day Kilimanjaro and Serengeti safari

Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
Distance: 10km
Altitude Gain: +700m / -640m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 6: Karanga Camp (4,035m) – Scaling the Barranco Wall

After breakfast, you’ll face the Great Barranco Wall, a thrilling scramble (not technical climbing) with rewarding views. The trail then winds through rocky valleys before reaching Karanga Camp, your last stop before the summit push. This short trek allows for additional acclimatization while conserving energy for the big climb ahead.

Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5km
Altitude Gain: +250m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,673m) – Preparing for Summit Night

A steady climb across alpine desert brings you to Barafu Camp, the base camp for your Kilimanjaro summit attempt. You’ll arrive by early afternoon, giving you time to rest, hydrate, and prepare your gear. An early dinner is followed by a briefing on summit night procedures before attempting to sleep ahead of the midnight ascent.

Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 4km
Altitude Gain: +600m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 8: Summit Day! Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m) | 15-day Kilimanjaro and Serengeti safari

The most challenging and rewarding day of your trek. You’ll wake at midnight, begin the steep ascent under starlight, and reach Stella Point (5,756m) by sunrise. From there, it’s a final push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa! After celebrating, you’ll descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp for a well-earned sleep.

Trekking Time: 12-14 hours (summit & descent)
Distance: 17km (total)
Altitude Gain: +1,222m / -2,795m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 9: Descent to Moshi – Celebration & Relaxation

A final descent through rainforest brings you to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates. A transfer takes you back to Moshi for a hot shower, celebration dinner, and farewell with your trekking crew.

Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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Day 10: Travel to Arusha – Safari Preparation

A short drive takes you to Arusha, the safari hub of Tanzania. You’ll have time to relax, visit local markets, or explore Arusha National Park (optional add-on) before your Serengeti adventure begins.

Meals: Breakfast

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Day 11: Mto wa Mbu – Cultural Village Walk & Local Lunch

En route to the Serengeti, you’ll stop in Mto wa Mbu, a vibrant village known for its cultural diversity. A guided walk introduces you to local farming, crafts, and traditions, followed by a home-cooked Tanzanian lunch with a local family.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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Day 12: Serengeti National Park – First Game Drive | 15-day Kilimanjaro and Serengeti safari

Enter the legendary Serengeti, where endless plains teem with wildlife. Your first game drive offers chances to spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and wildebeest herds. Sunset brings a spectacular African sky before settling into your luxury tented camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 13: Full-Day Serengeti Safari – The Great Migration (Seasonal)

An early morning game drive maximizes wildlife sightings, followed by a bush breakfast. The Serengeti’s vast ecosystems reveal cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and (seasonally) the Great Migration. Afternoon drives continue the search for the Big Five.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 14: Ngorongoro Crater – The World’s Largest Caldera | 15-day Kilimanjaro and Serengeti safari

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and natural wildlife sanctuary. The crater’s high concentration of animals—including rare black rhinos—makes it one of Africa’s best safari spots. Evening brings a stunning crater-rim sunset.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 15: Return to Arusha – Departure End of our 15-day Kilimanjaro and Serengeti safari

After breakfast, drive back to Arusha, arriving by early afternoon. Optional day rooms are available for late flights. Your 15-day Kilimanjaro & Serengeti adventure concludes here—unless you’re extending to Zanzibar’s beaches!

Meals: Breakfast

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Inclusions & Exclusions: 15-day Kilimanjaro and Serengeti safari

✅ Included: 15-day Kilimanjaro and Serengeti safari

• Kilimanjaro park fees, guides, porters, tents

• All safari park fees & expert driver-guides

• Meals as specified (full board on trek, breakfast & lunch on safari)

• All accommodations (hotels, mountain camps, safari lodges)

• Airport transfers

❌ Excluded: 15-day Kilimanjaro and Serengeti safari

• International flights & visas

• Travel insurance (required)

• Tips for guides & porters

• Optional activities (balloon safaris, Zanzibar extension)