Tanzania Safari + Mount Kilimanjaro Climb: A Simple (But Complete) Guide

With its summit rising to an elevation of 5,895 metres in Tanzania’s northeast, Mount Kilimanjaro is not only the highest mountain in Africa but also the highest single free-standing mountain in the world. It’s topped by the dormant volcanic cones of "Kibo", "Mawenzi" and “Shira” while being blanketed in remnant savannah vegetation, montane forests and tussock grasslands. 

Trekking to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is high on the list of many adventurous travellers “bucket lists”, with the journey taking anywhere from five days to a week or more. Rather than flying all the way to Africa just to trek to the continent’s rooftop, most opt to combine it with a Tanzania safari to see some of the country’s most iconic national parks. 

In this guide, we’ll talk you through the various routes that are available for trekking Mount Kilimanjaro, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. We’ll also discuss your options for a post or pre-trek safari, whether you want to explore the legendary national parks of the Northern Circuit or get off-the-beaten-track on the Southern Circuit. 

Mount Kilimanjaro climb trekking routes

Marangu Route (5 days/4 nights)

Nicknamed the “Coca Cola Route”, the Marangu Route is the most popular of Kili’s climbs as it can be completed in as little as five days. Not only is it easily accessible from Arusha and has a relatively gentle ascent, but it offers comfortable hut facilities so you don’t have the added costs of hiring camping equipment. The drawback of hiking the Marangu Route is that it can get incredibly crowded and you’ll be ascending and descending along the same trail. But if your goal is reaching the summit affordably (and you’re not as concerned about the overall trekking experience), then it’s a valid choice. 

Machame Route (7 days/6 nights)

If you want to escape the crowds and aren’t restricted on time, then it’s worth spending a couple of extra days (and a little more money) to trek the Machame Route. It takes in some of the mountain’s most stunning landscapes, although you’ll have to stay in tents as there are no huts along the route. With a little more time up your sleeve, your body will have more time to acclimatise, meaning your chances of reaching the summit are also much better. An added bonus of the Machame Route is that you ascend and descend along different trails so you can enjoy a variety of scenery. Convenient access from Arusha and Kilimanjaro International Airport adds to its appeal, as well as making it easy to continue on safari afterward. 

Lemosho Route (7 days/6 nights)

Slowly ascending from the Lemosho Glades to the plateau of Shira, this scenic route offers stunning views of Mount Meru and the Maasai Steppe. It traverses the remote western slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro (making it ideal for those who want to escape the crowds) before meeting up with the Machame Route on the fourth day. While you’ll be camping out, the final night is spent quite close to the crater, so you won’t have a strenuous trek to the summit. You can add on an extra day doing acclimatisation walks along the plateau or even opt to climb the Shira Needles. The Lemosho Route is not for the inexperienced, however, particularly if you’re trekking in June or July when crampons may be required. 

Rongai Route (6 days/5 nights)

Another option for experienced mountaineers is the Rongai Route, which ascends along Mount Kilimanjaro’s northeastern slope. After a relatively gentle ascent, the trail becomes quite challenging near the summit and with few opportunities to acclimatise. The rewards, however, are a crowd-free trail and panoramic views of Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks in neighbouring Kenya. Keep in mind that the remote trailhead is a four-drive around the base of the mountain, so take that into account when planning your Tanzania safari itinerary. 

Umbwe Route (6 days/5 nights)

If you’re a seasoned trekker who craves a challenge, then you might want to consider the Umbwe Route, which has garnered a reputation as the hardest of Kili’s trails. This steep and short trail hugs the Western Breach and offers few opportunities to acclimatise en route to the summit. After trekking beneath the Southern Ice Field and summiting from Barafu, the descent follows the Mweka Route (the same used to descend along the Machame, Lemosho and Rongai routes). 

Tanzania safari and Kilimanjaro climb wildlife destinations

Tanzania boasts some of the best wildlife viewing parks and reserves in East Africa, offering plenty of choice for a safari after your Kili climb. They can roughly be divided into two regions - the Northern Circuit and the Southern Circuit - each of which includes several parks that can be visited independently or as a logical loop. 

The Northern Circuit is a popular choice for first-time visitors to the country and includes many of the country’s most famous parks and reserves. It’s here that you’ll find Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Arusha National Park, as well as the lesser-known Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park. The Northern Circuit’s proximity to Mount Kilimanjaro and Kilimanjaro International Airport make it a logical choice for climbers, with a variety of luxurious lodges and camps where you can indulge after roughing it on the mountain. 

The Southern Circuit is more off-the-beaten-track, receiving far fewer visitors despite its wildlife diversity and spectacular landscapes. It’s here that you’ll find Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park and Udzungwa Mountains National Park, as well Mikumi National Park and Kitulo National Park. Dar es Salaam is the most logical launching point for a safari along the Southern Circuit, with regular flight connections from both Arusha Airport and Kilimanjaro International Airport in the north of the country. The remote setting of the Southern Circuit parks and reserves, coupled with their crowd-free landscapes, makes them a popular choice for return visitors wanting to experience something new. 
 

Should you do safari before or after your Mount Kilimanjaro climb?

Deciding whether to go on safari before or after your Kili climb is a highly personal decision and there’s no “right” or “wrong” answer. Some travellers like to spend their safari overcoming any jet lag and acclimatising to Tanzania before embarking on what is perhaps one of the most challenging treks of their lives. But others want to get the climb out of the way, with the safari waiting as their “reward” at the end of it all. If you’re feeling nervous about the trek, it might be a good option to do it first, so you don’t have that anxiety hanging over you during your safari. You’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in the safari experience, with your weary muscles getting a well-earned rest during daily game drives. 

Adding on a beach break to your Tanzania safari and Kilimanjaro climb

Another option is to add on a beach break at the end of your Tanzania safari and Mount Kilimanjaro climb, creating the ultimate East Africa vacation. After pushing your body to the limits on Kili and experiencing thrilling game drives on safari, you can recount all of your adventures while kicking back on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar or the Seychelles. Spend your days snorkelling on the surrounding coral reefs and swimming in the Indian Ocean waters before wining and dining at your beachfront resort. 

Know your abilities

One of the most important things to keep in mind when planning your Tanzania safari and Kilimanjaro climb is to know and respect your abilities. Don’t select the most challenging route or try to trek the mountain in record-breaking time, as the chances of succumbing to altitude sickness (and never reaching the summit) are all too real. Understanding what your body can handle and ensuring you’re at peak fitness level are both essential, as is selecting a climbing route and duration that will ensure you succeed. 

If you’re not sure which route is right for you, chat with one of Vencha Travel’s safari experts to get their opinion. They can also help you to craft a customised itinerary for your Tanzania safari and Kilimanjaro climb, plus any beach breaks for those wanting to kick back at the end of their trip.