Tanzania Safari & Kilimanjaro Climb: Serengeti, Summit

A week on Kilimanjaro's slopes, then a week hunting the Big Five across multiple national parks.

A 15-day tour combining safari and mountain climbing in Tanzania, based in Arusha with a dedicated guide. You spend five days trekking Mount Kilimanjaro through Mandara, Horombo and Kibo huts to Uhuru Peak, then five days on game drives through Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire for lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinos. Meals, park fees, climbing gear and accommodation at Heart of Africa Lodge are included throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania (Arusha)

• Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport
• Transfer to Arusha lodge
• Rest and enjoy surroundings

Day 2: Arusha to Serengeti National Park

• Breakfast at lodge
• Drive to Serengeti National Park
• Afternoon game drive
• Check-in at Serengeti lodge

Day 3: Serengeti National Park

• Full day game drives
• See Big Five and wildlife
• Overnight at Serengeti lodge

Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

• Drive to Ngorongoro Crater
• Game drive in crater
• Optional visit to Olduvai Gorge
• Overnight at Ngorongoro lodge

Day 5: Ngorongoro to Tarangire National Park

• Visit Tarangire National Park
• See elephants and baobab trees
• Overnight at Tarangire lodge

Day 6: Tarangire to Arusha (Return)

• Return to Arusha
• Overnight at Heart of Africa Lodge

Day 7: Mount Kilimanjaro

• Begin Kilimanjaro climb or view
• Overnight at Heart of Africa Lodge

Day 8: 2nd day of Trek

• Trek up Kilimanjaro
• Overnight at Mandara Hut

Day 9: 3rd day of Trek

• Trek up Kilimanjaro
• Overnight at Mandara Hut

Day 10: 4th day of Trek

• Trek up Kilimanjaro
• Overnight at Horombo Hut

Day 11: 5th Day of Trek

• Trek up Kilimanjaro
• Overnight at Kibo Hut

Day 12: 6th day of Trek

• Trek up Kilimanjaro
• Overnight at Uhuru Peak

Day 13: 7th Day of Trek (Last day of Trek)

• Final day of Kilimanjaro trek
• Overnight at Horombo Hut

Day 14: Return to Heart of Africa Lodge

• Return to Heart of Africa Lodge
• Rest and overnight stay

Day 15: Departure

• Relax morning at lodge
• Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport
• Departure flight

The experience

The itinerary splits into two halves: safari first, then the climb. After arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport and spending a night in Arusha, you drive roughly six to seven hours to Serengeti National Park for two full days of game drives. The route then swings through Ngorongoro Crater (where the Big Five, flamingos and wildebeest gather in a collapsed volcanic caldera), and Tarangire, known for its elephant herds and baobab trees. You return to Arusha for a night before the mountain section begins.

The Kilimanjaro trek runs seven days across five huts: Mandara, Horombo (visited twice), and Kibo before the summit push to Uhuru Peak. The climb follows the standard route with overnight stops built into the schedule, so you're not rushing the altitude. After descending, you spend a final night at Heart of Africa Lodge to recover before transfer to the airport on day 15.

A live guide in English, Spanish, Italian, French or another language travels with you throughout. All meals, park entry fees, climbing gear and lodging at the safari lodge and mountain huts are handled. You arrive with your own fitness and pack light for the trek. Pickup from the airport is included, so you don't arrange ground transport yourself.

What’s included

• A dedicated live guide in English, Spanish, Italian, French or another language.
• all meals and accommodation at Heart of Africa Lodge and mountain huts.
• national park entry fees for Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire.
• Kilimanjaro climbing gear and equipment.
• airport pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (12 to 17 years) · Senior (60 to 70 years) · Youth (11 years) · Child (2 to 10 years) · Infant (1 year)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Heart of Africa Safari Tours

Is this one for you?Book this 15-day tour if you're arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport without your own transport and want both safari and summit in one trip. The guide, lodging and all logistics are arranged, so you don't coordinate between operators or manage park bookings separately. You land and the journey begins.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

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

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 years); Child (2 to 10 years); Infant (1 year).

What are the Big Five I'll see on the safari days?

Lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinos are the five species you're hunting across Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire. Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater both hold all five. Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds and also carries the others, though sightings depend on the season and where the herds are moving.

How many days do I actually spend climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?

Seven days of trekking, spread across five mountain huts: Mandara, Horombo (twice), Kibo and the summit at Uhuru Peak. The route builds in acclimatization stops so the climb is safer and more sustainable than a faster push.

What's included in the 15 days, and what do I need to bring?

Meals, accommodation at Heart of Africa Lodge and the mountain huts, all national park fees, climbing gear and a dedicated guide are included. You bring your own clothes, personal toiletries, medications and any items you want for comfort. The operator provides the technical equipment for the trek.

Do I need experience climbing mountains to do Kilimanjaro on this tour?

The operator notes you should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. Kilimanjaro is a trek, not a technical climb (no ropes or climbing skills required), but the altitude and seven days of walking demand steady conditioning beforehand.

Where does the tour start, and how do I get there?

The tour begins in Arusha, Tanzania. You fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport, and pickup to Arusha is included. The guide meets you at the airport on day one. If you're staying elsewhere in Tanzania, the operator can arrange your transfer to Arusha to join the group.