Serengeti & Kilimanjaro





Hit the plains of the Serengeti and summit the roof of Africa
Encounter some of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders on a 15-day adventure. Safari across the vast Serengeti savanna and the floors of Ngorongoro Crater in search of the Big Five, then conquer Africa's highest peak on an epic trek to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. This is a trip for active travellers who appreciate the bounty of nature – get ready for thrills, challenges and self discovery on a journey that takes you through the literal highs and lows of Kenya and Tanzania.
5.0
8 reviewsStart: Nairobi, Kenya
End: Marangu, Tanzania
- Duration
- 15 days
- Group size
- 1 to 22
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- 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: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Basix
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Overland, Walking & trekking, Wildlife
- 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
Why you'll love this trip
- Explore Serengeti National Park in depth with two early-morning and two late-afternoon game drives through this spectacular wildlife arena.
- Take a mind-blowing safari across the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater in an open-roof 4WD for a chance to see the endangered black rhinoceros.
- See it before you climb it! Not only is Amboseli National Park home to the largest population of African elephants in Kenya it also has exquisite views of Mt Kilimanjaro on clear days.
- Hike Kilimanjaro's climactic last stretch by lamplight and give yourself as much chance as possible to watch a sunrise over ice fields from behind Africa’s highest peak.
- We’re an official partner with the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project. Hike easier knowing that while our porters are taking care of you, there’s someone looking out for them.
Itinerary
Jambo! Welcome to Kenya. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in Nairobi. If you arrive early, you can head out and explore the National Museum of Kenya, the Karen Blixen Museum or the highly recommended Bomas of Kenya, where traditional homesteads of several Kenyan tribes are displayed in an outdoor village. Tonight, why not ask your leader for local dinner recommendations and head out to get to know your fellow travellers.
- (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Nairobi - City Experience Urban Adventure - USD45
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Petty theft is common in Nairobi. As a general rule, the safest place for your valuables is on your person in a neck wallet or money belt, though your hotel room or reception may have a safe in which to store things. If you do decide to go exploring, make sure you get local advice on where it is and isn't safe to walk – particularly for later in the day. Be careful not to leave bags unattended on chairs or floors when in bars or restaurants. Without being paranoid, appearing vigilant is a great deterrence to would-be thieves. Also, make scans of important travel documents and email them to yourself – this will save you hours of paperwork if anything does happen.
Today, you'll board your overland vehicle bound for Amboseli National Park. The park covers an area of about 392 square kilometres and is home to the largest population of African elephants in Kenya, many of which are ‘big tuskers’ (elephants with large tusks). You may even spot a ‘super tusker’ – a male bull elephant with tusks that weigh over 45 kg each, usually so long they scrape the ground. If you're lucky to visit on a clear day, you'll be treated to amazing views of Mt Kilimanjaro. When you arrive, you'll set off on a game drive in your overland vehicle to explore the park and discover the wildlife that calls this place home.
- Camping (basic facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Amboseli National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
This morning, you'll visit the Kimana Ranger Project and meet the inspiring men and women who protect the vital Kimana Sanctuary, an important wildlife area, particularly for migrating elephants. At the Ranger Training Academy, listen to stories of what it takes to safeguard this unique environment and the risks involved in protecting the Greater Amboseli ecosystem. The project plays a crucial role in improving the lives and working conditions of rangers, supporting local communities, and promoting conservation efforts where both wildlife and people can thrive.
After your visit, travel toward the Kenya-Tanzania border, heading to Mto wa Mbu, a charming village that offers a glimpse into small-town African life. In the afternoon, join the local community for a guided walk around the village, visiting farms, milling machines, and homes. You'll finish the day with a traditional dinner, experiencing local hospitality before settling in at your campsite in Mto wa Mbu.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Mto Wa Mbu - Village walk & local dinner
- Amboseli - Kimana Ranger Project
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Wifi is available at your accommodation this evening.
Depending on availability, you might be able to upgrade to a room for tonight.
Rise and shine early today before entering the Ngorongoro Conservation area. When you arrive at the crater, swap your overland vehicle for open roof 4WDs. Take in the spectacular views from the crater's rim as you make your way to the bottom, where animals roam the lakes, rivers, woodlands and hills. The animals here are less wary of humans and vehicles, and as a result, it's easier to watch them up close. Keep an eye out for wildebeest, lion, zebra, cheetah, buffalo, gazelle and the endangered black rhino. Later, head to the wide-open plains of the Serengeti. The Serengeti landscapes see a huge contrast of colours during the year – green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry season. The never-ending landscape is home to thousands of animals travelling as herds across the plains. This region gets its name from the local Maasai word ‘siringet’, meaning the place where the land moves on forever. Enjoy a picnic lunch, then head to your campsite within the park. Tonight, listen out for the sounds of nocturnal animals as you drift to sleep.
- Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive
- Serengeti National Park - Afternoon Overland Vehicle Game Drive
You will notice some Maasai villages in the region of the Ngorongoro Crater offering a cultural experience. Intrepid recommends avoiding these villages, as they can impact negatively on the Maasai culture and travellers' perceptions of it by selling an artificial experience.
During the winter months (June to August) it can be surprisingly cold at night, so be sure to bring some warm clothes.
Your camp within the Serengeti National Park does not have a fence to separate the tents from the animals. This is quite the experience as animals such as buffalo and hyenas often come close to camp after sundown. When you arrive at the camp, your leader will give a detailed safety briefing on what is required to ensure the safety of the group.
Tonight’s camp is basic with limited running water and no upgrades or wi-fi available.
Start the day nice and early with an overland vehicle game drive at dawn. You’ll head out while the animals are at their most active, then head back to camp for brunch at around 11 am. This morning, there’s also the option of a balloon ride over the park. If you have pre-booked this activity, you will be picked up before dawn and driven to the launch site. After a safety briefing, glide through the dawn, sometimes at tree height, where you’ll get some amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes, you will ascend, getting an overview of the vastness of the plains and the early morning movements of the herds. After landing, dig into a delicious bush breakfast, then return to your camp. After spending the warmer part of the day relaxing with your herd – just as the animals do – depart again at dusk for another overland vehicle adventure through the wild, returning in time for dinner.
- Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Serengeti National Park - Morning Overland Vehicle Game Drive
- Serengeti National Park - Afternoon Overland Vehicle Game Drive
- Serengeti National Park - Balloon Ride (from price) - USD800
The balloon ride is offered as a pre-booked service which will guarantee you a place. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking this locally on the ground, you are welcome to, but keep in mind that this is a popular activity and places are limited. Please note if you choose this activity you will miss most of the included game drive with your group.
Enjoy a leisurely game drive and picnic lunch on your way out of Serengeti National Park today. Soak up final views of this incredible spot before making the long drive to Karatu – a small town nearby and your base for the next two nights.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Serengeti National Park - Morning Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
Today is a free day to relax or explore at your own pace. You might like to head to a local coffee plantation or take an optional game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. Maybe opt for a hike through the Ngorongoro Reserve Forest to the Elephant Caves – a great way to stretch your legs after a few days of overland travel. You'll hike through the Ngorongoro rainforest as your local guide explains the ins and outs of the area and points out interesting animal tracks and footprints. Marvel at the wild landscape and spot beautiful birdlife as you walk.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Ngorongoro Forest - Elephant Cave Trek - USD80
- Lake Manyara Game drive - USD100
- Karatu - Village Visit - USD20
- Karatu - Coffee Tour - USD25
Tonight, there may be the option to upgrade your accommodation (subject to availability).
After breakfast, board your overland truck for the final time and head back to Arusha. Upon arrival, you'll be dropped off at the Impala Shuttle Office, where you'll say goodbye to your truck and crew. From there, you'll take an unescorted shuttle bus to Marangu, nestled in the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro (1300 m). The shuttle departs around 9 am. You’ll have a second welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight for a full briefing and kit inspection by an experienced Kilimanjaro climber. After the meeting, fuel up on a hearty dinner with your fellow trekkers and get a good night’s rest, ready to start your climb tomorrow!
- Hotel (1 night)
- Dinner
- Complimentary Sleeping Bag and walking pole hire ( must be requested at time of booking )
- Mount Kilimanjaro - Trek Briefing
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will change at this location.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting this evening. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
This section of your trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result, some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the ‘Health’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more important details.
After a hearty breakfast, make your way to Marangu Gate, the entrance of the Mt Kilimanjaro National Park (1860 m) and meet your guides and porters. With introductions and assignment of porter loads taken care of, it’s time to embark on your trek. Commonly known as the 'Coca Cola' route, the Marangu Route is the oldest track on Kilimanjaro. Look out for the resident wildlife and enjoy the vast landscape as you walk.
- Mountain hut (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Mount Kilimanjaro - Return transfers from hotel to park gate
- Mount Kilimanjaro - Porterage of 1 bag (9kg/20lb max)
- Mount Kilimanjaro - Emergency oxygen and comprehensive first aid kits
- Fully catered trek including National Park entrance fees, climbing fee, mountain huts & rescue services (5 days)
- Mount Kilimanjaro - Services of experienced English speaking mountain guides (first-aid qualified) cooks and porters (a minimum of 1 guide to every 2)
We provide one guide for every two climbers in our groups. Each person will have a personal porter for the bulk of their gear and there are extra porters for camping equipment and food, though they will likely be ahead of the group most days.
Your second day on the mountain involves another long hike over a slightly steeper stretch. The total distance from Mandara to the Horombo huts is 12 kilometres (approximately 5to 7 hours). Today you will see the rainforest give way to open and rolling alpine meadows dotted with giant heather trees. Once out of the forest canopy, the twin snow-tipped peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi lie directly ahead. These are two of the three great cones of Kilimanjaro (the other being Shira). During the day’s walk we will traverse several ravines before reaching the hut, which is set in a rocky valley. There is time to enjoy a wide variety of vegetation and changing landscapes on the way to Horombo Hut (3780 metres). We will spend the next two nights here at the hut.
- Mountain hut (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
After breakfast, walk towards Mawenzi Hut, passing the unusual Zebra Rocks on the way. It’s a steep climb up a grassy slope, but well worth it: the views over the area towards Kibo are second-to-none. Afterwards, return to Horombo for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing and acclimatising to the altitude, or ask your guides about short walks in the area. Take advantage of the rest day here and drink plenty of water – the next couple of days will be pretty intense!
- Mountain hut (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Today you’ll walk the 10 kilometres or so from Horombo to Kibo Hut (approximately 5–7 hours). As the journey progresses you will notice the landscape gradually becoming more rugged and rocky, and the air noticeably thinner. We will have to soften our pace a little to accommodate these environmental changes. Marvel at giant groundsels and lobelias while you travel across the sparse moorland. Skirt Mawenzi Peak and marvel at the stark lunar landscape of the Saddle, reaching Kibo Hut in afternoon (4740 m), take the opportunity to have an early night in preparation for a very early (or late?) wake-up call.
- Mountain hut (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Your guides will wake you up at 11 pm and hot tea will be served. Prepare for the last leg of the trek – to the summit. The distance from Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak is six kilometres (approximately 6–8 hours), and the descent to Horombo will be approximately the same amount of time. The trek begins beneath the stars as you zigzag your way up a large scree slope, guided only by torch light, to reach Gilman's Point (5685 m). With some luck, arrive in time for breathtaking views of the sun rising behind Mawenzi Peak. This is the stretch that most people find the hardest, and you should be prepared for a very cold morning. The dramatic spectacle of the sun rising over the ice fields of the crater will make the early start worthwhile. For those who still have the energy, it's a further walk (approximately 2 hours) along the rim of the crater to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. From here there are amazing views of the crater, ice fields and plains below. After photos and time to catch your breath, descend back to Horombo Hut for a well-earned rest.
- Mountain hut (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Continue your descent through alpine meadows and rainforest to the park gate. The distance from Horombo to Marangu Gate is 20 kilometres (approximately 5–6 hours). Here your transport awaits and you will return to the hotel for a relaxing shower – a real treat after the physical exertions of the last few days! Over a celebratory meal we can relive and share our experiences of the past five days on the mountain.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
There are no activities or trekking planned for today. A transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport or a shuttle to Nairobi can be arranged locally – please speak to your group leader about this at the welcome meeting.
- Breakfast
Inclusions and activities
13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 13 dinners
Overland vehicle, minibus, 4WD Safari Vehicle
Camping (with facilities) (3 nights), Camping (with basic facilities) (3 nights), Hotel (3 nights), Mountain hut (5 nights)
- 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
- Complimentary Sleeping Bag and walking pole hire ( must be requested at time of booking )
- Mount Kilimanjaro - Trek Briefing
- Mount Kilimanjaro - Return transfers from hotel to park gate
- Mount Kilimanjaro - Porterage of 1 bag (9kg/20lb max)
- Mount Kilimanjaro - Emergency oxygen and comprehensive first aid kits
- Fully catered trek including National Park entrance fees, climbing fee, mountain huts & rescue services (5 days)
- Mount Kilimanjaro - Services of experienced English speaking mountain guides (first-aid qualified) cooks and porters (a minimum of 1 guide to every 2)
- 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
This trip generates 17 kg of CO2-e per person per day
Learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- No two journeys in Africa are identical. 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. Be prepared for travel times to be longer or shorter than advised. Weather and road conditions can change things significantly, so embrace the detours, shortcuts, and unforgettable moments along the way.
- 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 iconic African wildlife. For more info on this style of travel, see our Africa overland page at intrepidtravel.com/africa/overland.
- 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.
- 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. 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.
- 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.
- Hiking for several days without a shower can be challenging – be prepared for some dust and dirt. A mask, wet wipes and a face washer may become your best friends!
- The day-to-day itinerary features a selection of optional activities. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and is intended only as a guide. Prices are approximate and may change at the discretion of the local provider. All activities are subject to availability.
Accommodation on this trip is mainly in two-person canvas dome tents with camping mattresses supplied.
The type and variety of accommodation are determined by conditions on each of our routes. Each route is different - on some, we use a mixture of campsites and wild camps; on others, we also use hotels. In Africa, it's not usually practical to camp when staying in towns and cities, so we use hotel accommodations and eat out in local restaurants.
There may be the occasional night stop when we stay on the grounds of a hotel or at a campsite, which may also have rooms/cabins available. In this case, there may be a choice of camping or upgrading to a room. Rooms cost approximately USD 40-100 per room per night for a twin room and cannot be pre-booked. Standards of these rooms vary greatly, and we recommend viewing the room before purchasing the night's accommodation. The day-by-day itinerary advises when upgrades may be possible (subject to availability).
Keep in mind that if we are staying in dormitory accommodation, you may have to share with other passengers or be split into same-sex rooms.
Campsites do have facilities, but they usually aren't to the same standard you would find in Western countries. For example, the bathroom facilities can be very basic. Toilet paper is rarely provided, and shower facilities can be as simple as a hose pipe spurting out cold water. Wild camps have no facilities at all.
At times, there may be spare tents in the vehicles. Unfortunately, these cannot be used without the purchase of a single supplement. This is to ensure the tents avoid wear and tear or are clean and ready for the customers arriving on the next section of the trip.
On the mountain you'll be staying in basic but comfortable wooden A-frame huts with single beds and simple mattresses. The huts are 4, 6 and 12 share depending on where you are on the mountain. Due to limited accommodation on the mountain, you may need to share a hut with non-Intrepid passengers and/or members of the opposite sex. There are also washroom huts with western & drop toilets and basins.
Hillpark Hotel
Lower Hill Rd
Upper Hill
Nairobi
0100
KENYA
Description
Hillpark Hotel, features an outdoor heated swimming pool, a restaurant and a bar. Guests can enjoy the convenience of a 24-hour front desk reception, room service, gym and complimentary WiFi. Rooms are equipped with a coffee making facilities and a flat screen TV.
Instructions
If you have pre-booked a transfer please look out for our representative holding an Intrepid board with your name at the arrival terminal. If you fail to see our representative, please call +254 733 523 813 and our reservations team in Kenya will be able to assist. If you are making your own way to the hotel, there is a taxi stand outside the airport building. A taxi should cost approximately US$25-30, and can be paid in Kenyan Shillings or US dollars.
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement is subject to availability, and excludes Days 2 - 6, where you will be in shared mountain huts. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. The cabins used during your trek are mixed-gender multi-share with 4 - 12 people per cabin.
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. 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.
6. As this is a combination trip made up of two popular itineraries, the composition of your group and your leader may change.
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.
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