18-Day Wonders of Tanzania - Safari, Culture & Climb

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Tarangire National Park

Begin your adventure in Tarangire, a scenic park famous for its massive baobab trees and one of the largest elephant populations in Tanzania. The park's seasonal swamps attract a wide variety of animals, including lions, giraffes, wildebeests, and buffaloes. Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting hundreds of species. The landscape and game viewing set a stunning tone for your safari.

Main Destination:

Tarangire National Park

Best Time To Visit July to November (Animals come to the Tarangire River)

High Season June to October (The park is full of visitors)

Best Weather June to October (Little rainfall)

Wildlife in Tarangire NP

ElephantAbundant

GiraffeCommon

LionCommon

BuffaloAbundant

ZebraAbundant

WildebeestAbundant

Show more

HippoCommon

HyenaOccasional

LeopardRare

CheetahRare

Wild DogVery Rare

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

Accommodation:

Fanaka Lodge

• Budget lodge located 1-2hr drive from Tarangire NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Serengeti National Park

Journey to the iconic Serengeti, a vast ecosystem of endless savannahs. This world-famous park is known for the annual Great Migration and is home to a high concentration of predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Game drives through the open plains offer chances to see the Big Five, as well as breathtaking scenes of wildlife in their natural rhythm.

Main Destination:

Serengeti National Park

Best Time To Visit January to February and June to October (Different areas are best at different times)

High Season July to March (The Seronera area is crowded)

Best Weather June to October (Little to no rainfall)

Wildlife in Serengeti NP

ElephantCommon

LionCommon

CheetahCommon

BuffaloAbundant

ZebraAbundant

WildebeestAbundant

Show more

GiraffeCommon

HippoCommon

HyenaCommon

LeopardOccasional

Black RhinoVery Rare

Wild DogVery Rare

White RhinoNone

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Serengeti NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Serengeti National Park

Another full day in the Serengeti allows for deeper exploration. You may head to different regions like the central Seronera or the northern areas depending on the season. Early morning and evening game drives increase the chances of catching big cats in action. Each drive brings new scenes — grazing herbivores, stalking predators, and dramatic interactions.

Main Destination:

Serengeti National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Serengeti NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Serengeti National Park

Spend a final day discovering the hidden gems of this magnificent park. Perhaps explore less-visited areas where the landscape shifts from grassy plains to rocky outcrops and acacia-dotted woodlands. The variety of ecosystems supports a wide diversity of life. Witnessing a lion pride at dusk or elephants walking in the golden light is unforgettable.

Main Destination:

Serengeti National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Serengeti NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lake Manyara National Park

Travel to Lake Manyara, a small but biologically diverse park tucked beneath the Rift Valley escarpment. Known for its tree-climbing lions, alkaline lake with pink flamingos, and lush groundwater forests, the park is a photographer’s dream. Keep watch for monkeys swinging through fig trees and elephants wandering gracefully among the greenery.

Main Destination:

Lake Manyara National Park

Best Time To Visit June to October (Easier to spot animals)

High Season July to March (The northern section gets crowded)

Best Weather June to October (Little rainfall)

Wildlife in Lake Manyara NP

ElephantCommon

GiraffeCommon

BuffaloCommon

ZebraCommon

WildebeestCommon

HippoCommon

Show more

LionOccasional

HyenaOccasional

LeopardRare

Wild DogVery Rare

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

CheetahNone

Accommodation:

Fanaka Lodge

• Budget lodge located just outside Lake Manyara NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mto wa Mbu Cultural Experience

Today is all about culture and connection. Visit Mto wa Mbu, a lively village where over 120 Tanzanian tribes live in harmony. Explore local farms, banana plantations, schools, and craft markets. Learn how to make traditional dishes, try banana beer, or watch skilled artisans at work. It’s an immersive experience of Tanzanian daily life.

Main Destination:

Mto Wa Mbu (Town)

Accommodation:

Fanaka Lodge

• Budget lodge located in Mto wa Mbu (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lake Manyara Area

Return to the tranquil surroundings near Lake Manyara. This relaxed day offers optional activities such as guided nature walks, cycling tours, or a peaceful moment by the lake watching hippos and birds. For those interested in community-based tourism, you can visit nearby women’s co-ops or join in local storytelling and song sessions.

Main Destination:

Lake Manyara National Park

Accommodation:

Fanaka Lodge

• Budget lodge located just outside Lake Manyara NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lake Eyasi – Hadzabe and Datoga People

Travel to the remote Lake Eyasi region to meet two of Tanzania’s most fascinating indigenous groups: the Hadzabe, who live as traditional hunter-gatherers, and the Datoga, skilled blacksmiths and pastoralists. Join the Hadzabe on a morning hunt and watch the Datoga craft tools from metal. This is a rare opportunity to engage with ancient traditions.

Main Destination:

Lake Eyasi

Accommodation:

The Charity Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Arusha (City)

+8 Photos

+7 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Arusha National Park

Explore the underrated beauty of Arusha National Park. Home to Mount Meru, Ngurdoto Crater, and Momella Lakes, the park offers forested trails, waterfalls, and great chances to spot colobus monkeys, zebras, giraffes, and flamingos. A canoeing safari or walking safari with a ranger adds a different, peaceful way to experience wildlife.

Main Destination:

Arusha National Park

Best Time To Visit June to October (Animals are easier to spot)

High Season July to March (The park can get busy)

Best Weather June to October (Little rainfall)

Wildlife in Arusha NP

GiraffeCommon

BuffaloCommon

ZebraCommon

HippoCommon

ElephantOccasional

WildebeestOccasional

Show more

LeopardRare

HyenaRare

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

LionNone

CheetahNone

Wild DogNone

Accommodation:

The Charity Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Arusha (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Arusha Town

Spend the day in Arusha, resting and preparing for the Kilimanjaro trek. You may opt for a relaxing hotel stay or a short tour of the city’s highlights like the Cultural Heritage Centre, Maasai markets, or local coffee plantations. This is also the perfect time to organize your gear and soak up the excitement for the mountain challenge ahead.

Main Destination:

Arusha (City)

Accommodation:

The Charity Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Arusha (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Begin your trek through the lush rainforest of the lower slopes. The trail winds beneath tall trees draped in moss, with colorful birds and monkeys often spotted. It’s a steady climb to Machame Camp, where you’ll sleep under the stars surrounded by forest. The day builds a strong foundation for the journey ahead with mild but consistent elevation gain.

Main Destination:

Machame Gate (Mt Kilimanjaro)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

The vegetation shifts from rainforest to heath and moorland. As you climb higher, sweeping views of the Shira Plateau and distant peaks begin to appear. You may pass giant heathers and volcanic rocks covered in lichens. Shira Camp rests on a plateau, offering a broad view of Kilimanjaro and a spectacular sunset as you settle in for the night.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (via Lava Tower)

This is a key acclimatization day. The trail climbs to the Lava Tower (4,600 m) before descending to Barranco Camp (3,900 m), helping your body adapt to the altitude. Expect a landscape of high-altitude desert and dramatic rock formations. Despite the challenge, this scenic day strengthens your endurance and increases summit success chances.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Conquer the iconic Barranco Wall — a thrilling climb that rewards you with stunning panoramic views. From the top, the trail eases as you walk through alpine desert terrain toward Karanga Camp. This shorter hiking day allows time to rest and adjust, increasing your stamina for the days ahead. Watch the sunset light up the southern glaciers.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Push on toward Barafu Camp, your base for the summit. The landscape becomes barren and icy, with little vegetation. At camp, you’ll eat an early dinner and rest before the midnight ascent. As the anticipation builds, your guides help with final preparations and motivational words for what lies ahead — the summit of Africa's tallest peak.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Your summit push begins in the early morning darkness. Step by step, you climb toward Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), arriving at the roof of Africa around sunrise. The sense of accomplishment is overwhelming. After taking in the views and photos, begin your descent to Mweka Camp. Though long and tiring, this is one of the most rewarding days of your life.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Arusha

Descend through the lush forest, where the trail ends at Mweka Gate. Here, you’ll receive your summit certificate and enjoy a well-earned rest. A vehicle will transfer you back to Arusha where a warm shower, a comfortable bed, and a hearty meal await. Take time to reflect on your incredible journey and share stories with fellow trekkers.

Main Destination:

Mweka Gate (Mt Kilimanjaro)

Accommodation:

The Charity Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Arusha (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Departure

Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll be transferred to the airport. If you’re not ready for the adventure to end, you can add an optional extension to Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches or explore more of Tanzania’s cultural or wildlife destinations.

Main Destination:

No major destination visited

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.