11 Days Kilimanjaro and Safari
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro before exploring Ngorongoro and Tarangire on a two day safari through Northern Tanzania.
This 11 day Tanzania itinerary combines a 6 day climb of Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route with two full days of safari in Northern Tanzania.
You begin in Moshi and take your time on the mountain, including a dedicated acclimatization day at Horombo Hut. After completing the climb, you have a recovery day in Moshi before continuing to Karatu for your safari.
The safari then takes you into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of game viewing, followed by a full day in Tarangire National Park before ending in Arusha.
We designed this itinerary around a simple principle: give each part of the trip enough time to be properly experienced.
11 Days Kilimanjaro and Tanzania Safari at a grance
| Duration | 11 days / 10 nights |
| Kilimanjaro route | Marangu Route |
| Mountain duration | 6 days |
| Safari | 2 full days |
| Safari destinations | Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park |
| Start | Moshi |
| End | Arusha |
| Mountain accommodation | Mountain huts |
| Safari style | Private safari |
| Best for | Travellers who want to combine Kilimanjaro with a short Northern Tanzania safari |
Why Combine Kilimanjaro and Safari?
Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain, and Safari in Tanzania is a once in a life time activity, Tanzania being one of the best places in Africa to go on Safari. So, instead of taking two separate trips to Tanzania, one for Kilimanjaro and oanother trip for Safari, you can simply combine these two lifetime experiences in one Tanzania trip with a carefully planned combination of Kilimanjaro and safari adventure.
We have deliberately put a recovery day between the mountain and safari.
You finish the climb on Day 7, spend Day 8 recovering and travelling to Karatu, then begin the safari on Day 9.
That is a much more sensible transition than finishing a demanding mountain climb and immediately starting a full safari day.
What You Will Experience
Over 11 days, this itinerary brings together:
mount kilimanjaro
Seven days on Mount Kilimanjaro, from the forested lower slopes to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres.
changing landscapes
Forest, moorland, alpine terrain and the high mountain environment as you climb Kilimanjaro.
Wildlife
Tarangire And Ngorongoro game drives.
11 Day Kilimanjaro and Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania
Arrive in Tanzania and transfer to Moshi
Meet your Tanzania Miracle Adventures representative on arrival and transfer to Moshi Town.
The rest of the day is kept simple. You can settle into your accommodation, rest after your journey and prepare for the climb ahead.
If you have time, your Kilimanjaro head guide can also give you a briefing.
Overnight: Moshi Town
Day 2: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Start the 6 day Marangu Route trek.
After breakfast, transfer to Marangu Gate, where the registration process is completed before beginning your climb.
The first section of the route passes through the mountain’s rainforest environment as you gradually gain altitude.
The day’s walk ends at Mandara Hut, where you spend your first night on Kilimanjaro.
The aim is not to rush. Your guide sets a manageable pace and helps you adjust to walking at altitude.
Overnight: Mandara Hut
Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Continue from Mandara through the upper forest and into the moorland zone.
As the vegetation changes, the mountain begins to feel increasingly open and exposed. On clear days, you may also get views towards Kibo and Mawenzi.
You eventually reach Horombo Hut, where you will spend two nights.
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
A day to adjust to the altitude
Today is intentionally different from the other trekking days.
Instead of moving to another camp, you spend another night at Horombo Hut and use the day for acclimatization.
A shorter walk around the surrounding area (your head guide will decide where exactly to go) can help you spend more time at altitude before continuing higher.
This extra day is an important part of the itinerary because climbing Kilimanjaro is not simply a matter of covering distance. Your body needs time to adjust as you gain elevation.
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Today you leave Horombo and cross the Saddle towards Kibo Hut.
The landscape becomes increasingly sparse as you approach the high alpine zone.
Kibo is the final camp before the summit attempt. Once you arrive, the priority is to eat, rest and prepare for the early start.
Your guide will explain the arrangements for the summit night and make sure you understand what to expect.
Overnight: Kibo Hut
Day 6: Summit Uhuru Peak and Return to Horombo
Summit day
This is the most demanding day of the climb.
You begin during the early hours and ascend towards the summit of Kilimanjaro.
The final section takes you towards Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, the highest point in Africa.
After spending time at the summit, you begin the descent.
You return through Kibo and continue down to Horombo Hut, where you spend the night.
It is a long day, so the focus is on maintaining a steady pace, following your guide’s instructions and allowing enough time for the descent.
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate and Moshi
The final mountain day is the descent from Horombo to Marangu Gate.
You walk back through the moorland and rainforest before reaching the park gate and completing the necessary exit arrangements.
Your vehicle will meet you at the gate for the transfer back to Moshi.
The remainder of the day is for rest.
After six days on the mountain, there is no need to add another demanding activity.
Overnight: Moshi Town
Day 8: Recovery Day, Moshi Town and Transfer to Karatu
Recover from Kilimanjaro before your safari
This day provides a deliberate change of pace.
Take the morning to rest and recover in Moshi.
Later, you can explore Moshi Town, browse for souvenirs and see a little of the town before continuing towards Karatu.
Karatu is a practical base for the following day’s visit to the Ngorongoro Crater.
The journey from mountain to safari is therefore broken into manageable stages rather than trying to do everything immediately after the climb.
Overnight: Karatu Town
Day 9: Full Day Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive
Explore the Ngorongoro Crater
Today is your first full safari day.
After breakfast, enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the crater for a full day of game viewing.
The crater is a distinctive enclosed landscape with permanent water and grazing areas that support wildlife throughout the year.
Your driver guide will take you through the crater, looking for wildlife while also allowing time to appreciate the landscape itself.
The animals you encounter cannot be guaranteed. Safari is influenced by season, weather, animal movements and conditions on the day.
After the game drive, return to Karatu.
Overnight: Karatu Town
Day 10: Full Day Tarangire National Park and Transfer to Arusha
A full day among elephants and baobabs
After breakfast, travel to Tarangire National Park for your second full safari day.
Tarangire is particularly associated with its elephants, baobab landscapes and the Tarangire River, which is an important water source for wildlife. The park also supports a wide range of other animals and birdlife.
Your full day in the park gives you time to explore different areas rather than combining Tarangire with another park.
In the late afternoon, leave the park and continue to Arusha.
Overnight: Arusha
Day 11: Departure
No scheduled activities
Your final day is intentionally left free.
However, if your departure time allows, we may arrange a short Arusha town tour or sightseeing activity.
The trip ends with your transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.
Key Things to Note About This Tour
Six days on Kilimanjaro
The itinerary gives you a full six days on the Marangu Route, including an acclimatization day at Horombo.
That means the climb is not treated as something to squeeze into the smallest possible number of days.
The mountain itself is the main experience.
A recovery day before safari
After completing Kilimanjaro, you have time to recover in Moshi before travelling to Karatu.
This is particularly useful because the summit day is physically demanding and the following descent still requires several hours of walking.
Rather than immediately starting another major activity, you get a proper transition day.
One full day in each safari destination
The safari section is deliberately simple:
Day 9: Ngorongoro Crater
Day 10: Tarangire National Park
Each destination gets its own full day.
What to Park For Kilimanjaro
Bring appropriate:
- Hiking clothing
- Warm layers
- Waterproof outerwear
- Hiking boots
- Warm hat and gloves
- Comfortable trekking socks
- Headlamp
- Sunglasses
- Sun protection
- Personal medication
- Water bottles or hydration system
- Small daypack
What to Pack for Safari
You will also want:
- Lightweight comfortable clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Camera
- Binoculars if you use them
- A small bag for daily essentials
Your exact packing list should be based on your travel dates and the conditions expected during your climb.
Why Travel With Tanzania Miracle Adventures?
When you travel with us, you are working with a Tanzania based team that knows the country, operates its own vehicles and takes care of the practical details that keep your trip moving.
Tanzania Knowledge
We know the places we operate in, and the practical details that can make a difference to your time in Tanzania. From safari and Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar, our local knowledge helps us plan trips that make sense.
People & Experience
Your trip is looked after by people who understand Tanzania and the work involved in operating here. From travel consultants and guides to drivers and operations staff, experienced people are involved at every stage.
Our Operations
We do more than arrange trips. Our own fleet includes safari vehicles, Toyota Alphards, Toyota Coasters and executive vehicles, supported by a local team that manages transportation and logistics on the ground.
What is included
Kilimanjaro
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees
- Mountain accommodation as specified
- Professional mountain guides
- Porters and mountain support as specified
- Meals during the climb
- Transfers to and from the mountain
- Safety and logistical support
- Arrival transfer
- Moshi accommodation
Safari
- Private safari vehicle
- Professional English speaking driver guide
- Ngorongoro game drive
- Tarangire game drive
- Park and conservation fees applicable to the itinerary
- Accommodation as specified
- Meals as specified
- Transfers between destinations
- Accommodation in Karatu
- Accommodation in Arusha
- Departure transfer
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Frequently Asked Questions
This itinerary takes 11 days, including a six day Marangu Route climb, a recovery day and two full safari days. You may have more days depending on the Kilimanjaro itinerary choose and how many Safari days you want. But, we think 11 days is a great choice as shown in this itinerary.
Marangu Route
No. Day 8 is deliberately a recovery and transition day in Moshi before continuing to Karatu.
Yes, this itinerary’s safari is private.
Yes. Accommodation, travel dates, vehicle arrangements and some aspects of the itinerary can be discussed when planning your trip.
Start by telling us when you want to travel, how many people are travelling, what you would like to experience and how much time you have. We can then discuss the destinations and activities that make sense for you and develop a suitable Tanzania holiday.