11 Days Private Kilimanjaro Machame Route Climb and Private Tanzania Big Five Wildlife Safari

Morning: Ascend Above the Rainforest

After breakfast, continue your six-day private Kilimanjaro Machame Route climb as the trail rises above the rainforest into heathland and moorland. The changing vegetation opens up views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding valleys. Your professional mountain guide will maintain a comfortable pace throughout this stage of your private Kilimanjaro trekking adventure.

Afternoon: Cross the Shira Plateau

Continue along rocky paths and open moorland toward Shira Camp. The Shira Plateau is one of the distinctive landscapes along the Machame Route, offering broad views and a more exposed mountain environment. Regular hydration, rest breaks and a controlled walking pace support your acclimatization as you prepare for the higher elevations ahead on your private Mount Kilimanjaro climbing tour.

Evening: Overnight at Shira Camp

Arrive at Shira Camp and enjoy dinner prepared by your mountain crew. Relax in the high-altitude surroundings and prepare for the next day of your private Kilimanjaro Machame Route climb, which includes an important acclimatization trek toward Lava Tower.

Elevation: Approximately 3,000 m to 3,850 m

Elevation gain/loss: Approximately 850 m ascent

Distance: Approximately 5 km

Trekking time: 4-6 hours

Trail condition: Uphill paths, rocky sections and open moorland

Morning: Trek Toward Lava Tower

After breakfast, continue your private Mount Kilimanjaro climb from Shira Camp toward Lava Tower. The trail crosses the alpine desert landscape, with rocky paths, volcanic formations and expansive views of Mount Kilimanjaro. This stage of the six-day Machame Route itinerary follows the climb-high, sleep-low approach, allowing you to reach a higher elevation before descending to Barranco Camp.

Afternoon: Descend to Barranco Camp

Reach the Lava Tower area at approximately 4,630 metres before descending toward Barranco Camp. Along the route, you may see giant groundsels and lobelias that characterize parts of Kilimanjaro's high-altitude environment. Your guide will monitor your progress and encourage a steady pace during this important acclimatization day of your private Kilimanjaro Machame Route climb.

Evening: Dinner at Barranco Camp

Arrive at Barranco Camp beneath the impressive Barranco Wall. Enjoy dinner and rest while your mountain crew prepares for the next stage of your private Mount Kilimanjaro climbing adventure. This overnight stop is an important part of the six-day Machame Route climb before the summit preparation stages.

Elevation: Approximately 3,850 m to 4,630 m, then descend to 3,960 m

Elevation gain/loss: Approximately 780 m ascent and 670 m descent

Distance: Approximately 10 km

Trekking time: 6-8 hours

Trail condition: Rocky paths, alpine desert terrain and a sustained descent

Morning: Climb the Barranco Wall

After breakfast, begin climbing the Barranco Wall, one of the most memorable sections of the private Kilimanjaro Machame Route climb. Some sections require careful scrambling, and your guide will assist you along the established trail. Enjoy panoramic mountain views as you continue toward Karanga Camp during your private Mount Kilimanjaro trekking adventure.

Afternoon: Continue to Barafu Camp

After a short break at Karanga Camp, continue ascending toward Barafu Camp, the base camp for your Mount Kilimanjaro summit attempt. The route passes rocky ridges and exposed alpine terrain. Upon arrival at Barafu Camp, your mountain crew will prepare your meal and brief you on the overnight ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

Evening: Rest Before the Kilimanjaro Summit Attempt

Prepare your summit clothing, headlamp, water and essential equipment before resting at Barafu Camp. Your guide will explain the summit schedule and the importance of maintaining a steady pace. This stage prepares you for the final ascent of your six-day private Kilimanjaro Machame Route climb.

Elevation: Approximately 3,960 m to 4,035 m at Karanga Camp, then 4,673 m at Barafu Camp

Elevation gain/loss: Approximately 713 m net elevation gain, including undulating terrain

Distance: Approximately 9 km

Trekking time: 7-9 hours

Trail condition: Scrambling sections, rocky ridges and exposed alpine paths

Morning: Climb to Uhuru Peak

Begin your Mount Kilimanjaro summit attempt around midnight with your professional mountain guide. Follow the steep trail toward Stella Point before continuing along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres. Reaching Uhuru Peak means standing at the highest point in Africa and completing the main objective of your private Kilimanjaro Machame Route climbing adventure. Take photographs and enjoy the summit experience before beginning the descent.

Afternoon: Descend to Mweka Camp

Descend carefully toward Barafu Camp for a short rest and refreshments before continuing to Mweka Camp. The descent is long, so follow your guide's instructions and maintain a controlled pace. Your mountain crew will support you as you complete the summit stage of your private Mount Kilimanjaro climb.

Evening: Dinner and Overnight at Mweka Camp

Arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy a well-earned dinner after your Mount Kilimanjaro summit climb. Rest and recover before the final descent the following morning. Your successful summit attempt, if achieved, will be the highlight of the first six days of your 11-day private Kilimanjaro climb and Tanzania Big Five safari package.

Elevation: Approximately 4,673 m to 5,895 m, then descend to approximately 3,100 m

Elevation gain/loss: Approximately 1,222 m ascent and 2,795 m descent

Distance: Approximately 16-17 km

Trekking time: Approximately 10-14 hours

Trail condition: Steep rocky summit trail, loose scree, crater-rim paths and forest trail during descent

Morning: Descend Through Kilimanjaro Forest

After breakfast, descend through the forest toward Mweka Gate. Enjoy the changing vegetation as you complete the final trekking stage of your six-day private Kilimanjaro Machame Route climb. Your guide will maintain a comfortable pace along the descending trail.

Afternoon: Complete Park Formalities and Transfer to Arusha

At Mweka Gate, complete the park formalities and receive your Kilimanjaro climbing certificate, subject to the summit point officially recorded by park authorities. Meet your driver for a private transfer to Arusha, where you will rest before beginning the five-day private Tanzania Big Five wildlife safari.

Evening: Relax in Arusha Before Your Private Big Five Safari

Arrive at your hotel in Arusha and enjoy dinner after completing the six-day private Mount Kilimanjaro climbing itinerary. Your safari guide will brief you about the next five days of your private Tanzania Big Five safari, including Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.

Elevation: Approximately 3,100 m to 1,640 m

Elevation gain/loss: Approximately 1,460 m descent

Distance: Approximately 10 km

Trekking time: 3-4 hours

Trail condition: Descending forest trail with potentially muddy or slippery sections depending on weather

Morning: Drive to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, depart Arusha for Tarangire National Park to begin the wildlife portion of your 11-day private Kilimanjaro Machame Route climb and Tanzania Big Five safari package. Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, seasonal river and diverse wildlife habitats. On arrival, meet your private safari guide and begin exploring one of Northern Tanzania's most rewarding safari destinations.

Afternoon: Private Tarangire Big Five Wildlife Game Drive

Enjoy a private game drive through Tarangire National Park, searching for elephants, lions, buffaloes and other African wildlife. Your guide will select suitable routes according to wildlife activity and the time available. You may also encounter giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, antelopes, monkeys and numerous bird species. Although Tarangire offers excellent wildlife viewing, leopard and rhinoceros sightings are less predictable, so the search for all five African Big Five animals continues throughout your private Tanzania safari.

Evening: Dinner and Overnight Near Tarangire

After your private Tarangire safari game drive, leave the park and travel to your selected lodge or camp. Enjoy dinner and rest before continuing your private Big Five wildlife safari toward Serengeti National Park the following day.

Morning: Travel to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, continue your private Tanzania Big Five safari toward Serengeti National Park. Enjoy the changing landscapes of Northern Tanzania as you travel toward one of Africa's most famous wildlife destinations. Depending on your route and travel arrangements, you may pass through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area before reaching the Serengeti plains.

Afternoon: Private Serengeti National Park Game Drive

Begin your private Serengeti safari with a game drive across the park's expansive plains and wildlife habitats. Your safari guide will search for lions, leopards, elephants and buffaloes while explaining the behaviour and habitats of the animals you encounter. Serengeti National Park is also renowned for the Great Wildebeest Migration, large herds of zebras and wildebeest, cheetahs, hyenas and abundant birdlife. Wildlife movements vary by season, and the route will be planned around current conditions and your interests.

Evening: Dinner and Overnight in Serengeti

After your private Serengeti Big Five safari game drive, return to your camp or lodge for dinner and relaxation. Prepare for another day of wildlife viewing in Serengeti National Park, where additional game drives will give you more opportunities to search for the African Big Five.

Morning: Early Morning Serengeti Wildlife Game Drive

Start early with a private game drive in Serengeti National Park. The cooler morning hours can provide rewarding opportunities to observe predators and other wildlife as they become active. Your guide will search for lions, leopards, elephants and buffaloes while exploring suitable habitats across the Serengeti plains. This full-day private Serengeti safari is an important part of your five-day Tanzania Big Five wildlife safari.

Afternoon: Continue Your Private Serengeti Big Five Safari

Continue your Serengeti wildlife safari after lunch, exploring different areas of the park according to recent sightings and the day's route. Search for the African Big Five alongside giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, cheetahs, hyenas and other wildlife. Your guide will explain the Serengeti ecosystem and help you identify animals while allowing time for photography and wildlife observation.

Rhinoceros sightings are uncommon in much of the Serengeti, so your private safari guide will focus on realistic viewing opportunities rather than promising sightings. The combination of game drives in Serengeti National Park and the later Ngorongoro Crater safari increases the variety of habitats explored during your private Tanzania Big Five safari.

Evening: Sunset, Dinner and Overnight in Serengeti

Return to your safari camp or lodge after a full day of private Serengeti game drives. Enjoy dinner and relax in the Serengeti wilderness as you prepare for the next stage of your Northern Tanzania Big Five safari toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Morning: Final Private Serengeti Game Drive

Enjoy an early morning private game drive in Serengeti National Park before departing toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Use the final Serengeti safari hours to search for wildlife that you may not have seen on previous game drives. Your private guide will choose suitable areas based on the available time, recent wildlife activity and your interests.

Afternoon: Travel Through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After your Serengeti wildlife viewing and lunch, continue toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Enjoy the changing landscapes between the Serengeti plains and the Ngorongoro highlands. Your guide will coordinate the transfer and accommodation arrangements so you can prepare for the following day's private Ngorongoro Crater Big Five safari.

Evening: Overnight Near Ngorongoro Crater

Arrive at your lodge or camp in the Ngorongoro area, enjoy dinner and rest before the final day of your 11-day private Kilimanjaro climb and Tanzania Big Five safari. Staying near the crater allows an early start for your private Ngorongoro Crater game drive.

Morning: Private Ngorongoro Crater Big Five Game Drive

After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a private game drive. The crater's grasslands, wetlands, woodland and water sources support a high concentration of wildlife, making it one of the key destinations for a private Tanzania Big Five safari. Your guide will search for lions, elephants, buffaloes and other African animals while looking for opportunities to spot the endangered black rhinoceros, which is rare and cannot be guaranteed.

Afternoon: Picnic Lunch and Final Tanzania Wildlife Viewing

Enjoy a picnic lunch during your private Ngorongoro Crater safari before continuing your game drive across the crater floor. Search for zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas and a variety of birds while appreciating the scenery of this remarkable conservation area. The Ngorongoro Crater provides a memorable final wildlife experience and an important opportunity to search for the African Big Five during your five-day private Tanzania safari.

After the game drive, ascend from the crater and begin your private transfer to Arusha. Your guide will help coordinate the departure according to your onward travel arrangements.

Evening: Return to Arusha

Arrive in Arusha, where your 11-day private Kilimanjaro Machame Route climb and private Tanzania Big Five wildlife safari concludes. You will have completed six days of Mount Kilimanjaro climbing and five days of private wildlife safari across Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. If you have an international flight departing on the same day, allow sufficient time for the road transfer and airport check-in; an additional overnight stay may be advisable depending on your flight schedule.