Overview
This 16-day itinerary combines three of Tanzania's biggest draws into one trip: a full Machame route climb to Kilimanjaro's summit, a Northern Circuit safari through the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, and a closing stretch of beach time on Zanzibar.
The climb comes first — seven days on the Machame route, widely considered the mountain's most scenic path to the top, followed by a rest day back in Moshi to recover before the safari begins. From there, five days of game drives cover the Northern Circuit's highlights, before a short flight to Zanzibar for three final days of proper relaxation.
It's a genuinely complete Tanzania trip in one booking — a real physical achievement, classic Big Five wildlife viewing, and a beach ending to recover from both. See our guide to combining Kilimanjaro with a safari for more on why this order works well.
Contact us to book this itinerary or adjust the route, pace and accommodation level to fit your dates.
Day 12-14
Day 10-12
Day 9-10
| Accommodation | Confirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with. |
|---|---|
| Meals | Full board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary. |
Day by Day (16 days)
Get picked up at Kilimanjaro International Airport by a representative and transfer to your hotel in Moshi. A short briefing covers what to expect over the next seven days on the mountain. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Drive to Machame Gate for registration formalities, then begin climbing through dense rainforest to reach Machame Camp by evening. Distance: 11km. Trekking time: 5-7 hours. Zone: Rainforest.
Leave the rainforest behind and enter heath and moorland vegetation. The trail crosses a rocky ridge onto the Shira Plateau, leading to Shira Camp. Distance: 5km. Trekking time: 4-6 hours. Zone: Heath.
Cross into semi-desert, rocky terrain, reaching Lava Tower for lunch before descending through the Senecio Forest to Barranco Camp. Distance: 10km. Trekking time: 6-8 hours. Zone: Alpine desert.
Descend into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall, climb the roughly 900ft cliff, then cross hills and valleys into Karanga Valley. This shorter day is built in specifically for acclimatization. Distance: 5km. Trekking time: 4-5 hours.
A shorter trekking day to reach base camp, followed by an early dinner and a full briefing from your guide on the summit ascent ahead. Early to bed, since departure for the summit begins around midnight. Distance: 4km. Trekking time: 4-5 hours.
The summit push begins around midnight, reaching Uhuru Peak — Africa's highest point — around sunrise. After time to take it in, descend all the way to Mweka Camp the same day. This is the longest and most demanding day of the climb. Distance: 18km. Trekking time: 13-15 hours.
A shorter, more relaxed final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate, where certificates are presented. Transfer back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-earned hot shower, proper meal and rest day before the safari begins.
Drive from Moshi to Tarangire, known for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Afternoon game drive along the Tarangire River, where wildlife concentrates especially during drier months. Overnight near the park.
Morning game drive in Tarangire before continuing to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Overnight on the crater rim, with dramatic views down into the caldera below.
Descend to the crater floor for a full day of game viewing in one of Africa's most concentrated wildlife areas — a real chance at all of the Big Five within a single, contained caldera. Return to the rim in the evening.
Drive to the Serengeti, with game viewing along the way as the landscape opens into the park's famous endless plains. Afternoon game drive on arrival, with overnight in the central Serengeti.
A full day exploring the Serengeti's central Seronera area, home to resident lion prides and, depending on the season, the wildebeest migration. Morning and afternoon game drives with a picnic lunch out in the park.
Morning transfer to the airstrip for a flight via Arusha to Zanzibar. Transfer to your beach accommodation, with the rest of the day free to unwind after the safari portion of the trip.
A full free day on the island — swim, snorkel, explore Stone Town, or simply relax on the beach. We can arrange optional activities like a spice tour or a sunset dhow cruise if you'd like to add one.
Depending on your international flight time, enjoy a final morning on the beach before transferring to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for your onward flight home.
Rates Per Person
See "Accommodation & Meals" on the Overview tab for the general comfort levels available — send us your dates and group size for an exact quote.
Next: Inclusions →Inclusions
Included
- Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
- Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Getting There
Tour Start & End
This trip starts in Mount Kilimanjaro and ends in Tarangire National Park.
Airport Information
Kilimanjaro International Airport and Mwanza Airport are the most common arrival points, depending on your route.
Transfer Information
Airport pickup and all transfers between destinations are included and arranged by our team.
Accommodation Before/After
Need a night in Mwanza or Arusha before or after this trip? We can arrange that on request.