Kilimanjaro Trek & Tanzania Safari: Kilimanjaro Day Hike

Climb Kilimanjaro's slopes one day, then hunt the Big Five across two national parks

This 6-day tour pairs a single-day Mount Kilimanjaro hike with back-to-back wildlife safaris in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You ascend over 1,000 meters through montane forest to Shira Plateau at 3,400 meters on day two, then fly to Serengeti for two full days of game drives before descending into Ngorongoro Crater to spot lions, elephants, and rare black rhinos. A private guide in your chosen language leads throughout, with all transport and park fees included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to lodge

• Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport
• Meet Safari expert and transfer to lodge
• Dinner at House of West Kili

Day 2: Mount Kilimanjaro day hike

• Early breakfast
• Drive to Londorossi gate
• Hike through montane forest
• Observe wildlife along trail
• Reach Shira Plateau and hike to Shira 1 Camp
• Enjoy picnic lunch with views
• Return to Arusha
• Dinner and overnight at Pazuri Inn Hotel

Day 3: Fly to Serengeti and game drive

• Breakfast
• Flight from Arusha to Seronera Airstrip
• Game drive to camp
• Lunch at camp
• Afternoon Serengeti exploration
• Sundowner at camp

Day 4: Full day Serengeti safari

• Breakfast
• Full-day guided safari
• Lunch in Seronera Valley
• Wildlife viewing including Big Five
• Return to camp
• Relax by campfire

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater game drive

• Breakfast
• Drive to Ngorongoro Crater
• Descend into crater
• Afternoon game drive in crater
• Ascend and drive to Karatu lodge
• Dinner and overnight at Kudu Lodge

Day 6: Return to Arusha and departure

• Breakfast at lodge
• Drive back to Arusha
• Visit local school
• Lunch at Arusha Coffee Lodge
• SHANGA Tour visit
• Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport

The experience

The itinerary stacks two very different experiences: a serious mountain day on Kilimanjaro followed by sustained wildlife viewing in two of Tanzania's most productive parks. The Kilimanjaro portion starts at Londorossi gate and climbs through lush forest where colobus monkeys and crested turacos move through the canopy. The route passes through Lion Gorge and reaches Shira Plateau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with views of Kibo Peak and nearby glaciers before you descend back to Arusha the same day. This is not a summit attempt. It is a high-altitude day hike that lets you experience the mountain's lower ecosystems without committing to a multi-day climb.

The safari portion begins with a one-hour flight from Arusha to Serengeti's Seronera Airstrip. Two full days in Serengeti focus on the central park's dense population of big cats and the Big Five. You pause for lunch in Seronera Valley, where the river draws diverse animals. On day five you drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, descend over 600 meters into the crater, called "Eden's Garden", and spend an afternoon game driving through the highlands spotting antelope, elephants, and predators including the rare black rhino. The final morning includes a school visit and time at Shanga, a social enterprise employing people with disabilities to make handcrafted jewelry and glassware from recycled materials, before transfer to the airport.

Private transportation moves you between all sites. Your guide speaks English, Spanish, French, Italian or German throughout. All park fees, taxes and the flying doctor emergency rescue service are covered. Lodging runs from House of West Kili on Kilimanjaro's slopes to Matawi Serengeti Camp and Kudu Lodge in Karatu, with meals included except drinks at the lodges.

What’s included

• Private transportation between all sites.
• all national park and conservation area fees.
• in-person guide in English, Spanish, French, Italian or German.
• accommodations at House of West Kili, Matawi Serengeti Camp and Kudu Lodge.
• meals throughout.
• AMREF Flying Doctor emergency rescue service.
• all taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Child (under 12)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Nature In spirit Travel

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to experience Kilimanjaro's high altitude and forest ecosystems in a single day without committing to a full summit climb, then spend the rest of the week on dedicated wildlife safaris. The 6-day length gives you two full days in Serengeti and a full crater descent in Ngorongoro, which shorter itineraries compress into partial days.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 12).

How high does the Kilimanjaro day hike actually go?

The hike ascends over 1,000 meters from Londorossi gate at 2,100 meters to Shira Plateau at 3,400 meters, passing through montane forest and Lion Gorge before reaching the UNESCO World Heritage Site with views of Kibo Peak and glaciers. You return to Arusha the same day.

What wildlife can you expect to see in Serengeti?

Serengeti's central region holds a dense population of Africa's big cats and the Big Five. Two full days of game drives focus on spotting lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, gazelles and other animals drawn to Seronera Valley, where the river concentrates wildlife.

Is there a chance to see black rhinos in Ngorongoro?

Yes, the Ngorongoro Crater afternoon game drive includes the highlands where rare black rhinos live. The crater itself is home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants and antelope, though spotting a black rhino is never guaranteed.

Does the price include international flights?

No, international flights to Kilimanjaro are not included. The tour covers private ground transport, all park entry fees, accommodations, meals (except drinks at lodges), and the flying doctor emergency rescue service.