9 Day Kilimanjaro Excel Climb With 3 Day Safari to Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara & Ol Doinyo Lengai
Arrival
Arrive: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Once you have completed customs formalities and collected your luggage, please exit the airport building and then look out for our driver who should be wearing a black Team Kilimanjaro t-shirt and carrying a placard with your name on it, who will be waiting under a shelter for you at the meeting point outside. Our driver will transfer you to African Tulip for your overnight stay.
Your chief guide will come to you at African Tulip for your pre-climb briefing on the evening before your climb at 1800, during which he will introduce himself, brief you on everything that will be happening throughout the duration of the climb, check any kit that you may have concerns over, issue any kit hire items that have been requested and he will also deal with any final pre-climb administration and answer any questions you may have.
Kilimanjaro
20th September 2025: Your mountain guide and supporting crew will collect you from your hotel at approximately 0730 to transfer you to Kilimanjaro's Lemosho Gate to start your 9 day TK Lemosho ‘Excel Series’ climb, finishing on 28th September 2025.
A comprehensive itinerary of this route is available to download here 📥
28th September 2025: We will collect you from Mweka Village when you finish your climb and will return you to African Tulip for your overnight stay.
Your safari guide will come to your hotel for your pre-safari briefing at approximately 1800, during which he will introduce himself, brief you on everything that will be happening during the safari, and answer any questions you may have.
Safari
29th September 2025: Your driver will collect you from your hotel at around 07:30 for your transfer to Lake Manyara National Park for a game drive. In the late afternoon, continue to the Ngorongoro Crater Rim, arriving in time to watch the sunset before your overnight stay at Pakulala Safari Camp.
30th September 2025: Early morning descent into Ngorongoro Crater for game drive in hopes of witnessing the Big 5. In Africa, the Big Five is made up of the lion, rhinoceros, leopards, elephant and Cape buffalo. All of these animals are viewable within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, including the crater and are protected thanks to the wildlife conservation efforts of Tanzania.
In the late afternoon, transfer to Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge to enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.
1st October 2025: Morning transfer to Lake Natron, where you can explore the surrounding area, before checking in at Moivaro Lake Natron for an early dinner and rest ahead of your upcoming midnight climb of Ol Doinyo Lengai.
2nd October 2025: Climbing the Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, known as the “Mountain of God,” is an extraordinary experience. The hike begins at midnight, and by sunrise you will find yourself standing on the summit, overlooking sweeping views of the landscapes below. If luck is on your side, you may even witness lava glowing in the distance — a truly unforgettable sight. This challenging but rewarding climb is one that will stay with you long after you descend.
After your descent of Ol Doinyo Lengai, you will enjoy breakfast before beginning your return journey to Arusha.
Safari route map
This map is not a comprehensive description of movements and shows only a selection of approximate landmarks along the safari's intended route.
Images on this page are of the properties visited and do not necessarily reflect the rooms to be allocated.
This safari is recommended throughout the year.
This safari itinerary is recommended for the discerning traveller visiting from July to October - as this is when the migration is expected to be in the Mara Region - and who wants to minimise wasted transiting time in the vehicle.
This safari itinerary is recommended from November to April when we expect the migration to be in the south.