10 Day Kilimanjaro Trails to Endless Serengeti Plains Adventure

Tour Overview

This exceptional 10 days Tanzania adventure safari and cultural experience by NK Safaris Arusha Tanzania is thoughtfully designed for travelers seeking a perfect blend of adventure, nature, culture, and classic wildlife safaris. The itinerary combines iconic destinations of Northern Tanzania with unique outdoor activities, offering a deeper connection to the land, people, and wildlife that define Tanzania as one of Africa’s top safari destinations.

The journey begins with a warm welcome at Kilimanjaro International Airport, followed by an unforgettable Mount Kilimanjaro day hike via the Lemosho Route, one of the most scenic routes on Africa’s highest mountain. This adventure allows travelers to experience the lush rainforest ecosystem of Kilimanjaro without committing to a full summit climb, making it ideal for active travelers and nature lovers.

The safari continues with relaxation at the crystal clear Chemka Hot Springs, also known as Kikuletwa Hot Springs, a hidden oasis surrounded by fig trees and volcanic landscapes. From there, guests explore Arusha National Park, home to Mount Meru, crater lakes, and rich birdlife, complemented by a peaceful canoeing safari on Momella Lake, offering a rare water based wildlife experience.

Wildlife exploration deepens with a visit to Tarangire National Park, renowned for its massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Cultural immersion follows in Mto wa Mbu, a vibrant village representing over 120 ethnic groups, where guests experience daily life, farming traditions, and local cuisine. The journey then transitions to the legendary Serengeti National Park, where endless plains, abundant predators, and iconic African scenery create the ultimate safari experience.

The adventure concludes in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most wildlife rich areas on Earth, before a scenic domestic flight returns guests to Arusha for departure. This itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking a private Tanzania safari, adventure safari, or custom Northern Tanzania safari experience with expert guides and flexible pacing.

Day To Day

Day 1

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, guests will be warmly welcomed by a professional NK Safaris safari guide. After a meet and greet, you will be transferred to your accommodation in the Kilimanjaro region, approximately 40 to 50 kilometers from the airport, with a driving time of about 45 minutes to one hour depending on lodge location. This region, located at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, offers a cooler climate, lush landscapes, and spectacular mountain views, making it the perfect place to relax before the adventure begins. Accommodation options may include comfortable lodges around Moshi such as Chanya Lodge, Weru Weru River Lodge, or similar properties, offering a peaceful atmosphere and excellent hospitality. The remainder of the day is reserved for rest, acclimatization, and a detailed safari and adventure briefing in preparation for the Mount Kilimanjaro hike the following day.

Major activities include airport pickup, scenic transfer to the Kilimanjaro region, safari briefing, and relaxation.

Optional extra activities include a short village walk, coffee tasting experience, or sunset views of Mount Kilimanjaro from the lodge.

Suggested Accommodations

Chanya Lodge
Kaliwa Lodge
Weru Weru River Lodge

Day 2

A Mount Kilimanjaro Day Hike via Lemosho Route

After an early breakfast at your lodge in the Kilimanjaro region around Moshi, depart for Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, with a short and scenic drive of approximately 25 to 35 kilometers, taking about 45 minutes to one hour to reach the Lemosho Gate, depending on the exact lodge location. The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as the most beautiful and less crowded route on Mount Kilimanjaro, passing through dense rainforest rich in wildlife, towering trees, and diverse birdlife. Accompanied by an experienced mountain guide, guests will enjoy a guided day hike lasting approximately four to five hours, offering an immersive introduction to Africa’s highest mountain without the challenges of a summit climb. Along the trail, there are excellent opportunities for photography, nature observation, and learning about Kilimanjaro’s unique ecosystems. After completing the hike, you will descend back to the gate and be transferred back to your lodge in the Kilimanjaro region, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s adventure.

Major activities include guided Mount Kilimanjaro day hike, rainforest exploration, wildlife spotting, photography, and picnic lunch.

Optional extra activities include a Chagga cultural village visit, coffee tour, waterfall excursion, or extended nature walks in the Kilimanjaro foothills.

Suggested Accommodations

Chanya Lodge
Kaliwa Lodge
Weru Weru River Lodge

Day3

Visiting the Chemka Hot Springs

After breakfast at your lodge in the Kilimanjaro region near Moshi, depart for Chemka Hot Springs, also known as Kikuletwa Hot Springs, located approximately 35 to 45 kilometers from the Moshi area. The drive takes around one to one and a half hours, passing through rural villages, dry savannah landscapes, and volcanic terrain at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival, guests will discover a hidden geothermal oasis featuring crystal clear turquoise waters surrounded by lush fig trees, creating a tranquil and refreshing atmosphere. The warm mineral rich waters make Chemka an ideal place to relax after the Kilimanjaro hike, with opportunities for swimming, floating, and enjoying the peaceful natural surroundings. A picnic lunch can be enjoyed nearby before returning to the lodge or continuing to the next destination as per the safari program.

Major activities include swimming in natural hot springs, relaxation, nature photography, and picnic lunch.

Optional extra activities include rope swinging, short guided nature walks, village visits, and birdwatching around the springs.

Suggested Accommodations

Chanya Lodge
Kaliwa Lodge
Weru Weru River Lodge

Day 4

Visiting Arusha National Park and Canoeing on Momella Lake

After breakfast, depart for Arusha National Park, located just 35 kilometers from Arusha, with a driving time of about 45 minutes. This scenic park offers diverse ecosystems, including montane forests, open grasslands, and crater lakes. Game drives reveal giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, and abundant birdlife. A highlight of the day is canoeing on Momella Lake, allowing guests to glide quietly past flamingos, ducks, and grazing wildlife along the shoreline.

Major activities include game drives, canoeing safari, and wildlife photography.

Optional extra activities include walking safaris, extended canoeing, and birdwatching excursions.

Suggested Accommodations

Ritzy Acardia Cottages
Forest Hill Hotel
Gran Melia Arusha

Day 4

Drive to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, drive approximately 120 kilometers, taking about two and a half hours, to Tarangire National Park. Known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees, Tarangire offers outstanding wildlife viewing, especially around the Tarangire River. Game drives reveal lions, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, and a wide variety of bird species.

Major activities include game drives, picnic lunch, and wildlife photography.

Optional extra activities include night game drives, cultural village visits, and sundowner experiences.

Suggested Accommodations

Moonbow Lodge
Farm Of Dreams Lodge
Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Luxury Lodge

Day 5

Full Day Cultural Exploration in Mto wa Mbu

After breakfast, drive approximately 30 kilometers, taking around 45 minutes, to Mto wa Mbu, a culturally rich village near Lake Manyara. This full day cultural experience includes guided walks through banana plantations, rice fields, local markets, and artisan workshops. Guests interact with locals, learn about traditional farming methods, sample local cuisine, and gain insight into the coexistence of multiple ethnic groups in one community.

Major activities include cultural village tour, local lunch, and artisan visits.

Optional extra activities include cycling tours, cooking classes, and banana beer tasting.

Suggested Accommodations

Moonbow Lodge
Farm Of Dreams Lodge
Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Luxury Lodge

Day 6

Drive to Central Serengeti

After breakfast, depart Mto wa Mbu and drive approximately 260 kilometers, taking about five to six hours, to Central Serengeti National Park. The journey offers scenic views of the Ngorongoro Highlands before descending into the vast plains of the Serengeti. En route game drives begin immediately upon entering the park.

Major activities include scenic drive, en route game viewing, and sunset photography.

Optional extra activities include sundowners and guided wildlife talks at camp.

Suggested Accommodations

Moyo Tented Camp
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Serengeti Four Seasons Safari Lodge

Day 8

Full Day Exploration in Central Serengeti

Spend a full day exploring Central Serengeti, also known as the Seronera region. This area is renowned for its permanent water sources and high concentration of predators, making it one of the best safari destinations in Tanzania. Morning and afternoon game drives offer opportunities to see lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and vast herds of herbivores.

Major activities include full day game drives, picnic lunch, and wildlife photography.

Optional extra activities include hot air balloon safaris and private photographic safaris.

Suggested Accommodations

Moyo Tented Camp
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Serengeti Four Seasons Safari Lodge

Day 9

Drive To Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Enjoy a full day of game drives in Central Serengeti, exploring vast plains teeming with wildlife. Expect encounters with lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and large herds of herbivores. The open landscapes and abundance of wildlife make this area ideal for photography and extended safari experiences.

Major activities include morning and afternoon game drives and picnic lunch.

Optional extra activities include balloon safaris and private photographic safaris.

Suggested Accommodations

Ang'ata Ngorongoro Camp
Ngorongoro Lions Paw
Ngorongoro Lodge by Meliá

Day 10

Drive Back to Arusha for Departure

After breakfast, depart from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and begin the scenic drive back to Arusha City, covering approximately 190 kilometers with an estimated driving time of about four to five hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. The journey passes through the lush Ngorongoro Highlands, local villages, and the Great Rift Valley landscape, offering final opportunities for photography and reflection on the safari experience. Upon arrival in Arusha, guests will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport or a preferred Arusha hotel for onward travel, marking the end of an unforgettable Tanzania adventure safari with NK Safaris.

Major activities include scenic drive, final sightseeing, and airport transfer.

Optional extra activities include lunch in Arusha town, last minute souvenir shopping, or a short cultural visit if time allows.

At NK Safaris, we believe every safari should be as unique as the traveler experiencing it. Our journeys are thoughtfully designed with flexibility at their core, allowing us to craft tailor made itineraries that match your interests, travel style, and preferred pace. From the very first conversation, our experienced safari specialists work closely with you to understand your vision and transform it into a seamless and unforgettable adventure across Tanzania. This is more than a holiday, it is your personal safari story, carefully curated, expertly guided, and delivered with passion, authenticity, and attention to every detail.

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