11 days Kilimanjaro hike and Serengeti flying safari

11 days Kilimanjaro hike and Serengeti flying safari is a tour that will start with a hike on Mount Kilimanjaro where you will hike the mountain for 8 days and during the Tanzania safari you will also visit the famous Serengeti national park for a game viewing experience around the vast savannah plains in search of wildlife species like the big five such as elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and buffalos.

Day 1 ; Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp

Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft

Distance: 6 km

Hiking Time:3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, we eat lunch, then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.

11 days Kilimanjaro hike and Serengeti flying safari — Lemosho Trailhead

DAY 2 ; Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1

Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft

Distance: 8 km

Hiking Time 5-6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

We continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.

DAY 3 ; Shira Camp 1 to Shira 2 to Moir Hut

Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft

Distance: 14 km

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Moorland

We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we continue to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

DAY 4 ; Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft

Distance: 7 km

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Semi Desert

On the 4th day of your 11 days Kilimanjaro hike and Serengeti flying safari, from the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

DAY 5 ; Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft

Distance: 5km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.

DAY 6 ; Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft

Distance: 4 km•Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

On the 6th day of your 11 days Kilimanjaro hike and Serengeti flying safari, after breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

DAY 7 ; Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)

Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent

Habitat: Arctic

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a north western direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

DAY 8 ; Mweka Camp to Moshi

Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft•Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast, we continue the descend down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi.

Accommodation ; Bristol cottages

Day 9; pick up and flight to Serengeti national park

On the 9th day of your 11 days Kilimanjaro hike and Serengeti flying safari, you will be picked up from your hotel in Moshi and your guide will drive you to Arusha airport for your flight to Seronera airstrip. On arrival at the airstrip in Seronera, your guide will pick you up and drive you to your lodge for check in.

After lunch, you will explore the central part of Serengeti national park and enjoy looking out for wildlife species in the savannah plains such as elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalos, hippos, antelopes, impalas, zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, cheetahs and many others and later return to your lodge where you will spend the night at Osinon camps and lodges.

Day 10; full day in Serengeti national park

After an early breakfast at your lodge, you will enjoy a full day of exploring Serengeti national park as you look out for wildlife species like giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, gazelles among others. You will also enjoy your lunch in the wilderness and later engage in another game drive. Your guide will later drive you back to your lodge where you will relax in the comfort of your room as you prepare for dinner and overnight at Osinon camps and lodges.

Day 11; flight to Arusha

You will have breakfast as you prepare for your flight from Seronera airstrip to Arusha which will bring your safari to an end.

Price includes