11-Day Tanzania Safari
& Kilimanjaro Experience
Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Maasai land, and a guided day hike on Mount Kilimanjaro
A complete route combining wildlife, culture, and a Kilimanjaro day experience with well-paced transitions
- Duration: 11 Days
- Group Type: Small Group or Private
- Vehicle: 4×4 Safari Jeep
- Start / End: Arusha
A combined safari and Kilimanjaro route
This itinerary connects northern Tanzania’s main parks with time in Maasai land and a guided day trip on Mount Kilimanjaro. It suits travelers who want wildlife viewing, cultural interaction, and a mountain experience without committing to a full climb.
The route moves from Tarangire to Ngorongoro, continues into Serengeti, and then shifts toward West Kilimanjaro for cultural activities and a day hike.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Elephant groups and river systems in Tarangire
- Full crater game drive in Ngorongoro
- Predator tracking in Serengeti
- Maasai cultural immersion in West Kilimanjaro
- Guided day hike on Kilimanjaro (Shira Route)
- Balanced pacing with rest day included
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival in Arusha
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your guide meets you outside the arrivals area and assists with your transfer to Arusha Villa Lodge.
The drive passes through local towns and green surroundings at the base of Mount Meru. On arrival, you check in and have time to rest after your journey. The lodge setting allows a quiet start, with garden areas and open space.
In the evening, you receive a short briefing covering the route, travel times, and what to expect during the safari. Dinner is served at the lodge.
Day 2 — Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Overnight: Korongo Luxury Camp
After breakfast, depart Arusha and drive southwest toward Tarangire. The route passes farmland, small villages, and open countryside.
Upon entering the park, your first game drive begins. Tarangire is known for large elephant groups and scattered baobab trees. The Tarangire River acts as a key water source, attracting animals throughout the year.
Your guide follows recent tracks and sightings to locate wildlife. You may see elephants moving in groups, giraffes feeding in acacia areas, and predators resting in shaded sections.
Lunch is taken inside the park or at camp depending on timing. In the afternoon, continue exploring different areas before heading to the lodge.
Day 3 — Full Day in Tarangire
Overnight: Korongo Luxury Camp
Start early with a morning game drive when temperatures are lower and wildlife activity is higher.
The drive often follows river areas where animals gather. You may encounter elephants near water, zebras and wildebeest grazing, and occasional predator movement.
Return for lunch or continue with a packed meal to remain inside the park longer. The afternoon drive covers a different section, including woodland and open plains.
This variation in terrain increases the range of wildlife sightings across the day. Dinner and overnight at camp.
Day 4 — Tarangire to Ngorongoro Crater
Overnight: Ngorongoro Lodge / Camp
After an early breakfast, depart Tarangire and head toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Upon arrival, descend into the crater via a steep access road. The crater floor forms a contained ecosystem, making wildlife viewing more consistent.
During the game drive, you may see lions, buffalo, elephants, hyenas, and if conditions allow, black rhinos. Flamingos are often present around the soda lake.
Your guide moves between open grassland, wetland, and forest areas within the crater. A picnic lunch is taken inside before ascending back to the rim.
Transfer to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 5 — Ngorongoro to Central Serengeti
Overnight: Sound of Nature Serengeti Lodge
After breakfast, depart for Serengeti.
The drive passes through highland areas before opening into wide plains. Wildlife viewing begins along the route, with animals often visible before reaching central Serengeti.
Your guide uses known wildlife zones and recent sightings to plan stops along the way. Upon arrival, continue with an afternoon game drive before heading to the lodge.
Day 6 — Full Day in Serengeti
Overnight: Sound of Nature Serengeti Lodge
This day is dedicated to exploring Serengeti.
An early start allows tracking of predators while they are active. Your guide follows fresh tracks and movement patterns, often revisiting areas where wildlife was seen the previous day.
You may see lions resting or hunting, cheetahs moving across open ground, and large groups of grazers.
Lunch can be taken in the bush or back at the lodge depending on your preference.
Optional balloon safari available in the morning, followed by breakfast in the bush.
Day 7 — Serengeti to West Kilimanjaro
Overnight: Osiligilai Lodge
After breakfast, begin the drive toward West Kilimanjaro.
This is a longer travel day with changing scenery, passing through conservation areas, towns, and rural landscapes.
Arrival at Osiligilai Lodge places you within Maasai land near wildlife areas. It is possible to see animals such as zebras grazing near the lodge.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 8 — Maasai Cultural Activities
Overnight: Osiligilai Lodge
The day is structured around guided cultural activities.
In the morning, visit a Maasai village to learn about housing structure, livestock management, and daily routines. A guided walk introduces the surrounding area and local environment.
In the afternoon, you may take part in beadwork activities led by local women’s groups.
Later in the day, traditional activities such as spear throwing are demonstrated and practiced.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 9 — Kilimanjaro Day Hike (Shira Route)
Overnight: Osiligilai Lodge
After breakfast, drive to Londorossi Gate on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro.
From here, begin a guided walk along the Shira Route. The route passes through forest zones with dense vegetation and potential sightings of colobus monkeys and other wildlife.
Your guide sets a steady pace based on the group. The walk provides an introduction to Kilimanjaro terrain without requiring a full climb.
Return to the lodge in the late afternoon.
Day 10 — Rest Day
Overnight: Osiligilai Lodge
A flexible day to rest at the lodge.
You may spend time by the pool, take short walks, or arrange light activities such as cycling around the area.
This break allows recovery after several active days.
Day 11 — Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Timing depends on your flight schedule. If departure is later in the day, additional short activities can be arranged before transfer.
AVAILABILITY NOTICE
Travel periods between June–October and January–March have higher demand across Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
Early confirmation helps secure lodge placement and smoother routing.
Pricing Overview
- $8,035 — Private safari
- $4,699 per person — Group of 6
Note: Balloon safari is optional and priced separately
What’s Included
- Accommodation as listed
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional safari guide
- Park fees and conservation charges
- Ngorongoro crater fees
- Kilimanjaro day hike
- Maasai cultural activities
- Meals as indicated
- Airport transfers
- Drinking water during safari
- All taxes and VAT
What’s Not Included
- International flights
- Visa and travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic drinks
- Extra nights outside itinerary
- Guide tips (recommended $10–15 per person per day)
- Optional activities
Where You Stay
Arusha — Arusha Villa Lodge
A boutique lodge set in a quiet area outside the main town, surrounded by gardens and open space. Rooms are spacious with en-suite bathrooms and private verandas. The location provides a calm environment after arrival and before departure, with views toward Mount Meru on clear days.
Tarangire — Korongo Luxury Camp
A tented camp located close to key wildlife zones within Tarangire. The camp allows early access to game drive routes without long transfers. Tents include en-suite bathrooms, proper beds, and shaded outdoor seating. The setting is integrated with the surrounding bush, with wildlife occasionally moving near camp.
Ngorongoro — Tortilis Camp / Naeseria Lodge
Accommodation near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with quick access to the crater descent road. Rooms or tents are designed for cooler highland conditions and include en-suite facilities. The location supports early entry into the crater and reduces travel time on game drive day.
Serengeti — Sound of Nature Serengeti Lodge
A lodge positioned in central Serengeti, allowing consistent access to wildlife areas throughout the year. Rooms are well-spaced with en-suite bathrooms and solar-powered lighting. The central location supports flexible game drives without long-distance transfers.
West Kilimanjaro — Osiligilai Lodge
A lodge set within Maasai land near a wildlife management area. The property offers views toward Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. Rooms are comfortable with en-suite facilities, and the surrounding area allows for cultural activities and light walking experiences. Wildlife such as zebra can often be seen near the lodge.
Each property is selected for location and access to game drive routes.
How It Works
Plan your safari and Kilimanjaro experience
Receive a tailored itinerary based on your travel dates and group size
Check Availability for Your Safari
Share your travel details and receive a tailored itinerary with exact pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kilimanjaro hike a full climb?
No. This itinerary includes a day hike on the Shira Route, not a summit attempt.
You walk through forest and lower mountain terrain with a guide, then return to the lodge the same day. It gives a clear sense of the mountain environment without multi-day trekking.
Do I need hiking experience for the Kilimanjaro day trip?
No prior climbing experience is required.
The walk is paced based on your comfort level. Basic fitness and comfortable walking ability are enough for this activity.
How physically demanding is this itinerary overall?
Most days involve sitting during game drives, with some early starts.
The Kilimanjaro day walk and Maasai activities include light to moderate walking. The itinerary also includes a rest day to balance activity levels.
What makes this itinerary different from a standard safari?
This route combines three elements:
Wildlife viewing across major parks
Cultural activities in Maasai land
A guided day experience on Mount Kilimanjaro
It suits travelers who want variety beyond game drives.
When is the best time to travel?
June to October offers dry conditions and easier wildlife tracking.
January to March is known for calving season in Serengeti, with increased predator movement.
Kilimanjaro day hikes are possible year-round, though weather varies.
Will we see the Big Five?
The route includes areas where lions, elephants, buffalo, and leopards are regularly seen.
Rhino sightings are most likely inside Ngorongoro Crater, though not guaranteed.
Is the balloon safari included?
No. The balloon safari in Serengeti is optional and priced separately.
It takes place early in the morning and ends with a bush breakfast.
How long are the driving distances?
Some transfer days, especially between Serengeti and West Kilimanjaro, involve longer drives.
Game drives within parks are flexible and adjusted based on wildlife movement and guest preference.
What type of accommodation is used?
The itinerary uses mid-range to upper mid-range lodges and camps.
All rooms or tents include en-suite bathrooms, proper beds, and on-site dining. Locations are selected to reduce travel time to wildlife areas.
Is this safari private?
Yes, this package is structured as a private safari with your own guide and vehicle.
Group options can be arranged on request.
What should I pack for both safari and Kilimanjaro?
You should bring:
Light clothing for daytime
A warm layer for early mornings and highland areas
Comfortable walking shoes for the hike
Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
A detailed packing list is provided after booking.
Are cultural visits respectful and authentic?
Yes. Activities in Maasai land are guided and coordinated with local communities.
Participation is structured and supports local groups directly.
How far in advance should I book?
For travel between June–October or January–March, booking several months ahead is recommended.
This helps secure preferred lodges and smoother routing.
What happens after I send an enquiry?
You receive a tailored itinerary based on your dates and group size.
Adjustments can be made before confirming with a deposit.