12-Day Kilimanjaro Summit + Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari: Combined Climb and Wildlife Tour
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
12 days
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness with experience in multi-day hikes; ability to carry a daypack for 6–8 hours per day and maintain steady pace at altitude.
Overview
Climb to Africa’s highest point and then follow migrating herds across iconic savannah: this 12-day private itinerary combines a Machame-route ascent of Kilimanjaro with game drives in Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Expect high-altitude trekking, early starts and close wildlife encounters.
12-Day Kilimanjaro Summit + Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari: Combined Climb and Wildlife Tour
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The day begins before dawn in Moshi, when headlamps blink like constellations and porters shoulder canvas rucksacks toward the Machame Gate. A narrow trail threads into the rainforest, leaves whispering and the mountain itself seeming to breathe; Kilimanjaro climbs above the clouds, patient and demanding. By week’s end the climb gives way to open plains—a different kind of breathless—where the Serengeti pushes the horizon flat and lions tidy the long grass. This is a trip of two worlds: high-altitude trekking to Uhuru Peak and classic East African safari across Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Prioritize acclimatization
Follow the itinerary’s gradual ascent, sleep properly and avoid alcohol—slow climbs greatly improve summit odds and reduce altitude sickness.
Footwear and gaiters
Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots plus gaiters protect against scree and volcanic dust on the upper slopes.
Early game drives
Plan dawn drives in Serengeti and Ngorongoro—animals are most active in the cool morning hours and lighting is best for photos.
Cash for tips and extras
Carry small Tanzanian shillings for tipping guides, porters and local vendors; ATMs are limited outside Arusha and Moshi.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- African elephant
- lion (and large predators)
History
Kilimanjaro has long been home to Chagga agricultural communities; Arab and European coffee traders later influenced Moshi’s economy, while the Ngorongoro area preserves Maasai pastoral heritage.
Conservation
Park fees fund patrols and local community projects; follow park rules, pack out waste and avoid disturbing wildlife to reduce impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Moshi
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and traction for steep, rocky trails and scree on Kilimanjaro’s upper slopes.
Layered insulation (base, mid, shell)
Temperature swings from humid rainforest to sub-zero summit require modular layers.
winter specific
Trekking poles
Reduces knee strain on steep descents and helps maintain rhythm on long ascents.
Wide-brim hat & sunscreen
Protects against strong equatorial sun during safari drives and high-altitude exposure.
summer specific