fbpx

Peregrine Travel Centre

Kilimanjaro & Serengeti Adventure

Sale!

Kilimanjaro & Serengeti Adventure

Was From $ 10,045 AUD
Now From $ 9,040 AUDSale!

Book Now Request a callback
Email Us Print
, , , ,

Description

Experience two of Africa’s most famous natural wonders from ground level on this trip, designed for those with a passion for the outdoors. The imposing peaks of Mt Kilimanjaro inspire awe and rouse a spirit of adventure, while the vast plains of the Serengeti evoke a sense of wonder and deep respect for the animal kingdom. Rise to the challenge and conquer Africa’s highest peak on a difficult trek to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. Safari through the savanna in search of stealthy predators, then spot other game in the gigantic Ngorongoro Crater. This is a journey that will reward those with an appetite for excitement and an appreciation for nature, so get ready for thrills, challenges and discovery.

Trip Name
Kilimanjaro & Serengeti Adventure
Last Updated
2024-04-23
Days
15
Capacity
22
Highlights
  • Explore the Serengeti National Park in depth with four game drives – two early morning and two late afternoon – then explore Amboseli National Park, home to the largest population of African elephants in Kenya.
  • Take a mind-blowing safari across the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater in an open-roof 4WD for a chance to see the endangered black rhinoceros.
  • Kill it on your Kili trek with the best local team, nights spent in huts instead of tents and an extra acclimatisation day at Horombo for the best chance at summiting.
  • Hike Mt Kilimanjaro's climactic last stretch by lamplight and give yourself as much chance as possible to watch a sunrise over icefields from behind Africa’s highest peak.
  • We’re an official partner with the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project. Hike easier knowing that while our porters are taking care of you, someone is looking out for them.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. ROAD CONDITIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN AFRICA: Roads in Africa are often in very poor condition, which makes it hard on our vehicles. Our vehicles are serviced regularly and are generally in good condition, but breakdowns can and do happen. Sometimes the going on this trip is quite tough, the distances covered fairly large and some of the roads and tracks are not exactly smooth or free from dust, but the rewards are exceptional. The travelling times indicated in our Essential Trip Information is just a rough guide and is dependent on various factors that may be outside our control, such as road conditions, weather and time spent at borders. DRIVE TIMES: The travel times listed in the day to day itinerary are a guide only. Please be aware that delays may occur and please be patient - it's all part of the experience afterall! Additionally, the travel times do not include time spent on game drives as these can vary with each departure. URBAN ADVENTURES: Join us for the Best. Day. Ever. Urban Adventures are for those who want to get away from the tourist crowds and really connect with a city, with a local by their side. The experience can be as short as a couple of hours, or as long as a whole day, but in every case our Urban Adventures tours take travellers to interesting places to experience local culture and see what makes a place unique. If you are travelling before or after your trip with us and would like to book an Urban Adventure in advance, please contact your booking agent or use this link: http://www.urbanadventures.com/?aff=2226. While on tour with us, your leader can assist in booking other Urban Adventures.

Day 1 - Marangu
Jambo! Welcome to Tanzania. Your hike begins in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Marangu. The hotel is a short walk from the village’s bustling market and some excellent coffee shops. It is also very close to some beautiful waterfalls and ancient Chagga caves. Please make sure you are at the hotel by early evening, as your trip starts with a full briefing and kit inspection by an experienced Kilimanjaro climber. This will take place before dinner, usually around 6 pm. In the event that one of you fellow travellers are late, the meeting may have to be rescheduled for the following morning.
Day 2 - Mandara Hut
Stop into one of the offices of the Intrepid Foundation-supported Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project. Learn how various projects support the people who are helping you tackle Mt Kilimanjaro, making sure these hardworking individuals are fairly compensated and safe while they work. Not only will you gain an appreciation for the work of the folks who make the trek possible, but you’ll also be able to walk easier with the knowledge you’re supporting ethical trekking. Continue to Marangu Gate, the entrance of the Mt Kilimanjaro National Park (1860 m) and meet your guides and porters. With introductions and assignment of porter loads taken care of, it’s time to embark on the trek of a lifetime.
Day 3 - Horombo Hut
Your second day on the mountain involves another long hike over a slightly steeper stretch. The total distance from Mandara to the Horombo huts is 12 kilometres (approximately 5–7 hours). Today you will see the rainforest give way to open and rolling alpine meadows dotted with giant heather trees. Once out of the forest canopy, the twin snow-tipped peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi lie directly ahead. These are two of the three great cones of Kilimanjaro (the other being Shira). During the day’s walk we will traverse several ravines before reaching the hut, which is set in a rocky valley. There is time to enjoy a wide variety of vegetation and changing landscapes on the way to Horombo Hut (3780 metres). We will spend the next two nights here at the hut.
Day 4 - Horombo Hut
After breakfast, walk towards Mawenzi Hut, passing the unusual Zebra Rocks on the way. It’s a steep climb up a grassy slope, but well worth it: the views over the area towards Kibo are second-to-none. Afterwards, return to Horombo for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing and acclimatising to the altitude, or ask your guides about short walks in the area. Take advantage of the rest day here and drink plenty of water – the next couple of days will be pretty intense!
Day 5 - Kibo Hut / Mawenzi Peak
Today you’ll walk the 10 kilometres or so from Horombo to Kibo Hut (approximately 5–7 hours). As the journey progresses you will notice the landscape gradually becoming more rugged and rocky, and the air noticeably thinner. We will have to soften our pace a little to accommodate these environmental changes. Marvel at giant groundsels and lobelias while you travel across the sparse moorland. Skirt Mawenzi Peak and marvel at the stark lunar landscape of the Saddle, reaching Kibo Hut in afternoon (4740 m), take the opportunity to have an early night in preparation for a very early (or late?) wake-up call.
Day 6 - Uhuru Peak / Horombo Hut
Your guides will wake you up at 11 pm and hot tea will be served. Prepare for the last leg of the trek – to the summit. The distance from Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak is six kilometres (approximately 6–8 hours), and the descent to Horombo will be approximately the same amount of time. The trek begins beneath the stars as you zigzag your way up a large scree slope, guided only by torch light, to reach Gilman's Point (5685 m). With some luck, arrive in time for breathtaking views of the sun rising behind Mawenzi Peak. This is the stretch that most people find the hardest, and you should be prepared for a very cold morning. The dramatic spectacle of the sun rising over the ice fields of the crater will make the early start worthwhile. For those who still have the energy, it's a further walk (approximately 2 hours) along the rim of the crater to Uhuru Peak (5896 m), the highest point in Africa. From here there are amazing views of the crater, ice fields and plains below. After photos and time to catch your breath, descend back to Horombo Hut for a well-earned rest.
Day 7 - Marangu
Continue your descent through alpine meadows and rainforest to the park gate. The distance from Horombo to Marangu Gate is 20 kilometres (approximately 5–6 hours). Here your transport awaits and you will return to the hotel for a relaxing shower – a real treat after the physical exertions of the last few days! Over a celebratory meal we can relive and share our experiences of the past five days on the mountain.
Day 8 - Nairobi
Jambo! Welcome to Kenya. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, and you can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important briefing. If you arrive early, perhaps head out and explore the National Museum of Kenya, the Karen Blixen Museum or the highly recommended Bomas of Kenya, where traditional homesteads of several Kenyan tribes are displayed in an outdoor village.
Day 9 - Amboseli National Park
Today, you'll board your overland vehicle bound for Amboseli National Park. The park covers an area of about 392 square kilometres and is home to the largest population of African elephants in Kenya, and is known for large tuskers. If you're lucky to visit on a clear day, you'll be treated to exquisite views of Mt Kilimanjaro. When you arrive, you'll set off on a game drive to explore the park and discover the wildlife that call this place home.
Day 10 - Mto Wa Mbu
This morning, depart early for Mto wa Mbu in your overland truck. Today includes a border crossing from Kenya into Tanzania, so be sure to have your passport handy. While you're on the road, there will be a stop at an ATM and a market or shop to stock up on any supplies you might need for the coming days. Arrive in Mto wa Mbu and acquaint yourself with this delightful small village – it's a fascinating snapshot of small-town African life, situated well off the tourist trail. Later, join the local community for a guided afternoon stroll around the farming areas, milling machine and local homes before enjoying a traditional meal for dinner. Your campsite this evening is located in Mto wa Mbu.
Day 11 - Serengeti National Park
Rise and shine early and head out to the wide-open plains of the Serengeti. The Serengeti landscapes see myriad colours during the year – green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry season – but one thing is a constant: this never-ending landscape is home to thousands upon thousands of animals travelling as herds across the plains. This region gets its name from the local Maasai word ‘siringet’, meaning the place where the land moves on forever, and you’ll begin to understand why on your overland vehicle game drive today. Enjoy a picnic lunch, then head to your campsite, which is located within the park itself! At night, listen out for the sounds of nocturnal animals as you drift off to sleep.
Day 12 - Serengeti National Park
Start the day nice and early with an overland vehicle game drive at dawn. You will head out while the animals are at their most active, then head back to camp for brunch at around 11 am. This morning, there’s also the option of a balloon ride over the park. If you have pre-booked this activity, you will be picked up before dawn and driven to the launch site. After a safety briefing, glide through the dawn, sometimes at tree height, where you’ll get some amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes, you will ascend, getting an overview of the vastness of the plains and the early morning movements of the herds. After landing, dig into a delicious bush breakfast, then return to your camp. After spending the warmer part of the day relaxing with your herd – just as the animals do – depart again at dusk for another overland vehicle adventure through the wild, returning in time for dinner.
Day 13 - Karatu (Ngorongoro Crater)
Enjoy a leisurely game drive and picnic lunch on your way out of Serengeti National Park today. Soak up final views of this incredible spot, before entering the Ngorongoro Conservation area. You'll cruise in 4x4's and descend to the Ngorongoro's crater floor. If you're lucky, you'll catch glimpse of the Big Five animals that reside here. The vehicle has an open roof so you can really feel like a part of the action. The animals here are less wary of humans and vehicles and as a result it's easier to watch them from up close. Take in the spectacular views from the rim of the crater as you make your way to the bottom, where animals roam the lakes, rivers, woodlands and hills. Keep an eye out for wildebeest, lion, zebra, cheetah, buffalo, gazelle and the endangered black rhino, as well as the colorfully dressed Maasai people who often water their cattle at the lake here. In the afternoon, you'll leave the Ngorongoro Crater and drive to Karatu, a small town on its outskirts and your base for the next two nights.
Day 14 - Karatu
Today is a free day to relax or explore as you please. You might like to head to a local coffee plantation or take a Game Drive in Lake Manyara National Park. Perhaps opt for a hike through the Ngorongoro Reserve Forest to Elephant Caves - this is a great way to stretch your legs after a few days of overland travel. You'll hike through the Ngorongoro rainforest as your local guide explains the ins and outs of the area here and points out interesting animal tracks and footprints. Marvel at the wild landscape and spot beautiful birdlife as you walk.
Day 15 - Arusha / Nairobi
Set off early this morning, around 7.30 am, to begin your final journey for this trip. Your first stop will be in Arusha, you'll have the option to end your trip here. However, you have the option to travel back to Nairobi if it is more convenient for you. Your adventure comes to an end on arrival in Nairobi. You'll be dropped at a centrally located hotel, however, no accommodation will be provided for tonight. If you would like to extend your stay in Nairobi, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
11-05-202425-05-2024AUD $ 9,040-
08-06-202422-06-2024AUD $ 9,690-
22-06-202406-07-2024AUD $ 9,785-
13-07-202427-07-2024AUD $ 10,845-
27-07-202410-08-2024AUD $ 9,865-
10-08-202424-08-2024AUD $ 10,160-
24-08-202407-09-2024AUD $ 10,060-
07-09-202421-09-2024AUD $ 10,255-
14-09-202428-09-2024AUD $ 9,865-
05-10-202419-10-2024AUD $ 9,595-
19-10-202402-11-2024AUD $ 9,500-
26-10-202409-11-2024AUD $ 9,785-
16-11-202430-11-2024AUD $ 9,315-
07-12-202421-12-2024AUD $ 9,135-
21-12-202404-01-2025AUD $ 9,225-
01-02-202515-02-2025AUD $ 9,590-
15-02-202501-03-2025AUD $ 9,590-
31-05-202514-06-2025AUD $ 9,590-
14-06-202528-06-2025AUD $ 9,975-
21-06-202505-07-2025AUD $ 9,975-
28-06-202512-07-2025AUD $ 9,975-
12-07-202526-07-2025AUD $ 10,355-
26-07-202509-08-2025AUD $ 10,355-
09-08-202523-08-2025AUD $ 10,355-
23-08-202506-09-2025AUD $ 10,355-
06-09-202520-09-2025AUD $ 10,355-
20-09-202504-10-2025AUD $ 10,355-
04-10-202518-10-2025AUD $ 9,975-
18-10-202501-11-2025AUD $ 9,975-
15-11-202529-11-2025AUD $ 9,590-
13-12-202527-12-2025AUD $ 9,590-

Accommodation

Camping (with basic facilities) (2 nights),Camping (with facilities) (3 nights),Basic Hotel (1 night),Hotel (4 nights),Mountain hut (4 nights)

Transport

Overland vehicle,Plane,4x4 Safari Vehicle

Map

Related products

Recent Blog Posts

Browse Trips in

Intrepid On Sale Tanzania
More of activity:
Overland Walking & Trekking Wildlife