Experience Overview
Get the complete picture of Africa from two dazzling perspectives: the top of Kilimanjaro and vast grasslands of the Serengeti. This 15-day adventure begins with a seven-day attempt at the summit of Kilimanjaro from the Lemosho route, then gives way to five life-altering days in the Serengeti with time spent getting to know the Maasai in a remote village, wildlife drives in search of the "big five," and a visit to the massive Ngorongoro Crater. Those who’ve been will tell you that Africa will change your life. This tour will do it several times a day.
Highlights
- Conquer Africa's highest peak
- Visit an authentic Maasai village
- Search for the "big five" during wildlife drives in the Serengeti
- Enjoy an included lunch with a local family in the Mto wa Mbu village
Trip Details
Product Code: 2086
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: 7-seat 4x4 safari vehicle, private minibus, trekking
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: Classic
Tour Operator: G Adventures
Supplier Code: DTOS
Starts: Moshi, Tanzania
Finishes: Arusha, Tanzania
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating: Challenging
Includes
Activities
- Your G for Good Moment: Moshi Women's Cooperative Visit, Moshi Your G for Good Moment: Mto wa Mbu Community Visit and Lunch, Mto wa Mbu Your G for Good Moment: Clean Cookstove Project Visit, Mto wa Mbu Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Mt Kilimanjaro's Lemosho Route trekking permits and guides, cooks, and porters
- Additional "acclimatization day" during ascent
- Lake Manyara wildlife safari drive
- Serengeti wildlife safari drives
- Ngorongoro Crater wildlife safari drive
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Simple hotels (3 nts), full-service alpine camping (7 nts), full-service camping (4 nts),
- 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 11 dinners
Transport
- 7-seat 4x4 safari vehicle, private minibus, trekking
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer), certified mountain guide, certified safari guide/driver, local representative, cook, porters, camp crew.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $8899 ($593 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Moshi
Arrive at any time.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Stella Maris Executive Lodge
Day 2: Moshi/Mti Mkubwa Camp
Begin the Lemosho trail of Mt Kilimanjaro ending for the day at the Mti Mkubwa Campsite.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Register at the gate office, and start the hike with a gradual ascent and a slight descent into the Lemosho Glades. Enter the lush rainforest and listen to the sounds of many exotic birds. Spot monkeys such as the black and white colobus - these monkeys are black with a long ‘cape’ of white hair and a flowing white tail. Spend the day in the gorgeous and fascinating forested slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro, most of which is considered to be a rainforest zone. End the day at the Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Campsite, within the upper reaches of the montane forest zone.
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp/Shira 1 Camp
Climb into the moorland over the Shira ridge and down to the plateau and the Shira 1 Camp.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Rise early and tackle a steep climb to head out of the montane forest zone and into the moorland zone. Admire trees such as the Giant Heather and Erica. Embark on a challenging hiking day with a trek over the Shira ridge at 3,500m (11,483 ft), where, on a clear day, have direct views of Kibo, the peak and ultimate goal of the adventure. From there, descend to the Shira plateau and set up at Shira 1 Camp, located next to a stream.
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp/Shira 2 Camp
Travel across the Shira plateau, with time for short acclimatization walks.
Because the hiking time is only about 3 hours today, use the free time to take a number of short acclimatization walks around and above the Shira 2 Camp. This camp is more exposed than the previous night's camp. It may be windier and colder, with temperatures dropping to below freezing.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Traverse the Shira plateau. Ascend gently through the lower alpine moorland, which is notable for beautiful wild alpine flowers and the unique giant lobelia and giant groundsel (senecio kilimanjari) plants.
Day 5: Shira 2 Camp/Barranco Camp
Climb through rocky scree to the Lava Tower. Descend into the Great Barranco Valley to acclimatize and camp.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Climb slowly through the rocky terrain to the Lava Tower (4600m, 15,092 ft) from the Shira 2 Camp. The route becomes increasingly challenging and steep. Some hikers might start to feel weak or short of breath from the altitude so go slowly— “pole pole” as they say in Swahili—to avoid exasperating the symptoms. Activity - Descend from the Lava Tower 650m (2133 ft) to the Great Barranco Valley. Hike about 2 hours to reach the valley, acclimate to the elevation and take in the view of the Western Breach and Breach Wall along the way. Reach the Barranco Camp and enjoy the beautiful landscape as a reward for the day’s difficult hike. The Breach Wall surrounds the Camp on three sides and the area has an amazing view of hanging glaciers and the Kibo massif.
Day 6: Barranco Camp/Karanga Camp
Tackle the Great Barranco Wall up into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Start the steady hike up the eastern side of the Great Barranco Wall. On the way to the Karanga Camp (4100m, 13,451 ft), pass below the Heim Glacier and through the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley. Depending on the weather, enjoy the fantastic view of Mt. Kilimanjaro from the Heim Glacier.
Day 7: Karanga Camp/Barafu Camp
Trek through the alpine desert up to Barafu Camp. Prepare for the midnight start of the summit attempt.
In preparation for the final ascent the same night, you will familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark, and prepare your equipment and thermal clothing for the summit attempt. Sleep may be difficult, but lie down after dinner to try and rest for the 1295m final ascent.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Trek through the Karanga Valley to the Barafu Camp at 4600m (15,092ft). The trail through the alpine desert is dry, barren, and temperatures will get colder after leaving the valley camp. The Barafu Camp is on a narrow ridge with no barriers from the wind, but with a beautiful view of the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Take some time before dark to get familiar with the camp area to avoid any accidents later.
Day 8: Barafu Camp/Mweka Camp
At midnight, begin the summit trek. Conquer the rim of the main crater, then cross the scree and snow to Uhuru Peak. Descend to Mweka Camp.
This stretch is the longest, and the most mentally and physically challenging of the trek. But the feeling of conquering Kilimanjaro will stay with you forever.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Wake up call today is at 11pm in order to reach Stella Point (5756m, 18,885 ft) in time for the spectacular view of the sunrise (depending on weather). Enjoy a snack and warm drink and get ready for the ascent in the dark up the northwest scree. Go slowly as the terrain is rocky and difficult, pass between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers before arriving at Stella Point. Activity - Start the 1 hour, gradual ascent to Uhuru peak (5895m, 19341 ft) along the snow-covered trail. Temperatures near the summit can range from -23° C (-9°f) in the morning to just below freezing overnight. Arrive at the summit at last! Take a deep breath and celebrate a successful climb.Activity - Begin the descent from the summit towards the Barafu camp, where the group will pack up and enjoy a quick rest. The route down will use the same rock and scree path as the ascent and will pass back through moorland and forest terrain. Reach Mweka hut in the late afternoon.
Day 9: Mweka Camp/Moshi
Continue descent through the forested, lower slopes to Moshi. Meet the mamas of the Moshi Women's Cooperative, a G supported project, for a climbing ceremony.
Arrive to Moshi in the afternoon. Time to relax, take a shower, and celebrate with a drink. Cheers to climbing Mt Kilimanjaro! Before dinner, you will be welcomed and congratulated on your climb by the mamas of the Moshi Women's Cooperative, a project supported by G Adventures. They will present you with a gift and a certificate to remember all your efforts on the mountain.
Opt to pre-book the Lala Salama Spa & Beauty Aromatherapy Massage, which partners with Moshi Women's Cooperative, by adding it to your checkout page, or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Hike downhill to the Mweka Gate. Enjoy the lower altitude and the view of the forested slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro. The route can be muddy underfoot so take care. From the Mweka Gate you will continue down into the Mweka village for lunch, normally a muddy 1 hour hike. Upon arrival to Moshi in the afternoon, relax, or opt to have that much-deserved shower and congratulatory beverage. Activity - Walk back to the Mweka village for lunch. The route is typically muddy but doesn’t take long.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - This project is supported by the Planeterra Foundation and G Adventures. Women and girls are often the first to be excluded from educational programs in Tanzania, with most girls being pulled out of school by Grade 3 to help out around the home. Our ground partners provide free adult business education for women in Moshi, and Planeterra and G Adventures have rented a cooperative space to allow these students to practice their academic skills and save income to start their own business. Feel free to shop for for souvenirs and speak to the women who run the cooperative about their lives and how the project has assisted in building a brighter future.Accommodation - Stella Maris Executive Lodge
Day 10: Moshi/Arusha
En route to Arusha, enjoy an included stop at the G Adventures-supported Moshi Women's Cooperative. Pick up any last-minute supplies in Arusha.
Travel to the picturesque town of Arusha. En route, stop at the Moshi Women's Cooperative to learn about what this project offers. Meet the women, learn more about their lives, and opt to purchase some souvenirs.
In the evening, you may be joined by other G Adventures travellers arriving from Kenya or starting the safari portion of their Tanzania trip. Check for details of the time and location of a welcome meeting, typically around 18:00.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery as you journey to your next destination.Activity - This project is supported by the Planeterra Foundation and G Adventures. Women and girls are often the first to be excluded from educational programs in Tanzania, with most girls being pulled out of school by Grade 3 to help out around the home. Our ground partners provide free adult business education for women in Moshi, and Planeterra and G Adventures have rented a cooperative space to allow these students to practice their academic skills and save income to start their own business. Feel free to shop for for souvenirs and speak to the women who run the cooperative about their lives and how the project has assisted in building a brighter future.Accommodation - The Outpost Lodge
Day 11: Arusha/Mto wa Mbu
Experience the Mto wa Mbu community with a guided cultural walk and traditional lunch with a local family. Take a wildlife safari drive in Lake Manyara NP.
Travel to Mto wa Mbu and take part in a cultural walk to learn about life in the area. Meet the women who run the rural town's tours and enjoy a delicious home made traditional lunch.
Spend the afternoon viewing wildlife along the main road that winds through a lush cool forests of Lake Manyara National Park, overgrown with ficus trees and covered with bromeliads.
This area is truly stunning, as the western wall of the Rift Valley escarpment provides a gorgeous backdrop. Search for the phenomenal birdlife, tree-climbing lions, elephants, giraffes, and hippos.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride with a pop-up top.Activity - Take part in a cultural walk to learn about life in this East African town. Mto wa Mbu has attracted some 18,000 residents from 120 different tribes. During the two-hour tour, visit the community's local market, go right to the farmer's fields, see how huts are constructed, and meet artisans in their shops.
Afterwards, sit down with our new friends and enjoy a traditional lunch of meat and plantains.Activity - This western wall of the Rift Valley escarpment is truly stunning. It provides a backdrop for your search for the park's phenomenal bird life (including raptors), tree-climbing lions, elephants, zebras, hippos, baboons, and buffalos. Look up and see some of the more than 400 species of birds, including pink flamingos, pelicans, cormorants, and storks.
Beyond wildlife, Lake Manyara NP is home to giant fig trees, acacia woodlands, mahogany trees, and grassy flood plains. The contrasts of this area are simply breathtaking; the open plains, huge escarpment, central alkaline lake, dense woodlands, and distant volcanic peaks coming together in an area best described by Ernest Hemingway as “the loveliest I have seen in Africa.”
Accommodation - Twiga Lodge and Campsite
Day 12: Mto wa Mbu/Serengeti National Park
Enjoy a wildlife safari drive en route to the central Serengeti.
Drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and on to Serengeti National Park. En route marvel at the sheer vastness of this territory, and spot the multitude of animal and birdlife while cruising through this acacia-accented savanna.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride with a pop-up top.Activity - This is the reason you came to Africa. Charge your camera, grab your binoculars, and set out on safari. Your eagle-eyed driver will keep an eye out for wildlife – buffaloes, elephants, lions, wildebeests, zebras, and more. Tanzania’s Serengeti tends to be less crowded than some of Kenya’s reserves, so enjoy the scenery, the vast expanse of the grasslands, the play of light and shadow, and the up-close look at wild Africa.Accommodation - Seronera Campsite
Day 13: Serengeti National Park
Rise early for a full-day wildlife safari drive in the Serengeti. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush and continue the search for the "big five" while taking in the vastness of the Serengeti plains.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride with a pop-up top.Activity - This is the reason you came to Africa. Charge your camera, grab your binoculars, and set out on safari. Your eagle-eyed driver will keep an eye out for wildlife – buffaloes, elephants, lions, wildebeests, zebras, and more. Tanzania’s Serengeti tends to be less crowded than some of Kenya’s reserves, so enjoy the scenery, the vast expanse of the grasslands, the play of light and shadow, and the up-close look at wild Africa.Accommodation - Seronera Campsite
Day 14: Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro
Take a morning wildlife safari drive as you depart the Serengeti, then continue wildlife viewing in the Ngorongoro Crater, before getting a spectacular view of the crater from your campsite on its rim.
The rich pasture and permanent water of the Crater floor supports a resident population of more than 20,000 to 25,000 large mammals.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride with a pop-up top.Activity - This is the reason you came to Africa. Charge your camera, grab your binoculars, and set out on safari. Your eagle-eyed driver will keep an eye out for wildlife – buffaloes, elephants, lions, wildebeests, zebras, and more. Tanzania’s Serengeti tends to be less crowded than some of Kenya’s reserves, so enjoy the scenery, the vast expanse of the grasslands, the play of light and shadow, and the up-close look at wild Africa.Activity - Head down into the crater and to all the best spots to view wildlife. Spot zebras, gazelles, buffaloes and warthogs. The swamp and forest are home to hippos, rhinos, elephants, baboons and monkeys. Keep your eyes peeled and camera ready to capture a pride of lions or a lone leopard walking along the crater floor.Accommodation - Simba Campsite
Day 15: Ngorongoro/Arusha
Visit an authentic Maasai village and the G Adventures-supported Clean Cookstove Project, then return to Arusha where the tour ends on arrival. Onward flights can be booked from 6pm, or extend your stay in Arusha by a night, or two.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride with a pop-up top.Activity - Visit a Maasai village in the Monduli District and witness the benefits of the G Adventures-supported Clean Cookstove Project. In Tanzania, 95% of people rely on cooking with wood and coal. Women and girls spend hours walking to collect wood every day (making them vulnerable to assault and unable to use their time to go to school). Indoor smoke from open-fire stoves causes cancer, emphysema, pneumonia, blindness, and burns. Take a guided tour of these villages and meet the women that have been trained as stove engineers, visit bomas (traditional homes), and observe (or get your hands dirty) by helping the Stove Team build a stove in a home. See the beneficial impact of the clean-burning stoves on the health and daily lives of the Maasai villagers, especially the women.Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Caylyn W - Traveled, December 2022
Great trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/23/2023
Matthew D - Traveled, December 2022
On the mountain hiking times may have been a little underestimated. This could be adjusted to meet expectations. Overall I had a wonderful time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/22/2023
Samuel K - Traveled, December 2022
Ana amazing experience, one we'll never forget! It's a shame we didn't peak Kilimanjaro although it was still an amazing experience, the hike and Serengeti. Most of all Tanzanian people were so lovely
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/14/2023
Rafael P - Traveled, October 2022
Amazing experience in Tanzania. Loved the people, the country and the experience. Kilimanjaro and Serengeti are out of this world. Thanks G-fighters that wade this experience possible.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/16/2022
Christian P - Traveled, November 2022
Once in a lifetime climb followed by an amazing 4 day safari where we spotted the big and the 'ugly' five!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/11/2022
Jennifer L - Traveled, October 2022
I loved the hike and enjoyed the experience. The porters and guides were exceptionally kind, helpful and friendly. I was super pleased to reach the summit despite the freezing conditions
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/12/2022
Pamela R - Traveled, October 2022
Pamela R., November 9
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/09/2022
Marian V - Traveled, October 2022
Our experience was awesome. I am happy we did the climb before the safari. The Moshi Mamas massage was a great way to rehabilitate our muscles after the climb
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/07/2022
Mai T - Traveled, September 2022
Great trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2022
James B - Traveled, September 2022
An exciting, interesting and varied trip, giving insights into the nature, geography and people of northern Tanzania.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/09/2022
Mark D - Traveled, August 2022
Great for the Kilimanjaro, Iddy and his ENTIRE team. Pretty good for the Safari and it would have been even better with a few changes.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/06/2022
Sheila L - Traveled, September 2024
It was an amazing and humble experience. I’m definitely using G Adventures again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/09/2024
Ryan S - Traveled, September 2024
My overall experiance was great.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/27/2024
Dorian Y - Traveled, July 2024
This was a trip of a lifetime and we are so happy G is a member of KPAP, we saw some porters with other companies not appropriately dressed for the mountain and it reinforced our decision to use G. The Moshi mamas and clean cook stove project were great ...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/09/2024
Dwayne K - Traveled, July 2024
Glad I chose GAdventures for this trip. They helped me realize my long-held desire to get to the top of Kilimanjaro. I enjoyed the safari far more than I expected. Met some lovely people from all over the world, including all the CEO"s on both trips....
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/04/2024
Daniela C - Traveled, June 2024
Amazing experience
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/16/2024
Guillaume D - Traveled, March 2023
The Kilimanjaro experience was amazing and one to remember for a life time for sure. The guides and the porters create such a great atmosphere during the trip, I loved it! They motivated us big time, especially in summiting, which was greatly appreciated...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/05/2025
Andrew I - Traveled, January 2023
Excellent. Trip of a lifetime. G adventures looked after all of the details and their staff/affiliates were awesome in looking after us.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/16/2023
Brian H - Traveled, January 2023
I would say it was the adventure of a lifetime and G Adventures helped make it an exceptional experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/07/2023
Sarah G - Traveled, January 2023
I was extremely impressed by crew at Mt Kilimanjaro. Such lovely and caring people, the absolute highlight of the trip. Please make sure to pay them a fair salary, it is such an incredibly hard job that the G Fighters are doing!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/26/2023
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