10-Day Great Migration Safari: Serengeti River Crossing Journey
This journey is built around one of Africa’s most anticipated wildlife events — the river...
Tour Overview
This 10-day adventure combines a 7-day Machame Route trek on Mount Kilimanjaro with a 3-day wildlife safari. The trek takes you through lush rainforest, dramatic moorlands, alpine desert, and finally the arctic summit zone, with a chance to stand on Africa’s highest peak. After the climb, the journey continues into Tanzania’s famous national parks, visiting Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara for exceptional wildlife viewing. This tour is designed for budget travelers who want both the challenge of Kilimanjaro and the relaxation of a classic safari.
Map
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Itinerary
Day 1 Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Elevation 5,400ft to 9,400ft. Distance 11 km. Hiking time 5 to 7 hours. Habitat rainforest. Morning pickup from your hotel in Arusha and transfer to Machame Gate. Begin the trek through rich montane forest, the most water-abundant area of Kilimanjaro. Lunch is taken at Halfway Clearing before continuing to the Machame Camp near the ruins of the old Machame Hut. First views of Kibo may appear if the sky is clear.
Day 2 Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Elevation 9,400ft to 12,500ft. Distance 5 km. Hiking time 4 to 6 hours. Habitat moorland. Begin with a steep ridge ascent toward Picnic Rock with panoramic views over Kibo and Shira Plateau. Continue more gently across the moorland to Shira Plateau and camp near Shira Hut with dramatic views of Mt. Meru and lava formations.
Day 3 Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation 12,500ft to 13,000ft. Distance 10 km. Hiking time 6 to 8 hours. Habitat semi-desert. A steady ascent along lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. Lunch near Lava Tower junction before descending into the Great Barranco Valley surrounded by towering cliffs.
Day 4 Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation 13,000ft to 13,100ft. Distance 5 km. Hiking time 4 to 5 hours. Habitat alpine desert. Climb the Barranco Wall with excellent views before following an undulating trail toward the Karanga Valley, the last water point before Barafu. Optional acclimatization walk in the afternoon.
Day 5 Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation 13,100ft to 15,300ft. Distance 4 km. Hiking time 4 to 5 hours. Habitat alpine desert. Begin with a steep climb out of Karanga then a steady ascent to Mweka Junction. Continue to Barafu Camp and onward to the plateau below the South-East Valley. Rest early in preparation for the summit attempt.
Day 6 Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation 15,300ft to 19,345ft then descend to 10,000ft. Distance 5 km ascent and 12 km descent. Hiking time 7 to 8 hours ascent and 4 to 6 hours descent. Habitat arctic. Begin the summit climb in darkness on a zig-zag path of volcanic scree leading to Stella Point for sunrise. Continue to Uhuru Peak for the highest point in Africa. Descend to Barafu, rest briefly, then continue down to Mweka Camp.
Day 7 Mweka Camp to Arusha or Moshi
Elevation 10,000ft to 5,400ft. Hiking time 3 to 4 hours. Habitat rainforest. Descend the well-built forest trail to Mweka Gate, sign out, continue past local farms to meet the vehicle, and transfer to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.
Day 8 Tarangire National Park
Pickup from your hotel in Arusha with lunch boxes. Drive to Tarangire National Park for mid-morning and afternoon game drives. Expect large herds of elephants, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, elands, gazelles, and predators such as lions and leopards. Evening drive to your lodge in Karatu for relaxation.
Day 9 Ngorongoro Crater
Full-day game viewing inside Ngorongoro Crater. The crater hosts about thirty thousand animals including rhinos, elephants, lions, buffalo, zebras, and hippos. Enjoy a picnic lunch before driving back to your lodge in Karatu.
Day 10 Lake Manyara National Park
Morning pickup from your hotel with packed lunch. Drive to Lake Manyara National Park for full-day game viewing including elephants, flamingos, tree-climbing lions, and rich birdlife. Afternoon return to Arusha.
End of itinerary
Stays
Inclusive & Exclusive
Inclusive
- All park entry fees, camping fees, rescue fees, and government taxes.
- Accommodation in mountain camps during the climb and budget lodges during the safari.
- All meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner with drinking water, tea, and coffee.
- Professional English-speaking mountain guides and porters.
- Transportation from your hotel to Machame Gate and return transfers after the trek and safari.
- Emergency oxygen and first aid kit.
- Summit certificate for successful climbers.
- Climbing permits and conservation fees.
- Emergency rescue team on standby.
- Pre-climb briefing and orientation.
- All necessary trekking equipment including high-altitude food and required safety gear.
Exclusive
- Personal climbing gear such as sleeping bags, warm clothing, boots, and rain gear.
- International and domestic flights.
- Travel insurance for high-altitude trekking.
- Tanzania tourist visa fees.
- Tips for guides and porters.
- Extra accommodation before or after the tour.
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional drinks.
- Medical services during or after the trek.
- Emergency evacuation if required.
- Optional extra activities.
- Laundry services.
- Hotel or transport extensions.
- Internet or Wi-Fi not available on the mountain.
