Safari to Kilimanjaro - Machame Route

15 Days | From the roof of Africa to the floor of Ngorongoro

4.5 out of 5 based on 2 reviews submitted.
Overland
Walking & trekking
Wildlife
From
EUR €5,620
View dates and book

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.

Trip overview

Map of Safari To Kilimanjaro - Machame Route including Kenya and Tanzania, United Republic Of
Start
Nairobi, Kenya
Finish
Moshi, Tanzania
Theme
Overland, Walking & trekking, Wildlife
Destinations
Tanzania, Kenya
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
Style
Basix
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1
Trip code
YKXCC
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 four game drives – two early-morning and two late-afternoon – through this spectacular wildlife arena.
  • Take an incredible safari across the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater in an open-roof 4WD for a chance to see the endangered black rhinoceros.
  • 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.

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 (unless you’re on an Original or Comfort style trip), occasionally roughing it in the bush with no facilities, and getting the best possible views of the Big Five. For more info on this style of travel, see our Africa overland page at intrepidtravel.com/africa/overland.
  • You'll need a good level of fitness for the Kili section of this trip. The distances may not be long, but the altitude makes it much harder than your average uphill hike.
  • Tried and tested all-purpose hiking equipment is required for the Mt Kilimanjaro trek. Temperatures at night can get very low when you're above 3500 metres, so warm clothing and a sleeping bag are essential. You can hire this equipment if need be.
  • Your safety comes first. Our experienced guides will monitor each passenger for any signs of acute mountain sickness. If you show any signs, you'll descend immediately with a guide.
  • Hiking for several days without a shower can be tough – be prepared for some dust and dirt. A mask, wet wipes and face washer may become your best friends!
  • 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.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

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

Inclusions

Meals

13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 13 dinners

Transport

Overland vehicle, minibus, 4x4 Safari Vehicle

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (3 nights), Camping (with basic facilities) (8 nights), Cottage (1 night), Hotel (3 nights)

Activities
  • Amboseli National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
  • Mto Wa Mbu - Village walk & local dinner
  • 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
Add on activities
  • Nairobi - City Experience Urban Adventure - USD55
  • Serengeti National Park - Balloon Ride (from price) - USD745
  • Ngorongoro Forest - Elephant Cave Trek - USD80
  • Lake Manyara Game drive - USD100
  • Karatu - Village Visit - USD20
  • Karatu - Coffee Tour - USD25

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. The single supplement excludes Day 2 (Basic Hotel) and Days 3-7 & 9-14 (Camp) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information
2. This trip is a combination of YGOT,YAKT,YAKC and YKXA our most popular itineraries. As such the make up of your group and your leader may change on day 8..
3. Although no mountaineering experience is required a good level of physical fitness is necessary. You must be comfortable walking 6-8 hours uphill a day.
4. Parts of your trip go above 2800 meters / 9200 feet where it is common for travelers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude - regardless of your age, gender and fitness. Please see Essential Trip Information for FAQ's.
5. As a result of the physical activity involved in this trip, such as strenuous trekking, the location or terrain through which the trip goes and other local factors including altitude, remoteness and temperature, a Passenger Self Assessment Form must be completed, signed and returned to our office prior to your trip.
6. 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 Serengeti section of this trip or can hire one at an additional cost.

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

4.5 out of 5 based on 2 reviews submitted.
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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Andrew · Traveled July 2023
My 4th trip with Intrepid and another great experience. Have wanted to go to Africa since I was a little boy and this did not disappoint. Challenging but incredibly satisfying. Lots of OMG moments.
Review submitted 28 Jul 2023

Gabriel · Traveled October 2022
Incredible first experience of Africa. Includes a diverse range of activities and experiences, and you truly get a feel of the local culture, but be prepared to pack your tents, wash dishes and spend long days driving around the national parks and take in the surroundings. Kili is just incredible!
Review submitted 20 Oct 2022
Safari to Kilimanjaro - Machame Route
From
EUR €5,620