10 Days Mount Kilimanjaro & 3 Days Tanzania Lodge Safari

Overview

Climb Kilimanjaro on the 6-day Machame route, then a 3-day safari to Tarangire, the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara.

1. Day 1 Arrival in Tanzania and transfers to the Hotel

   The 6-day Kilimanjaro Machame route climbing starts with a pick-up at Kilimanjaro International Airport, then a transfer to Moshi. Your accommodation will be at Maridadi Hotel before and after the climbing. A briefing will be conducted at the lodge in Moshi by your guide on the day of your Climb.

2. Day 2 Starting Gate to Machame Camp (Route)

   The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 60 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame route, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We now start our 6 days Machame, leave the park gate and walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue for a short distance until we reach the Camp.

3. Day 3 Machame Route (Camp) to Shira Camp

   After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley and walking along a steep rocky ridge covered with heather until the ridge ends. The 6 days Machame route now turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite.

4. Day 4 Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

   From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the southeast East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction, which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4876m / 15,997 ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3860m / 12,664 ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare. After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge, passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite.

5. Day 5 Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

   After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall, through the Karanga Valley (lunch at 4200m / 13,779 ft), and the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

6. Day 6 Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

   Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue with 6 days Machame route, our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (5685m / 18,652 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you. From the summit, we now make our descent, continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.

7. Day 7 Mweka Camp to Moshi Town

   After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates of hiking 6 days Machame route. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi at Maridadi hotel.

   🛏 The Maridadi Hotel 🍽 Breakfast

8. Day 8 Arusha - Game Drive in Tarangire National Park

   Dedicate a game drive to exploring Tarangire’s diverse habitats through morning and afternoon game drives. Witness spectacular wildlife sightings — herds of elephants, predators stalking prey, and prolific birdlife, including the park’s famous birds of prey. Capture stunning images of the landscape and animals. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight, enjoying the tranquility of the wilderness.

   🛏 Marela View Lodge or similar

9. Day 9 Ngorongoro Crater Game drive

   After breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day crater tour with picnic lunch. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” home to a variety of wildlife including the Big Five. Later in the afternoon, proceed to Lake Manyara.

   🛏 Marela View Lodge or similar

10. Day 10 Lake Manyara Game Drive – Arusha/Moshi Town

    After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, one of Tanzania’s most picturesque parks with tree-climbing lions, large herds of elephants, and flocks of flamingos. Later, depending upon the flight departure back home, we may drop you at Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport or we may drive you back to Moshi or Arusha, where tour ends.

Photos

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