7-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via the Machame Route
February 6, 2025
2-Day Tarangire National Park & Ngorongoro Crater Safari
February 6, 2025
14-Day Uganda Gorilla Trek via Serengeti and Kilimanjaro
Embark on an unforgettable 14-day adventure combining the best of East Africa. This journey takes you from Tanzania, where you’ll conquer Mount Kilimanjaro and experience thrilling Big Five safaris, to Uganda, home to the majestic mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga National Park.
Day 0: Arrival in Tanzania
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our driver-guide will greet you and transfer you to Mvuli Hotel in Arusha. Here, you’ll meet our tour coordinator for a briefing on your upcoming Kilimanjaro climb before enjoying a relaxing evening and dinner.
Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Accommodation: Mvuli Hotel, Arusha
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Your Kilimanjaro trek begins! After breakfast, transfer to Marangu Gate for registration before setting off through lush rainforest trails. Stop for a picnic lunch at Kisambioni, the halfway point, then continue to Mandara Hut for an overnight stay. You may take a short walk to Mahundi Crater for stunning views.
Altitude: 1,800m/5,905ft to 2,743m/9,000ft
Meals: Full Board
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Today, leave the rainforest behind as you ascend into the moorlands. A scenic hike through rocky terrain leads you to Horombo Hut. Along the way, stop at Kambi ya Taabu for a picnic lunch before arriving at your overnight accommodation in the afternoon.
Altitude: 2,743m/9,000ft to 3,720m/12,200ft
Meals: Full Board
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
To adjust to the altitude, take a hike towards Mawenzi Peak, passing the striking Zebra Rocks. This helps your body prepare for higher elevations while providing breathtaking scenery. Return to Horombo Hut for the night.
Altitude: 3,720m/12,200ft to 4,600m/15,100ft (optional hike)
Meals: Full Board
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Continue your ascent into the alpine desert, passing the last water point at 4,130m. From here, the climb becomes steeper as you approach Kibo Hut, where you’ll rest before your final push to the summit.
Altitude: 3,720m/12,200ft to 4,750m/15,580ft
Meals: Full Board
Day 5: Summit Day – Uhuru Peak!
At midnight, begin your ascent to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. Reach Gillman’s Point at sunrise, then trek through snow-covered trails to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft). Take in the breathtaking views before descending to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut.
Altitude: 4,750m/15,580ft to 5,895m/19,340ft (Uhuru Peak), descending to 3,720m/12,200ft
Meals: Full Board
Day 6: Descent to Marangu Gate
Descend through the lush rainforest to Marangu Gate, where you’ll receive your Kilimanjaro climbing certificate. Our driver will transfer you back to Arusha for a well-earned rest at Mvuli Hotel.
Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Accommodation: Mvuli Hotel, Arusha
Day 7: Safari in Tarangire National Park
Begin your safari adventure with a game drive in Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Enjoy a picnic lunch as you search for lions, zebras, and wildebeest.
Meals: Full Board
Accommodation: Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Day 8: Serengeti National Park
Travel through the scenic highlands of Karatu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area before entering the legendary Serengeti. Arrive in time for lunch, then set out for an afternoon game drive in the Seronera region, a hotspot for wildlife viewing.
Meals: Full Board
Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Lodge
Day 9: Full-Day Serengeti Safari
Spend the entire day exploring the Serengeti, tracking the Great Migration (seasonal) and spotting wildlife like lions, giraffes, elephants, and hippos.
Meals: Full Board
Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Lodge
Day 10: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
Enjoy a final morning game drive in Serengeti before heading to Ngorongoro. Stop at Olduvai Gorge, where early human fossils were discovered. Arrive at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meals: Full Board
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
Day 11: Explore Ngorongoro Crater & Transfer to Arusha
After an early breakfast, descend over 600 meters into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater for a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience. This unique ecosystem, supported by year-round water sources, is home to diverse wildlife, including large herds of wildebeest, zebras, buffalo, elands, warthogs, hippos, and the magnificent African elephants. Ngorongoro is also known for its dense predator population, featuring lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs, and the elusive leopards, which often require a trained eye to spot.
During the game drive, visit Lake Magadi, a shallow alkaline lake in the southwestern part of the crater. Here, you can witness a spectacular gathering of flamingos, hippos, and other water birds, making it a must-see highlight of the park.
After the safari, you will proceed to Kilimanjaro International Airport with a packed lunch or have a hot lunch in Arusha, depending on your schedule. You will then board your flight to Uganda for an overnight stay in Entebbe.
Day 12: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest via the Uganda Equator
Meet your safari guide and embark on a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Along the way, stop at the Uganda Equator for a memorable photo opportunity and enjoy lunch en route. Arrive at Bwindi in the late afternoon and check into your lodge, where you can unwind and take in the stunning views of the lush rainforest.
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
Meals: Full Board
Visit Lodge Website
About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Nestled in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the most biologically diverse forests in East Africa. This ancient rainforest is home to a remarkable array of wildlife, including over 120 species of mammals, 345 species of birds, 200 species of butterflies, and 160 species of trees. The park’s biggest attraction is its population of endangered mountain gorillas, housing almost half of the world’s remaining individuals. Bwindi is also an essential conservation site for rare bird species and serves as a vital water catchment area for the surrounding communities.
Day 13: Gorilla Trekking Adventure & Optional Batwa Community Visit
Start your day early with a hearty breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking etiquette. After the briefing, embark on an exhilarating trek into the dense rainforest, guided by expert trackers and researchers. Along the way, keep an eye out for various bird species, primates, and other forest wildlife. Once you locate the gorilla family, you will have a magical hour observing and photographing these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
After the trek, return to the lodge to relax. If you’re interested, you can opt for an afternoon visit to the Batwa Pygmies community to learn about their rich cultural heritage.
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
Meals: Full Board
Day 14: Return to Entebbe & Departure
After breakfast, bid farewell to Bwindi and embark on a scenic drive back to Entebbe, marking the end of your incredible Uganda and Tanzania safari adventure. The journey takes approximately 8-9 hours. You will be dropped off at your hotel in Entebbe or transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Safari Package Inclusions & Exclusions
Included:
- Accommodation before and during the safari
- Professional, experienced guides
- All park and conservation fees
- All meals as per itinerary
- Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
- Guides’, porters’, and cook’s fees
- Ample portions of fresh, healthy meals
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Safety and crisis management procedures
- Ethical treatment of porters
- 4×4 safari land cruiser transportation
- Gorilla trekking permit ($700 per person)
- Chimpanzee trekking permit ($200 per person)
Excluded:
- Tanzania Visa ($50 per person on arrival)
- Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, beverages, etc.)
- Additional meals not listed in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional tours (such as extra safaris after the climb)
Why Book the 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trek via Serengeti & Kilimanjaro with Excursia Adventures?
Excursia Adventures is a trusted local tour operator in Uganda, specializing in customized gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and wildlife safaris in Tanzania. We offer tailored safari experiences, including the perfect combination of Uganda gorilla trekking and Tanzania’s top wildlife destinations.
Our dedicated team is available 24/7 to answer your inquiries within 20 minutes, ensuring seamless planning and hassle-free bookings. With experienced and multilingual safari guides, we guarantee a memorable and authentic safari adventure.
Contact us today to start planning your dream safari!
