Safari to Kilimanjaro - Machame Route

15 days4.73 reviews
Overland
Walking & trekking
Wildlife
From
CHF  4,256

From the roof of Africa to the floor of Ngorongoro

Experience some of Kenya and Tanzania's most famous natural wonders on a 15-day adventure that will see you tackling the most challenging and scenic way to the roof of Africa on a trek along the Machame route to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. Once you descend, embark on an overland journey across the Serengeti plains and enjoy multiple game drives to seek out Africa's iconic animals. Descend to the floor of the gigantic Ngorongoro Crater in pursuit of elephants, lions, and elusive rhinos. This tour is a non-stop active action that's perfect for independent travellers who love a challenge.

Map of Safari To Kilimanjaro - Machame Route including Kenya and Tanzania, United Republic Of
Trip code: YKXCC
Start
Nairobi, Kenya
End
Moshi, Tanzania
Destinations
Tanzania, Kenya
Meals
13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 13 dinners
Transport
Overland Vehicle, 4WD Safari Vehicle, Minibus
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (3 nights), Camping (with basic facilities) (8 nights), Hotel (3 nights)
Days
15
Group size
Min 1
Ages
Min 15
Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
Overland, Walking & trekking, Wildlife
Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time

Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities

Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders
Basix
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
This trip generates 27 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip

  • Size up Mt Kilimanjaro on the incredible scenic Machame route, passing through cloud forest and moorland zones to the glaciated precipices of Kibo’s south face. 
  • Travel with experienced guides and porters. You'll be in great hands – with one guide for every two passengers – so all you’ll have to worry about is soaking up the scenery and keeping your footing!
  • Explore the Serengeti National Park in depth with multiple game drives through this spectacular wildlife arena. Here, you’ll have the best chance to spot iconic African animals.
  • Visit the Kimana Ranger Project and meet the dedicated men and women protecting Kimana Sanctuary, a vital area for migrating elephants. Hear their stories at the Ranger Training Academy and learn about the challenges they face in safeguarding wildlife.
  • Hike easier knowing that while our porters are taking care of you, someone is looking out for them. We’re an official partner with the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project.

Itinerary

Map of Safari To Kilimanjaro - Machame Route including Kenya and Tanzania, United Republic Of

Inclusions and activities

Meals

13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 13 dinners

Transport

Overland Vehicle, 4WD Safari Vehicle, Minibus

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (3 nights), Camping (with basic facilities) (8 nights), Hotel (3 nights)

Included activities
  • Amboseli National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
  • Mto Wa Mbu - Village walk & local dinner
  • Amboseli - Kimana Ranger Project
  • Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive
  • Serengeti National Park - Afternoon Overland Vehicle Game Drive
  • Serengeti National Park - Morning Overland Vehicle Game Drive
  • Mount Kilimanjaro - Trek Briefing
  • Mount Kilimanjaro - Complimentary equipment hire (sleeping bag and walking poles) - must be requested at time of booking
  • Fully catered trek including National Park entrance fees, climbing fee, tented camps & rescue services
  • Mount Kilimanjaro - Porterage of 1 bag (9kg/20lb max)
  • Mount Kilimanjaro - Return transfers from hotel to park gate
  • Mount Kilimanjaro - Emergency oxygen and comprehensive first aid kits
  • Moshi - Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project

Optional activities
  • Nairobi - City Experience Urban Adventure - USD45
  • Serengeti National Park - Balloon Ride (from price) - USD800
  • Ngorongoro Forest - Elephant Cave Trek - USD80
  • Lake Manyara Game drive - USD100
  • Karatu - Village Visit - USD20
  • Karatu - Coffee Tour - USD25

When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Camping in the Serengeti National Park with no barriers between you and the animals is amazing, but it's important to heed the safety advice of your leader. You'll be briefed on arrival.
  • This is an overland trip. That means you’ll be travelling with a group in a purpose-built vehicle, visiting remote communities, setting up your tent, occasionally roughing it in the bush with no facilities, and getting the best possible views of Africa's iconic animals. For more info on this style of travel, see our Africa overland page at intrepidtravel.com/africa/overland.
  • As the early bird catches the worm, the early camper sights the animals. There will be many early starts either to make use of the better safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days.
  • A good level of fitness is required to join this trip. While the distances covered are not far, the effects of altitude will make it much harder than the usual uphill hike.
  • To allow for your body to adjust to the altitude the going will be slow. The speed of the hiking may be much slower than you are use too. However, we have found that this slow speed allows your body’s reserve levels to remain higher plus also allows for your body to adjust to the altitude as you walk.
  • Tried and tested all-purpose hiking equipment is required. Night-time temperatures can get very cold above 3500 m so warm clothing and sleeping bag is essential. Hiring of equipment/sleeping bag is also possible.
  • Your safety comes first. All our guides and trek leaders have been trained by independent, UK-based medical specialists and are proficient in first aid. They also carry oxygen cylinders on all treks for emergency use.
  • Be prepared for dusty and therefore dirty conditions. It can be tough going hiking for continuous days without a shower. A dust mask, wet wipes and face washer may become your best friends.
  • Camping in the Serengeti National Park with no barriers between you and the animals is amazing, but it's important to heed the safety advice of your leader. You'll be briefed on arrival.
  • This is an overland trip. That means you’ll be travelling with a group in a purpose-built vehicle, visiting remote communities, setting up your tent, occasionally roughing it in the bush with no facilities, and getting the best possible views of Africa's iconic animals. For more info on this style of travel, see our Africa overland page at intrepidtravel.com/africa/overland.
  • As the early bird catches the worm, the early camper sights the animals. There will be many early starts either to make use of the better safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days.
  • A good level of fitness is required to join this trip. While the distances covered are not far, the effects of altitude will make it much harder than the usual uphill hike.
  • To allow for your body to adjust to the altitude the going will be slow. The speed of the hiking may be much slower than you are use too. However, we have found that this slow speed allows your body’s reserve levels to remain higher plus also allows for your body to adjust to the altitude as you walk.
  • Tried and tested all-purpose hiking equipment is required. Night-time temperatures can get very cold above 3500 m so warm clothing and sleeping bag is essential. Hiring of equipment/sleeping bag is also possible.
  • Your safety comes first. All our guides and trek leaders have been trained by independent, UK-based medical specialists and are proficient in first aid. They also carry oxygen cylinders on all treks for emergency use.
  • Be prepared for dusty and therefore dirty conditions. It can be tough going hiking for continuous days without a shower. A dust mask, wet wipes and face washer may become your best friends.

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2. As this is a combination trip made up of two popular itineraries, the composition of your group and your leader may change.

3. Although no mountaineering experience is required, a good level of physical fitness is necessary. You must be comfortable walking 6-8 hours uphill per day.

4. Parts of your trip go above 2800 meters / 9200 feet, where it is common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude, regardless of your age, gender and fitness. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information for details.

5. Sleeping bags can be hired at no cost on the Kilimanjaro section of this trip. You will be required to provide your own sleeping bag for the first section of this trip (Days 1-8) or hire one at an additional cost.

6. An optional balloon safari in Serengeti National Park is possible on this itinerary. As the balloon only holds 16 people, places are limited, and we recommend that you book in advance. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.73 reviews
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Maria · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 25 Oct 2024
Andrew · Traveled July 2023
Review submitted 28 Jul 2023
Gabriel · Traveled October 2022
Review submitted 20 Oct 2022
Safari to Kilimanjaro - Machame Route
From
CHF  4,256