12 days · Adventure safari
12-Day Kilimanjaro Climb & Safari
Summit Africa's Highest Peak, Then Safari
Last updated
- Length
- 12 days, 11 nights
- Group size
- 2–8 guests
- Style
- Adventure safari
- Stays
- Luxury lodges and camps
- Pace
- Challenging
- Price
- On request
Overview
About this safari
The ultimate Tanzania adventure: climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Machame Route, then recover with a 4-day safari through Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro. Two bucket-list experiences in one incredible trip.
This is the trip of a lifetime - combining two of Africa's greatest adventures in one epic journey. First, you'll tackle Mount Kilimanjaro via the famous Machame Route, known as the "Whiskey Route" for its challenging but rewarding terrain. Then, as a reward for reaching the Roof of Africa, enjoy a luxury safari through Tanzania's finest parks.
The Machame Route offers the best balance of scenery and acclimatization, with an impressive 85% success rate. You'll traverse five distinct ecological zones from rainforest to arctic summit, sleeping in mountain camps with views that will take your breath away (literally, at altitude!).
After descending, you'll transfer to a comfortable lodge to rest your legs. Then the safari begins - elephants in Tarangire, lions in the Serengeti, and rhinos in the Ngorongoro Crater. After days of hiking, the luxury of game drives and lodge beds feels extra special. The contrast between the challenge of Kilimanjaro and the relaxation of safari makes both experiences more meaningful.
Highlights
- Summit Africa's highest peak (5,895m)
- Machame Route - 85% success rate
- Professional mountain guides and porters
- Rest day in Arusha between climb and safari
- Tarangire elephants and baobabs
- Serengeti lions and migration
- Ngorongoro Crater Big Five
- Luxury lodges on safari
Where you'll go
12 days
Day by day
| Day | Plan | Stay | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in Tanzania | Hotel | – |
| 2 | Machame Gate to Machame Camp | Camp | – |
| 3 | Machame Camp to Shira Camp | Camp | – |
| 4 | Shira to Barranco (via Lava Tower) | Camp | – |
| 5 | Barranco to Karanga | Camp | – |
| 6 | Karanga to Barafu (Summit Base) | Camp | – |
| 7 | Summit Day - Roof of Africa! | Camp | – |
| 8 | Descent & Safari Transfer | Lodge | – |
| 9 | Rest Day & Tarangire | Lodge | – |
| 10 | Tarangire to Serengeti | Lodge | – |
| 11 | Serengeti to Ngorongoro | Lodge | – |
| 12 | Ngorongoro Crater & Departure | – | – |
- Day01
Arrival in Tanzania
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi, at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. Meet your climbing guide for a gear check and briefing. Early dinner and early night - the adventure begins tomorrow!
Stay: Hotel
- Day02
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Drive to Machame Gate (1,800m) for registration. The trail begins through lush montane rainforest, home to colobus monkeys and tropical birds. The path is well-maintained but muddy. Arrive at Machame Camp (3,000m) in late afternoon.
Stay: Camp
- Day03
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Exit the rainforest into heath and moorland. The scenery opens up with spectacular views. We follow the Shira Ridge with Kilimanjaro's peak visible ahead. Camp on the Shira Plateau (3,840m) - one of the world's highest plateaus.
Stay: Camp
- Day04
Shira to Barranco (via Lava Tower)
The key acclimatization day. Climb to Lava Tower (4,630m) for lunch - you'll feel the altitude! Then descend to Barranco Camp (3,960m). This "climb high, sleep low" technique is crucial for summit success.
Stay: Camp
- Day05
Barranco to Karanga
Start with the famous Barranco Wall - a scramble that looks intimidating but is actually exhilarating. At the top, spectacular views of the Southern Ice Field reward your effort. Continue to Karanga Camp.
Stay: Camp
- Day06
Karanga to Barafu (Summit Base)
Short hike to Barafu Camp, your summit base. Rest, hydrate, and mentally prepare. Early dinner and attempt to sleep (difficult at 4,673m!) before the midnight wake-up call.
Stay: Camp
- Day07
Summit Day - Roof of Africa!
Wake at midnight for summit push. The steep climb is cold and dark, but as dawn breaks, you'll reach Stella Point (5,756m). Push on to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - the highest point in Africa! Champagne celebration, photos, then descend to Mweka Camp.
Stay: Camp
- Day08
Descent & Safari Transfer
Final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate. Receive your summit certificate! Transfer to Arusha for a well-deserved rest in a comfortable bed. Hot shower never felt so good!
Stay: Lodge
- Day09
Rest Day & Tarangire
Morning to rest your legs! After lunch, we head to Tarangire National Park. The contrast from mountain to savanna is striking. Enjoy an afternoon game drive among elephants and baobabs.
Stay: Lodge
- Day10
Tarangire to Serengeti
Full morning game drive in Tarangire, then journey to the Serengeti. After the physical challenge of Kilimanjaro, sitting in a vehicle watching lions is pure luxury!
Stay: Lodge
- Day11
Serengeti to Ngorongoro
Morning game drive searching for cats and migration herds. Then head to Ngorongoro Crater Lodge on the rim - a fitting end to an epic adventure.
Stay: Lodge
- Day12
Ngorongoro Crater & Departure
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a morning game drive. See rhino, lion, and the Big Five in this natural wonder. Ascend and transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport. What a trip!
Photos
What the price covers
Included
- Kilimanjaro park fees
- Professional mountain guides and assistant guides
- Porters for equipment
- Quality mountain camping equipment
- All mountain meals
- Emergency oxygen and first aid
- Safari park fees
- Private safari vehicle
- Luxury lodge accommodation on safari
- Full board on safari
- All transfers
- Celebratory champagne on summit!
Not included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance (mandatory, must cover high altitude)
- Personal climbing gear (rental available)
- Tips for mountain crew (budged $200-300)
- Tips for safari guide
- Alcoholic beverages
When to go
The months we recommend for this trip are marked. It runs at other times too; ask and we'll tell you what to expect.
- Jan (recommended)
- Feb (recommended)
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun (recommended)
- Jul (recommended)
- Aug (recommended)
- Sep (recommended)
- Oct (recommended)
- Nov
- Dec
Questions about this safari
Can I do both Kilimanjaro and safari in one trip?
Yes! Our 12-day package combines the Machame Route climb (7 days) with a 4-day Northern Circuit safari. A rest day in Arusha between the two experiences allows for recovery.
How fit do I need to be for this trip?
You need good fitness for Kilimanjaro - we recommend training 3-4 months before. The safari portion requires no special fitness. Most reasonably fit people with proper preparation successfully summit.
What is the Machame Route success rate?
The 7-day Machame Route has an 85% summit success rate due to its excellent acclimatization profile. Our experienced guides ensure proper pacing and altitude management.
What climbing equipment do I need?
We provide all mountain camping equipment. You'll need personal items like hiking boots, warm layers, headlamp, and sunglasses. A detailed packing list is provided upon booking.
Is safari a good way to recover after Kilimanjaro?
Absolutely! After the physical challenge of Kilimanjaro, relaxing in a safari vehicle watching wildlife is the perfect reward. You'll appreciate the luxury lodges even more after camping on the mountain.
Guest reviews
What our guests say
★★★★★
“Traveling with kids ages 8 and 11, we were nervous about a safari. Bald Eagle created a family-friendly itinerary that kept everyone engaged. The kids are still talking about the baby elephants in Tarangire!”
The Anderson Family · USA · December 2024 ★★★★★
“The combination of safari and Zanzibar beach was perfect. We saw all the Big Five in Serengeti and then relaxed on pristine beaches. The team handled every detail flawlessly. Can't recommend highly enough!”
Emma & David Williams · Australia · September 2024 ★★★★★
“I've been on safaris in Kenya and South Africa, but Tanzania with Bald Eagle was something special. The Ngorongoro Crater is like nowhere else on Earth. The attention to detail and personalized service exceeded all expectations.”
Michael Chen · Singapore · June 2024
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