9 Days mount Kilimanjaro safari and Uganda gorilla trekking itinerary

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Arusha. This vibrant city serves as the gateway to your adventure. Take some time to relax and recover from your journey. Explore local markets or visit the Arusha National Park if time permits. Enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel, sampling traditional Tanzanian cuisine. This evening is an excellent opportunity to meet your guide and fellow trekkers, discussing the exciting days ahead. Prepare your gear for the trek, ensuring you have everything you need for the climb. Get a good night’s sleep to be ready for the challenges of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Arusha. This vibrant city serves as the gateway to your adventure. Take some time to relax and recover from your journey. Explore local markets or visit the Arusha National Park if time permits. Enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel, sampling traditional Tanzanian cuisine. This evening is an excellent opportunity to meet your guide and fellow trekkers, discussing the exciting days ahead. Prepare your gear for the trek, ensuring you have everything you need for the climb. Get a good night’s sleep to be ready for the challenges of Mount Kilimanjaro.

After breakfast, drive to the Machame Gate, where your Kilimanjaro adventure begins. Register with the park authorities and start your trek to Machame Camp, located at 3,000 meters. The trail winds through lush rainforests, showcasing diverse flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for colorful birds and playful monkeys. As you ascend, enjoy the camaraderie of your group and guide. The trek takes about 6-7 hours, and upon arrival at Machame Camp, set up your tent and enjoy a hearty dinner. Take in the stunning views as the sun sets over the mountain, preparing for an exciting journey ahead.

Start your day with a warm breakfast before continuing your ascent to Shira Camp at 3,800 meters. The trek covers approximately 5 kilometers and takes 4-5 hours. As you climb, the scenery transitions from rainforest to heathland, offering spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Enjoy lunch along the way, taking breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Upon reaching Shira Camp, set up your tent and relax while soaking in the panoramic vistas. This is a great time for acclimatization; take short walks around the camp to aid your body’s adjustment to the altitude. Dinner is served under the stars, creating a memorable experience.

On this day, trek from Shira Camp to Barranco Camp at 3,900 meters, covering about 10 kilometers in 6-7 hours. The journey involves a gradual ascent, allowing for acclimatization. Stop for lunch at a scenic spot and enjoy breathtaking views of the mountain. As you approach Barranco Camp, prepare for a steep descent into the Barranco Valley, surrounded by stunning landscapes. Once at camp, take time to explore the area and capture photos of the unique flora. Enjoy dinner with your group, sharing stories and laughter. Overnight at Barranco Camp, where you can marvel at the starry sky.

After breakfast, tackle the challenging Barranco Wall, a steep climb that rewards you with incredible views. The ascent takes about 2-3 hours, and once at the top, you’ll have breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding area. Continue your trek to Karanga Camp at 4,000 meters, covering around 6 kilometers in 4-5 hours. Along the way, enjoy lunch and appreciate the changing landscapes. Upon arrival at Karanga Camp, set up your tent and relax. This day is crucial for acclimatization, so take short walks around camp. Dinner is served, and you can rest well, preparing for the summit push.

Today is the highlight of your journey as you trek to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters. Begin the ascent early, around midnight, to reach the summit by sunrise. The trek to the peak covers approximately 13 kilometers and takes 8-12 hours. As you climb, the temperatures drop, and the terrain becomes challenging. Celebrate reaching Uhuru Peak, taking in the stunning views and capturing unforgettable photos. Afterward, begin your descent to Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters, which takes about 4-6 hours. Celebrate your achievement with fellow trekkers over dinner, reflecting on the incredible experience of climbing Africa’s highest mountain.

On your final day of trekking, enjoy a hearty breakfast before descending from Mweka Camp to the Mweka Gate. The trek covers about 10 kilometers and takes 3-4 hours. As you walk, take in the beautiful scenery one last time. Upon reaching the gate, receive your certificates of achievement for summiting Kilimanjaro. Afterward, transfer back to Arusha for a well-deserved rest. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and celebrate your accomplishment with your group. Spend the afternoon relaxing and reflecting on your adventure before preparing for the next leg of your journey to Uganda.

After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight to Entebbe, Uganda. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and taken to your hotel in Entebbe. Take the time to relax and recover from your trek. If time permits, explore the local area, visiting attractions such as the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre or the beautiful shores of Lake Victoria. Enjoy a leisurely lunch before preparing for your gorilla trekking adventure. In the evening, have dinner at your hotel and discuss the upcoming trek with your guide. Get a good night's sleep, as tomorrow brings the excitement of encountering mountain gorillas.

Early in the morning, transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, known for its incredible biodiversity. After arriving, attend a briefing with your guide about the gorilla trekking rules and safety. Begin your trek into the forest, which can take anywhere from 1 to several hours to find the gorillas. Once located, spend an unforgettable hour observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Capture photos and enjoy this unique experience. After the trek, return to your starting point and reflect on the encounter. Later, transfer back to your hotel for dinner and celebrate the memorable adventure you’ve had in Uganda.