Combining a Tanzania Safari With A Mount Kilimanjaro Tour

If you are looking for a vacation that hits your adventurous sweet spot, look no further than Tanzania. Tanzania is one of the most popular spots in Africa for safaris, but it’s also home to Mount Kilimanjaro tours. If you have the time – and the desire for an adventure of a lifetime - you can combine the two into one exciting vacation package that checks all the boxes for an incredible outdoor extravaganza.

Where Is Mount Kilimanjaro?

Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano located in the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania. It is the tallest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. Unlike most mountains, it is not part of a mountain range. Instead, it has three volcanic cones – Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Kilimanjaro’s lofty peak is a major hiking and climbing destination for tourists. More than 35,000 determined trekkers each year attempt to scale its slopes on a Mount Kilimanjaro tour.

Kili, as the mountain is affectionately nicknamed, is also known as “the poor man’s Everest.” Why? Because everyone is capable of reaching the summit! You don’t need any special equipment or climbing skills to hike Mount Kilimanjaro, but you do need to be relatively fit. You also will need to hire a licensed guide, because the Tanzanian government regulates activity on the mountain to preserve the delicate ecosystem.

The Best Time Of Year To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

If you are putting together a Mount Kilimanjaro tour, the good news is that you can climb Kili almost any time of year. The mountain is located near the equator, which means that the temperatures on the mountain do not change that much during the year. But what does change is the amount of rain one can expect. So you want to plan your climb during the drier seasons, which is perfect if you also want to go on a safari as part of your Mount Kilimanjaro package!

During the drier seasons, Mount Kilimanjaro offers clear skies and less precipitation, making it an ideal time for trekking. The scenery during these periods is stunning, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Choosing these times for your climb enhances the overall experience and increases the chances of a successful summit attempt, too.

Planning The Perfect Guided Tour Of Tanzania

If you want to make sure that your vacation to Tanzania is one-of-a-kind, consider reserving a spot with a licensed tour company like Gondwana Ecotours. Gondwana specializes in small-group, guided tours to incredible destinations around the world and pays special attention to sustainability to reduce its environmental footprint, both locally and globally. Guides work closely with local communities and conservation organizations to ensure that each tour has a positive impact on the environment and the communities they visit.

One of Gondwana’s most exciting tour packages combines a safari to see Tanzania’s Great Migration with a seven-day trek up Mount Kilimanjaro. This incredible adventure takes you from the plains of the Serengeti to the lofty heights of Kili, for two weeks full of the best Africa has to offer. Along the way, you will witness Tanzania's breathtaking wildlife up close on a journey that promises an unforgettable exploration of Africa's most iconic landscapes. It’s the perfect vacation for the outdoor enthusiast who craves adventure and excitement.

What Is The Great Migration?

The Great Migration in Tanzania is an annual migration of giant herds of wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes across the Northern plains of Tanzania and Kenya. Each year, more than two million animals migrate across the open savannah plains for food and water. Along the way, calves are born, rivers are crossed, and the wildebeest struggle to evade the predators that follow in their wake. This cyclical migration is one of the biggest tourist draws in Tanzania and an incredible way to see the country’s wildlife on safari.

Your Mount Kilimanjaro Trek and Safari Package

Gondwana’s exclusive itinerary starts with a trek across the Serengeti to witness the Great Migration from the comfort and safety of a private vehicle with your guide. Highlights of the tour will include:

• Game drives in Arusha National Park.
• A side trip to Ngorongoro Crater.
• A trip across the Serengeti, to follow the migrating herds of animals.
• A visit to Tarangire National Park, to see the park’s elephant population.
• Watching flocks of flamingos on Lake Manyara.
• A cultural exchange at a local Maasai Village.
• Guided hikes in parks where you are allowed to be out of your vehicle.

All lodging and food are included in your safari package fee, as well as drivers and guides.

From The Plains To the Mountains

After your eight-day safari, you will embark on your Mount Kilimanjaro tour. Gondwana offers trekkers the opportunity to hike the seven-day Machame route with local guides to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The Machame route begins at Machame Gate, located 5,400 feet above the base of Kilimanjaro’s southern slope. The trail then ascends through lush rainforest, offering hikers a stunning introduction to the diverse landscapes found on Mount Kilimanjaro. This route requires some level of physical fitness, but the number of days spent hiking allows climbers time to acclimate to altitude.

Fun Facts About The Machame Route

• The distance of the Machame route is approximately 37 miles. The total elevation gain ranges from approximately 16,000 to 17,000 feet.
• The Machame route has a few variations and can be completed in 6 to 7 days.
• The Machame route is considered a challenging route due to its distance and elevation gain. The up-and-down nature of the trail is strenuous. However, it is considered only “moderately difficult” because of its acclimatization schedule.
• The success rate of this route depends on the number of days you spend on the mountain. It is estimated that six-day Machame climbs have a success rate of about 50 percent and seven-day Machame climbs have a success rate of around 70 percent.
• The Machame route offers climbers a variety of scenery to enjoy, but it is also one of the most popular routes with tourists so the traffic is very heavy at times.

The lure of a Mount Kilimanjaro tour cannot be denied, but neither can the rush of hurtling across the Serengeti in pursuit of wildebeest. If you are planning a vacation in Tanzania, consider combining the two experiences into one exceptional Mount Kilimanjaro tour package. Escape the ordinary and explore two exciting facets of Tanzania’s unique landscape on the same trip!