A Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary: Your Epic 12-Day Journey

This itinerary is designed to provide a perfect balance of wildlife wonder and mountain challenge, ensuring optimal acclimatisation, maximum sightseeing, and an unforgettable experience.

Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya – The Adventure Begins

• Accommodation: The Safari Park Hotel or similar

• Meals: Dinner (D)

• Activities: Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), you’ll be warmly welcomed by a Paradise Africa Safari representative. Transfer to your hotel for a chance to relax after your long flight. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and a comprehensive briefing with your lead guide. This is the perfect time to meet your fellow travelers, ask questions, and get excited about the ultimate Kenyan safari and Kilimanjaro climb ahead.

• Check our Kenya Travel Guidefor more tips on arriving in Nairobi.”

 Day 2: Journey to the World-Famous Masai Mara

• Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge or similar (Full-Board)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)

• Activities: After an early breakfast, we depart Nairobi and descend into the Great Rift Valley, with a stop to admire the breathtaking views. We continue our drive through the Masai savannah, arriving at the Masai Mara National Reserve in time for a delicious lunch at our lodge. Following lunch, we embark on our first afternoon game drive. Keep your eyes peeled for lions, cheetahs, elephants, and giraffes against the iconic African sunset.

• Masai Mara National Reserve, game drive, Great Rift Valley, African sunset.

Day 3: Full Day Exploring the Masai Mara

• Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge or similar (Full-Board)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)

• Activities: Today is dedicated to a full day of wildlife viewing in the Mara. We venture deep into the reserve with packed lunches, allowing us to explore prime wildlife areas all day. This is the heart of your Kenya safari experience. Witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration (if traveling July-October), where thousands of wildebeest and zebra brave crocodile-infested rivers. Visit an authentic Maasai village (optional) to learn about their rich culture and traditions.

• Featured Snippet Target: “The best time to see the Great Migration in the Masai Mara is typically from July to October, as herds cross the Mara River from the Serengeti.”

•  What to Pack for a Kenyan Safari.”

Day 4: Morning Game Drive and Return to Nairobi

• Accommodation: The Safari Park Hotel or similar

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (B, L)

• Activities: Enjoy one last morning game drive in the Masai Mara, a final chance to spot the elusive leopard or a black rhino. After breakfast back at the lodge, we check out and begin our scenic journey back to Nairobi. The evening is at your leisure to relax or explore the city.

• : “The Masai Mara is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), a leader in conservation efforts.”

 Day 5: Nairobi to Moshi, Tanzania – Preparing for the Climb

• Accommodation: Weru Weru River Lodge or similar

• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (B, D)

• Activities: After breakfast, we depart for Tanzania. The journey offers stunning views of the countryside. We arrive in the lively town of Moshi, nestled at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. In the evening, you will meet your lead mountain guide for a thorough pre-climb briefing and equipment check. This ensures everyone is prepared and confident for the trek ahead.

• Mount Kilimanjaro, Moshi, pre-climb briefing.

Day 6: Machame Gate to Machame Camp (Trekking Day 1)

• Accommodation: Machame Camp (3,000m / 9,840ft)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)

• Trekking Time: 5-7 hours

• Habitat: Rainforest

• Activities: After breakfast and a final gear check, we drive to the Machame Gate to complete park registration. Our Kilimanjaro climbing adventure begins! We trek through beautiful, lush rainforest. This path is scenic and can be muddy, so rain gear and gaiters are recommended. We arrive at Machame Camp in the afternoon for dinner and overnight.

• Why we choose the Machame Route for our climbs.”

Day 7: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (Trekking Day 2)

• Accommodation: Shira Camp (3,840m / 12,600ft)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)

• Trekking Time: 4-6 hours

• Habitat: Heath & Moorland

• Activities: Today, we leave the rainforest behind and emerge onto heath and moorland, with stunning views of the summit. The trail becomes gentler as we approach the Shira Plateau, one of the highest in the world. We enjoy a hot lunch at Shira Camp. The afternoon is for rest and acclimatization—a critical factor for successful Kilimanjaro trekking.

Day 8: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (Trekking Day 3)

• Accommodation: Barranco Camp (3,950m / 12,960ft)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)

• Trekking Time: 6-8 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Activities: A day of high-altitude acclimatization. We trek eastwards towards Lava Tower (4,630m / 15,190ft) for lunch, following the “climb high, sleep low” principle. After lunch, we descend into the Great Barranco Valley. The day offers dramatic landscapes and prepares your body for summit night. The Barranco Wall, which you’ll see ahead, is your challenge for tomorrow.

• “Climb high, sleep low is an acclimatization technique where you hike to a higher altitude during the day but descend to sleep at a lower one, helping your body adapt to reduced oxygen.”

Day 9: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (Trekking Day 4)

• Accommodation: Barafu Camp (4,673m / 15,331ft)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)

• Trekking Time: 7-9 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Activities: We conquer the impressive Barranco Wall—it’s a scramble, not a technical climb, and is easier than it looks! We then trek through Karanga Valley before ascending to Barafu Camp, our base for the summit attempt. After an early dinner, we rest for a few hours before the final ascent. Focus on hydration and preparation.

• Barranco Wall, summit attempt, Barafu Camp.

Day 10: Summit Day! Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp (Trekking Day 5)

• Accommodation: Mweka Camp (3,100m / 10,170ft)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)

• Trekking Time: 12-16 hours

• Habitat: Arctic Summit & Rainforest

• Activities: We start our final ascent around midnight, trekking by headlamp. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. We aim to reach Stella Point (5,739m / 18,829ft) at sunrise and then continue along the crater rim to UHURU PEAK (5,895m / 19,341ft)—the highest point in Africa! After photos and celebrations, we descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp.

•  Highlight: “Reaching Uhuru Peak at sunrise is an emotional and triumphant moment, offering unparalleled views over the African continent.”

 Day 11: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi (Trekking Day 6)

• Accommodation: Weru Weru River Lodge or similar

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (B, L)

• Trekking Time: 3-4 hours

• Activities: After a well-deserved breakfast, we make our final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Here, you will receive your official Kilimanjaro climbing certificate (gold for summiters, green for reaching Stella Point). We transfer back to our hotel in Moshi for a long, hot shower, a celebration dinner, and to share stories of your incredible achievement.

• “Kilimanjaro National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its outstanding natural beauty.”

 Day 12: Departure from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Activities: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and relish the memories of conquering a mountain and witnessing Africa’s greatest wildlife. Depending on your flight schedule, you can relax by the pool or do some last-minute souvenir shopping. We will provide a transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable 12-day Kenya and Tanzania tour.

• Already dreaming of your next adventure? Explore our Serengeti Safari extensions.“

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What’s Included in Your Tour Package:

• All accommodation as per the itinerary.

• All meals specified (B, L, D).

• All park fees, conservation charges, and climbing permits.

• Professional, English-speaking KPSGA safari guide and WMGA mountain guide.

• Porters and cook on the mountain (with fair wages ensured).

• Quality mountain equipment (sleeping tents, mess tent, sleeping mats).

• All game drives in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof.

• All transfers and internal transportation.

• Clean, treated drinking water on the mountain.

What’s Not Included:

• International flights and visa fees.

• Travel and medical insurance (mandatory).

• Tips for guides, porters, and camp staff (recommended guideline provided).

• Personal trekking gear (e.g., boots, clothing – rental list available).

• Optional activities (e.g., Maasai village visit, balloon safari).

• Items of a personal nature (laundry, souvenirs, alcoholic beverages).

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