11 Days Private Budget Kilimanjaro Hiking & Safari in Tanzania

Machame Camp (2835 m) to Shira Cave Camp (3,750 m): 4-6 hours

Elevation: 2835 m to 3,750 m 

Distance: 5 km 

Walking Time: 5-6 hours 

Habitat: Moorland Full 

Meals: Full Board at Shira Cave Camp. 

A shorter day climbing up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as Picnic site, and continue up a gentler ascent through the lower alpine moorland, which is known for beautiful wild alpine flowers. The most spectacular views of Kibo peak can be seen from Shira Cave Camp.

Shira Cave Camp (3750 m) to Barranco Camp (3900 m) {VIA Lava Tower Camp (4600 m)}

Elevation: Shira Cave camp 3,750 m to Baraco Camp 3,900 m 

Distance: 10 km 

Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours 

Habitat: Moorland 

Accommodation: Barranco Camp 

Today we walk on a gentle ascent and panoramic views. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and after hot lunch the bottom of the Lava Tower (4,600 m.) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3,950 m.).

Barranco Camp (3900 m) to Karanga Camp (3995 m)

Elevation: Barranco Camp 3,900 m to Karanga Camp 3995 m 

Distance: 6 km 

Hiking Time: 3.5 to 4 hours 

Habitat: Moorland 

Accommodations: Karanga Camp. 

A steep climb up the eastern wall leads us just below the Heim Glacier, where we may have some spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. We then take a steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo, the trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley, finally we have a steep climb up to Karanga Camp.

Karanga Camp (3995 m) to Barafu Camp (4,673 m)

Elevation: Karanga Camp 3995 m to Barafu Camp 4,673 m 

Distance: 4 km 

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours 

Habitat: Alpine Desert 

Accommodations: Barafu Camp.

A steep climb out of Karanga Camp, and an easy path on compacted scree with wide views through this empty and dry landscape up to Barafu Camp. The two peaks Kibo and Mawenzi can been seen from Barafu Camp. After a hot lunch at the Camp, the remainder of the day is spent resting as we prepare for the final ascent before an early night summit walk.

Barafu Camp (4673 m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) to Mweka Camp (3100 m)

Elevation: Barafu Camp (4,673 m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) Via Stella Point (5756 m) 

Distance: 4.3 km ascent to Stella Point 

Distance: 5 km Barafu to Uhuru Peak Ascent. 

Hiking Time: 6-7hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent 

Habitat: Alpine Desert 

Accommodations: Mweka Camp. 

Wake up before midnight in the cover of darkness. We begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to rim of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5,735m. We will rest there for few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling good can continue slowly to make the two hours round trip from here along the crater rim to main peak (5,895 m), which is the highest point in Africa. After a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment, we descend to Barafu Camp is amazingly fast, and we stop at Barafu Camp for some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach Mweka Camp.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation: Mweka Camp (3,100 m) to Mweka Gate (1,640 m) 

Distance: 10 km 

Hiking Time: 4 -5 hours 

Habitat: Montane Forest 

A gentle walk takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka gate, the successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. After lunch, we drive back to Moshi to your hotel.

Moshi – Arusha to Tarangire National Park

We will depart from Arusha in the morning and drive to the Tarangire National Park where you can marvel at the colossal termite mounds and the ancient baobab trees. The picturesque scenery and diverse bird-life assist in creating the tranquil ambiance of the Tarangire National Park. The great elephant population is an extremely remarkable sight. African elephants are the largest land mammal and adult males can weigh as much as seven tonnes. Tarangire’s varied wildlife includes lions, giraffes, warthogs, ostriches, impalas, cheetah, mongoose, buffaloes, and baboons. When your game drive comes to an end, we will take you to the Lake Manyara or Mto wa Mbu where you will get dinner and overnight. 

Mto wa Mbu / Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park

After appetizing breakfast will transit to Ngorongoro to the Serengeti National Park. We will take the scenic route to the Serengeti which allows us to travel near the Ngorongoro Crater. There is a possibility of spotting game. The endless golden savannah with splotches of color created by the vegetation and wildlife make it easy to understand why the Serengeti is one of the Seven Natural wonders of Africa. We will stop so that you can enjoy your picnic lunch on a kopje (a small hill in a generally flat area). We will proceed further into the Serengeti for a leisurely game drive. You will spend the night at Serengeti.

Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

We will begin our day with an early morning game drive in central Serengeti. The savannah is an active landscape and the air is flooded with the melodies the birds create as the regenerated sunlight starts to illuminate the full landscape. Your guide will study the prints on the ground to pursue predators. We will travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You will be provided with dinner overnight.

Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

After an early breakfast, we’ll rush to Ngorongoro Crater, the perfect time to spot wildlife. As the sun rises, we’ll explore the vast caldera, home to ‘The Big 5’—lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and buffalo. A picnic by a hippo-filled lake will offer views of flamingos, hawks, and playful zebras. By afternoon, after thrilling encounters with wildebeest and hyenas, we’ll begin our return to Arusha, carrying unforgettable memories of this wildlife paradise.