Tanzania: Kili to Crater
Hike Kilimanjaro, picnic in the Ngorongoro Crater, wildlife-spot in the Serengeti and meet local Maasai tribes
What's included
- Accommodation in twin rooms
- Max 14 travelers per group
- Exclusively for people in their 30s & 40s
About your trip
Superlatives come thick and fast in Tanzania – and, sure enough, on this 10-day adventure you’ll see the country revealed at its biggest, brightest, boldest best.
Always wanted to trek Kilimanjaro? No problem – you’ll take on Africa’s highest peak, right from the off, with an accessible-to-all day hike. Heard rumours the Ngorongoro Crater is the place to spot Big 5 wildlife? Naturally, the world’s largest caldera also comes in reach. How about those Serengeti plains? Step right this way to witness the world’s greatest wildebeest migration, as it moves back and forth from the Mara.
But, as always, it’s the above-and-beyond experiences that really set this trip apart. Hanging out with Maasai locals and cooking with a local family. Surprise dinners in star-lit spots and safari-camp stays. Plus down time in Zanzibar to soak up Stone Town and cruise the Spice Island’s coast. Ready to go wild? Join the stampede…
- Touch down in Kilimanjaro Airport, where a private Flash Pack transfer will be waiting to take you to your first hotel in the shadow of Africa’s highest mountain
- Relax by the pool before meeting your Pack Leader and group for a welcome drink and dinner
- After breakfast, prepare for a challenging 3.5-hour trek in the foothills of Kilimanjaro, following an undulating section of the scenic Shira Route
- Keep your eyes peeled for Colobus monkeys in the trees as you trek through wild shrubland to an altitude of 3,500 meters
- Celebrate your epic hike with a picnic lunch before driving to your next base in Arusha
- Take a short flight to Serengeti National Park, one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems, teeming with large mammals
- Transfer to your scenic tented camp, where you’ll be spending the next two nights, spotting animals along the way
- Enjoy lunch under canvas, before heading out for an afternoon game drive, returning for dinner back at base under a star-lit sky
- Rise early for an optional hot air balloon ride (for an additional cost), to experience the magic of sunrise over the Serengeti plains
- Set out on morning and afternoon safaris, searching for the whole spectrum of African wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras and more
- Get ready for a surprise dinner tonight – that’s all we’ll say for now
- Say goodbye to your Serengeti camp and visit a Maasai boma (village), where you’ll chat with the tribe as they go about their daily lives
- Travel to the 20-kilometer wide Ngorongoro Crater, formed over 2.5 million years ago, one of the best places in Africa for wildlife viewing
- Enjoy a picnic inside the crater before your afternoon game drive, checking in at your lodge for dinner
- Take a 2.5-hour nature walk in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, hiking through montane forest to the Endoro Falls and visiting the Elephant Caves
- Join a local family in the Karatu community for a hands-on cooking class; prepare fresh local dishes and share your home-cooked meal together
- Finish your day with dinner back at the lodge, soaking up the sounds of the African bush all around you
- Travel to Arusha Coffee Lodge, where social enterprise Shanga employs people with disabilities to create jewelry and homewares from recycled materials
- Stop for lunch at the lodge, before flying to Zanzibar, an idyllic island lapped by the warm Indian Ocean
- Dig out your flip-flops for a mosey along white-sand beaches, with fronds swaying in the background and glistening blue sea on the horizon
- Enjoy a free day on Zanzibar to relax and explore at your own pace
- Take an optional snorkeling and dolphin-watching tour to nearby Mnemba Island (for an additional cost), finishing with a barbecue lunch
- Perhaps spend your evening exploring Nungwi Beach for a bar hop around the beach huts of this vibrant fishing village
- Spend another day at leisure on Zanzibar; sink into a poolside lounger or ask your Pack Leader to help you book additional tours
- Book an optional walking tour around Stone Town, in the island’s bustling capital, once a thriving port for the spice trade
- Gather with your group for a spectacular sundowner cruise and celebrate the trip with your fellow Flashpackers before a final farewell dinner
- Bid a fond farewell to your group and make your own way to the airport; your Pack Leader will be on hand to help you arrange a local taxi
- It’s easy to forget how wondrous and beautiful our planet is, and Tanzania is the perfect reminder. Returning home you’ll feel a deep sense of excitement for what you’ve seen, and what’s yet to be discovered on the adventures to come
Our favorite hotels
Here's a taste of the hotels we sometimes use on this adventure. The hotels you'll stay in for your departure will be shared with you one month before you go.
Osinon Camp, Serengeti
You’ll stay at this central Serengeti base for two nights, shaded by acacia trees and visited by the area’s wildlife. Rooms are tented, walkways are lantern-lit, and group-gathering spots include a fireplace and private lounge.
Kudu Lodge, Ngorongoro
A bar, pool and even a spa – you’ll feel immediately at home in the retreat in reach of the Ngorongoro Crater. Bungalow-style rooms have muslin-draped beds and 11-acre gardens chime with the sound of African birdlife. Time for a massage?
Maru Maru, Zanzibar
Your characterful base in Stone Town sets you up to explore the Spice Isle’s main hub. There are coral-y beaches and markets in reach, plus a roof terrace and small pool for raising a glass to the day’s adventures.
Important notes
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Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code
Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and fly out of Zanzibar – Abeid Amani Karume Airport International Airport (ZNZ).
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What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?
Before 3 pm ideally. The welcome meeting and dinner will be from 5 pm and check-in time is from 2 pm (if you would like an early check-in you will be required to book a pre-night).
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What time should my flight depart on the last day?
We’d suggest booking a flight from 12 pm onwards in order to leave plenty of travel time. The hotel is close to the airport but the recommendation is that you arrive at the airport three hours before your flight.
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Do you include airport transfers?
If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.
Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.
Departure transfers are not included, however your Pack Leader will be on hand to help arrange a taxi to Zanzibar Airport.
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Are tips included?
Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:
- Pack Leader: 7-10 USD per day
- Driver: 5-7 USD per day
- Local tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip local guides, porters, waiters, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.
However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.
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Do I need a visa?
Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.
You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
- Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.
Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.
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What vaccinations and medication will I need?
While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalized medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.
1. Consult with a healthcare professional
We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.
2. Up-to-date medical advice
- UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
- US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialized health information.
- Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.
3. Government travel advice
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
4. Medication tips
If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.
We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.
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How much should I budget per day for extras?
Approximately 10 – 20 USD per day.
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Do I need to book the hot air balloon safari in advance?
On Day 4, there is the option to take part in a sunrise hot air balloon safari. The cost for this is 600 USD.
If you would like to sign up for this, please contact our sales teams before departure so they can add it to your booking.
By making a reservation with us, we can ensure that you secure a spot. While it may be possible to book on-site at a different rate, we cannot guarantee availability.
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What fitness levels do I need for this trip?
The most challenging activity is the scenic hike on Mount Kilimanjaro, which takes around 3.5 hours to complete. The trail from Morum Point to Shira 1 Camp undulates up and down valleys and requires a good level of fitness.
We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions.
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Will the itinerary change?
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.
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