This 7 Days Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari to Kenya combines the thrill of conquering Africa's highest peak with the spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities of Kenya's premier game reserves. Your adventure begins with a challenging hike on Mount Kilimanjaro, known locally as "Kilima Njaro" (Shining Mountain), before transitioning to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve and the bird-rich shores of Lake Nakuru. The seamless combination of mountain trekking and safari experiences creates an unparalleled East African adventure that showcases the region's diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari to Kenya journey takes you through two countries renowned for their natural wonders, from the snow-capped summit of Kilimanjaro to the endless plains of the Mara ecosystem. This carefully crafted itinerary allows you to experience both the physical challenge of mountain hiking and the excitement of tracking the Big Five across Kenya's most celebrated conservation areas. The cultural interactions with local Maasai communities and the diverse ecosystems encountered make this a truly comprehensive East African experience.
Throughout your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari to Kenya adventure, you'll be supported by expert guides who ensure your safety on the mountain and maximize your wildlife viewing opportunities in Kenya's national parks. From the alpine desert zones of Kilimanjaro to the acacia-dotted savannas of the Mara, every day brings new discoveries and unforgettable moments. This unique combination itinerary offers the perfect balance of adventure, wildlife, and cultural immersion that defines the essence of East Africa.
Day 1: Pick Up from Kilimanjaro Airport and Transfer to Machame Gate
Day 2: Proceed to Machame Camp for First Night on Kilimanjaro
Day 3: Continue Ascent to Barranco Camp via Shira Plateau
Day 4: Transfer to Karanga Camp and Prepare for Summit Attempt
Day 5: Proceed to Uhuru Peak and Descend to Mweka Camp
Day 6: Continue Descent and Transfer to Arusha for Kenya Border Crossing
Day 7: Safari to Kenya: Masai Mara National Reserve Game Drives and Lake Nakuru
Your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari to Kenya adventure begins with pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport, followed by a 2-hour drive (approximately 45km) to Machame Gate at 1,640 meters elevation. This exciting Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari to Kenya journey starts with registration formalities and equipment check before beginning your trek through the lush rainforest zone known locally as "Msitu wa Mvua" (Rain Forest). Your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari to Kenya experience continues with a 5-7 hour hike through diverse vegetation zones, gaining 1,200 meters in elevation to reach Machame Camp at 2,835 meters, where you'll spend your first night on the mountain under the stars.
Day two of your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari to Kenya continues with an early morning departure from Machame Camp, trekking approximately 5-6 hours across the moorland zone toward Shira Camp at 3,750 meters elevation. This challenging segment of your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari to Kenya adventure takes you through the dramatic Shira Plateau, one of three volcanic cones that form Mount Kilimanjaro, offering spectacular views of the Western Breach and Kibo Peak. Your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari to Kenya journey through this alpine desert landscape provides excellent acclimatization opportunities as you gain 915 meters in elevation while covering approximately 5 kilometers of varied terrain.
Your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari to Kenya expedition proceeds with a morning trek from Shira Camp to the famous Barranco Camp, located at 3,960 meters in the heart of the Barranco Valley. This scenic day of your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari to Kenya adventure covers approximately 7 kilometers over 4-5 hours, passing through the alpine desert zone and offering stunning views of the Great Barranco Wall, known locally as "Ukuta wa Barranco." Your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari to Kenya experience includes crossing several valleys and ridges while maintaining elevation for optimal acclimatization, with afternoon rest time to prepare for the challenging wall climb ahead.
Day four of your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari to Kenya begins with the exciting ascent of the Great Barranco Wall, a 257-meter rock face that requires scrambling but no technical climbing skills. Your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari to Kenya journey continues with a 4-5 hour trek covering 5 kilometers to Karanga Camp at 3,995 meters, passing through the desolate yet beautiful alpine desert landscape dotted with giant groundsels and lobelias. This crucial day of your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari to Kenya adventure focuses on final acclimatization and preparation for the summit attempt, with early dinner and rest before the midnight departure for Uhuru Peak.
The pinnacle of your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari to Kenya adventure begins at midnight with the challenging 6-7 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, the highest point in Africa known as "Mlima wa Uhuru" (Freedom Mountain). Your successful Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari to Kenya summit experience includes witnessing the sunrise from the roof of Africa before beginning the long descent to Mweka Camp at 3,080 meters, covering approximately 21 kilometers over 14-16 hours. This demanding day of your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari to Kenya journey takes you through multiple climate zones, from arctic conditions at the summit to the lush montane forest at Mweka Camp, where you'll celebrate your achievement.
Your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari to Kenya adventure continues with a morning descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, completing the final 10 kilometers of your mountain trek in approximately 3-4 hours. This concluding mountain segment of your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari to Kenya journey includes certificate presentation at the gate before a 2-hour drive back to Arusha, where you'll rest and prepare for the border crossing to Kenya. Your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari to Kenya experience transitions from mountain hiking to wildlife safari as you travel approximately 280 kilometers via the Namanga Border Post to Nairobi, taking 5-6 hours by road with immigration formalities and arrival at your Nairobi hotel.
The final day of your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari to Kenya begins with an early morning flight from Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve, covering 270 kilometers in approximately 45 minutes by air. Your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari to Kenya wildlife experience includes full-day game drives in the world-famous Mara ecosystem, home to the Great Migration and the Big Five, with lunch at a luxury tented camp overlooking the Mara River. Your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari to Kenya adventure concludes with an afternoon visit to Lake Nakuru National Park, approximately 160 kilometers from the Mara, where you'll witness thousands of flamingos and other bird species before your evening departure to Nairobi for onward travel.