12 Days Marangu Route Private Kilimanjaro Climb and Private Tanzania Big Five Safari

After breakfast, we leave the rainforest behind and climb through heathland towards the open moorland zone. The vegetation gradually changes, revealing wider views across the mountain landscape and, when the weather is clear, views towards the surrounding plains.

Our private Marangu Route Kilimanjaro climb continues at a steady pace to Horombo Hut, situated at approximately 3,720 metres. The afternoon is reserved for rest, hydration and allowing your body to adjust to the increasing altitude.

Elevation: 2,700 m to 3,720 m 

Elevation Gain: 1,020 m 

Distance: Approximately 12 km 

Trekking Time: 6-8 hours 

Trail Condition: Heathland and moorland paths with rocky and uneven sections.

Acclimatization is an important part of a successful Mount Kilimanjaro climbing tour. From Horombo Hut, we take a gradual hike towards Zebra Rocks, a striking geological feature known for its contrasting dark and light stripes. The walk provides additional time at altitude while allowing you to appreciate the mountain's distinctive landscape.

After spending time around the viewpoint, we return to Horombo Hut for lunch, rest and preparation for the higher sections of the route. This extra acclimatization day helps support your body's adjustment, although it cannot eliminate the risk of altitude sickness.

Elevation: Horombo Hut at 3,720 m; hike towards approximately 4,020 m 

Elevation Gain: Approximately 300 m 

Distance: Approximately 5 km round trip 

Trekking Time: 2-4 hours 

Trail Condition: Open moorland paths with rocky, uneven ground.

We leave Horombo Hut and continue across the alpine moorland towards the Saddle, the high-altitude landscape between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Trees and larger plants gradually disappear, giving way to an exposed environment of volcanic gravel and rock.

The trek is steady but demanding because of the altitude and increasingly dry conditions. Upon reaching Kibo Hut at approximately 4,700 metres, we rest, eat an early dinner and prepare our summit equipment. The team will review the plan for the overnight summit attempt, with an emphasis on pacing, warmth and hydration.

Elevation: 3,720 m to 4,700 m 

Elevation Gain: 980 m Distance: Approximately 10 km 

Trekking Time: 5-7 hours 

Trail Condition: Alpine desert terrain with gravel, loose stones and exposed paths.

Summit day begins before midnight. We start the ascent from Kibo Hut under the night sky, moving slowly across steep volcanic scree and rocky ground. The climb to Gilman's Point requires patience and determination, and we continue towards Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, at 5,895 metres, if conditions and your health allow.

At the summit, take time to appreciate the achievement and capture photographs before beginning the descent. We return to Kibo Hut for a short rest and refreshments, then continue down to Horombo Hut. This is a long and physically demanding day, so following the team's pacing and safety guidance is essential.

Elevation: 4,700 m to 5,895 m, then descend to 3,720 m 

Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,195 m 

Elevation Loss: Approximately 2,175 m 

Distance: Approximately 15-18 km 

Trekking Time: Approximately 12-16 hours 

Trail Condition: Steep scree, loose gravel and rocky summit paths, followed by a descent over alpine terrain.

After the summit challenge, we begin descending through the moorland and heathland zones. The lower altitude usually makes breathing easier, and the changing scenery provides a welcome contrast to the exposed landscape around Kibo.

We continue towards Mandara Hut, returning to the greener mountain environment. The descent can place pressure on your knees, so walking carefully and using trekking poles can help. At Mandara Hut, enjoy a meal and a well-earned rest as your private Kilimanjaro climbing journey approaches its final stage.

Elevation: 3,720 m to 2,700 m 

Elevation Loss: Approximately 1,020 m 

Distance: Approximately 12 km 

Trekking Time: 5-7 hours 

Trail Condition: Moorland paths transitioning into heathland and forest.

We leave Mandara Hut after breakfast and descend through the rainforest towards Marangu Gate. The familiar sounds of birds and the forest mark the final walking section of your 7-day private Kilimanjaro climbing package. At the gate, we complete the park formalities and meet our vehicle.

From Marangu, we transfer directly to Arusha rather than returning to Moshi. The remainder of the day is for a shower, a proper meal and recovery after the climb. This rest is valuable before beginning the wildlife portion of your Kilimanjaro and safari holiday package.

After breakfast in Arusha, we set out for Tarangire National Park to begin your private Tanzania Big Five safari. The park is famous for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees and wildlife-rich areas along the Tarangire River, particularly during the dry season.

We enjoy a game drive through the park, watching for elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, antelopes and predators. Lions may be seen resting in the shade or moving through the grasslands, while the river attracts a variety of animals and birds. After the game drive, we travel to our selected accommodation in the Tarangire area for dinner and overnight rest.

We leave the Karatu area and travel towards Central Serengeti, entering one of Tanzania's most celebrated wildlife regions. The journey passes through changing landscapes, with opportunities to appreciate the countryside and, depending on the route, the highland scenery around the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

On reaching Central Serengeti, we begin exploring the Seronera area, known for its varied habitats and year-round wildlife. During the game drive, we look for lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and other animals that inhabit the plains and river valleys. Wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions, but the region offers excellent opportunities for a private Serengeti safari and wildlife photography. We spend the night at our selected accommodation in Central Serengeti.

Spend a full day exploring Central Serengeti with your private safari vehicle and experienced safari guide. We search the Seronera area and surrounding plains for wildlife, adjusting the route according to recent sightings, habitat conditions and the day's opportunities.

Central Serengeti supports resident lion prides, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, hyenas and numerous antelope species. Depending on the season, migrating wildebeest and zebras may also move through the region. We'll take time to observe animal behaviour, enjoy the landscape and photograph wildlife without rushing from one sighting to the next. After the game drive, return to your Central Serengeti accommodation for dinner and rest.

After breakfast, we enjoy a final morning game drive in Central Serengeti before travelling towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This provides another opportunity to look for wildlife in the Seronera region, although sightings vary from day to day.

As we leave the Serengeti, the scenery changes from open savannah to the highland landscapes surrounding Ngorongoro. Depending on the selected accommodation and route, we stay in the Ngorongoro or Karatu area, positioning you for an early start the following morning. This overnight stop also helps make the final crater safari more practical.

We start early and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a private game drive across its grasslands, wetlands and woodland habitats. The crater is one of Tanzania's best-known wildlife destinations, with opportunities to search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, hyenas and a wide variety of other animals. With luck, you may also see the endangered black rhinoceros, though sightings are not guaranteed.

After the crater game drive, we begin the return journey to Arusha, where your 12-day private Kilimanjaro climbing and Tanzania Big Five safari package concludes. The adventure combines the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route with memorable wildlife experiences across Tarangire, Central Serengeti and Ngorongoro.