An EPIC Amboseli-Ngorongoro-Serengeti-Kilimanjaro Itinerary

Why you’ll love this trip

• Thoroughly investigate Serengeti National Park with two early-morning and two late-afternoon game drives over this remarkable wildlife habitat.
• Embark on an exhilarating safari on the Ngorongoro Crater floor in an open-roof 4WD to observe the endangered black rhinoceros.
• Observe it prior to ascending! Amboseli National Park not only hosts the biggest number of African elephants in Kenya but also offers stunning vistas of Mt. Kilimanjaro on clear days.
• Ascend the final segment of Kilimanjaro by lantern light to maximise your opportunity to witness a dawn over the glacial expanses from behind Africa’s tallest summit.
• We are an official partner of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project. Hike with ease, assured that while our porters attend to your needs, there is someone safeguarding their well-being.

A Complete Amboseli-Ngorongoro-Serengeti-Kilimanjaro Itinerary

Day 1 • Nairobi

Hello! Greetings from Kenya. Your journey commences with an introductory meeting at 6 PM in Nairobi. Upon early arrival, you may visit the National Museum of Kenya, the Karen Blixen Museum, or the esteemed Bomas of Kenya, which showcases traditional homesteads of many Kenyan tribes in an outdoor village setting. This evening, consider soliciting your leader for local dining suggestions and get out to familiarise yourself with your other travellers.

Day 2 • Amboseli National Park

Today, you will embark on your overland vehicle in route to Amboseli National Park. The park is around 392 square kilometres and hosts the biggest number of African elephants in Kenya, many of whom are classified as ‘big tuskers’ due to their substantial tusks. One can see a ‘mega tusker’ – a male elephant possessing tusks over 45 kg each, typically so elongated that they drag along the ground. On a clear day, fortunate visitors will experience breathtaking vistas of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival, you will embark on a game drive in your overland vehicle to explore the park and observe the resident species.

Day 3 • Mto Wa Mbu

This morning, you will visit the Kimana Ranger Project and engage with the dedicated individuals who safeguard the essential Kimana Sanctuary, a significant habitat for migratory elephants. At the Ranger Training Academy, hear narratives about the requirements for preserving this distinctive environment and the hazards associated with safeguarding the Greater Amboseli ecosystem. The project is essential for enhancing the lives and working conditions of rangers, aiding local communities, and advancing conservation initiatives that benefit both wildlife and humans.

Subsequent to your visit, go towards the Kenya-Tanzania border, directing your journey to Mto wa Mbu, an enchanting settlement that provides insight into the essence of small-town African existence. In the afternoon, participate in a guided tour of the hamlet, exploring fields, milling equipment, and residences with the local residents. You will conclude the day with a traditional dinner, experiencing local hospitality before to resting at your campground in Mto wa Mbu.

Day 4 • Serengeti National Park (Ngorongoro Crater)

Awaken early today prior to entering the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Upon arrival to the crater, exchange your overland vehicle for open-roof 4WDs. Absorb the breathtaking vistas from the crater’s edge as you descend to the base, where wildlife inhabits the lakes, rivers, forests, and hills. The fauna in this area exhibit less wariness towards humans and cars, facilitating closer observation. Be vigilant for wildebeest, lions, zebras, cheetahs, buffalo, gazelles, and the endangered black rhinoceros. Subsequently, proceed to the expansive plains of the Serengeti. The Serengeti landscapes exhibit a significant variety of colours throughout the year – verdant after the rains, and brown and scorched during the dry season. The perpetual terrain hosts hundreds of animals migrating in herds over the plains. This region derives its name from the Maasai term ‘siringet’, which translates to the location where the land extends indefinitely. Partake in a picnic lunch, then proceed to your campground within the park. This evening, attune your ears to the noises of nocturnal creatures as you fall asleep.

Day 5 • Serengeti National Park

Commence the day promptly with an overland vehicle safari at sunrise. You will depart while the animals are most active and return to camp for brunch at approximately 11 am. This morning, a balloon ride over the park is also available. Upon pre-booking this adventure, you will be collected before to daybreak and transported to the launch site. Following a safety briefing, soar through the morning, occasionally at treetop elevation, where you will encounter fantastic photographic chances. Occasionally, you will rise, gaining a perspective of the expansive plains and the early morning activities of the herds. Upon landing, partake in a delectable bush breakfast before returning to your tent. After enjoying the warmest part of the day in leisure with your herd, depart at twilight for another overland vehicle expedition across the wilderness, returning in time for dinner.

Day 6 • Karatu

Partake in a relaxed game drive and picnic lunch while departing from Serengeti National Park today. Absorb the final vistas of this remarkable location before embarking on the lengthy journey to Karatu, a nearby town that will serve as your headquarters for the subsequent two nights.

Day 7 • Karatu

Today is a leisure day for relaxation or exploration at your discretion. You may like to visit a nearby coffee farm or participate in an optional game drive at Lake Manyara National Park. Consider embarking on a walk through the Ngorongoro Reserve Forest to the Elephant Caves, an excellent opportunity to exercise after several days of overland travel. You will traverse the Ngorongoro rainforest while your local guide elucidates the intricacies of the region and identifies notable animal tracks and imprints. Admire the untamed terrain and observe exquisite avifauna when you stroll.

Day 8 • Marangu

Following breakfast, embark on your overland truck for the last time and proceed to Arusha. Upon arrival, you will be deposited at the Impala Shuttle Office, where you will bid farewell to your vehicle and team. You will then board an unescorted shuttle van to Marangu, located at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro (1300 m). The shuttle is scheduled to depart at approximately 9 am. A second welcome gathering will occur at 6 PM tonight for a comprehensive briefing and equipment assessment conducted by an experienced Kilimanjaro climber. Following the meeting, partake in a substantial dinner with your fellow trekkers and ensure a restful night’s sleep in preparation for your ascent tomorrow.

Day 9 • Mandara Hut

Following a substantial breakfast, proceed to Marangu Gate, the entry point of Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park (1860 m), to meet your guides and porters. Having completed the introductions and allocation of porter loads, it is now time to commence your trip. The Marangu trail, also referred to as the ‘Coca Cola’ trail, is the oldest pathway on Kilimanjaro. Observe the indigenous fauna and appreciate the expansive terrain as you stroll.

Day 10 • Horombo Hut

Your second day on the mountain entails an extended walk across a moderately steeper section. The complete walk from Mandara to the Horombo huts is 12 kilometres, taking around 5 to 7 hours. Today, you will observe the rainforest transition into expansive, undulating alpine meadows interspersed with towering heather trees. Upon exiting the forest canopy, the dual snow-capped summits of Kibo and Mawenzi are positioned right ahead. These are two of the three prominent cones of Kilimanjaro, the third being Shira. Throughout the day’s hike, we will navigate multiple ravines before arriving at the hut, located in a steep valley. There is an opportunity to appreciate a diverse array of flora and evolving terrains on route to Horombo Hut (3780 meters). We shall reside at the hut for the subsequent two nights.

Day 11 • Horombo Hut

Subsequent to breakfast, proceed towards Mawenzi Hut, traversing via the distinctive Zebra Rocks en route. The ascent of the grassy incline is arduous, although it is highly rewarding: the vistas overlooking the region towards Kibo are unparalleled. Subsequently, return to Horombo for lunch. Utilise the day to unwind and adjust to the altitude, or enquire with your guides for little excursions in the vicinity. Utilise this rest day to hydrate adequately, as the forthcoming days will be somewhat demanding.

Day 12 • Kibo Hut / Mawenzi Peak

Today, you will traverse around 10 km from Horombo to Kibo Hut, which will take around 5 to 7 hours. As the voyage advances, the terrain will increasingly exhibit ruggedness and rocky features, while the air will become notably thinner. We must moderate our pace slightly to adapt to these environmental changes. Admire the colossal groundsels and lobelias as you traverse the barren moorland. Circumvent Mawenzi Peak and admire the harsh lunar terrain of the Saddle, arriving at Kibo Hut in the afternoon (4740 m). Seize the opportunity for an early night in anticipation of a very early (or late?) wake-up call.

Day 13 • Uhuru Peak / Horombo Hut

Your guides will awaken you at 11 PM, and hot tea will be provided. Prepare for the final part of the expedition — to the apex. The distance from Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak is six kilometres (about 6–8 hours), and the descent to Horombo will require a similar duration. The expedition commences under the stars as you navigate a substantial scree slope, illuminated just by torchlight, to arrive to Gilman’s Point (5685 m). With a stroke of fortune, arrive punctually to witness the stunning vistas of the sun ascending behind Mawenzi Peak. This segment is regarded as the most challenging by the majority, and one should anticipate a notably frigid dawn. The breathtaking sight of the sun ascending above the glacier fields of the crater will render the early departure worthwhile. For those with remaining stamina, an additional trek of around 2 hours along the crater rim leads to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest elevation in Africa. From this vantage point, there are spectacular views of the crater, glacial fields, and the plains underneath. Following photographs and a moment to recuperate, descend to Horombo Hut for a deserved respite.

Day 14 • Marangu

Proceed with your descent through alpine meadows and rainforest until reaching the park entrance. The distance from Horombo to Marangu Gate is 20 kilometres, taking around 5 to 6 hours. Your transportation is ready, and you will return to the hotel for a rejuvenating shower — a true indulgence following the physical exertions of the past several days! During a celebratory supper, we can recount and share our experiences from the preceding five days on the mountain.

Day 15 • Marangu

No activities or treks are scheduled for today. Arrangements for a transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport or a shuttle to Nairobi can be made locally; please consult your group leader during the welcome meeting regarding this matter.

End of the 15 Days Amboseli-Ngorongoro-Serengeti-Kilimanjaro Itinerary