16-Day Kilimanjaro Hiking & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari

16-Day Kilimanjaro Hiking & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari: A Complete Adventure

Embark on an unforgettable 16-Day Kilimanjaro Hiking & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari, a journey that combines breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife and some of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders. From conquering Africa’s highest peak to trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda’s lush forests, this adventure offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Detailed Itinerary for Your Kilimanjaro & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Day 0: Arrival in Tanzania

Your adventure begins at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where our friendly driver-guide will welcome you and transfer you to Mvuli Hotel in Arusha. After check-in, a tour coordinator will brief you on the upcoming journey. Enjoy a relaxing evening and dinner at the hotel.

Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Accommodation: Mvuli Hotel, Arusha

Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

• Depart Arusha at 08:00 AM for Marangu Gate to complete your climb registration.
• Begin your Kilimanjaro trek through lush rainforests, stopping for a picnic lunch at Kisambioni.
• Continue hiking to Mandara Hut, with an optional short walk to Mahundi Crater for stunning views.

Elevation: 1,800m (5,905ft) to 2,743m (9,000ft)
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mandara Hut

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

• Leave the rainforest after breakfast and enter Kilimanjaro’s moorland zone.
• Stop for lunch at Kambi ya Taabu before arriving at Horombo Hut.
• Enjoy breathtaking views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.

Elevation: 2,743m (9,000ft) to 3,720m (12,200ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut

• Take a day to acclimatize with a recommended hike to Mawenzi Hut via Zebra Rocks.
• This helps your body adjust to altitude, increasing your chances of summit success.

Elevation: 3,720m (12,200ft) to 4,600m (15,100ft) and back
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

• Continue the trek towards Kibo Hut, passing the last water point at 4,130m.
• Prepare for the final ascent by resting early.

Elevation: 3,720m (12,200ft) to 4,750m (15,580ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Kibo Hut

Day 5: Summit Day – Uhuru Peak & Descent to Horombo Hut

• Start your summit trek at midnight, reaching Gillman’s Point and then Uhuru Peak (5,895m), Africa’s highest point.
• Celebrate your achievement, then descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing to Horombo Hut.

Elevation: 4,750m (15,580ft) to 5,895m (19,340ft) and back to 3,720m (12,200ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate – Return to Arusha

• Descend through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forests.
• Receive your summit certificate at Marangu Gate before returning to Arusha.

Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Accommodation: Mvuli Hotel, Arusha

Day 7: Tarangire National Park Safari

• Depart Arusha for a full-day game drive in Tarangire National Park, famous for large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch spotting lions, zebras and wildebeests.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast
Accommodation: Tarangire Sopa Lodge

Day 8: Serengeti National Park Arrival & Game Drive

• Drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Serengeti National Park.
• Enjoy an afternoon game drive in the Seronera region, known for abundant wildlife.

Meals: Dinner & Breakfast
Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Lodge

Day 9: Full-Day Serengeti Game Drive

• Explore the Serengeti plains in search of the Big Five and witness the Great Migration (seasonal).
• Morning and afternoon game drives maximize wildlife viewing.

Meals: Dinner & Breakfast
Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Lodge

Day 10: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater via Olduvai Gorge

Start with an early morning Serengeti game drive. Then, travel to Ngorongoro Conservation Area with a stop at historic Olduvai Gorge, where important human evolution fossils were discovered. Arrive at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meals: Dinner (HB)
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge

Day 11: Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife Safari & Transfer to Uganda

After breakfast, descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater to spot wildlife including wildebeests, lions, elephants and more. Visit Lake Magadi, known for flamingos and hippos. After the game drive, proceed to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight to Uganda and overnight in Entebbe.

Day 12: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park via the Equator

After breakfast, meet your guide and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Stop at the Uganda Equator for a brief experience and lunch. Arrive at Bwindi in the late afternoon, check into Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, relax and enjoy the views.

Meals: Full Board
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge

About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Located in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, Bwindi is one of Africa’s most biologically diverse forests. Home to over 120 mammal species, 345 bird species and nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas, Bwindi is a premier destination for gorilla trekking.

Day 13: Gorilla Trekking & Optional Batwa Community Visit

• After an early briefing, trek through the forest to observe habituated mountain gorilla families for one hour.
• Return to the lodge for relaxation. Optionally, visit the Batwa pygmies for a cultural experience.

Meals: Full Board
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge

Day 14: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park with Queen Elizabeth NP Stop

Travel to Kibale Forest National Park, stopping at Queen Elizabeth National Park for a scenic boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, famed for hippos, crocodiles and birdlife. Overnight at Chimpanzee Forest Guest House.

Meals: Full Board
Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House

About Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale offers a unique mix of lowland and montane forest, supporting 13 primate species including chimpanzees. It is considered one of the best locations worldwide for primate trekking.

Day 15: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Walk

• Begin the day trekking chimpanzees with expert trackers.
• Afterward, enjoy a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland, rich in birdlife and wildlife.

Meals: Full Board
Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House

Day 16: Return to Entebbe for Departure

After breakfast, drive back to Entebbe (approx. 5 hours). Depending on your flight time, enjoy last-minute shopping or a meal before heading to Entebbe International Airport for departure.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

What’s Included in Your 16-Day Kilimanjaro & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari

• Accommodation before the Kilimanjaro trek
• Professional and experienced mountain guides
• All park and rescue fees
• All meals during the hike and safari
• Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
• Salaries and park fees for guides, porters and cooks
• Large portions of fresh, nutritious meals
• Clean, purified drinking water
• Crisis management and safety procedures
• Ethical treatment of porters
• 4×4 safari vehicle for game drives
• Gorilla trekking permit ($700 per person)
• Chimpanzee trekking permit ($200 per person)

What’s Not Included in the Safari Package

• Tanzania Visa ($50 per person on arrival)
• Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
• Meals not listed above
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional tours (such as additional safaris after the climb)

Why Book Your Kilimanjaro & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari with Trek Africa Gorillas?

Trek Africa Gorillas is a trusted local tour operator specializing in tailor-made gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and wildlife adventures in Tanzania. We provide personalized service, with expert consultants responding within 20 minutes. Our knowledgeable guides create enriching safari experiences tailored to your language preferences and needs. Every booking is handled efficiently to ensure a seamless adventure.

Contact us today to book your 16-Day Kilimanjaro & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari and embark on the adventure of a lifetime!