13 Days Kilimanjaro climb from South Africa Kruger national park combined

Arrive at Kruger National Park, one of Africa's premier wildlife reserves. After checking into your accommodation, embark on an evening safari drive. This is a great opportunity to spot nocturnal animals and enjoy the stunning African sunset. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including the Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffaloes. Guided by experienced rangers, you'll learn about the park's ecosystems and conservation efforts. End the day with a delicious dinner at your lodge, sharing stories and excitement about the adventures ahead.

Start your day with an early morning game drive, when animals are most active. Travel through various habitats, from dense bush to open savannahs. Spot elephants bathing in rivers, lions lounging under trees, and herds of buffalo. After a packed breakfast in the bush, continue your exploration. In the afternoon, you can relax at your lodge or join a guided bush walk to learn about smaller wildlife and plants. Conclude your day with a sunset drive, where the golden light enhances the beauty of the landscape and wildlife.

On your final day in Kruger, enjoy another early morning game drive for more wildlife sightings. Visit well-known waterholes where animals gather, providing excellent photography opportunities. After lunch, consider a guided walking safari to immerse yourself in the natural environment and learn about tracking animals. In the late afternoon, embark on a sunset drive, experiencing the park as it transitions to night. This final evening in Kruger offers a chance to reflect on the incredible wildlife encounters and the beauty of the African wilderness.

Depart Kruger National Park for Kilimanjaro International Airport, ready for your ascent. After arriving in Moshi, a vibrant town at the base of Kilimanjaro, check into your accommodation. Take some time to relax and acclimatize to the altitude. Enjoy local cuisine and explore the town, visiting shops and markets. Overnight in Moshi prepares you for the adventure ahead, allowing you to gather supplies and meet your climbing team. The excitement builds as you prepare for the journey to the summit of Africa's highest peak.

Spend the day acclimatizing in Moshi, essential for a successful climb. Explore the town, visiting local markets and shops while enjoying the views of Kilimanjaro. Use this time to finalize your gear and ensure that everything is in order for the hike. You might want to meet your guides and porters, who will provide valuable insights and support during the climb. Consider light activities, like a short hike or a visit to nearby waterfalls, to help your body adjust to the altitude. A good night’s rest is crucial before the trek begins.

Kick off your Kilimanjaro adventure by driving to Marangu Gate, where the climb officially begins. After registering and receiving your permits, embark on the trek to Mandara Hut, situated at 2,700 meters. The hike takes you through lush rainforest teeming with diverse flora and fauna. Enjoy the sounds of nature, including birds and monkeys. The trail is moderately challenging, providing an excellent introduction to the trek. Once at Mandara Hut, settle in, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the next day's ascent, soaking in the stunning surroundings.

Depart Mandara Hut for Horombo Hut, located at 3,720 meters. The trek transitions from rainforest to moorland, offering breathtaking views of the mountain and surrounding landscape. Along the way, keep an eye out for unique plants like giant lobelias and senecios. This hike is longer and slightly more strenuous, but the stunning vistas make it worthwhile. Upon reaching Horombo Hut, take time to acclimatize and rest. Enjoy dinner with your team and share experiences from the day, preparing mentally for the challenges ahead.

Spend this day acclimatizing at Horombo Hut, essential for adjusting to higher altitudes. Take a day hike to Zebra Rocks, reaching around 4,000 meters. This moderate trek provides an opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of Kilimanjaro and its glaciers. The hike also helps your body adjust to the altitude, reducing the risk of altitude sickness. Return to Horombo Hut for lunch and relaxation. Engage with fellow climbers and guides, sharing stories and tips. A good night’s rest is crucial as you prepare for the ascent to Kibo Hut tomorrow.

Leave Horombo Hut early for Kibo Hut, located at 4,700 meters. This segment of the trek takes you through a dramatic landscape of alpine desert, characterized by rocky terrain and sparse vegetation. The ascent is gradual but requires determination and stamina. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the mountain and the surrounding plains. Upon reaching Kibo Hut, settle in and prepare for the summit attempt. This evening, hydrate well and rest early, as you'll be starting the climb to Uhuru Peak in the early hours of the morning.

Begin your summit attempt around midnight, starting the trek to Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point at 5,895 meters. The ascent is challenging, with steep sections and high altitude testing your endurance. Trekking in the dark, guided by headlamps, creates an exhilarating atmosphere. As you ascend, the temperature drops, so stay bundled up. Reaching Stella Point at dawn offers stunning views of the sunrise over the clouds. Continue to Uhuru Peak, where you can celebrate your achievement and capture unforgettable photos. Afterward, begin your descent back to Horombo Hut, reflecting on this incredible accomplishment.

After an exhilarating summit, descend from Horombo Hut to Mandara Hut. The trail is easier as you retrace your steps through beautiful landscapes. Enjoy the scenery you missed during your ascent, spotting wildlife and unique plants along the way. Arriving at Mandara Hut, take time to rest and enjoy a well-deserved meal. Share stories with fellow climbers about the summit experience. This descent allows your body to recover from the altitude, preparing you for the final leg of your journey back to Marangu Gate.

Conclude your Kilimanjaro adventure by descending from Mandara Hut to Marangu Gate. The trail winds through lush rainforest, offering a final opportunity to appreciate the diverse wildlife and vibrant vegetation. Upon reaching the gate, celebrate your successful climb and receive your completion certificate. You’ll reflect on the challenges faced and the breathtaking moments experienced. Afterward, transfer back to Moshi for a relaxing evening, celebrating with your climbing team and preparing for your journey home. This marks the end of an unforgettable adventure on Kilimanjaro.

After an incredible journey through Kruger and Kilimanjaro, it’s time to return home. Depending on your travel plans, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, allowing time for reflection on your experiences. If time permits, consider a final stroll through Moshi or visit local markets for souvenirs. Depart for Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you’ll board your flight. As you travel back, cherish the memories of wildlife encounters in Kruger and the triumph of reaching Uhuru Peak. This trip not only challenges you physically but also enriches your appreciation for nature and adventure.