Abundance and Diversity of Wildlife

First and foremost, a great safari destination is home to an abundance of diverse wildlife. In Africa, this often means the Big 5: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros. Yet, places like South Africa and Tanzania not only offer the Big 5 but also a variety of other species from cheetahs to rare wild dogs, enhancing the game viewing experience with a rich tapestry of biodiversity.

Accessibility and Infrastructure

Accessibility and well-developed infrastructure are also crucial. Can you reach the safari destination easily? Are there reliable transport links? South Africa, for instance, boasts an excellent tourism infrastructure network with daily commercial flights linking all its major cities and chartered airplanes to safari lodges that have their private airstrips.

Safety and Stability

Safety and stability are paramount. You want to ensure that the safari destination is in a politically stable country with a good safety record. South Africa is known as one of the most stable and reliable travel hubs in Africa, making it a top choice for many safari-goers.

Unique Experiences and Attractions

Finally, the best safari destinations offer unique experiences and attractions beyond wildlife viewing. This could mean conservation-focused activities, as offered in Marataba, South Africa, where guests can participate in hands-on wildlife management and ecological conservation. Or it could be cultural and culinary experiences, like the gastronomic delights and award-winning restaurants in Cape Town, or the world's best land-based whale watching in Hermanus. By considering these factors, you'll be well on your way to selecting a safari destination that offers an unforgettable blend of wildlife viewing, cultural immersion, and more.

Full Itinerary

Price from  4765 per adult. Based on sharing double / twin rooms
Day 1
Arrival

Welcome to Tanzania! Upon your arrival into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), and after clearing customs and immigration, you will be met by your Tanzania Tribe Safari representative who will transfer you to your Hotel in Arusha. In the evening your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.

Staying at Arrival. Includes All Meals.

Day 2
Rongai Gate - 1st Caves Camp
  • Elevation (ft): 1950m to 2600m
  • Distance: 8km
  • Hiking Time: 5 hours
  • Habitat: Montane Forest
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Arusha and driven to the Marangu Gate. At the gate, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then be transferred by vehicle to the Rongai trailhead, which is 2.5 hours away from the Managu Gate. The trail begins in the tall cornfields then leads into the pine forest. This trail has a gradual ascent and allows hikers to enjoy their surroundings. About halfway up the trail you will have a lunch break and you will reach the 1st Caves Camp (2600m) in the late afternoon or early evening. The porters and chef, who move very fast up the mountain, will reach camp before you and set up your tents, boil drinking water, and prepare snacks for your arrival. After washing up, a hot dinner will be served. For overnight, mountain temperatures may drop to freezing so be prepared!

Staying at Rongai. Includes All Meals.

Day 3
1st Caves Camp - Kikelewa Cave
  • Elevation (ft): 2600m to 2600m
  • Distance: 12km
  • Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
  • Habitat: Moorland

Following a hot breakfast, hikers will continue their ascent to Kikelewa Cave (3600m). The trail passes Second Cave (3450m) and this is a good spot to take a lunch break. Similar to the first night, your tents will be set up prior to arriving at camp and the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. You will enjoy evening snacks then dinner prepared by our chef. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this exposed camp.

Staying at 1st Caves Camp. Includes All Meals.

Day 4
Kikelewa Cave - Mawenzi Tarn Camp
  • Elevation (ft): 3600m to 4330m
  • Distance: 12-15km
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Moorland

On this day, hikers will enjoy a short, yet steep trail to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m). In the moorland, you will spot exotic plants, including giant lobelia and groundsel. At camp, hikers will enjoy spectacular views and allow their bodies to acclimate. Hot dinner and washing water will be prepared for hikers as they enjoy the magnificent sunset.

Staying at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge. Includes All Meals.

Day 5
Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m) – Kibo Hut (4700m)
  • Elevation (ft): 4330m to 4700m
  • Distance: 15 – 18km
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, hikers will continue ascending east for a half-day hike to Kibo Hut. Kibo is located in the “Saddle,” which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo in an alpine desert. There is no water at this camp, but hikers can buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00!

Staying at Mawenzi Tarn Camp. Includes All Meals.

Day 6
Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut
  • Elevation (ft): 4700m to 5895m to 3720m
  • Distance: 21km
  • Hiking Time: 8 hours
  • Habitat: Stone scree / ice-cap summit

Your guide will wake you around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The trail is rocky up to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). You continue your ascent to Gillman’s point (5681m). Reaching this section is an impressive achievement as the trail is steep, rocky, and at high altitude. Gillman’s is located on the crater rim. From this point, you will usually experience a snow covered trail until you reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Kibo Hut takes about 3 hours

At Kibo Hut, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending down to Horombo Hut (3720m). You will have a dinner, wash, and rest soundly at the hut after a strenuous day.

Staying at Kibo Hut. Includes All Meals.

Day 7
7. Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate
  • Elevation (ft): 3720m to 1980m
  • Distance: 27km
  • Hiking Time: 6 hours
  • Habitat: Arctic

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Staying at Horombo Hut. Includes All Meals.

Day 8
Departure

After breakfast and rest, we will Transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for those returning home.

Tour Accommodation

Tanzania Kilimanjaro

Arrival

Overview

A small, intimate camp with just ten large, comfortable safari cabins offering high standards of accommodation and service, Oliver’s Camp is located in the quiet, animal-rich eastern sector of Tarangire National Park. The camp is uniquely licensed to offer walking tours and night game drives (both at additional cost) within the national park for the opportunity of incredible encounters with elephants and other big game as well as the smaller creatures.

The spacious guest tents are furnished in a traditional African style and raised on wooden platforms sheltered under thatch roofs. There are mosquito nets and spray, a radio (to contact reception), a torch, digital safe, solar powered lights and a large canvas wardrobe. Each tent has a private deck with sun loungers and a private bathroom. There is also a special honeymoon and family cabin available. There are no power sockets in the tents: batteries can be charged in the main tent.

Inside the main communal tent is a communal dining table and comfortable lounge area. Meals are delicious and mainly a mix of African and continental dishes.

The lodge also provides a complimentary laundry service and local drinks.

Swimming Pool
No
Air Conditioning
No
Rooms
10
Facilities

Restaurant, lounge, private bathrooms, solar-powered lighting, digital safe, mosquito net and spray.

Local Wildlife

The park is famous for its large numbers of elephant, particularly in the dry season. Buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, greater kudu and eland can also be easily seen here. There is a small population of tree-climbing lion and African wild dog. Leopards are widespread throughout the park. The very rare fringe-eared oryx can be seen on occasion. African rock python is often found resting in acacia trees close to wetlands near Silale: other reptiles include puff adders, Speke’s hinged and pancake tortoises. Birdlife is also impressive and includes secretary bird, martial and crested eagles and the endemic yellow-collared lovebird.

Optional Activities

Game drives and walking safaris, plus optional night drives (at an additional cost)

View Accommodation
Tanzania Kilimanjaro

1st Caves Camp

Overview

Perched on the rim and affording spectacular views of the world famous Ngorongoro crater floor below, the ivy-clad Ngorongoro Serena Lodge offers good rooms, friendly service, well run facilities and delicious food.

Ngorongoro Serena Lodge is actually built into the rim of the crater itself, with the foliage-covered native stone of the lodge blending into the surrounding hillside. The views of the crater will certainly take your breath away: the 75 rooms, bar and restaurant all overlook the picturesque valley below. The rooms have attractive wooden floors and are decorated with ancient cave art. Each features modern en suite bathrooms, patios and heating as the temperatures can significantly drop here at night.

The main building contains a large restaurant, bar, gift shop, TV area and an attractive outside decking area, perfect for relaxing while admiring the view. There are buffets for breakfast and lunch but an a la carte menu is available for dinner.

Beside the exciting safaris within the crater, there are numerous walks and activities one can do from the lodge including visits to local tribal villages.

Within Ngorongoro crater is a diverse ecosystem representing nearly every habitat found in East Africa. Open grasslands are inhabited by wildebeest, zebra, lion, cheetah and black rhino; acacia woodland provides cover for leopards; swamps supply the food for elephants and buffalos; freshwater pools harbour hippos; and a small soda lake is a feeding ground for flocks of flamingos. In addition there are small outcrops of rocks which give shade for lions and even an highly arid area of shifting sand dunes.

Swimming Pool
No
Air Conditioning
No
Rooms
75
Facilities

Restaurant, bar, lounge, TV room, gift shop, heating and private bathrooms.

Local Wildlife

Large game is abundant and includes elephant, black rhino, buffalo, zebra, gazelle, impala, eland, waterbuck, lion, leopard, cheetah and spotted hyena. Smaller species often seen in the crater include serval, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox, dwarf and slender mongooses and olive baboons. The crater is regarded as one of the best places in all Africa to see the highly endangered black rhinoceros.

Optional Activities

Game drives within the crater and guided walks along the rim. Cultural activities are also available including visits to local tribal villages.

View Accommodation
Tanzania Kilimanjaro

Kikelewa Cave

Overview

Embodying all that is great in East Africa bush camping, Serengeti Safari Camp is a gem of a lodge. Six beautifully equipped safari tents provide accommodation for just 12 guests creating an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. Candlelit bush dinners, good standards of service and some of the best guides in Africa all go to complete the safari experience. The lodge switches its location throughout the year putting it in the very best position for the migration. For this reason the camp is one of the best options for those hoping to view some of the most spectacular events of the migration such as river crossings.

The camp itself is actually quite simple but the quality of food and service is first class. There are two communal tents, one is a comfortable lounge and the second is the dining tent where delicious and well-presented dinners are taken. Breakfast and lunch are usually taken out in the field. There are six private and spacious guest tents, each with a table and chairs and large double bed. Behind the beds is a changing area, sink, towel rack and bucket shower with hot water available on request. Storm lanterns powered by solar power provide lighting and there is a torch and alarm for emergency attention.

The locations of the camp around the park have to be agreed well in advance with the park authorities – thus the unpredictable route of the migration means that sometimes a drive is necessary to reach the best spots for wildlife observation.

Swimming Pool
No
Air Conditioning
No
Rooms
6
Facilities

Dining room, lounge, private bucket shower (hot water available on request), solar powered lighting and laundry service.

Local Wildlife

Serengeti Safari Camp aims to position itself in the best locations to witness the wildebeest migration during its peak times. The plains of the Serengeti also support an exceptional diversity of other large game throughout the year with elephant, hippo, black rhino, giraffe, buffalo, eland, Thompson’s and grant’s gazelles, Burchell’s zebra, lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena and many more frequently seen.

Optional Activities

Game drives directly from the camp.

View Accommodation
Tanzania Kilimajaro

Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Overview

With a stunning position on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Indian Ocean and one of the best beaches on the island of Zanzibar, Matemwe Lodge provides exceptionally stylish accommodation and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.

Each of the twelve large, detached bungalows is exquisitely furnished with local fabrics, wooden floors, king-size beds and handmade furniture. Each has private facilities and a large balcony overlooking the sea with hammocks and wooden chairs. Other room facilities include free Wi-Fi, ceiling fans, tea and coffee facilities, and room and laundry service.

Service is relaxed but efficient and the restaurant serves excellent fresh seafood dishes. There are two swimming pools, a small bar built around an old dhow and well maintained gardens which attract bush babies and many birds. There is also a full service spa on site as well as an array of optional activities. Swimming is good off the lodge’s beach at high tide.

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
No
Rooms
12
Facilities

Restaurant, bar, lounge, swimming pool, private bathroom, laundry service, free Wi-Fi, spa, gift shop and room service.

Local Wildlife

Zanzibar bush babies visit the gardens after dark and a wide variety of birds and colourful butterflies can be seen during the day. Mnembe Atoll offers outstanding snorkelling and diving with a plethora of hard and soft corals, numerous reef fish, eels, reef sharks and green and hawksbill turtles.

Optional Activities

Excursions to Mnembe Atoll. Cultural activities including visits to local villages, historic Stone Town, the Jozani forest and prison island.

View Accommodation

Route Map

Include

What’s Included in this Trip?

When you join these tour, you will receive the following support from us:

  • Regular emails to provide top tips
  • A Breast Cancer t-shirt
  • A Breast Cancer wrist-band
  • All trekking informations
  • Kilimanjaro training
  • Flight information
  • Certificate of achievement
  • Regular emails to provide top tips
  • Transport Fees To And From Kilimanjaro Airport And Your
  • Accommodation In Arusha
  • 2 Nights stay in Arusha (luxury hotel)
  • Transfer to and from the mountain
  • Guides, cooks, and porters
  • Three hot meals served per day
  • Daily drinking water throughout the trek
  • Hot water for washing daily when at camp
  • Set and fair wages for porters and guides
  • Government taxes
  • Oxygen tanks & Oxemeter - (1 tank for every 4 people)
  • Emergency first-aid kits
  • Tent, mountain hardware - (Four Season)
  • Eating tents - 7ft tall
  • Chairs
  • Dining table

Exclude

  • Lunch, dinner, and drink at your hotel both before and after your climb
  • International Flights
  • Visa Fees
  • Vaccination
  • Laundry
  • Gear for your climb
  • A portable flush toilet with a toilet tent. It can be rented at $70 for the entire trek
  • Items of personal nature

Top Safari Destinations for First-Time Travelers

Feeling the African sun on your skin, listening to the symphony of the wild, and locking eyes with nature's most majestic creatures are experiences only a safari can offer. For first-time visitors, it's crucial to choose destinations that offer a blend of wildlife diversity, stunning landscapes, and reliable infrastructure. Here are four top safari destinations that deliver an unforgettable adventure for first-time travelers.

Read More

Off-the-Beaten-Track Safari Destinations

For those seeking a more unique and less crowded safari experience, there are a wealth of off-the-beaten-track destinations that offer an equally, if not more, thrilling adventure. Let's delve into these lesser-known but equally enchanting safari destinations.

Read More

Unique Safari Experiences Beyond Wildlife Watching

While the thrill of spotting a pride of lions or a herd of elephants is undeniably a highlight of any safari, there's so much more to these adventures. Let's venture beyond the usual wildlife watching and delve into the extraordinary experiences that truly make a safari unforgettable.

Read More

Planning Your Safari with Good Earth Expedition

Once you've decided on your dream safari destination, the next crucial step is planning your trip. Here's where Good Earth Expedition shines. With a focus on personalized experiences, small group travel, support for local communities, and a best price guarantee, your safari adventure with Good Earth Expedition promises to be an exceptional journey.

Read More

GallerySEE ALL PICTURES

Hear FROM OUR TRAVELLERS

We Team Up With The Best To Give You An Unmatchable Experience

 Good Earth Expeditions Is One Of The Best Operator For World Wide Travel.

The trip planned for my group exceeded all our expectations, as Good Earth Expeditions was excellent. While the terrain seemed more difficult than anticipated, Consea and his team were excellent in constantly reminding us to watch our steps. From the mountain view to the accommodation, flight booking, and everything associated with the vacation, Good Earth Expedition had an excellent team, and we sure had the best vacation experience.

Mathew Flunum

Wisconsin

 Perfectly planned and executed by Consea 

The Good Earth Expedition was impressive with their destination ideas, and there were just amazing people.

Germain

 Consea, provided all the valuable information 

From the Tanzania budget Safari to the Wildlife photography and Alaskan Wilderness, the trip was carefully planned by Good Earth Expeditions.

John Boxler

 Excellent trip covering several tourist 

Excellent trip covering several tourist sites in Northeastern Tanzania. Good hotels and accommodations, plus a friendly and competent team from Good Earth Expeditions.

Brian J Mangereli
SEE ALL CLIENT REVIEWS 

As seen in...

We have the experience and expertise to assist you in creating memories that will last a lifetime. We have the experience and expertise to assist you in creating memories

Why Choose AS A TRAVEL PARTNER

Good Earth Expeditions is one of the most trusted expedition guides in Nevada/California, Tanzania. For more than 20 years, we have continued to serve our travelers with affordable and top-class expeditions services personalized to meet their needs and desires, guaranteeing amazing, incredible, and irresistible experiences. Here’s why you should trust us to handle your adventure holiday packages to your favorite destinations.

Small Groups

Join a small group of like-minded travelers that are also eager to enjoy amazing deals and unforgettable experiences safely and comfortably – all these things make our world

Flexibility And Freedom

No matter your style of travel, our classic tours are a perfect blend of well-curated itineraries with utmost flexibility and freedom.

Book With Us & Travel With Convenience

At Good Earth Expedition, our booking and rebooking policy is 100% guaranteed to enhance the holiday experience of our travelers.

Tailor Made Tours

We specialise in tailor-making your tour to suit your tastes and budget.We provide detailed customised safari itineraries to each and every guest.

Award Winning

A full registered local company operated under travel and hospitality rules and regulation of Tanzania governments.We take care of every detail

30 Years Experience

Because of which we endeavour to push our limits and surpass their desire by giving them the most paramount climbing & safari experience of their lifetime.

ENQUIRE NOW