Relax in the afternoon, prepare for climb. Overnight at Rivertrees Country Inn.

Visitors can enjoy shopping at the impressive Cultural Heritage, with curio shops, jewelry boutiques, Tanzanite and precious stone counters, and an art gallery.

Arusha is located at the foothills of Mount Meru on the eastern side of the Great Rift Valley. 

It serves as a key gateway to the northern safari circuit, offering convenient access to renowned destinations such as the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Mount Meru. 

With an elevation of 4,600 feet (1,400 meters), Arusha enjoys relatively cool temperatures despite its proximity to the equator. The climate typically ranges from 50 to 86°F (10 to 30°C) and is characterized by low humidity due to the altitude.

After breakfast, we depart to Kilimanjaro National Park. Driving past the banana and coffee plantations, we arrive at the trailhead - Machame gate, where you will sign in at the National Park office. (Approx 2 hours drive).

Our climb will start by immediately entering the rainforest and beginning the Machame route. Enjoy listening to many exotic birds in the canopy above and spotting black & white colobus monkeys.

Machame Gate: 5,700 ft | 1,737m

Machame Camp: 9,350 ft | 2,850m

Hiking Distance: 7 miles | 11 km

Hours of trekking: 5 to 7

Habitat: Rainforest

Meals: B/L/D

Overnight Machame Camp

This morning we leave the last glades of the rainforest behind. Vegetation gets sparser as we ascend into the heath. After a couple of hours, we pass the first Lobelia and reach the Shira Plateau – a high-altitude desert plateau.

Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones. A slow and steady ascent allows for our bodies to acclimatize to the higher altitude as we cross Shira Plateau.

Shira Camp: 12,500 ft | 3,810 m

Hiking Distance: 3 miles | 5 km

Hours of trekking: 4-6

Habitat: Moorland

Meals: B/L/D

Overnight Shira Camp

The trail becomes a bit rocky and strenuous as we get closer to the Lava Tower, a 300 ft tall volcanic tower. We have lunch at Lava Tower at 15,190 ft/4,630 m to help our bodies acclimatize to the thin air. This is where the Machame and Lemosho routes converge, so we meet other climbers ascending the Lemosho Route.
After lunch, we descend to Giant Senecio Valley to Barranco Camp. Although we end the day at a lower elevation than we started, this day is significant for acclimatization. The view of the Western Breach from camp is spectacular.

Barranco Camp: 13,045 ft | 3,976 m
Hiking Distance: 6 miles | 10 km
Hours of trekking: 6 to 8
Habitat: Moorland/Alpine Desert
Meals: B/L/D

Overnight Barranco Camp

Today our first challenge is to hike up the Barranco Wall, a 500 ft lava flow. It is a quite spectacular looking obstacle, which in the end usually turns out easier than how it appears. The views of crags and crevasses are stunning from the top of the wall.

We continue to walk up and down a greener valley to Karanga camp.

Karanga Camp: 13,105 ft | 3,994 m
Hiking Distance: 3 miles | 5 km
Hours of trekking: 4 to 5
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: B/L/D

Overnight Karanga Camp

As we begin trekking today the trail turns steadily uphill. The temperature will grow colder and the landscape more sparse on the Machame route as we work our way to Barafu Camp. Barafu means “ice” in Swahili. The camp is set on an exposed ridge and is the staging point for our push to the summit.

The peaks of both Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from the camp.

Barafu Camp: 15,330 ft | 4,673 m
Hiking Distance: 2 miles | 4 km
Hours of trekking: 4 to 5
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: B/L/D

Overnight Barafu Camp

We’ll be up before midnight to set out for the glacier zone atop Kilimanjaro. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water and refuel with small snacks to keep our energy high until we reach the summit.

We celebrate our success with a few quick pictures at the top before trekking much of the way back down the mountain. Gaiters and trekking poles come in handy for the loose gravel going down.

Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.

Uhuru Peak: 19,341 ft | 5,895 m
Distance: 3 miles | 5 km
Hours of trekking to Uhuru Peak: 7-8
Habitat: Arctic

Mweka Camp: 10,065 ft | 3,067 m
Distance: 7 miles | 12 km
Hours of trekking to Mweka Camp: 5-6
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: B/L/D

Daytime Summit Bid (Optional)
We start climbing a couple of hours before sunrise. That way, you climb during daylight on the steepest and most demanding part of the mountain. We overnight at Millennium Camp.

Millennium Camp: 12,500 ft | 3,810 m
Distance: 6 miles | 10 km
Hours of trekking to Millennium Camp: 5-6
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: B/L/D

Overnight: Millennium or Mweka Camp

After breakfast, descend through the montane forest to Mweka gate. Celebrate your achievement with your mountain crew, thanking your guides and porters and acknowledging their hard work and contribution to your success. 

After lunch at Mweka gate, transfer back to Rivertrees Country Inn for a well-deserved shower and dinner.

Mweka Gate: 5,380 ft | 1,640 m
Hiking Distance: 6 miles | 10 km
Hours of trekking: 3 to 4
Habitat: Rainforest
Meals: B/L/D

Drive to Lake Manyara National Park (approximately 2.5 hours). Picnic lunch in the park. 

Lake Manyara National Park offers a wilderness experience in diverse habitats, from its Rift Valley soda lake to dense woodlands and steep mountainsides. Beyond its spectacular setting, the park is famous for its unusual tree-climbing lions and the vast elephant herds it was established to protect.

The shores of the lake attract more than 400 species of birds, many of them waterfowl or migrants. Giraffes, impalas, and herds of buffalo roam the lake shores and the forested valley slopes.

Overnight at Acacia Farm Lodge (2 nights). 

Early morning descent to Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive. Picnic lunch on the verdant crater floor. 

The Ngorongoro Crater, often described as the 'Garden of Eden,' is an extinct caldera measuring between 10 and 12 miles across, making it one of Africa's iconic highlights. This three million-year-old crater was once a colossal volcano, some suggesting it was even higher than Mt Kilimanjaro. Today, it stands as the largest intact caldera in the world and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

It contains possibly the largest permanent concentration of wildlife in Africa, with an estimated average of 30,000 large mammals, including black rhinoceros, lions, leopards, elephants, zebras, hippo, cheetah, a variety of antelope, flamingo, and a large variety of birdlife. 

Overnight at Acacia Farm Lodge (2 nights). 

Drive to Tarangire National Park (approximately 2 hours). Picnic lunch in the park. 

With awe-inspiring, almost prehistoric baobab trees, colossal termite mounds, and abundant elephant populations, Tarangire offers a truly distinct contrast to the renowned Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. Visitors can immerse themselves in a genuine wilderness experience while savoring exceptional wildlife viewing.

Within the heart of the park, the Silale swamp takes center stage as the principal water source, drawing in elephants and predators as the dry season progresses. There is a healthy lion population, and the other predators are often spotted trailing the plains game as they head to the water. 

On occasion, you can catch a glimpse of these feline predators reclining in the branches of sausage trees.

The diverse habitats of Tarangire, such as riverine forests, grasslands, and swamps, contribute to the park's rich avian biodiversity. Over 500 bird species have been recorded in this area. Birdwatchers visiting Tarangire may have the opportunity to spot species like the yellow-collared lovebird, ashy starling, African fish eagle, barbet and mousebirds and many more.

Baobabs stand as the defining icons of Tarangire, colossal and column-like, guarding the plains like ancient sentinels. Some of these remarkable giants have endured for over 1,500 years, surpassing the size of any other baobab species worldwide, and they thrive in exceptionally dense numbers in Tarangire. As a result, the park has earned the unofficial title of "Baobab Capital of the World."

Overnight at Nyikani Camp Tarangire.

Slowly make your way back to Arusha to your lodge, where you will reunite with your Kilimanjaro gear. After dinner, transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport.

Dayroom at Rivertrees Country Inn to shower and prepare for travel. 

Acacia Farm Lodge is nestled in an active farm on the spectacular Great Rift’s escarpment area with panoramic views of the picturesque Karatu farmlands and the nearby Ngorongoro forest area. Simple and yet luxuriously comfortable, the 28 contemporary African chalets combine all the modern amenities with private balconies that open up onto scenic vistas and magical African sunsets.

Away from the tranquil solitude of their chalet, guests can enjoy the shared sitting area or enjoy a drink in the intimate bar. Meals are served in the airy dining room or the secluded coffee shop. An inviting swimming pool, well-equipped gym, and refreshing spa cater to all the guests’ needs. 

Quick facts:

• Luxury mini-suites
• Swimming pool
• Gym
• Bicycles
• Spa
• Complimentary internet access

Nyikani Camp, meaning "termite mound" in Swahili, is nestled within a grove of Acacia trees in the southern part of Tarangire. This location observes the rhythmic movement of wildlife as it traverses the park—from the hills in the west to the swamps on the eastern side and between the north and south along the river line.

A beautiful camp with large tents and all the creature comforts. Meals can be enjoyed either beneath the canvas in the dining area, or, on a pleasant day, the chef and staff might opt to arrange tables outdoors, especially during lunchtime.

Camp is located in a less crowded area of the park with excellent access to the river, swamp, and more.

Quick facts

• Separate dining and lounge / library areas
• Solar power with backup generator
• Charging unit with universal adapter
• Evening campfires

Please Note. This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area where potentially dangerous animals roam through. Please be alert when walking around the camp. All guests are escorted after dark.