The Tanzanian adventure: climbing Kilimanjaro and safari

From Moshi, a 45-minute drive will take you through the village of Machame to the gate of Kilimanjaro National Park . We'll wait patiently for our permits to be issued while observing the flurry of preparations as numerous teams get ready for the upcoming climb. Enjoy the stunning rainforest scenery and winding trails as your guide tells you about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. At these relatively low altitudes, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend the use of gaiters and trekking poles in this area.

1. Altitude: 1811m to 3021m
2. Elevation gain: 1210

After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we leave the rainforest and continue uphill along a trail that crosses the valley along a steep, rocky ridge. The route then turns west, following a river canyon, until we arrive at the Shira campsite. The temperatures are starting to drop.

1. Altitude: 3,021m to 3,839m
2. Elevation gain: 818m

Although you'll finish the day at roughly the same altitude as you started, this day is crucial for acclimatization. From the Shira Plateau, we continue east along a ridge, passing the junction leading to the summit of Kibo, before heading southeast towards Lava Tower, nicknamed the "Shark's Tooth" (4,650 m / 15,250 ft). Shortly past the tower, we reach a second junction leading to Arrow Glacier. We then continue our descent to spend the night at Barranco Camp.

1. Altitude: 3839m to 3986m
2. Elevation gain: 147m

After breakfast, we continue along a steep ridge to the challenging Barranco wall, then descend into the Karanga Valley to the junction with the Mweka trail. This is one of the most impressive days to witness the power, agility, and strength of your team as they scale this wall with apparent ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.

1. Altitude: 3986m to 4034m
2. Elevation gain: 48m

We continue towards Barafu camp and, once we arrive, you will have completed the southern circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views from the summit from many different angles. Early dinner and rest to prepare for the night at the summit. Overnight at Barafu camp.

1. Altitude: 3,986m to 4,034m
2. Elevation gain: 48m

Excitement builds as morning approaches, with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically demanding portion of the hike.

We continue our trek towards the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, trying to stay warm and focused on the tremendous sense of accomplishment that awaits us. Following zigzags in a northwesterly direction, we ascend through scree to reach Stella Point, on the crater rim. You'll be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise during your short break here. Faster hikers can admire the sunrise from the summit. From this point, for the final hour of the ascent to Uhuru Peak, you'll likely encounter snow all the way.

Congratulations, you have reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent!

After the photos, the celebrations, and perhaps a few tears of joy, we take a moment to savor this incredible achievement. We then begin our steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu Camp for lunch and a short rest. We highly recommend the use of gaiters and trekking poles for the uneven terrain.

1. Altitude: 4662m to 5895m
2. Elevation gain: 1233m
3. Descent to 3106m
4. Negative elevation gain: 2789m

After breakfast and a moving ceremony of recognition and team bonding, it's time to say goodbye. We continue our descent to the Mweka Park gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is much warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep; we strongly recommend the use of gaiters and trekking poles.

From the gate, a vehicle will be waiting for you in the village of Mweka to take you back to your hotel in Moshi (approximately 30 minutes).

1. Altitude: 3106m to 1633m
2. Negative elevation gain: 1473m

After breakfast, you will depart for Tarangire National Park, renowned for its exceptional safaris, especially during the dry season when hundreds of animals congregate around waterholes. The park boasts a diverse landscape of grassy savannah, marshland, rolling hills, and the iconic baobab trees. You will have the opportunity to observe large herds of elephants, as well as zebras, buffalo, lions, and oryx searching for water. The park is also home to numerous bird species, as the Tarangire River provides a vital water source during the dry season. After a day filled with wildlife viewing, return to the Omega View Hotel or similar accommodation for the night.

In the morning, after breakfast, our safari guide will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the Serengeti via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Upon entering this vast and iconic park, you will witness an awe-inspiring spectacle as thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores roam the plains in search of fresh grazing land.

The Serengeti's diverse landscapes, ranging from open savannah to dense forests, are home to the Big Five, as well as cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, and a multitude of bird species. At the end of the day, you will be taken to Tukaone Tented Lodge or similar accommodation.

After breakfast, an early morning departure for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a full game drive en route from Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro. Accommodation will be at the Ngorongoro Wild Palm Lodge or similar establishment, where dinner and overnight stay will be provided.

In the morning, after breakfast, you'll depart for the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world's most remarkable wildlife sanctuaries . Descending into the crater, prepare for an incredible day of wildlife viewing, where you might spot leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and various antelope species, as well as the smaller mammals that inhabit this unique ecosystem. The crater's diverse habitats support an astonishing variety of animals, making every turn a potential surprise. After a full day of exploration, you'll return for the night to the Omega View Hotel, where you can relax and reflect on the day's adventures.

In the morning, after breakfast, you will depart for Lake Manyara National Park . This diverse ecosystem attracts a wide variety of mammals, birds, and other wildlife . Manyara is renowned for its rare tree-climbing lions and offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, with buffalo, impala, giraffe, waterbuck, hartebeest, hippos, and numerous elephants often seen near the lake.

Keep an eye out for blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, and active troops of olive baboons. Lake Manyara is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with large flocks of flamingos, birds of prey circling overhead, and the brightly colored lilac-breasted roller. In the afternoon, you'll drive back to Hotel Salinero.

Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your return flight.