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13-Day Cloud to Crater Kilimanjaro & Safari Expedition

Offered by: USD Safaris & Tours

4.9/5 (1600 Reviews)

Journey Snapshot

🗺 Tanzania ⏱ 13 days 🚙 4x4 Pop-up Roof

Kilimanjaro and Safari

Overview Day by Day Rates Inclusions Getting There Offered By

This 13-days adventure blends the thrill of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Machame Route with a breathtaking safari through Northern Tanzania’s iconic parks. After conquering Africa’s highest peak, relax in Arusha before exploring Lake Manyara, experiencing cultural life in Mto wa Mbu, tracking wildlife across the Serengeti, and descending into the majestic Ngorongoro Crater. It’s the perfect mix of mountain, culture, and safari.

Route

Start	Kilimanjaro and Safari (Day 1)
Day 2	Machame Gate (1800m) – Machame Camp (3000m)
Day 3	Machame Camp – Shira Camp (3840m)
Day 4	Shira Camp – Barranco Camp (3950m) via Lava Tower
Day 5	Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (3995m)
Day 6	Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp (4673m)
Day 7	Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp (3100m)
Day 8	Summit Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka Camp (3100m) – Drive to Arusha
Day 9	Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park & Mto wa Mbu Cultural Tour
Day 10	Karatu – Drive to Central Serengeti National Park
Day 11	Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti National Park
Day 12	Final Game Drive – Exit Serengeti – Transfer to Ngorongoro Highlands
Day 13	Ngorongoro Crater Tour – Return to Arusha / Departure
End	Kilimanjaro and Safari

Tour Features

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi – Pre-Trekking Briefing & Relaxation Day 2: Machame Gate (1800m) – Machame Camp (3000m) Day 3: Machame Camp – Shira Camp (3840m) Day 4: Shira Camp – Barranco Camp (3950m) via Lava Tower Day 5: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (3995m) Day 6: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp (4673m) Day 7: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp (3100m) Day 8: Summit Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka Camp (3100m) – Drive to Arusha Day 9: Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park & Mto wa Mbu Cultural Tour Day 10: Karatu – Drive to Central Serengeti National Park Day 11: Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti National Park Day 12: Final Game Drive – Exit Serengeti – Transfer to Ngorongoro Highlands Day 13: Ngorongoro Crater Tour – Return to Arusha / Departure

Activities & Transportation

Route: Kilimanjaro and Safari
Duration: 13 days
Getting around: 4x4 safari vehicle (pop-up roof)
Transfers: airport pick-up & drop-off can be included

Accommodation & Meals

Day

Accommodation

Meals

1

Keys Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Moshi (Town) View hotel

Bed and Breakfast

2

Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

3

Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

4

Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

5

Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

6

Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

7

Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

8

Mount Meru Hotel Luxury hotel located in Arusha (City) View hotel

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

9

Marera valley lodge View hotel

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

10

Serengeti Sametu Camp Luxury tented camp located inside Central Serengeti NP View hotel

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

11

Serengeti Sametu Camp Luxury tented camp located inside Central Serengeti NP View hotel

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

12

Ngorongoro wild camp View hotel

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

13

No accommodation (End of tour)

Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day by Day

Day 1 Arrival in Moshi – Pre-Trekking Briefing & Relaxation

⏱Morning 🏨Keys Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Moshi (Town) 🍽Bed and Breakfast

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your guide will welcome you and transfer you to a comfortable hotel in Moshi at the base of the mighty Kilimanjaro. The afternoon is reserved for rest, recovering from your journey, and soaking in the cool breeze of the mountain town. Later, attend a detailed trek briefing where you’ll meet your guides, check your gear, and prepare for the adventure ahead. Dinner-and Overnight at Keys Hotel (3 meals).

Day 2 Machame Gate (1800m) – Machame Camp (3000m)

⏱Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Starting at Machame Gate, the trail ascends through dense rainforest filled with birdlife and rich flora. This first stretch is often wet and muddy but offers beautiful surroundings. After about 5–7 hours of hiking, you'll reach Machame Camp, your first stop on the mountain.

Day 3 Machame Camp – Shira Camp (3840m)

⏱Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Machame Camp – Shira Camp (3840m) Today’s hike is shorter but steeper, with a noticeable change in vegetation. You’ll emerge from the forest into the moorland zone, where you can enjoy views of Kibo peak in the distance. The trail levels out as you approach Shira Camp on the Shira Plateau.

Day 4 Shira Camp – Barranco Camp (3950m) via Lava Tower

⏱Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

This is a crucial acclimatization day. You’ll climb high to Lava Tower (4,630m), then descend to Barranco Camp, following the “climb high, sleep low” strategy. The dramatic landscapes, including the giant groundsels and Senecio trees, make this day particularly memorable.

Day 5 Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (3995m)

⏱Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

You begin by tackling the famous Barranco Wall a thrilling yet non-technical scramble offering panoramic views across the valley below. The rest of the day features gentle ascents and descents through alpine valleys and rock fields before reaching Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day to give your body more time to rest and adapt.

Day 6 Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp (4673m)

⏱Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Today is a relatively short but crucial trek across barren volcanic ridges to Barafu, your base camp before the final summit attempt. You'll arrive in the early afternoon, giving you ample time to rest, hydrate, and mentally prepare. An early dinner is served before you head to bed for a few hours of sleep.

Day 7 Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp (3100m)

⏱Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

The toughest part begins around midnight. You’ll ascend steep switchbacks in the cold, reaching Stella Point by sunrise and continuing to Uhuru Peak. After celebrating your summit, you’ll descend to Barafu, rest briefly, then continue to Mweka Camp for overnight.

Day 8 Summit Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka Camp (3100m) – Drive to Arusha

⏱Morning 🏨Mount Meru Hotel Luxury hotel located in Arusha (City) 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Around midnight, begin your summit push under a sky full of stars. The climb is steep and challenging but incredibly rewarding as you reach Stella Point, then Uhuru Peak the highest point in Africa. After photos and celebration, descend to Barafu for brunch, then continue to Mweka Camp. From the gate, you'll be picked up and transferred to Arusha. A warm shower, a soft bed, and a well-earned dinner in Arusha will feel like paradise after your incredible triumph. Dinner and Overnight at Mount Meru Hotel (3 meals).

Day 9 Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park & Mto wa Mbu Cultural Tour

⏱Morning 🏨Marera valley lodge 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

After breakfast, head to Lake Manyara National Park, a lush gem known for its flamingos, tree-climbing lions, and picturesque lake views. Enjoy a half-day game drive, then proceed to Mto wa Mbu village where you’ll explore local markets, visit banana plantations, and learn about traditional crafts. This day blends wildlife, nature, and authentic cultural interaction in a vibrant setting. Dinner and Overnight at Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge (3 meals).

Day 10 Karatu – Drive to Central Serengeti National Park

⏱Morning 🏨Serengeti Sametu Camp Luxury tented camp located inside Central Serengeti NP 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Depart from Karatu in the morning and journey into the endless plains of the Serengeti, driving through the Ngorongoro highlands. Along the way, spot animals even before entering the park as wildlife roams freely in the conservation area. Once in Central Serengeti, enjoy game viewing en route to your tented camp. The Serengeti sunset, stretching over the horizon, offers a breathtaking welcome to the wild. Dinner and Overnight at Serengeti Sametu Camp (3 meals).

Day 11 Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti National Park

⏱Morning 🏨Serengeti Sametu Camp Luxury tented camp located inside Central Serengeti NP 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Spend a full day exploring the heart of Serengeti, renowned for its abundant wildlife and endless plains. Watch lions lazing on rocks, elephants parading through the grasslands, and if lucky, witness a hunt in action. A picnic lunch is served in the wild, keeping you immersed in the experience. The rhythm of the Serengeti—the sounds, sights, and raw beauty will captivate your soul. Dinner and Overnight at Serengeti Sametu Camp (3 meals).

Day 12 Final Game Drive – Exit Serengeti – Transfer to Ngorongoro Highlands

⏱Morning 🏨Ngorongoro wild camp 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

After an early breakfast, embark on one last game drive through the Serengeti, savoring your final moments in this iconic park. Exit toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, arriving at your lodge perched on the crater rim or highlands for the evening. Tonight, reflect on the journey from summit to savannah as the cool highland air drifts in. Dinner and Overnight at Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw Lodge (3 meals).

Day 13 Ngorongoro Crater Tour – Return to Arusha / Departure

⏱Morning 🏨No accommodation (End of tour) 🍽Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” for a game drive in one of the most biodiversity spots in Africa. Spot rhinos, lions, zebras, and more, all surrounded by crater walls that create a natural enclosure. After lunch by the hippo pool, drive back to Arusha or proceed to the airport. Your unforgettable expedition, from Africa’s highest peak to its richest wildlife sanctuaries, comes to a perfect end