14 Days :
Kilimanjaro Trek & Wildlife Safari
Arusha | Kilimanjaro | Tarangire | Serengeti / Ndutu | Ngorongoro Crater | Crater Highlands
Often called the “Whiskey Route” this is a scenically beautiful trail, longer and much gentler than Umbwe or Marangu (the “Coca Cola Route”).
Our itinerary provides valuable acclimatisation by having extra, but shorter walking days during the trek.
Note:
You can join a group trek for 7 Machame departing every Sunday
OR opt for a private trek daily – subject to availability
Machame Route - Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival
Arrive into Arusha arrival point. Meet and transfer to accommodation followed by pre-trek briefing and equipment check.
KARAMA LODGE | Dinner
Day 2
Arusha-Machame
(Hike: 8.2 km | 1840m-3022m | 5-6 hours)
From Arusha drive to the Machame Park gate, then a gentle climb up through the original montane forest, carpeted with unique “busy lizzie” flowers, begonias and ferns.
First camp amongst the giant heather at 3,000m.
Ascent of 1,182m and 5-6 hours walking.
MACHAME CAMP | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Machame—Shira
(Hike: 5 km | 3022m-3830m | 5-6 hours)
Emerge from the giant heather zone and hike through fine open moorland to camp by the Shira Cave at 3,840m.
Herds of eland up here (& occasional lion!) and there are fascinating geological features in the old volcanic caldera which can be viewed during a half hour optional walk in the afternoon.
Ascent 808m and 5-6 hours walking.
SHIRA CAMP | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Shira—Barranco
(Hike: 10.4 km | 3830m-3900m | 7-8 hours)
From Shira, climb towards the main peak Kibo, with the western glaciers clearly visible across the rugged high-altitude desert of volcanic rocks and boulders.
Skirting around its base and under the imposing Western Breach, descend into the sheltered Barranco Valley for mid-way camp at 3,900m.
7-8 hours walking and only 70m total ascent – but having climbed higher and dropping back down assists acclimatisation.
BARRANCO CAMP | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Barranco—Karanga
(Hike: 5.1km | 3900m-4100m | 3-4 hours)
Up the steep Barranco Wall with some sections of very easy scrambling and drop down again to the Karanga Valley.
This is a short walking day, around 3 hours, and again you climb about 300m but drop back down again to around 4,100m.
There’s an optional further acclimatisation hike in afternoon up onto the scree below the glaciers.
KARANGA VALLEY CAMP | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Karanga—Barafu
(Hike: 3.5km |4100m-4330m |3-4 hours)
Up to a new camp about 100m above Barafu Hut perched high on a rocky bluff at 4,330m.
Fantastic views across to Mawenzi peak, and a bit less to climb tomorrow morning!
This is another short walking day, about 4 hours with a 230m height gain, and time for a good rest in the afternoon immediately before the hard summit day.
BARAFU CAMP | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Barafu—Summit—Mweka
(Hike: 17.4 km | 4330m-5895m-3075m | 13-15 hours)
A bracing 1am start to climb the steep frozen scree.
This is unavoidable on any route but we aim to reach Stella Point on the crater rim for sunrise – another 40 mins and you’re at the highest point on the continent, usually in warm sunshine.
We return on the Mweka descent route.
Walking time 7 hours and 1,300m ascent to the summit, 6-8 hours and 2,800m descent to our camp in a clearing amongst
the giant heather at Mweka.
This is a long and hard day – you’ll feel tired but absolutely ecstatic after you’ve done it.
MWEKA CAMP | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Mweka—Arusha
(Hike: 8.8km | 3075m-1645m | 3-4 hours)
A 3-4 hour descent through the forest to Mweka Gate to collect our certificates and meet our vehicle.
Final opportunities to take pictures of your Maasai Wanderings Mountain Team – and on a clear morning, Kibo will loom large in the distance.
We will also deal with the issue of tipping (ask for suggested guidelines if you are unsure) and the team will send you off on your final stretch with our farewell ‘Kili Song’.
We set off down the last stage of the trek: some parts of the walk are very steep downhill and other stretches are very slippery so please be careful.
Upon reaching the gate, we carry out sign-out formalities, the team load up the vehicles and the guides will present you with your certificates and then we are off for the transfer to Arusha.
At the lodge its time to take a warm shower, a quick nap and get some laundry done.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Arusha
After breakfast, we join an optional walking town and craft market tour – helps to keep your muscles loose after ‘Kili‘.
Return to lodge for overnight.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
Tarangire
After breakfast – its time to get WILD with a safari adventure.
We set off to the west into the Great Rift Valley system and Tarangire National Park.
We partake in game driving and picnic lunch before continuing onto our camp late afternoon.
Tarangire is famous for its high concentration of elephants, as well as birdlife and antelope population.
It is a great introduction park for your adventures.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11
Serengeti
We transfer to the Serengeti today via the Ngorongoro viewpoint.
We pass through Maasai grazing lands and family bomas at Esilalei.
Once we enter the Ndutu area and onto Naabi Hill, we can begin game driving all the way to the mobile camp (location dependent on season).
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12
Serengeti
We spend a full day with exploring the Serengeti – the most amazingly broad eco-system.
In the months of the Wildebeest Migration, the game viewing is spectacular with predator activity abound.
But at any time the Serengeti can put on a wildlife show to remember.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13
Ngorongoro
An early departure allows us to enter Ngorongoro Crater floor for a day of game driving.
This World Heritage listed area is a ’fish bowl’ of wildlife with approximately 120 species of mammals and variety of habitats.
This is truly a Wonder of the World that we can marvel at as we see the steep walls surrounding us, like an oasis in Africa!
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14
Crater Highlands
A walking tour of the gardens and coffee plantation nearby is a great way to round off our safari and then we continue onto Arusha.
There is a safari de-brief before a casual evening of fine food and company.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15
Departure
Transfer to Arusha departure point for journey beyond…
Breakfast