Mount Meru Trekking, Wildlife Safari & Zanzibar Holiday
Group Departure / Private Departures Are Available
Tour Duration
Tour Type
Price per Person - Based on 2 Pax
Embark on a culture-rich journey through Tanzania’s breathtaking landscapes, combining wildlife safaris, highland trekking, and a relaxing Zanzibar beach holiday.
Your adventure begins with an exciting safari in Tarangire National Park, a paradise for elephants and birdlife, followed by a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater, where the Big Five roam in one of Africa’s most stunning natural settings.
Next, we trek through the Ngorongoro Highlands, where you’ll explore the Empakai Crater, with its lush forests and deep volcanic lake, all while enjoying panoramic views of the majestic Oldoinyo Lengai (2,856 m), Tanzania’s only active volcano. As we hike through traditional Maasai bomas (villages), you’ll gain a deep insight into the authentic Maasai way of life and their rich culture. The trek leads us to the stunning Lake Natron, famous for its surreal red and pink hues and flocks of flamingos.
To complete this unforgettable adventure, we head to Zanzibar, where you’ll relax on white sandy beaches, swim in the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, and explore vibrant coral reefs through snorkeling and diving.
With a trek through diverse landscapes, thrilling wildlife encounters, and a tranquil beach escape, this journey offers a perfect balance of adventure, culture, and relaxation.
Join us for an experience of a lifetime!
Why this itinerary?
“For those that can’t bear sleeping in a tent or during the wettest months, the Marangu route remains a good choice. It is, however, very busy and does not see as much of the mountain as western routes.”
Highlights
“Kilimanjaro: afro-montane forest, Mawenzi, glacial valleys and alpine desert, ascent of Kibo and possible views of Kibo caldera and ash pit. Glaciers and the roof of Africa! ”
Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport. Your driver will be waiting for you outside and you will be taken by private transfer to your booked hotel in Arusha. Your guide will come and give you an introduction to the whole trip. In the evening you are invited to the welcome dinner. Overnight at Hotel Mtoni River Lodge or similar category, (D).
After breakfast you will be driven to Tarangire National Park. Located slightly off the main safari route, Tarangire is a beautiful, tranquil park in northern Tanzania, covering an area of approximately 2,600 km². It is famous for its elephant trekking, bird watching and authentic safari atmosphere. With the exception of the endangered black rhino, Tarangire National Park is home to all of Tanzania’s major animals – from the tiny dik-dik to the towering African elephants and giraffes, which draw visitors from all over the world. In addition to these popular species, the park is home to three endangered animals found nowhere else in the country: the fringe-eared oryx with its graceful horns, the towering greater kudu, and the tiny Ashy starling. Overnight at Eileen’s Inn or similar category, (B|L|D).
Early in the morning after breakfast you will be picked up by your private safari guide and drive directly to the gate of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the almost 600 m deep crater. The caldera has a diameter of up to 19 km and an area of 264 km². Its heavily forested rim rises 610 meters above the caldera floor at an elevation of up to 2,286 meters. The Ngorongoro Crater and the surrounding highlands together form one of the most beautiful regions in Africa. The volcanic crater provides a stunning backdrop to some of Africa’s most fertile and richest pastureland. The caldera floor area is mostly open grassland and is the best place in East Africa to see the ‘Big Five’. It is home to a variety of animals including elephant, black rhino, leopard, buffalo, zebra, warthog, wildebeest, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelle and the world’s densest population of lion an idyllic picnic spot. After more exciting hours in the park, you will be driven back to the hotel. Overnight at the Tented Campsite in Nainokanoka, (B|M|D).
Leave Nainokanoka with our guides, cooks and donkeys for a day of hiking to Bulati Village. Wild animals can be seen, such as Thompson and Grants gazelle, zebras and wildebeest. Where there are many animals, hungry jackals are not far away and high in the sky majestic eagles watch their every move. Approximate trekking time of 5 hours, covering 16kms. Tonight, you will sleep at an elevation of 2,650m. Overnight at the campsite at Bulati Village, (B|M|D).
Leave this morning to trek to Empakaai. The walk offers spectacular views of both recent and ancient volcanic mountains, including Kilimanjaro, Meru, Olmoti Crater, and Lolmasin. The Empakaai Crater is 300m deep with almost half the floor covered by a soda lake. Bushbuck, buffalo, and blue monkey can be seen on the rim, which on a clear day boasts superb views to Ol Doinyo L’Engai, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Lake Natron. During the night you may hear flamingo calls as they return to their breeding ground at Lake Manyara and Lake Natron. Approximate trekking time 4-5 hours covering a distance of 9kms. Tonight, you will sleep at an elevation of 3,100m. Overnight Empakaai Crater Rim campsite, (B|L|D).
We start the day with a hike in the Empakai Crater. Here we have an impressive view of the Empakaai crater and Oldoinyo Lengai, the most active volcano in Tanzania. Accompanied by an armed NCA ranger and an experienced local Maasai guide, we begin our hike with a 30 to 45 minute/300m descent into the crater, passing through dense, mountainous forest. The easy hike to the crater floor passes through lush forest and offers breathtaking views of the crater and the lake below. At the crater floor you have excellent bird watching opportunities around the lake and can spot flamingos as well as buffalo, bushbuck, blue monkeys, hyenas and elephants. A certain level of fitness is required and sturdy footwear is strongly recommended. After an eventful morning of climbing and descending, we continue our hike towards Acacia Camp, where we will spend the night. On the way we are surrounded by a picturesque, hilly landscape where numerous Maasai bomas (traditional villages) can be seen. Overnight stay in a tent (B|M|D).
Today we set off for the rugged landscape of Lake Natron. Today we will also hike through very beautiful traditional Maasai bomas and experience a particularly varied landscape. First we hike through a lush green hilly landscape, then through a savanna-like landscape. During the tour we enjoy a majestic view of the Oldoinyo Lengai, which we get closer with every step. The last two hours of the hike are steeply downhill at times, but the views of Lake Natron and the landscape reward every step. The vegetation is becoming increasingly drier and the temperatures are becoming ever hotter. The view of this unique landscape is overwhelming. Mostly windy, dusty, very dry and hot, it sometimes reminds you of lunar landscapes. We end our hike at the foot of Oldoinyo Lengai and are picked up again by our safari guide. After a shower and a short break, we can walk to Lake Natron to admire the magical landscape and the flamingos. Lake Natron is a salt lake in the Arusha region of Tanzania and the largest breeding area for lesser flamingos in East Africa. It lies in the Gregory Graben at the foot of the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai and has a reddish color caused by special algae. The lake is 57 kilometers long, 22 kilometers wide and less than three meters deep. The high temperatures (up to 60°C) and high salinity make Lake Natron a safe breeding ground for flamingos, as most other animals cannot tolerate these conditions. Every year, over two million flamingos fly to the region, where their eggs are laid and incubated between September and April. Overnight stay at Masaai Giraffe Lodge or similar category, (B|L|D).
After breakfast we go on a game drive and drive back to Arusha at lunchtime. Overnight stay at Mtoni River Lodge, (B|L|D).
Early in the morning we will be driven to the airport to fly to Zanzibar. When we arrive we will be picked up and taken to our accommodation in Matemwe, where we will spend the next few nights. Chalk-white sandy beaches, azure seas and a fantastic coral reef await us here. Zanzibar is located in the Indian Ocean and consists of the main islands of Unguja, known as Zanzibar, and Pemba, as well as countless smaller islands. The island of Zanzibar is rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. The warm, sunny climate all year round invites you to relax. The exciting history of Arab sultans, Portuguese sailors, slave traders and European explorers has had a lasting impact on the character of this island and its friendly people. Not to be forgotten is the delicious Swahili cuisine, which offers a wide selection of seafood. Tonight we will stay at the Magic Boutique Hotel or a similar category, (B).
You have all day to relax here. If you want to be active, you can take part in numerous excursions, including visits to the historic ‘Stone Town’, Jozani Forest, Prison Island and spice plantations. There are also a variety of adventure activities you can take part in including hiking, bird watching, windsurfing, kite surfing, sea kayaking and sailing. The island also has fantastic coral reefs that are perfect for diving and snorkeling – and you might even be lucky enough to spot dolphins, green turtles and whale sharks at certain times of the year. Overnight stay at the Magic Boutique Hotel or similar category, (B).
Free time until departure. Depending on your flight time, you will be driven back to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) for your international flight home, (B).
We reserve the right to make changes to the program due to special events, force majeure or weather conditions.
Legends: B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner
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A 9 day ascent to the roof of Africa. Starting at Lemosho on the Western side and traversing across the most spectacular parts of the mountain,
The shira route is a little used trail that begins near shira ridge. It is nearly identical to the lemosho.
An 8 day ascent to the roof of Africa. Starting at Lemosho on the Western side and traversing across …
