From Moshi and Gorilla Trek Across Uganda and Tanzania: 15 Days Private Luxury Safari, Kilimanjaro Climbing

Moshi to Machame Gate to Machame Camp

After breakfast, you will drive approximately 50 minutes to Machame Gate, the starting point of your climb. From here, you begin your trek through lush montane rainforest, following winding trails up the mountain slopes. The trail can be muddy and slippery in places, making gaiters and trekking poles highly recommended. Along the way, you will enjoy the diverse flora, with towering trees and unique birdlife adding charm to your hike. The day concludes at Machame Camp, where you can relax, enjoy a hearty meal, and soak in the surrounding natural beauty.

Distance: 11 km 

Hiking Time: 5-7 hrs 

Elevation: 1,830m–3,100m

Shira Cave Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

Today’s hike is both scenic and rewarding as you cross the semi-desert terrain en route to the Lava Tower. The ascent is gradual, with expansive panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s southwest slopes. After a well-deserved lunch at the base of Lava Tower (4,600m), you will begin the descent into the Great Barranco Valley. Surrounded by towering cliffs and unique geological formations, the valley provides one of the most picturesque camping sites on the trek. Arrival at Barranco Camp allows time to rest and enjoy the camp’s atmosphere, sharing experiences with fellow trekkers.

Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp

Leaving the dense rainforest, the landscape transitions into the open moorlands as you ascend higher. Trekking along rocky ridges and across valleys, you will witness panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s slopes and distant peaks. The air becomes cooler and vegetation sparser, giving a sense of the changing climate and altitude. Upon reaching Shira Camp, you can relax in camp while enjoying the serene surroundings and breathtaking vistas. Dinner at the camp offers a chance to replenish energy in preparation for the next day’s climb.

Distance: 9 km 

Hiking Time: 4-6 hrs 

Elevation: 3,100m–3,840m

Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

The day starts with the challenging climb of the Barranco Wall, requiring steady pacing and determination. After conquering the wall, the trail leads through the Karanga Valley before joining the Mweka Trail junction. The terrain is alpine desert, with wide views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Reaching Barafu Camp, you will prepare for the final push to the summit the following day. The camp is strategically positioned for sunset views and provides the last chance to rest at high altitude before the grueling ascent.

Barafu Camp – Uhuru Summit – Mweka Camp

A very early start between midnight and 2 am marks your ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The trek to Stella Point involves climbing steep scree under the light of headlamps, with the reward of sunrise over the crater rim. From Stella Point, it’s a short final ascent across snow and rocks to the summit, where panoramic views stretch across the continent. The descent is equally challenging, with loose gravel requiring caution, before reaching Mweka Camp for the night. Dinner and rest here offer a well-earned recovery after a physically demanding day.

Distance: 6 km up / 13 km down 

Hiking Time: 5-7 hrs up / 5-6 hrs down 

Elevation: 4,700m–5,895m–3,090m

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Moshi

Descend through lush forest trails to Mweka Gate, receiving your official summit certificates along the way. The lower elevations are wetter and muddier, making trekking poles and gaiters useful. After reaching the park gate, board a vehicle for transfer back to Moshi town. Evening at Hotel offers relaxation, warm showers, and reflection on your successful climb. This day allows you to rejuvenate before the safari portion of your adventure begins.

Distance: 10 km 

Hiking Time: 3-4 hrs 

Elevation: 3,090m–1,680m

Moshi – Relaxation and Transfer to Arusha

Spend the morning at leisure in Moshi, enjoying the hotel’s facilities and local scenery. In the afternoon, transfer to Hotel in Arusha, where you will meet your safari guide. The guide will provide a briefing about your upcoming safari itinerary, including park highlights, wildlife to expect, and safety measures. This is an ideal day to rest, organize your belongings, and mentally prepare for the safari adventure. Enjoy a quiet evening and a delicious meal at the hotel.

Arusha to Tarangire National Park and overnight at Mto wa Mbu

Depart Arusha after breakfast and drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Experience game drives across golden savannahs, spotting lions, giraffes, buffalo, warthogs, and a variety of bird species. The park’s quiet, vast landscapes offer excellent photography opportunities. In the late afternoon, continue to Mto wa Mbu for overnight stay. Dinner is served at the lodge, accompanied by stories of the day’s wildlife encounters.

Mto wa Mbu to Serengeti National Park

Travel from Mto wa Mbu to Serengeti National Park, passing the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Stop for a picnic lunch on a scenic kopje while enjoying wildlife sightings along the way. Continue deeper into the Serengeti National Park for an afternoon game drive, encountering zebras, wildebeest, and possibly predators. Arrive at Lodge, relax in your luxurious tent, and enjoy dinner amidst the sounds of the African plains.

Full Day Game Drive Safari in Serengeti National Park

Spend the entire day exploring the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park, home to Africa’s most iconic wildlife. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos can often be spotted within a few meters of the safari vehicle. Picnic lunches are served amid scenic spots, with evening return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater

Enjoy a morning game drive in the Serengeti before departing to Ngorongoro Crater. Arrive at your lodge, positioned on the crater rim for breathtaking views. Watch the sunset over the caldera while reflecting on the day’s adventures. Dinner is freshly prepared, providing a perfect conclusion to an active day. Overnight at the lodge allows guests to rest while soaking in the dramatic scenery.

Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha

Early morning game drive in Ngorongoro Crater, home to the Big Five. Observe lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo in their natural habitat, along with zebras, wildebeest, flamingos, and numerous birds. Enjoy a picnic lunch near a hippo pond before beginning the drive back to Arusha. Evening arrival at the hotel offers time to relax, reflect on wildlife encounters, and enjoy a delicious dinner.

Arusha – Entebbe, Uganda

Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight to Entebbe (flight not included). Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to Hotel for an overnight stay. Spend the evening relaxing after the flight and preparing for the Uganda portion of your adventure. Enjoy a quiet dinner and comfortable accommodations.

Entebbe – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Drive through Uganda’s scenic countryside towards Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, stopping en route at local markets, craft centers, and the equator line for photographs. Pass through tropical rainforest and bamboo forest during the journey. Upon arrival, check in at Lodge and enjoy full board meals. The evening is free to relax while soaking in the unique forest environment and preparing for gorilla trekking.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After breakfast, attend a briefing about the day’s gorilla trek before entering the rainforest with experienced guides and trackers. Trek through dense bamboo and tropical vegetation to locate a gorilla family. Once located, spend an hour observing the magnificent gorillas, including silverbacks and playful young ones, within six meters of your group. Return to the Lodge for dinner and overnight stay, reflecting on the extraordinary experience.

Bwindi – Entebbe International Airport

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive back to Entebbe. Upon arrival, transfer to the airport for your departure flight home. This marks the conclusion of an unforgettable adventure across Tanzania and Uganda, combining mountain climbing, wildlife safaris, and gorilla trekking