Kilimanjaro Walking Safari
Tanzania Hiking + Walking Tours
Hike the plains from Kilimanjaro to Mount Meru in Tanzania
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from$2895 Rates
Overview
A walking safari in Tanzania you say? Absolutely! Take a remarkable journey into the cultural and nomadic lives of the Maasai people and experience their traditions and local way of life.
Set on the open plains between Mount Kilimanjaro in the east and Mount Meru in the west, you will walk across wild, rolling savannah with towering Mount Kilimanjaro always within sight.
Sharing the land with game parks, reserves, and, of course, African wildlife, the Maasai people form an integral part of this region. Moving their cattle and goats to better grazing throughout the year, you will journey as the Maasai do, through remote Maasai Land to local villages, where you will taste Tanzanian food, learn traditional dance, talk with local people, and sleep in a Maasai village!
Your guides and armed ranger will walk you closer to the game, such as wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, baboons, and even elephant, interpreting the bush as you go and sharing stories about the land and its people.
Take a journey to Africa and be transformed by its scenic beauty, wildlife, and rich culture.
Highlights
- Walk Maasai Land and wilderness areas
- Maasai culture and way of life
- Sleep in a traditional Maasai Village
- Local food, dance, and native activities
- Visit local schools and villages
- See wildlife and big game on foot
- Arusha National Park
- Spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Meru
- Fantastic photographic opportunities
Itinerary
Day 1: Kilimanjaro, Arrival day
Day 2: Simba Farm in West Kilimanjaro (Rest day)
Day 3: Simba Farm to Shira Plateau to Simba Farm, 10 mi. (16 km)
Day 4: Simba Farm to Ndarakwai, 9 mi. (15 km)
Day 5: Ndarakwai to Olpopongi Maasai Village, 6 mi. (10 km)
Day 6: Olpopongi to Ngabobo Village, 11 mi. (18 km)
Day 7: Ngabobo to Mt. Meru to Arusha National Park, 9 mi. (15 km)
Day 8: DepartureDay 1: Kilimanjaro, Arrival day
You will be met at Kilimanjaro International Airport by our local representative and transferred to Simba Farm located in West Kilimanjaro. The transfer will cover 65 km and will take approximately one hour. On arrival, you will meet your guide(s) for a short briefing, followed by the opportunity to rest and recover from your long travels.If time allows (and if arriving with an early flight) a farm tour and stroll starts around 5 pm followed by dinner at the lodge. After your tour around Simba Farm Lodge, you will stop for a sundowner amongst the rolling fields of grain, with Mt. Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. Sundowner snacks and a beverage of your choice are also available whilst you soak in a melting sunset overlooking the Maasai steps and Mt. Meru. We recommend good footwear and warm clothes because when the sun goes down, it can get fairly chilly. This tour will take just around 1-2 hours.
Accommodation: Simba Farm Lodge (D)
A selection of rooms is available from cozy, rustic rooms in the Old Guest House, to the Jacaranda Cottages surrounded by lush flower gardens.Day 2: Simba Farm (Rest day)
Today it is all about the farm. Simba Farm is a working farm, lodge, and historic sanctuary situated on 7,000 acres of rolling hills in West Kilimanjaro with breathtaking views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the Maasai steps, and Mt. Meru You can enjoy the pool and flower garden or bird watching around the farm. If you did not have the opportunity to enjoy the farm tour yesterday, you can do so today!Accommodation: Simba Farm Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 3: Simba Farm to Shira Plateau to Simba Farm, 10 mi. (16 km) | Elevation: +3745 m
The walk today is by far one of the most challenging due to the continuous ascent and high altitude. First, you will drive through the forest zone to Londros Gate before entering the Kilimanjaro National Park. Then, you will walk through the forest zone followed by the heather and moorland zone as you head towards the helipad on the Shira Plateau. This is approximately 7km. You will then take a relaxing lunch break and water stop, before you then turn back and enjoy a downhill walk, via the Cathedral trail to Morum, back to Simba Farm Lodge (around 9 km).Accommodation: Simba Farm Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 4: Simba Farm to Ndarakwai, 9 mi. (15 km)
Your trek starts from Simba Farm campsite all the way to Ndarakwai via Ndarakwai Ranch! You will walk through scattered bushes and through the Enduimet Wildlife Management Area, encountering animals and Maasai herdsmen rearing their livestock. There is also a large population of other tribes in this area, including the Chagga, Meru, and Pare people.Enduimet borders Amboseli National Park and serves as an important migratory route for wildlife including the African elephant. You arrive at Ndarakwai campsite around lunchtime. After enjoying the midday meal, you can rest in your tents before leaving for the late afternoon walk exploring the surrounding area! Dinner and overnight at Ndarakwai Ranch.
Accommodation: Ndarakwai Tented Camp (B, L, D)
15 huge, thatched roof, self-contained canvas tents with integral modern bathroom facilities and solar hot water, affording surprising comfort and convenience in this remote location, once fought over by German and Allied forces. There are canvas-covered verandahs from which to watch the wild animals that wander freely about the ranch, amongst which reedbuck, gerenuk, lesser kudu, gazelle, and zebra are frequent visitors, whilst loftier eland, mighty elephants, and graceful giraffes can often be seen. Even lions and cheetahs are occasionally spotted.Day 5: Ndarakwai to Olpopongi Maasai Village, 6 mi. (10 km)
You leave the camp early in the morning (just after breakfast) before the sun becomes hot! You walk heading to Olpopongi Maasai Village via Tinga Tinga Primary School, where you will stop for a short visit. Your journey will proceed for another 2.5 km leading to an authentic Maasai Village, Olpopongi. You will be welcomed by traditional Maasai dance and spend the rest of the day and night ‘living and sleeping the Maasai style’ to experience their culture. In the evening you will enjoy a great barbeque prepared by Maasai warriors around a Maasai bonfire!Accommodation: Olpopongi Maasai Lodge (B, L, D)
The Olpopongi Maasai-Village was planned and built by a multi-cultural construction team, dominated by more than 50 Maasai women and men from the nearby Tinga-Tinga Maasai-Village. All houses are built the traditional way with local and natural materials only, similar to those of the nearby Maasai people. Only some additions, such as exterior washrooms and the kitchen, are different from the Maasai culture but built for your hygienic comfort and full satisfaction. Your visit does also supports local Maasai families with water, food, employment, personal income, medical treatments, and education.Day 6: Olpopongi to Ngabobo Village, 11 mi. (18 km)
You will walk through authentic Maasai land heading to Ngabobo Village. Your route leads through open grassland with a few scattered short acacias as well as euphorbia trees (‘Olpopo’ in Maasai language)! On the way, you will see local tomato farms and may see wildlife such as zebra and elephants during the dry season. You will arrive at your camp located at Africa Amini Alama Maasai Lodge where you will rest and explore the area. There are lots of local activities that clients can be engaged in at an extra cost - these activities include Maasai spear throwing, a lesson on Maasai healing plants, and Maasai dance.Accommodation: Osiligilai Maasai Lodge (B, L, D)
Osiligilai Maasai Lodge is a spectacular, scenic eco-lodge that offers exclusive luxury coupled with an unparalleled touch of Culture in the midst of Mount Kilimanjaro & Mount Meru where Guests enjoy the Serene and vastness of the Maasai steppe and experience peaceful moments, extraordinary Rock Trees, awe-inspiring Sunsets and unsurpassed customized service by our Maasai staff.Day 7: Ngabobo to Mt. Meru to Arusha National Park, 9 mi. (15 km)
Your day starts very early with a short trek of only 2 km before entering Arusha National Park. You then proceed with your magnificent walk inside the park exploring Momella Lake, waterfalls, and other iconic features heading to the base of Mt. Meru. You will be accompanied by an armed ranger throughout your walk. After a lunch break at one of the park's nicest picnic campsites. you will go on a game drive in the park where you will see various wild animals such as giraffe, buffalo, zebra, warthog, the black-and-white colobus monkey, the blue monkey, flamingos, and more. You then jump into a vehicle for your transfer back to Weru Weru River Lodge for a good shower and celebration dinner, while contemplating your achievement.Accommodation: Weru Weru River Lodge (B, L, D)
Surrounded by coffee plantations, this eco-friendly lodge near Kilimanjaro provides an authentic African experience with 32 spacious rooms with air-conditioning, a balcony, refrigerator, seating area, tea-and-coffee-making facilities, and a private bathroom with a shower, hairdryer, and free toiletries. All our rooms have a touch of recycled dhowwood that gives them a rustic African feel.Day 8: Departure
In the morning, you can enjoy shopping before your transfer to JRO Airport or onward arrangements. (B)If walking in Tanzania isn't your flavor, check out our full list of walking & hiking tours or view all our featured bicycle tours, specials, and news.
Map
Accommodation
You will still stay in a variety of accommodation types which include a working agricultural farm, a tented camp, a traditional Masaai village, and lodges. Please take a look at the day-to-day itinerary for a more detailed description of each.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 7 nights
- All land transfers including transport to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Bottled water throughout the tour
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
- English speaking guides
- Supporting vehicle(s)
- Park Rangers that accompany to National Park & Wildlife Areas
- Game drive in Arusha National Park
- Park/village fees
- VAT
- Security (armed guard)
What’s Not Included
- Travel to and from the start/finish
- All drinks (other than water)
- Additional activities not mentioned
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Laundry service
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Daily departures possible from June - September & November - January
Confirmed departures: July 1, August 12, September 23, October 14, 2024
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2024
Solo traveler 2 ppl 3 ppl 4 ppl 5 ppl 6 ppl Twin/double $ 7632 £ 3942 $ 7,091 € 4707 Ft 1889479 kr 703656 ₪ 19366 ¥ 768209 Mex$ 99315 NZ$ 8432 kr 55083 zł 20207 S$ 6722 kr 53438 CHF 4416 $ 5,050 $ 5365 £ 2771 $ 4,985 € 3309 Ft 1328248 kr 494649 ₪ 13613 ¥ 540028 Mex$ 69816 NZ$ 5928 kr 38722 zł 14205 S$ 4725 kr 37565 CHF 3104 $ 3,550 $ 4893 £ 2527 $ 4,547 € 3018 Ft 1211512 kr 451176 ₪ 12417 ¥ 492567 Mex$ 63680 NZ$ 5407 kr 35318 zł 12956 S$ 4310 kr 34264 CHF 2831 $ 3,238 $ 4519 £ 2334 $ 4,199 € 2787 Ft 1118722 kr 416620 ₪ 11466 ¥ 454841 Mex$ 58802 NZ$ 4992 kr 32613 zł 11964 S$ 3980 kr 31639 CHF 2614 $ 2,990 $ 4307 £ 2224 $ 4,002 € 2657 Ft 1066340 kr 397113 ₪ 10929 ¥ 433544 Mex$ 56049 NZ$ 4759 kr 31086 zł 11404 S$ 3794 kr 30158 CHF 2492 $ 2,850 $ 4375 £ 2260 $ 4,065 € 2699 Ft 1083177 kr 403383 ₪ 11102 ¥ 440389 Mex$ 56934 NZ$ 4834 kr 31577 zł 11584 S$ 3854 kr 30634 CHF 2531 $ 2,895 Single supplement On request Please inquire for group pricing over 6 travelers.
Extra Options
Extra nights in Nairobi/Kilimanjaro: Pricing on request.
Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate–Difficult
This walking tour is graded moderate-difficult and requires a good level of walking fitness. Day 3 is by far the most challenging day, with a continual upward walk of 7km followed by a downhill walk of 9km, reaching an altitude of 3745m. All other days are across relatively flat terrain with a mix of gravel, dirt, and grasslands. Areas can be rocking at times. Throughout the tour, there is a support vehicle available should guests feel tired and require a lift. On any of the days, guests can decide to skip the walking and catch a transfer I needed.
Airport Info
You will fly into and out of Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). The airport is strategically situated between the two regions of Kilimanjaro and Arusha in Northern Tanzania.
Local Travel
Arrival and departure airport transfers are included in your tour price.
Climate
The dry season happens between the months of November and February when temperatures can reach up to 95° F (35° C) followed by the long rains starting in March and lasting up to May or June. Being at the foothills of Western Kilimanjaro, at 1,700 meters above sea level and nestled between a national forest and open plains, the temperatures in the early evenings and at night can get frosty quickly.
Recommended
Hiking equipment: A decent pair of hiking boots are essential. Layered clothing that can be removed or rolled up as the temperatures heat up during the day is recommended. We would also recommend bringing a small day pack (to carry water, snacks, sunhat, sunscreen, bug spray, etc). A walking stick is optional, but nice to have. We would also suggest bringing a warm jacket, beanie, and gloves for the early mornings/evenings and particularly for the colder months (May-Sep) as it can get quite cold.
Remarks
Although this tour can be done throughout the year, the best time to do this tour is from June-September (the least rain) and November-January (less rain). The other months are known for their long rains and are therefore not recommended.
Important to know
Documents
Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have proper identification. For US citizens, the U.S. Passports & International Travel website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. It is important to research before you travel as airlines will not permit boarding if you do not have the required valid documents.
We recommend that you make copies of your important documents and papers (insurance cards, etc.). Leave a copy at home and have a copy with you. In the unfortunate situation that you lose your original documents, having copies facilitates the replacement process.
Extra Stay
Extra nights in Nairobi or Kilimanjaro before or after the tour can be arranged. Pricing on request.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Ahsante Tours.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
Photos
Have you been on this tour?
Please leave your feedback