Compare Kilimanjaro - Machame Route by World Expeditions vs Tanzania in 8 days - Wildlife Parks & Serengeti Safari - Charm by Exoticca

Day 1 Join Arusha

Today is an arrival day. If you choose to fly into Kilimanjaro Airport we recommend a private transfer to Arusha where the rest of the day is at leisure. We stay at the Moivaro Coffee Plantation which has spacious rooms, a pool, and restaurant. This afternoon at 16:30 you will meet the rest of the group and your guide for a trip briefing.

meals : D

Day 2 Drive to Machame Gate, commence climb to Machame Camp (3000m)

After completing the necessary registration formalities, the climb starts from Machame Gate (1800m) and follows a ridge through dense montane forest. This is the richest forested area on the mountain, and also the zone from where 96% of the water on Kilimanjaro originates. On sunny days, and especially in the dry season, this section is very lush and beautiful; it can also be a very muddy experience, particularly if it has rained recently! We have lunch at ‘Halfway Clearing’, a small opening in the trees, and continue climbing steadily. The gradient becomes gentler as the forest slowly merges into giant heather close to the next camp near the ruins of Machame Hut (3000m). We may get our first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo if the evening clouds permit. [6-8 hours walking]

meals : B,L,D

Day 3 To Shira Two camp (3840m)

A shorter day that begins by climbing up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as Picnic Rock. There are excellent views of Kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau from here, and it is a good rest point too! The trail continues less steeply to reach the Shira Plateau. We camp near Shira Hut (3840m) which has some of the most stunning views on Kilimanjaro; close to the huge volcanic cone of Kibo, the spectacular rock formations of Shira Plateau, and looking across to Mt Meru floating on the clouds. [4-6 hours walking]

meals : B,L,D

Day 4 Trek near Lava Tower junction (4550m)

A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction (4550m) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3900 m), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. [5-7 hours walking]

meals : B,L,D

Day 5 To Karanga (4000m)

A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the south-eastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Icefields. The terrain changes to scree, with pockets of lush vegetation in sheltered hollows, and there is only a short distance to our camp at Karanga (4000m), the last water point on the way to the summit. There is plenty of time to rest, or for a short optional acclimatisation walk in the afternoon up the valley above the camp. [4-5 hours walking]

meals : B,L,D

Day 6 To Barafu campsite (4600m)

We follow an easy path on compacted scree with wide views that gains altitude unrelentingly to reach the Barafu campsite (4600m) for lunch. There is a short acclimatisation walk to the plateau at the bottom of the South-East valley (4800m). The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night. [4-5 hours walking]

meals : B,L,D

Day 7 Summit Uhuru Peak (5895m), then descend to Millenium Camp (3800m)

We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point (5735m), in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the two hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5895m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite Millenium (3800m). [11-15 hours walking]

meals : B,L,D

Day 8 Descend to Mweka, transfer to Arusha

A sustained descent on a well constructed path through lovely tropical forest alive with birdsong and boasting lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. Our route winds down to the National Park gate at Mweka (1650m). Here we sign out from the National Park before walking on for a further 15 minutes through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village where our vehicle awaits. The shower, the beer, and the swimming pool are tantalisingly close! Overnight at Moivaro Coffee Plantation. [4-6 hours walking]

meals : B,L,D

Day 9 In Arusha, trip concludes

In Arusha, after breakfast at your hotel, the trip arrangements end.

meals : B

Day 1: US - Night on board

Arrive at your departure airport, ready for a flight * to Kilimanjaro. Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Kilimanjaro - Arusha

Touch down at Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to the city of Arusha. Located close to the foot of Mount Meru, Arusha is surrounded by lush greenery and is known as the gateway to Tanzania's excellent national parks. Once settled at the hotel, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure to explore the city and discover its excellent food and drinks scene. Overnight stay in Arusha.

Day 3: Arusha - Manyara National Park - Karatu

After breakfast at the hotel, set off for Manyara National Park, a protected area situated between Lake Manyara and the Great Rift Valley. Despite Manyara's modest size, it's home to an abundant variety of wildlife including lions, elephants and giraffes. Enjoy a full-day safari in the park as you observe Tanzania's rich animal life and breathtaking natural landscapes. Manyara is also known for its large bird population, so keep your eyes peeled for rare and unique bird species. Enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade of an acacia tree and excellent game viewing. As the day draws to a close, transfer to the charming town of Karatu. Dinner and overnight stay in Karatu.

Day 4: Karatu - Ngorongoro

Breakfast at the lodge. Today, discover the beautiful Ngorongoro Crater a fascinating 20 km wide crater and safari destination, known for its rich wildlife that is protected within its 600 metre high walls. It's the best place in Tanzania to spot the 'Big Five' mammals and more than 400 bird species can be spotted within this monumental crater. Stop for a picnic lunch upon the shore of beautiful Lake Magadi and watch the colourful flamingos and hippos, who bathe in the lake water. After fully exploring the breath of natural attractions within the crater, ascend to the top and transfer to the lodge. Dinner and overnight stay in Ngorongoro.

Day 5: Ngorongoro - Ndutu - Serengeti National Park

After breakfast at the lodge, it's time to explore the beautiful Ndutu area of the immense Serengeti National Park. This region of the park plays an important role in the famous Great Migration of wildebeest, thanks to its short grassy plains which are particularly rich in nutrients that sustain the migratory animals during the breeding season. Traditionally, wildebeest and zebras calve in this area around February which makes for a beautiful natural spectacle. Stop for a picnic lunch before continuing your safari through beautiful Ndutu. As the day draws to a close, transfer to the Serengeti lodge. Dinner and overnight stay in the Serengeti. Please note: In order to optimise the chances of seeing the Great Migration between December and March, day 5 of the itinerary will include a safari in Ndutu and a night in the Ndutu Wildlands Camp.

Day 6: Serengeti National Park

Breakfast at the lodge. Head out on a Serengeti safari today to discover the natural abundance of this iconic national park. The Serengeti National Park is filled with spectacular landscapes such as vast savannahs, immense plains as well as forested regions and dense bushland. Discover a number of watering holes where the park's herbivores can be found refreshing themselves, often followed by predators and bird species. Stop for a picnic lunch and search for herds of elephants or elusive lions, leopards and hyenas as you enjoy a truly magical safari experience. Return to the lodge. Dinner and overnight stay in the Serengeti. Please note: In order to optimise the chances of seeing the Great Migration between December and March, day 6 of the itinerary will include a safari in the Serengeti and night in Mbalageti or similar.

Day 7: Serengeti - Karatu

Breakfast at the lodge. Today, head back towards Karatu, enjoying a safari through the plains of the Serengeti along the way and exploring the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Spot wildlife as you travel south and take in the epic landscapes of this abundant region of Tanzania. Stop for a picnic lunch before continuing your trip to Karatu. Arrive in Karatu in the afternoon and perhaps enjoy an optional visit to a local Maasai village or to the interesting Olduvai Museum (book direct at destination). Dinner and overnight stay in Karatu.

Day 8: Karatu - Tarangire National Park - Arusha

After breakfast, your safari adventure continues today as you set off for Tarangire National Park. Considered one of the most beautiful protected areas in Tanzania, the park plays host to unique animal species such as gerenuk, oryx, antelopes and moose. The concentration of animals is particularly rich between August and January. After a picnic lunch explore the valley, home to clusters of baobab trees which attract herds of elephants. As the day draws to a close, transfer to Arusha. Dinner and overnight stay in Arusha.

Day 9: Arusha - Night on board

Breakfast * at the lodge. At the indicated time, transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport to catch your flight back to the US. Night on board. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day. If your flight departs in the morning, you may arrive back in US the same day.

Day 10: US

Touch down back in the US and end your adventure.