an opportunity to raise money for Tin Mountain Conservation Center. Join Mountain Shadow Adventures owner and IFMGA Mountain Guide Jordan Cargill on a climb to the roof of Africa via the breathtakingly scenic Lemosho Route. We spend 8 days trekking through multiple biomes with new view-scapes every day supported by an incredible team of local guides, cooks and porters.
After our summit bid we move to the lowlands to experience the unparalleled natural wonder of Tanzania with a 4-day Safari. Our itinerary explores some of the most famous national parks in the world with unique and comfortable lodging. Giraffes, elephants, lions and Zebras are just a few of the wonders we will encounter on our adventure.
Contact MSA owner and trip guide, Jordan Cargill with any questions.
+1 (603)-685-4306
jordan@mtnshadowadventures.com
If you can hike the White Mountains you can Climb Kilimanjaro! For those less familiar with that metric this adventure is best suited for folks with intermediate to advanced hiking/trekking experience. We will average between 4-6 hours on the trail daily at a very moderate pace (pole pole - Swahili for slowly slowly) with a big push on summit day. Thanks to our porters we only carry 10-15 pounds per person. This is a high altitude multi-day trek topping out at 19,341 feet, but our itinerary is specifically designed for optimal acclimatization and with our comfy camps this is a first high altitude multi-day trekking expedition for many folks.
Please watch this 5 minute video to learn about the unique attributes of this trip including our partnership with Tin Mountain Conservation Center and how to best use this informational resource.
Mountain Shadow Adventures (MSA) is extremely excited to partner with Tin Mountain Conservation Center (TMCC) to raise money in support of their mission: to promote an appreciation of the natural world among children, adults, and families and to demonstrate responsible stewardship of natural resources.
We are proud to donate 10% of the net proceeds from this climb directly to TMCC.
In addition to and separate from the trip cost, we strongly encourage you to tap into your network and fundraise directly for Tin Mountain. We have a suite of tools to make this as easy as possible AND thousands of dollars worth of gear and other prizes from our brand partners for our top fundraisers. More details in the two sections below.
Tin Mountain Conservation Center is a non-profit based in New Hampshire's Mount Washington Valley. They offer year-round opportunities to experience nature as the ultimate classroom. Their Learning Center in Albany, NH, beautiful trails, events and programs bring in outdoor enthusiasts and learners of all ages.
As an environmental education organization, TMCC provides programs for children, adults and families that foster greater awareness and understanding of the natural environment. They also support future generations of scientists through internships, and offer hands-on learning through summer camps, conservation research projects and nature programs.
Learn more about TMCC and the incredible work they do at their website.
Climb and Safari (Double Occupancy) - $8,500/person
September 26th - October 9th
$1000 non-refundable deposit due at booking with the remaining balance to reach 50% due March 1st ($3,250). The final final 50% is due May 1st ($4,250). A minimum of 6 participants are required for the trip to run at the advertised per person price. Please review our full cancellation, refund and program policies here.
*Climb Only (Double Occupancy) - $6,800/person
September 26th - October 5th
$1000 non-refundable deposit due at booking with the remaining balance to reach 50% due March 1st ($2,400). The final final 50% is due May 1st ($3,400). A minimum of 6 participants are required for the trip to run at the advertised per person price. Please review our full cancellation, refund and program policies here.
We are excited to offer "Contribution Pages" as an option to pay for your program AND fundraise for Tin Mountain. Please note that fundraising for Tin Mountain and the cost of the trip are SEPARATE. 10% of net proceeds from the trip cost go to Tin Mountain and ALL (minus a small administrative fee) funds raised separate from the trip cost go directly to Tin Mountain. Two separate Contribution Pages can be set-up for crowd-sourcing both the trip cost and reaching separate fundraising goals. More details on direct fundraising in the next section (including huge prize packages).
The Contribution Pages give you a customizable GoFundMe-style landing page to share with friends, family and your community. Upon booking we will provide a suite of templates and resources so you can customize your messaging and promote your page(s). Learn more about how Contribution Pages work by watching this short video.
If you opt to use contributions to fund the trip costs the payment deadlines described above still apply. If your contributions do not match the balance required by each deadline your payment method on file will be charged the difference.
can be purchased during the checkout process.
Single Supplement - Rivertrees: $425
This upgrade provides you with a single room for all the nights we stay at Rivertrees Country Inn (before and after the climb and the day room after the safari)
Single Supplement - Kilimanjaro: $350
This upgrade provides you with your own 3-person expedition tent for the entirety of the climb.
Single Supplement - Safari: $500
This upgrade provides you with a single room for all the nights we stay at Acacia Farm Lodge and Nyikani Camp.
Personal Porter for Summit Day: $75
Personal porter to carry your daypack from the base camp (Barafu camp) to the summit and back to base camp.
Personal Porter for entire Climb: $350
Personal porter to carry your daypack from gate to gate on the mountain.
Rental Sleeping Bag: $75
You will receive this when you arrive in Arusha.
Inclusions
Guide Services from MSA owner and AMGA/IFMGA mountain guide, Jordan Cargill.
All Meals starting with dinner at Rivertrees upon arrival (9/26) and dinner at Rivertrees upon departure on 10/9. If you opt for just the the climb additional charges for lodging and meals may apply depending on your departure flight timing.
Double Occupancy Accommodations throughout the trip. Single supplements can be purchased at checkout for the climb and all off-mountain lodging.
Airport Transfer to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport and Rivertrees.
Gratuity for lodging facilities and airport shuttle. For full details on gratuity review the "Tipping & Petty Cash" page below.
Assistance with all program logistics, arranging trip extras such as safari add-ons, early arrival, late departure and more.
Exclusions
Airfare and related transportation costs (baggage, travel meals, etc) to and from Tanzania.
Gratuity for your MSA guide, the climbing team and safari guides. For full details on gratuity review the "Tipping & Petty Cash" page below.
Travel Insurance - optional but strongly encouraged.
Rescue and Medical Evacuation Insurance is required with a minimum evacuation coverage of $100,000. We recommend Global Rescue.
Personal communications such as satellite phones, texting devices and foreign cellular plans.
Costs incurred due to (but not limited to) the following reasons:
Evacuation or unplanned departure from the mountain or Safari due to illness, other problems or by choice. Costs may include, but are not limited to: additional lodging, shipping costs to return gear to you, and transportation
Delays beyond the control of Mountain Shadow Adventures
Force majeure
We strongly encourage all participants to fundraise for this incredible organization. To facilitate this we have created another booking link below for you to set-up a contribution page to support your fundraising efforts. AND we have put together some hefty prize packages for our top fundraisers thanks to support from our brand partners.
Follow this link to create your Contribution Page and start raising money for Tin Mountain! Instructions on how to set it up below.
This link (and the one above) will take you to a booking page similar to the booking page for the trip. You will have the option to select three packages ($2,000; $5,000 and $10,000) which act as fundraising goals. These goals are not firm limits and can easily be increased or decreased upon request. Shoot for the moon and go for the big one! You will not be prompted for any payment at checkout and once you finish the "booking" process you can access your contribution pages and you are off to fundraising races! We will provide you with a suite of tools and templates to best reach out to your friends, family and community.
Learn more about how Contribution Pages work by watching this short video.
Our friends at Hyperlite Mountain Gear and Arc'teryx have generously donated some very impressive prize packages that will go to our top three fundraisers. The winners will be designated on SEPTEMBER 1ST, 2026 to ensure they receive their prizes before the trip.*
First Prize - The individual that raises the most funds for TMCC
Arc'teryx: Beta SL Hard-shell Jacket ($500), Gamma Soft-shell Pants ($200), Cerium Puffy Jacket ($380), Kopec GTX Hiking Shoe ($180); TOTAL Cash Value: $1,260
Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Southwest 40 Backpack ($379), Unbound 2 Tent ($699); TOTAL Cash Value: $1,078
TOTAL CASH VALUE $2,338
Second Prize - The individual that raises the second most funds for TMCC
Arc'teryx: Beta SL Hard-shell Jacket ($500), Gamma Soft-shell Pants ($200); TOTAL Cash Value: $700
Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Junction 40 Backpack ($379), Shoulder Pocket ($49); TOTAL Cash Value: $428
TOTAL CASH VALUE $1,128
Third Prize - The individual that raises the third most funds for TMCC
Arc'teryx: Aerios 35 ($250); TOTAL Cash Value: $250
Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Shoulder Pocket ($49), 9 and 13 L Pods ($128), Vice Versa Fanny pack ($59); TOTAL Cash Value: $236
TOTAL CASH VALUE $536
OVER $4,000 WORTH OF PRIZES! START CRANKING ON THAT FUNDRAISING.
Keep an eye out for these prize packages to grow as we actively onboard more partners!
*If any listed prizes are out of stock, or otherwise unavailable we will ensure you receive an item of equal function and similar value.
Jordan was born and raised in the Mount Washington Valley of NH. This trip has special significance for him as his earliest memories and affinity for the natural world began when he could barely see above the tall grass as a camper with Tin Mountain. That was followed by several years as a camp councilor in his teens. He is thrilled to support this incredible organization by sharing his passion, a passion rooted and cultivated by Tin Mountain.
Since the early days with Tin Mountain Jordan has guided skiing, climbing, trekking and adventure travel around the world from Arctic Greenland to the Antarctic Peninsula. He is a senior expedition guide on Denali and has seen sunrises from mountain peaks on five continents.
Kilimanjaro is one of his all time favorite adventures with the perfect combination of adventure, challenge, discovery, cultural immersion and a rare opportunity to experience some the the most unique wildlife and landscapes on earth. If those elements alone weren't enough his first summit of Kilimanjaro was with his mom! He can't wait to share this experience with you.
Known as the "Roof of Africa," Kilimanjaro is not only Africa's highest peak at 19,341 ft (5,895 m) but also one of the world's tallest volcanoes and the highest walkable mountain. While no technical climbing equipment is required to reach the summit, the climb is still challenging. Along the way, climbers pass through five distinct ecological zones, each featuring its own unique flora and fauna.
Although positioned close to the equator, just 200 miles south (330 km), Mt Kilimanjaro is snow-capped, and its glaciers tower majestically over the savannah plains. It has three volcanic cones situated near the fault-line of two tectonic plates: Mawenzi, Shira, and Kibo.
Kibo is the tallest and dormant, while the other two are extinct. It’s estimated that Shira's peak once stood at least 16,000 ft (4,875 m) high before it collapsed to form what is known as the "Shira Plateau." Kilimanjaro's highest summit is Uhuru Peak, located on Kibo’s crater.
The 8-day Lemosho Route is considered to be the most scenically beautiful of all the routes. The trail offers a more secluded experience to get off the beaten track and enjoy a peaceful climb. It approaches the mountain from the west through the beautiful rainforest and contours around the dramatic southern flank of the mountain.
The Lemosho route allows time for acclimatization, enabling your body to adjust to the high altitude more efficiently and successfully. This route has an excellent summit success rate.
The ascent begins from the Lemosho gate on the mountain's western face; it crosses verdant forests and the expansive Shira plateau before eventually merging with the Machame route and continuing to Barafu camp for the summit push.
The descent is via the Mweka route and through Mweka gate.
Click here to view and/or download a PDF of the Lemosho Route Map
On the mountain, you need to stay warm, dry, and with a good night’s sleep. Our mountaineering four-season tents are top-of-the-line. And you’ll appreciate the generous headroom in our spacious dining tents. All our gear is specially rated to tame Kili’s elements, so you can enjoy climbing Kilimanjaro with confidence.
To ensure you stay warm, dry, and comfortable on your Kilimanjaro climb, we use only the very best high-altitude waterproof mountain tents, Mountain Hardwear Trango 3. They are designed to sleep three people, but we never sleep more than two in a tent. All sleeping tents have custom-made groundsheets covering both vestibules, to allow clean & dry storage of gear, and keeping water, mud, or dust from entering the tent.
Our Kilimanjaro climbs have become renowned for the delicious meals served on the mountain. Enjoy your meals in our spacious, walk-in dining tents. Our heavy-duty tents are strong and stable under high winds, rain, and snow. Each tent is equipped with folding chairs, tables, and overhead lights. The tents are roomy enough to make an ideal gathering place for your group in the afternoons and evenings.
We provide each group with clean eco-toilets and private toilet tents, eliminating exposure to unsanitary conditions found with the commonly shared public toilets. Walk-in height, pump-flush toilets equipped with hand sanitizer are exclusive to our team. The toilets are monitored and serviced by our crew when needed. Use strict hygiene standards to protect your health.
Our 4-day Safari will feature three of the most iconic wildlife viewing venues in the world.
Lake Manyara National Park
Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area
Tarangire National Park
Throughout the experience we will be accompanied by expert local guides (one per safari vehicle) with intimate knowledge of wildlife biology, ecology and natural history. They are a wealth of information and will eagerly share their knowledge with you as they pilot our comfortable and rugged safari vehicles through the African wilderness.
Rivertrees Country Inn is located just outside the vibrant town of Arusha. This charming country estate, once an old coffee farm, still carries the nostalgic charm of a beloved homestead. Spanning ten acres of lush greenery, the grounds blend seamlessly with the sloping foothills of Mount Meru, creating a sanctuary for the birds and wildlife native to the area.
The restaurant concocts tasty meals of garden-fresh ingredients and old family recipes, as well as oven-fired pizzas and the best of the region’s locally grown coffees. Delicious candle-lit dinners are served by the warmth of the fireplace, or under the stars.
The charming Garden Rooms are each uniquely and thoughtfully decorated, offering views of lush lawns framed by rich, fertile foliage.
Highlights
Charming estate that was once an old coffee farm
Set on 10 acres
Swimming pool
Garden views
Quick Facts
35-minute drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport
WiFi
Wood-burning pizza oven
Massage and other spa services
Acacia Farm Lodge is nestled in an active farm on the spectacular Great Rift’s escarpment area with panoramic views of the picturesque Karatu farmlands and the nearby Ngorongoro forest area. Simple and yet luxuriously comfortable, the 28 contemporary African chalets combine all the modern amenities with private balconies that open up onto scenic vistas and magical African sunsets.
Away from the tranquil solitude of their chalet, guests can enjoy the shared sitting area or enjoy a drink in the intimate bar. Meals are served in the airy dining room or the secluded coffee shop. An inviting swimming pool, well-equipped gym, and refreshing spa cater to all the guests’ needs.
All 32 suites are identical in size, style, and amenities. All cottages are positioned within the coffee farm and each has a private balcony with an amazing view of the farm.
Highlights
A luxury eco-friendly lodge situated on a farm in the picturesque Ngorongoro Highlands
The configuration of the luxury suites provides for privacy and solitude for couples and smaller groups visiting the lodge
Quick Facts
Swimming pool
Gym
Spa
WiFi
We stay at Nyikani Camp, nestled in a serene part of Tarangire National Park. Its prime location near key water sources, including the Silale Swamp and the Tarangire River, offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Twelve luxury tents, each with a private veranda, writing desk, and digital safe, provide a range of thoughtful amenities. These include a power extension with a universal adapter, an en suite bathroom with a flush toilet, double washbasins with running water, a classic safari-style on-demand shower, and a selection of essentials. Guests can also indulge in personalized morning coffee and tea butler service.
Highlights
Camp is located in a less crowded area of the park with excellent access to the river, swamp, and more
Quick Facts
12 luxury tents
Separate dining and lounge / library areas
Solar power with backup generator
Classic, on-demand safari-style showers
Charging unit with universal adapter
Evening campfires
Please note - This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area where potentially dangerous animals roam through. Please be alert when walking around the camp. All guests are escorted after dark.
Why Tip Your Mountain Crew?
As in many cultures, tipping is a custom in Tanzania and is seen as recognition of a “job well done” for Kilimanjaro’s hard-working guides and porters. Tipping is adopted by all Kilimanjaro operators and has become the best practice.
Why isn’t the tip included in the trip price?
Everything you’re billed for is taxed in Tanzania, meaning that your guides and porters would receive almost 25% less than what you intended if we included tips in the trip cost. By tipping your crew directly while you’re on the mountain, you have the opportunity to express your gratitude in person and ensure everyone receives the full amount.
Tipping Ceremony
The tipping ceremony will take place at the end of the climb at Mweka Gate. The tip should be handed out directly to the crew.
Your MSA guide will say a few words of thanks, which the lead local guide will translate into Kiswahili and manage the tip disbursement. We found this system to be the most straightforward and transparent way to tip your mountain crew.
Before departing Rivertrees, on the front end of the climb, your MSA guide will collect all climb tips to safeguard them while we are on the mountain. Our local operations manager will exchange bills as needed and package the tips for the ceremony while we are on the mountain.
Tipping Guidelines
We partner with the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), a nonprofit organization supporting Kilimanjaro porters and crew. As a Partner for Responsible Travel, our local team worked closely with KPAP to develop a fair tipping structure for the Kilimanjaro mountain crew.
Since variant routes take different numbers of days to complete and multiple crew positions have specific responsibilities, KPAP has devised the following tipping guidelines that are well embraced by the trekking community.
Click here to view or download the tipping guidelines.
We work with a variety of hospitality and tour partners in addition to our climb team. The same gratuity culture applies to them.
MSA Guide: 5%-15%/person of total program cost is customary for a well-curated experience. Most guides accept EFT such as Venmo or Zelle so bringing cash for this tip to Tanzania is not necessary.
Safari Guides: Plan for $80-$100/person for your Safari guide.
Hospitality Partners and Shuttle Drivers: This gratuity is included in your trip cost and your MSA guide will take care of this on behalf of the team.
Tips for Extras: If you purchase extras such as spa treatments and drinks/meals at our hospitality partners plan on tipping a few dollars per occurrence.
This is an entirely personal choice but as a general recommendation we suggest $400+ for emergency fund, gifts/souvenirs, additional tips and other incidentals in addition to the amount required for the tips described above. Most vendors and hospitality partners take credit cards as well. Master Card or Visa are required (Discover or AmEx will likely not be accepted). We recommend using a card that has no foreign transaction fees as they can be quite high.
Cash Recommendations
For the climb tips bring large bills. They can be broken in-country to make the appropriate tip sachets. Large bills, especially hundreds and fifties must be in excellent condition - newer than 2013 with no bends, tears, creases or marks.
Additional petty cache can be in smaller bills, but again good condition is necessary or they may not be accepted by vendors. We recommend $20 in one dollar bills and $100 in 10 dollar bills. The rest of your petty cash can be in $20 bills.
We recommend using the Dutch carrier KLM (partnered with Delta). They offer a direct flight from Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro International Airport. This is typically the most direct flight option when travelling from the U.S. You can search and book your flight directly through KLM here.
Visitors to Tanzania require a visa and a passport valid for at least six months beyond their initial travel date.
Ensure your passport includes at least three consecutive blank pages labeled “Visas” at the top, as these are necessary for obtaining your entry visa upon arrival. Pages labeled “Amendments and Endorsements” will not be accepted.
Tanzania e-Visa: A $100 application fee per person for U.S. passport holders. Submit your visa application only through the Embassy of Tanzania’s website and not through any other links.
If you hold a passport from another country, additional entry requirements may apply. Please consult the nearest consulate or embassy to verify the specific entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens.
We recommend applying about 60 days before departure.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll transfer to Rivertrees Country Inn near Arusha, where you’ll spend the next two nights.
A shuttle will be arranged and waiting for you at the airport to take you to Rivertrees.
After breakfast, we’ll have a pre-climb briefing and gear check at the lodge.
In the afternoon, pack your Kilimanjaro duffel bag, then take some time to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
After breakfast, we drive (~3 hrs) to the western side of Kilimanjaro National Park and complete registration at the Lemosho Gate. After meeting a sit-down lunch and meeting our local guides and support team we begin the day's Trek -- a gentle walk along a narrow trail through beautiful rainforest. Our first camp is set within the forest, where you may spot black-and-white colobus monkeys in the lush tree canopy.
Daily Stats
Elevation Lemosho Gate: 6,890 ft | 2,100 m
Elevation Forest Camp: 9,170 ft | 2,795 m
Hiking Distance: 4 miles | 6 km
Hours of trekking: 3-4
Habitat: Rainforest
This morning, we leave the forest glades and begin trekking toward the moorland zone and Shira Caldera, a high-altitude desert plateau. The Shira Plateau is the remnant of an ancient volcano that collapsed about half a million years ago. Today, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marked by deep valleys and weathered lava flows. We’ll also enjoy our first close views of Kibo, the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Daily Stats
Shira 1 Camp Elevation: 11,500 ft | 3,505 m
Hiking Distance: 5 miles | 8 km
Hours of trekking: 4-6
Habitat: Moorland
Today we hike east across the Shira Plateau toward Moir Camp, tucked away at the end of a deep gorge at the base of a giant lava flow. The Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus in the world. Moir Camp offers a fantastic view of Arrow Glacier and a well-earned night’s rest after a long day of trekking.
Daily Stats
Moir Camp Elevation: 13,650 ft | 4,160 m
Hiking Distance: 7 miles | 11 km
Hours of trekking: 5-7
Habitat: Moorland/Alpine Desert
The trail becomes rockier and more demanding as we approach Lava Tower, a 300-foot volcanic formation. We pause here for lunch at 15,190 ft (4,630 m), following the “climb high, sleep low” principle.
Spending time at this higher altitude before descending allows our bodies to adjust to the thinner air, improving acclimatization and reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
Lava Tower is also where the Lemosho and Machame routes converge, so we often encounter climbers ascending via the Machame Route.
After lunch, we descend through the Giant Senecio Valley to Barranco Camp. Although we finish the day at a lower elevation, this day remains a critical part of acclimatization. The view of the Western Breach from camp is spectacular.
Daily Stats
Lava Tower Elevation: 15,190 ft | 4,630 m
Barranco Camp Elevation: 13,045 ft | 3,976 m
Hiking Distance: 6 miles | 10 km
Hours of trekking: 6-8
Habitat: Moorland/Alpine Desert
Today’s first challenge is hiking up the Barranco Wall, a 500-foot lava formation. It is a spectacular-looking obstacle that often turns out to be easier than it initially appears. The views of crags and crevasses from the top of the wall are stunning.
We then continue through a series of ups and downs in the greener valley toward Karanga Camp.
Daily Stats
Karanga Elevation: 13,105 ft | 3,994 m
Hiking Distance: 3 miles | 5 km
Hours of trekking: 4-5
Habitat: Alpine Desert
As we begin trekking today, the trail steadily climbs uphill. The temperature will drop, and the landscape will become more sparse as we make our way to Barafu Camp. “Barafu” means “ice” in Swahili. The camp is set on an exposed ridge and serves as the staging point for our push to the summit.
The peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from the camp.
Daily Stats
Barafu Camp Elevation: 15,330 ft | 4,673 m
Hiking Distance: 2 miles | 4 km
Hours of trekking: 3-4
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We’ll be up before midnight to set out for the glacier zone atop Kilimanjaro. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water, and refuel with small snacks to keep our energy high until we reach the summit.
We celebrate our success with a few quick photos at the top before trekking much of the way back down the mountain.
Gaiters and trekking poles are useful for navigating the loose gravel on the descent.
Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.
The peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from the camp.
Daily Stats
Elevation Uhuru Peak: 19,341 ft | 5,895 m
Hiking Distance: 3 miles | 5 km
Hours of trekking to Uhuru Peak: 7-8
Habitat: Arctic
Elevation Mweka Camp: 10,065 ft | 3,067 m
Hiking Distance: 7 miles | 12 km
Hours of trekking to Mweka Camp: 6-7
Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, descend back through the rainforest and enjoy a farewell lunch with your group near the Mweka Gate.
After lunch, take a moment to celebrate your achievement with your mountain crew by expressing your thanks to your guides and porters and recognizing their hard work and contribution to your success.
Then transfer to your lodge for a well-deserved shower and a good night's rest.
Daily Stats
Elevation: 5,380 ft | 1,640 m
Hiking Distance: 6 miles | 10 km
Hours of trekking: 3-4
Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, board a 4x4 safari vehicle and set off to Lake Manyara National Park with your safari guide, who will accompany you for the remainder of your safari.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before continuing to Acacia Farm Lodge, where you will stay for the next two nights.
Lake Manyara National Park offers a wilderness experience in diverse habitats, from its Rift Valley soda lake to dense woodlands and steep mountainsides. Beyond its spectacular setting, the park is famous for its unusual tree-climbing lions and the vast elephant herds it was established to protect.
The shores of the lake attract more than 400 species of birds, many of them waterfowl or migrants. Giraffes, impalas, and herds of buffalo roam the lake shores and the forested valley slopes.
Early in the morning, we descend into the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive, including a picnic lunch on the lush crater floor. In the afternoon, we return to Acacia Farm Lodge and unwind, reflecting on the day's adventures amidst the lodge's peaceful surroundings.
Ngorongoro Crater, known as a veritable Garden of Eden, is an extinct caldera measuring 10 to 12 miles across and stands as one of Africa's most iconic highlights.
Formed three million years ago as a massive volcano - possibly even taller than Mt. Kilimanjaro - the crater is the largest intact caldera in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It contains possibly the largest permanent concentration of wildlife in Africa, with an estimated average of 30,000 large mammals, including black rhinoceros, lions, leopards, elephants, zebras, hippo, cheetah, a variety of antelope, flamingo, and a large variety of birdlife.
Our adventure continues to Tarangire National Park, a vibrant region of the Great Rift Valley spanning 1,100 square miles of swamps, open grasslands, and dense acacia woodlands centered around the Tarangire River, the park’s primary water source.
Home to one of the highest concentrations of elephants in the world, the park also hosts giraffes, impalas, warthogs, zebras, and wildebeest, with big cats often resting along the riverbanks.
Known as the “Little Serengeti,” Tarangire offers wildlife and landscapes similar to its famous neighbor while maintaining a character uniquely its own.
Tarangire is often called the Baobab Capital of the World for its dense population of the iconic “upside-down” trees. These ancient giants provide food and shelter for elephants, birds, bees, and bats.
Bid farewell to the wilderness and slowly make your way back to Arusha to your lodge, where you will reunite with your Kilimanjaro gear.
Relax in your dayroom, and after dinner, transfer to Kilimanjaro airport.
A shuttle will be arranged to take you to Kilimanjaro International Airport.