16 Days Wildebeest Migration, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar Safari

Tanzania is a classic safari destination in Africa offering wildlife, beach, and Mountain hiking, the wildebeest Migration is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in Africa, the annual movements of millions of wildebeest, zebras, Thomson’s gazelle, and Eland from Tanzania to Kenya across the mara River is one of the top safari activities that every traveler should put on their bucket List combining this with hiking Kilimanjaro and beach holiday in Zanzibar is just a top safari vacation in Africa.

Our 16 Days Wildebeest migration, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar safari will give you a great opportunity to witness the wildebeest  Migration in Serengeti before heading to Kilimanjaro to hike Africa’s tallest mountain ranges and after taking a relaxing beach holiday on the white sandy beaches of Zanzibar Archipelago.

Safari highlights

• Following the Wildebeest Migration
• Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
• Beach holidays in Zanzibar

Safari itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Arusha to Serengeti national park

After early morning breakfast, you will start your long drive to Serengeti national park, this drive will take you through the incredible countryside and upon entering the park you will have an opportunity to see wildlife on your way to the lodge and upon arrival, you will check in to the lodge for relaxation and overnight.

Day 2: Full day game drives in Serengeti national park to follow the wildebeest Migration herds

After early morning breakfast, you will drive into the park following the game tracks in search of wildlife like Lions, cheetahs, Leopards, elephants, giraffes, Zebras, and the abundant wildlife as you drive towards the Mara River to locate the Mega herds and sit and wait for any River crossings and later return to the lodge for Overnight.

Day 3: Full day game drives in Serengeti national park to follow the wildebeest Migration herds

After an incredible day in the Serengeti, you will again take morning breakfast and take picnic lunch and start looking for wildlife you may have missed as you advance to the Mara River to follow the wildebeest Migration and if you’re lucky you will see the Mara River crossing and later you will return to the lodge for relaxation and overnight.

Day 4: Full day game drives in Serengeti national park to follow the wildebeest Migration herds

After series of incredible wildlife encounters in Serengeti, you will head out again for another game drive in search of wildlife and later you will return to the lodge for hot lunch and relaxation, and later in the evening, you will drive to the park for a short drive and evening sundowner with drinks and later return to the lodge for dinner and Overnight.

Day 5: Drive from Serengeti to Lake Manyara national park

After morning breakfast you will bid farewell to the lodge after you will start your drive to Lake Manyara national park, upon arrival you will check in to your lodge and later do an evening game drive in the park in search of wildlife like lions, hippos, giraffes and beautiful birdlife in the park.

Day 6: Drive from Serengeti national park to Kilimanjaro national park

After Lazily breakfast you will bid farewell to the lodge and start your drive to Kilimanjaro national park, Mount Kilimanjaro is the African continent’s highest peak at 5,895 meters (19,340 feet). The majestic mountain is a snow-capped volcano.

Day 7: Day 1 of hiking Kilimanjaro

We sign up at the Park’s office, at the gates of the Park. Then we get ready to start climbing. We go by a rainforest; a winding trail takes us up on a ridge until Machame Camp, our camping site for tonight.

• Altitude change: from 1800 m to 3000 m (+1200 m)
• Distance: 11 km
• Time: 5-7 h
• Environment: Montane Forest

Day 8: Day 2 of hiking Kilimanjaro

We have breakfast and then start our walk, during which we leave behind the rain forest. We continue ascending, traversing a valley and going up a rocky ridge quite steep and covered in heath. Then we turn west, to the river’s gorge. We end the day at Camp Shira, where we have dinner and spend the night.

• Altitude change: 3000 m to 3850 m (+850 m)
• Distance: 9 km
• Time: 4-6 h
• Environment: Moorland

Day 9: Day 3 of hiking Kilimanjaro

Today is crucial for acclimatization; our bodies are getting prepared for the summit day. It’s an intense day and you may feel the altitude symptoms. We ascend until Lava Tower (4600m), where we have lunch and rest. Then we go down to Barranco campsite, where we will sleep. This camp is located in a beautiful valley under the Breach and the Great Barranco Wall and the sunset here is memorable! It’s a special place to photograph.

• Altitude change: 3850 m to 4600 m to 3950 m (+750 m)
• Distance: 12 km
• Time: 6-7 h
• Environment: Semi-desert

Day 10: Day 4 of hiking Kilimanjaro

Leaving the Karanga camp behind, we reach the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail for the descent. Then we continue until the Barafu Hut. This marks the completion of the Southern Circuit. From here there are views of the top from different angles. We will camp, rest and enjoy some dinner. From here we can clearly see the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.

• Altitude change: 3930 m to 4600 m (+670 m)Distance: 6 km
• Hiking Time: 3 h
• Environment: Alpine Desert

Day 11: Day 5 of hiking Kilimanjaro

We will wake up at 11:30 PM, quickly have some tea and cookies and start the hike. The destination is the summit located between the Ratzel and Rembman glaciers. Heading to the northwest, we go up through scree to Stella Point, on the rim of the crater. This is probably the most challenging portion of the hike, both physically and mentally. At Stella Point (5732 m) we have a short stop to rest, and the sunrise here will likely be the most marvelous you have ever seen if the weather permits. At the Uhuru Peak (5895 m), we reach the culminant point both of Mt Kilimanjaro and of Africa.

It can get really cold during the night. But it’ll be very warm at the end of the day of hiking. From the peak, we go down until the Hut Mweka campsite, via Barafu, where we have lunch. We need trekking poles for the loose gravel heading down to Camp Mweka (3100 m). Later in the day, we enjoy the last dinner in the mountains and a well-earned rest.

• Altitude change: 4600 m to 5895 m (+1295 m) (and down to 3100 m)
• Distance: 7 km ascent /23 km descent
• Time: 6-8 h ascent /6-7 h descent
• Environment: Stone scree, ice-capped summit / Alpine desert.

Day 12: Day 6 of Hiking Kilimanjaro

We go down until the Mweka Park Gate where you receive the summit certificate. At lower altitudes, it may be muddy and wet. Gaiters and trekking poles will be helpful. It’s convenient to have t-shirts and shorts for this part but keep your rain gear and warmer clothes at hand.

• Altitude change: 3100 m to 1800 m
• Distance: 8 km
• Time: 3-4 h
• Environment: Montane Forest.

And your guide will pick you up and transfer you to Kilimanjaro for a luxury stay as you will wait for your flight the next day to Zanzibar.

Day 13: Flight from Kilimanjaro to the Zanzibar Archipelago

Depending on the time of your flight you will be transferred to the airport for your flight and upon arrival at Zanzibar airport, you will be picked up by our representative and transfer to your lodge for relaxation and overnight.

Day 14: Full day relaxation in Zanzibar

Full day relaxation in Zanzibar or optional activities to be arranged by the hotel.

Day 15: Full day relaxation in Zanzibar

Full day relaxation in Zanzibar or optional activities to be arranged by the lodge.

Day 16: Depart Kilimanjaro for your flight home

Depending on your flight time you will transfer to the airport for your departing flight home.

Safari includes

• Accommodation
• Vehicle guide and Fuel for the safari section of the tour and when you return from the hike
• Park entrance fees
• Government taxes
• Conservation fees
• Mount Kilimanjaro hiking fees
• Free airport transfers
• Food and accommodation during the Hike

Safari excludes

• Internal flights
• Travel insurance
• Tanzania and Zanzibar Tourist Visas
• Pre safari accommodation
• Tips for guides and hotels
• Personal expenses like alcoholic drinks
• Optional activities in Zanzibar

When to book safari itinerary

This safari needs to be booked 1 year in advance in order to secure the Mountain hiking permits for Kilimanjaro and also pick the best places to stay in Serengeti for the Wildebeest Migration.

Best time to visit Tanzania

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is in the months of January through early March and June through October. The clear skies, great views, and sunshine make for spectacular photo opportunities and comfortable hiking conditions. These are also usually the drier months of the year and the busiest but with fact that we are looking at the Mara River crossing its best to book this trip for August.