16 Days Tanzania safari tour: This is a traditional, once-in-a-lifetime Tanzania safari tour that will take you to some of the country’s top tourist destinations. It is a comb safari tour that incorporates three distinct safaris, including the Zanzibar occupation, the Northern Circuit wildlife safari, and the mountainous Kilimanjaro trekking safari. You will begin your trip by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro through the Lemosho route, which takes 8 days. Next, you will embark on a wildlife safari tour that includes stops in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater national parks. The last excursion is a visit to Zanzibar, where you may take in the stone town, the spice fields, and the lovely white sand beaches before your safari comes to a close and you leave.

  1. DETAILED ITINERARY: MOUNT KILIMANJARO HIKING VIA LEMOSHO ROUTE (8 DAYS)

The Lemosho route is one of the newer routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. The route begins in the west, and rather than simply intersecting the Shira Plateau (like Machame), Lemosho crosses it from Shira Ridge to Shira Camp. Climbers encounter low traffic until the route joins the Machame route. Afterwards, Lemosho follows the same route through Lava Tower, Barranco, and Barafu, known as the southern circuit. The minimum number of days required for this route is six, although eight days is ideal and recommended because of the high chance of summit success. Lemosho is considered the most beautiful route on Kilimanjaro and grants panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. It is our favorite route because it offers a great balance of low traffic, scenic views, and a high summit success rate. Thus, Lemosho comes highly recommended. Most of our clients use Lemosho.

  • The eight-day’s option offers an extra day for acclimatization (highly recommended).
  • Seven-day option available
  • No hut required.
  • Camping accommodations are available at all camps.

DAY 01: ARRIVAL

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you will be met by a Focus East Africa Tours representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. A briefing about Kilimanjaro climbing will be conducted in the evening at the hotel to prepare you for the climb ahead, followed by dinner and overnight.

DAY 02: LEMOSHO GLADES TO MTI MKUBWA (BIG TREE) CAMP

We depart Moshi by car for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (it takes another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at the trailhead, we eat lunch and then continue through undisturbed forest, which winds to the first camp site.

  • Lemosho Glades to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp
  • Elevation (ft.): 6,825 ft to 9,100 ft
  • Distance: 7 km
  • Hiking Time:3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest

 DAY 03: MTI MKUBWA TO SHIRA CAMP 1

We continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.

  • Mti Mkubwa to Shira Camp 1
  • Elevation (ft): 9,100 ft to 11,500 ft
  • Distance: 8 km
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Habitat: Moorland

DAY 04: SHIRA CAMP 1 TO SHIRA 2 TO MOIR HUT

We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau, which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we continue to Moir Hut, a little-used site at the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills, making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on Earth.

  • Shira Camp 1 to Shira 2 to Moir Hut
  • Elevation (ft): 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft
  • Distance: 14 km
  • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
  • Habitat: Moorland

DAY 05: MOIR HUT TO LAVA TOWER TO BARRANCO CAMP

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction, which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and stay overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

  • Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
  • Elevation (ft): 13,800 ft to 13,000 ft
  • Distance: 7 km
  • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
  • Habitat: Semi-desert

DAY 06: BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge, passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.

  • Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
  • Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
  • Distance: 5km
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

DAY 07: KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP

After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

  • Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
  • Elevation (ft): 13,100 ft to 15,300 ft
  • Distance: 4 km
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

DAY 08: BARAFU CAMP TO SUMMIT TO MWEKA HUT

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 a.m.), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek, but it will be easier if you have peace of mind and also because of the skilled guide you will have who will ensure you make it.

At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.

From the summit, we now make our descent, continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles 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. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-deserved sleep.

  • Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
  • Elevation (ft): 15,300 ft to 19,345 ft (and down to 10,000 ft)
  • Distance: 5 km ascent; 12 km descent.
  • Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent/4-6 hours descent
  • Habitat: Arctic

DAY 09: MWEKA HUT TO MWEKA GATE TO ARUSHA

On the 9th day of your 16 Days Tanzania safari tour, after breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). Upon your arrival at Mweka gate from your Mount Kilimanjaro descend, you will meet up with another guide who is expert in wildlife and who will be your guide for the wildlife safari in Ngorongoro and Serengeti national park.

He will pick you up there and congratulate you for your summit success, and thereafter you will be driven to your accommodation in Arusha (the Masai Land Safari Lodge), where you may relax, unwind, and get rid of any post-Kilimanjaro fatigue as you prepare for the next day’s second adventure, a wildlife safari.

  • Mweka Camp to Arusha
  • Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest
  • Accommodation: Masailand Safari Lodge, Arusha

 DAY 10: DRIVE TO NGORONGORO CONSERVATIONAL AREA

Walk up early in the morning, have breakfast, and then check out for a drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive will take almost 5 hours, and along the way, you will have a stop at the Mto WA Mbu and Karatu villages for some local shopping and cultural tours. You will then proceed to your accommodation, check in, and have lunch. After lunch, you will take a little time to relax while preparing for the evening game drive. You will then enjoy an evening or afternoon game drive along the rim of the Ngorongoro crater until the evening, when you will be driven back to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.

16 Days Tanzania safari tour
Mto Wa Mbu
  • Accommodation: Hhando Coffee Lodge
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Activities: Ngorongoro game drive

DAY 11: NGORONGORO CRATER GAME DRIVE AND OVERNIGHT AT THE SERENGETI

On the 11th day of your 16 Days Tanzania safari tour, Today, after breakfast at your lodge, we will drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend 600 meters into the crater floor for a game drive. Ngorongoro Crater is a rich area with enough water and fodder to support a vast variety of animals, which include wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, eland, warthogs, hippos, and giant African elephants. The Crater is home to some rare species of black rhinos living in their natural habitat; perhaps this is among the few areas where you can see rhinos in the wilderness.

Another interesting part of Ngorongoro is Caldera, where there is a denser population of predators, which includes lions, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, and the ever-mysterious leopard, which sometimes needs a binocular eye to spot.

You will enjoy visiting the Maasai cultural bomas within the crater for cultural experiences and theater. You will proceed with the game drive until the evening and then proceed to Serengeti National Park for overnight.

  • Accommodation: Central Serengeti Bush Camp
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Activities: Cultural tour and Full day Ngorongoro Game drive

DAY 12: FULL DAY SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

You will start your day with breakfast at your lodge in Serengeti National Park as you prepare for your morning game drive. You will also enjoy seeing a variety of wildlife species, which are very active in the morning and can be seen grazing around the national park.

After your morning game drive, you will have lunch and later engage in another game drive. Enjoy looking out for wildlife species grazing in the open savannah of Serengeti National Park, like elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, impalas, gazelles, buffalos, elands, antelopes, zebras, wildebeests, and hippos, among others.

The Serengeti is home to millions of wildebeest during the migration, and over the huge flat plains, you are likely to find lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and many other small predators. Your guide will choose the best wildlife viewing locations for the time of year. Spend time at the hippo pool, watching these enormous animals laze about in the cool water alongside the crocodiles, watching a lion stalk its prey, or being staggered by the scale of the great wildebeest migration. The journey from wide, open plains to the kopjes—volcanic rocky outcrops that provide protection and shelter for a wide variety of animals—will provide you with the ultimate in-game viewing.

  • Accommodation: Central Serengeti Bush Camp
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Activities: full day Serengeti Game Drive

DAY 13: TRANSFER FROM SERENGETI TO ARUSHA AIRPORT AND FLY TO ZANZIBAR

On the 13th day of your 16 Days Tanzania safari tour, This will be the last day in Serengeti national park. You will wake up early in the morning, have breakfast, and then engage in a morning game drive searching for more wildlife that you were unable to see during the previous game drive. You will enjoy a game drive up to 12:00 p.m., and then you will be driven back to your accommodation for lunch. After lunch, you will check out of your accommodation and be ready to be driven back to Arusha airport for your Zanzibar flight.

Your guide will drop you off at the airport where you will be taking a Zanzibar flight. The flight time from Arusha to Zanzibar is about an hour. You will be arriving or landing at Zanzibar airport late in the evening, and upon your landing, you will be picked up by your Zanzibar guide and driven to your accommodation for checking in, dinner, and overnight.

  • Accommodation: Zanzibar Beach Resort
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Activities: Serengeti morning game drive, airport transfer, and Zanzibar safari tour, in brief

DAY 14: FULL DAY ZANZIBAR

On this day, you will have a full day in Zanzibar, where you will enjoy exploring the historical and world heritage site known as the stone town. You will enjoy a walking tour around the town exploring old buildings and enjoying a cultural tour. You will also have a boat trip to Prison Island and a spice tour in the evening before returning to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.

  • Accommodation: Zanzibar Beach Resort
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Activities: Prison Island Tour, Spice Tour, and Stone Town Tour

DAY 15: FULL DAY IN ZANZIBAR

You will have another full day in Zanzibar Island. On this day, you will spend the day relaxing and unwinding at your hotel or at the beaches. You will enjoy activities offered at the hotel, such as body massages. You will also enjoy participating in beach activities such as relaxation, a beach walk, swimming, and other watersports.

  • Accommodation: Zanzibar Beach Resort
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Activities: Beach relaxation

DAY 16: DEPARTURE

This will be the final day of your 16 Days Tanzania safari tour . You will wake up early in the morning, have breakfast, and then be picked up by your guide from the hotel and transferred to the airport, where you will catch your flight home. This will mark the end of your 16-day Tanzania and Zanzibar safari tour.

  • Activities: Morning game drive and departure
  • Meal plan: breakfast and/or lunch

 PRICE INCLUDES

  • Camping fees
  • Guide, porter, and cooker
  • Rescuer fees
  • Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and mineral water)
  • tent, foam, cooking equipment, eating utensils
  • Oxygen Cylinder and Oxymeter
  • All government taxes (Vat)
  • Professional wildlife safari and tour guide / driver
  • All national park fees
  • All meals on the safari
  • Crater and concession fees
  • All accommodations during your safari
  • Drinking water in the safari vehicle

PRICE EXCLUDES

  • Flights
  • Visas
  • Tips for crews (Guide, Porters, and cook)
  • Some equipment will be available for hire.
  • Items of a personal nature (laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
  • Anything else not included in the itinerary

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