Safari in Tanzania & Hiking on Kilimanjaro

Upon arriving at Kilimanjaro Airport, you'll transfer to your hotel in Arusha for check-in (approx. 55 km/1 hour drive). Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania, is a charming town brimming with attractions and adventures.

If time allows after check-in*, spend the rest of the day at your leisure, starting to explore your new surroundings. Later, savor a delightful dinner while your tour guide briefs you on the exciting details of your African safari adventure. Overnight stay in Arusha.

*Early check-in allows you to enter your room before the hotel's regular check-in time for an additional cost. You will have the option to add early check-in on arrival in the next step of the booking process.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, around 6 am, you will be picked up from your lodge with a packed lunch and transferred to Kilimanjaro National Park, Marangu Gate, at 1860 m. After completing the entry formalities, you will begin an exciting hike through a dense forest and along a picturesque stream, always accompanied by your mountain guide.

The hike, which lasts 3 to 4 hours depending on the group’s pace, will take you to Mandara Hut at 2700 m above the mountain's base. The ascent begins at an elevation of 1880 m. From there, you can enjoy a short excursion to the edge of the impressive Maundi Crater, a remnant of an ancient volcanic conduit, which offers spectacular views of the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks on a clear day. This experience is ideal for those who enjoy hiking and are ready for a physical challenge.

Afterward, you will have time to admire this natural setting while enjoying your packed lunch. Then, you will descend back to Marangu Gate, a journey that usually takes about 1 hour or more, depending on your pace. Finally, return to your accommodation to relax after a day full of adventures. Dinner and overnight stay in Arusha.

Distance and elevation gain: 17 km and 800 m ascent.

Please note: This excursion is not suitable for children or people with reduced mobility. It is essential to wear hiking clothes and mountain boots to ensure your comfort and safety during the hike. If needed, you can reserve walking sticks in advance and pay for them at the destination.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, embark on a fascinating full-day tour to Materuni Waterfalls, nestled at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, with a visit to a local coffee plantation included (approx. 83 km/2.5-hour drive). Upon arriving in Materuni, a traditional Chagga tribal village, you’ll start with a 40-minute walk to the stunning waterfall.

As you hike, your guide will share insights into Chagga daily life, their culture, and the local flora and fauna. Once you reach the waterfall, you can marvel at its impressive 80-meter drop and take a refreshing swim in the pool at its base.

Next, visit Mama Agnes’ home for a traditional Chagga lunch, where you’ll enjoy local dishes and taste homemade banana beer.

After lunch, head to a nearby coffee plantation to learn about the cultivation, drying, and roasting processes. You’ll even get to grind your own coffee while enjoying Chagga songs and dances, providing an immersive cultural experience.

Before heading back, savor the coffee you made and soak in the views of the surrounding montane rainforest. If you wish, you can also opt for a Maasai Experience at Osiligilai Maasai Lodge*. If not, return to your lodge in Arusha for a leisurely afternoon. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Arusha.

*Optional Maasai experience at Osiligilai Maasai Lodge: transfer by road to the impressive Osiligilai eco-lodge. Once here, we take a game drive to take in the scenery and enjoy the views of the mountains and savannah. We also visit the Maasai Boma village to discover the culture and way of life of the Maasai people and the nature and endemic species of the area. Afterwards we enjoy the sunset overlooking Kilimanjaro and return to the lodge for dinner. Overnight stay in Osiligilai Lodge.

Breakfast at the hotel. Say goodbye to Arusha as you head to the Tarangire National Park. Prepare to hop on a 4x4 Safari Jeep to cruise for a full-day safari experience. Tarangire rivals the Serengeti in the great number and diversity of its wildlife. It is a good choice for those looking to encounter more animals, particularly elephants, as this location is  renowned for their frequent sightings.

The Tarangire river is the only source of water in the area, attracting the reserves' abundance of exotic wildlife and making it a perfect spot for wildlife viewing. The landscape is a photographer's dream too, due to the high number of scenic baobab trees and its extensive marshlands. A packed lunch is included.

In the evening, enjoy free time to relax. Check-in to your lodge, enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Tarangire.

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet up with the rest of your group and embark on a scenic drive from Tarangire to Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. The 190 km journey will take about 3.5 hours. Upon arrival, check in to your accommodation and take some time to relax, enjoy lunch, and refresh after the drive. Rest up and get excited for a thrilling full day of safari exploration tomorrow! Dinner and overnight stay in the Serengeti National Park.

Enjoy the morning taking in the beauty of the Serengeti National Park; listen to the enchanting sounds, smell the wilderness and gaze at the breathtaking sunrise view of the endless plains of this location. Take some time to enjoy breakfast before starting today's adventure. Alternatively, take part in our optional morning hot air balloon* over the Serengeti plains.

Later, embark on yet another chance to explore the Serengeti by getting to know its wildlife. Spend the entire day enjoying a vehicle safari experience. Depending on what the majority of the group decides, lunch will either be had back at the lodge or brought with you as a picnic to enjoy during the game drive. The rest of the day is free to enjoy at your leisure. Return to your camp for dinner and overnight stay in the Serengeti National Park.

*Optional Hot Air Balloon Over Serengeti Plains: Get a spectacular bird’s eye view of the great migration and the unique landscapes of this location in an aerial experience you will not be forgetting any time soon!

Please note: The optional hot air balloon activity is contingent on weather conditions at the destination and will be confirmed the day before. If it cannot go ahead, a full refund will be issued. This activity is not wheelchair accessible nor is it allowed for children under 5 years of age.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you will be making your way to the Ngorongoro Crater to experience the vastness of its landscapes and wildlife (approx. 145 km/3.5 hour drive).

Upon arrival, descend to the crater floor for a spectacular game viewing. You will be going down a lush highland forest, with magnificent birdlife to be spotted among the different species of flora. You will also have the chance to observe a large variety of herbivore species, as well as the predators that are attracted by this abundant supply of prey.

Its 260 sq km floor is very diverse; boasting a permanent lake, open savannah and areas of mature woodland. Surrounded by steep, densely forested walls rising over 600 m high, the effect is that of a huge natural Amphitheater.

You will then enjoy a packed lunch. Later, ascend and make your way to your hotel in Karatu (approx. 45 km/1.5 hour drive). Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in Karatu.

Breakfast at the hotel. Embark on a journey to Mto Wa Mbu village, located near Lake Manyara National Park, for an unforgettable experience that blends nature and culture (approx. 28 km/35-minute drive). Discover local farms, vibrant food markets, lush paddy fields, and a charming banana beer bar. Enjoy a delightful lunch. Afterwards, return to Arusha for a relaxing evening and savor a delicious dinner. Please note that the drive back to Arusha is approximately 113 km and takes just under two hours. Overnight stay in Arusha.

Breakfast* at the lodge. At the indicated time**, transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport (55 km/approx. 1hr drive) to catch your flight back to Canada.  Night on board.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day. 

**You will have the option to add late check-out upon departure in the next step of the booking process.

Touch down back in Canada and end your adventure.