11 Days Kilimanjaro with Big Five and Cultural immersion

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1. Day 1

   Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Transfer to Moshi

   Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional driver guide, who will provide a brief orientation and assist you with your luggage. Refreshing bottled mineral water will be offered before you begin your private transfer to your selected hotel or lodge in Moshi. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy time at leisure to explore the property and its surroundings. Later, settle in for dinner and a comfortable overnight stay as you prepare for the adventures ahead.

   Accommodation Options

   Luxury Accommodation

   Kili Wonders Hotel or Kaliwa Lodge Kilimanjaro

   High-End Accommodation

   Weruweru River Lodge

   Meals:

   Dinner

2. Day 2

   Day Trip Hiking Mt Kilimanjaro

   Begin your day with an early morning transfer from your hotel to Marangu Gate, where you'll start your exhilarating Kilimanjaro trek via the Marangu Route. As you hike through the lush rainforest, immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity, spotting unique flora and fauna along the way. Reach Mandara Hut and take a short rest before continuing to the stunning Maundi Crater. Here, you'll enjoy a picnic lunch with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. After soaking in the beauty and capturing some memorable photos, descend back through the enchanting forest to Marangu Gate. Your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel/lodge where you can relax and reminisce about your incredible day on Kilimanjaro.

   Accommodation Options

   Luxury Accommodation

   Kili Wonders Hotel or Kaliwa Lodge Kilimanjaro

   High-End Accommodation

   Weruweru River Lodge

   Meals:

   Breakfast, Lunch and dinner

3. Day 3

   Materuni waterfall & coffee tour & transfer to Arusha

   Embark on an enchanting day trip to Materuni Village, nestled amidst the lush slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by your local guide eager to share their culture and traditions. Your first stop will be a guided tour of the village, immersing you in the daily life of the Chagga people, from tending coffee and banana plantations to engaging in traditional dances offering a deeper understanding of this vibrant community. Next, prepare to be captivated by the sights and sounds of Materuni Waterfalls, a breathtaking natural wonder cascading down from the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Embark on a scenic hike through lush forests, accompanied by the melodic chorus of local birds and wildlife, and at the base of the falls, marvel at their beauty or take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear pools below. After working up an appetite, indulge in a delicious picnic lunch prepared by local chefs, featuring an array of traditional Tanzanian dishes, savoring the flavors al fresco amidst the stunning surroundings. As the day draws to a close, bid farewell to Materuni Village then drive further to Arusha for dinner, and overnight at the lodge.

   Accommodation Options

   Midrange Accommodation

   Kibo Palace Hotel Arusha

   Luxury Accommodation

   Serena Hotel Arusha

   High-End Accommodation

   Arusha Coffee Lodge

   Meals:

   Breakfast, Lunch and dinner

4. Day 4

   Arusha to Tarangire NP for game drives.

   At 830hrs, embark to Tarangire national park for game drives and game viewings. Tarangire National Park is one of Tanzania’s must-visit wildlife destinations, renowned for its large elephant herds and diverse animal species. During your game drive, you can expect to encounter African elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, elands, kudus, waterbucks, impalas, gazelles, dik-diks, bushbucks, and the rare fringe-eared oryx and gerenuk. The park is also home to predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, African wild dogs (occasionally seen), black-backed jackals, and bat-eared foxes. You will explore the park thoroughly, with a packed lunch served at a scenic picnic area. After the game drive, you will proceed to Karatu for dinner and an overnight stay.

   Accommodation Options

   Midrange Accommodation

   Marela Valley Lodge

   Luxury Accommodation

   Escarpment Luxury Lodge

   High-End Accommodation

   The Retreat at Ngorongoro

   Meals:

   Breakfast, Lunch and dinner

5. Day 5

   Explore the Hadzabe Tribe in Lake Eyasi

   This day is dedicated to exploring, discovering, learning, experiencing, and enjoying the culture of the Hadzabe tribe and their neighbors, the Datoga, through activities such as traditional hunting, nature walks, and learning about their historical, social, and traditional ways of life. The Hadzabe, an indigenous group living in the central Rift Valley near Lake Eyasi, are among the few tribes in Tanzania still living a traditional lifestyle resembling the Bushmen of Kalahari, relying on hunting and gathering for daily needs. Welcoming and eager to share their history, culture, and traditions, they offer a genuine glimpse of ancestral African life. You will experience hunting with bows, arrows, spears, and dogs, stalk Dik-dik, track Kudu footprints, gather wild fruits, and learn the uses of plants as food and medicine. After spending time with the locals, you will be transferred to Karatu for dinner, and overnight at the lodge.

   Accommodation Options

   Midrange Accommodation

   Marela Valley Lodge

   Luxury Accommodation

   Escarpment Luxury Lodge

   High-End Accommodation

   The Retreat at Ngorongoro

   Meals:

   Breakfast, Lunch and dinner

6. Day 6

   Karatu to Serengeti National Park via Ngorongoro.

   Today after your morning breakfast, your driver will pack your luggage and lunchboxes in your vehicle ready for an authentic drive to Serengeti national park through the famous Ngorongoro conservation area. On your way, you will have several stops at some interesting spots including the crater view point for a visual view of the Crater floor and its beautiful surrounding. Animals like Lions, elephants, hyenas, jackals, elephants, zebras, wildebeests, Gazelles, impala and buffaloes can also be spotted in Ngorongoro conservation area. You will proceed further and stop for your lunch and some rest at Serengeti Naabi Hill gate before entering the Serengeti national park for another en route game drives to your camp/lodge for Dinner and Overnight.

   Accommodation Options

   Midrange Accommodation

   New Baobab Central Serengeti camp

   Luxury Accommodation

   Itika Wilderness Camp

   High-End Accommodation

   Melia Serengeti

   Meals:

   Breakfast, Lunch and dinner

7. Days 7 & 8

   Full Day Game Drives in Serengeti NP

   We are completely flexible with your preferences and this day will be organized according to your wishes. Your guide will discuss with you the best timing for you, including the game drives and the wake-up time. For example, you may opt to do a morning game drive, return to the camp for lunch and relaxation and finish with an afternoon game drive, or you could do a full day game drive with picnic lunches. The Serengeti Park derived its name from Maasai Language meaning endless plain. This massive plain (14763sq km) is home to many animals including Lions, Elephants, Giraffe, Wildebeest, Zebra, Leopard, and Cheetah, baboon, warthogs, Hyena plus lots of bird life. In many cases migration is taking place around Serengeti and at that particular time millions of wildebeest and zebra are mingling together followed by predators. Our professional guide will lead you into the right path making sure you have the best time to enjoy these great phenomena. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

   Accommodation Options

   Midrange Accommodation

   New Baobab Central Serengeti camp

   Luxury Accommodation

   Itika Wilderness Camp

   High-End Accommodation

   Melia Serengeti

   Meals:

   Breakfast, Lunch and dinner

8. Day 9

   En route game drives to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

   Every day is a new day in Serengeti with different amazing series of events. After breakfast, you will leave the camp with your packed lunches for another memorable day towards the Ngorongoro conservation area. On this day still, you will have a great opportunity to explore the Serengeti ecosystem with the great possibility to spot any other animals that you did not see in your first days. Lunchboxes shall be served to you at the picnic point followed by a further game drive to the famous Ngorongoro conservation area for Dinner and Overnight at the Camp.

   Accommodation Options

   Midrange Accommodation

   Ngorongoro Safari Lodge

   Luxury Accommodation

   Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

   High-End Accommodation

   Ngorongoro Lodge by Melia

   Meals:

   Breakfast, Lunch and dinner

9. Day 10

   Game drives inside the Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

   Early in the morning and after breakfast, leave the Camp/lodge with your packed lunches ready for another exciting day. Today your expert safari guide will lead you into the Ngorongoro crater for a wonderful game drive. The Ngorongoro crater is the 8th wonder of the Natural World, spreading over 102 sq. miles and has 2.000 ft high walls, making it virtually a Noah’s ark like, it is inhabited by almost every species of wildlife that is indigenous to East Africa including the rare and endangered black rhinos, other animals that can be revealed on your game drives are Elands, Lions, Waterbucks, Wildebeests, Hyenas, jackals, African Elephants, Buffaloes, Secretive leopards, Cheetahs, hippos and many more alongside hundreds of bird species eg. Maasai Ostrich, Kori bustard, Ibis, Starlings etc. Lunchboxes shall be served to you at the picnic point inside the crater. Later ascend the crater walls and drive further to Arusha for dinner, and overnight at your lodge/hotel

   Accommodation Options

   Midrange Accommodation

   Kibo Palace Hotel Arusha

   Luxury Accommodation

   Serena Hotel Arusha

   High-End Accommodation

   Arusha Coffee Lodge

   Meals:

   Breakfast, Lunch and dinner

10. Day 11

    Transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for flying out

    Enjoy a relaxed morning at your hotel in Arusha, with time at leisure to unwind and reflect on the remarkable experiences of your journey. Depending on your flight schedule, your driver will transfer you to the airport in good time for your departure. As you board your flight home, this marks the conclusion of your unforgettable 11 days Tanzania classic wildlife and cultural journey, filled with extraordinary landscapes, rich traditions, and exceptional safari moments. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

    Meals:

    Breakfast and Lunch

What Is Included

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the 11 Days Kilimanjaro with Big Five and Cultural immersion cost?

This safari starts from $4,867 per person. The final price depends on your travel dates, lodge tier, and group size, and every quote is itemized before you commit.

How long is this safari?

It runs 11 days. Because every trip is private, we can lengthen, shorten, or add a Zanzibar or gorilla extension to fit your plans.

Can I customize this itinerary?

Yes. This itinerary is a starting point. Swap lodges, change the pace, adjust the route, or combine countries, and your planner reshapes it with you before you book.

When is the best time for this trip?

Two climbing seasons: January to mid-March, which is warmer and usually clearer, and June to October, which is drier and busier. March to May and November are the rainy months, when the routes are wet and the summit views are unreliable.