Wild Tanzania: Culture, Big 5, and Gombe Gorilla (10-Day Safari)
Guaranteed Availability:
1st June - 31st March 2025/26
1st June - 31st March 2026/27
1st June - 31st March 2027/28
Duration: 10 Days
Adult Price: £3624.00
Child Price: £2706.00
Deposit: £250.00
View DetailsThe Pathway Events / Kilimanjaro Trips / Wild Tanzania: Culture, Big 5, and Gombe Gorilla (10-Day Safari)
Trip Details
Embark on an unforgettable 10-day journey through the heart of Tanzania, blending breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural encounters, and thrilling wildlife safaris. Begin with the lush Materuni Waterfalls near Mount Kilimanjaro, followed by game drives through Tarangire’s elephant-filled plains, Serengeti’s vast savannas, and the dramatic Ngorongoro Highlands. Dive into the cultural heartland at Lake Eyasi, meeting the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes, and finish with a rare and intimate experience trekking wild chimpanzees in the remote Gombe National Park, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. This expedition offers a perfect mix of nature, wildlife, and culture.
Highlights
- Visit Materuni Waterfalls & Local Coffee Experience – Start your adventure with a scenic waterfall hike and hands-on coffee-making session in a Chagga village.
- Tarangire National Park Safari – Witness large elephant herds, baobab-studded landscapes, and diverse wildlife in one of Tanzania’s most scenic parks.
- Explore Serengeti & Ngorongoro – Enjoy game drives across the legendary Serengeti and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for big cat sightings and unforgettable views.
- Cultural Encounters at Lake Eyasi – Meet the Hadzabe bushmen and Datoga blacksmiths to learn ancient survival and metalworking skills.
- Gombe National Park Chimpanzee Trekking – End with a bucket-list experience tracking wild chimpanzees in Jane Goodall’s legendary research area on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
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Itinerary
Day 01: Materuni Waterfall & Coffee Cultural Tour
Materuni is a charming, authentic Chagga village located just 15 km from Moshi and is the last settlement before entering Kilimanjaro National Park. Upon arrival, you’ll register at the village office and begin your adventure with a guided 40-minute hike to the stunning Materuni Waterfall. Along the way, your local guide will share insights about Chagga culture, village life, and the surrounding flora and fauna. If the skies are clear, you might catch a glimpse of Mount Kilimanjaro’s peak. The impressive 80-meter-high waterfall cascades into a natural pool perfect for a refreshing swim—so bring your swimwear!
After enjoying the waterfall, return to the village for a traditional Chagga lunch and a taste of local banana beer. Your experience continues with a visit to a nearby coffee farm, where you’ll learn how coffee is grown, harvested, and processed using traditional methods. You’ll also get hands-on as you roast, grind, and brew your own cup of fresh Chagga coffee. A perfect mix of nature, culture, and local flavors!
- Accommodation: Hotel
Day 02: Moshi-Tarangire National Park
Start your day early with a refreshing breakfast before embarking on a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park. This beautiful park gets its name from the Tarangire River, which serves as a lifeline for wildlife during the dry season. Be prepared to witness breathtaking landscapes filled with dense vegetation, including elephant grass and acacia woodlands. Tarangire National Park is renowned for its large elephant families that often gather by the river. Keep your eyes peeled and you may also spot giraffes, bushbucks, and hartebeests. Predators such as lions and leopards are also present. As you explore the park on an extensive game drive, you’ll be amazed by the diversity of bird species that reside here. After a thrilling day, retire to your luxury lodge near Tarangire for a delectable dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.
- Accommodation: Tented Camps/Lodges
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day 03 & 04: Serengeti National Park
Rise early and enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading to the legendary Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s oldest and most iconic wildlife sanctuary. Known for its endless plains and rich biodiversity, the Serengeti is home to one of the world’s greatest natural events – The Great Migration – where thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and antelope move in search of greener pastures, guided by the rains.
Spend two days immersed in thrilling game drives, with opportunities to spot the Big Five and countless other species in their natural habitat. Learn about the Serengeti’s ancient ecosystem, which has remained unchanged for millions of years.
Each evening, return to your luxury tented lodge, where you’ll enjoy delicious dinners and relax under the African stars, surrounded by the raw beauty and sounds of the wild.
- Accommodation: Tented Camps/Lodges
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day 05: Ngorongoro Highland
Today, after breakfast, you’ll head into the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands, a region rich in culture and history. Your journey takes you along the rim of the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, offering sweeping views of the world’s largest unbroken caldera.
Along the way, you’ll stop at a traditional Maasai boma, where you’ll be welcomed by a local Maasai community. This immersive cultural visit allows you to learn about their semi-nomadic lifestyle, traditional homes, livestock keeping practices, and distinctive customs. You’ll also experience their traditional singing and dancing. Enjoy lunch with a view of the highlands before heading to your lodge for a restful evening in this culturally and historically rich region.
- Accommodation: Tented Camps/Lodges
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day 06: Ngorongoro Crater
After an early breakfast, you will descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a thrilling full-day game drive in one of the most breathtaking wildlife havens in Africa. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to an incredible concentration of animals, including the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino.
As you explore the crater floor, you’ll pass through diverse habitats including savannah, forests, and seasonal swamps. Keep an eye out for large herds of wildebeest and zebra, groups of hippos wallowing in freshwater pools, and flamingos lining the shores of Lake Magadi at the center of the crater.
You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the designated sites inside the crater, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wild. After a memorable day of wildlife viewing, you’ll ascend the crater wall in the late afternoon and head back to your lodge for dinner and overnight rest.
- Accommodation: Tented Camps/Lodges
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day 07: Cultural Experience at Lake Eyasi – Flight to Kigoma
Today begins with an early morning cultural encounter at Lake Eyasi, where you’ll meet the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes. The Hadzabe are among the last remaining hunter-gatherers in East Africa, and you’ll have a chance to join them on a short traditional hunting walk, learn about their way of life, and see how they use local tools and natural resources. You’ll also visit the Datoga blacksmiths, known for crafting metal tools using age-old techniques.
After this enriching cultural experience, you’ll return to Arusha in the afternoon. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to Arusha Airport for your scheduled evening flight to Kigoma, the gateway to Gombe National Park. Upon landing in Kigoma, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel for dinner and overnight, preparing for your chimpanzee trekking adventure.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day 08: Kigoma – Gombe Stream National Park
We pick you up from Kigoma Hilltop hote and transfer to Kibirizi port where you will take a boat to Gombe Stream National Park. The journey takes about one hour and a half. Upon arrival at Gombe, you register at the park headquarters and get assigned to a guide who escorts you into the forest for chimpanzee trekking. Walk to up to the hill to Kakombe waterfalls for picnic lunch and continue to trek for chimps as well as to spot different birds and fruits eaten by chimps till sunset. Dinner and overnight at the camp
- Accommodation: Tented Camps/Lodges
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day 09: Gombe National Park and Boat Safari in Lake Tanganyika
Breakfast at the camp, game viewing/ Chimpanzee tracking in the forest return to the camp for lunch, afternoon Game viewing by boat on the lake. Enjoy the sunset while at lake Tanganyika.
- Accommodation: Tented Camps/Lodges
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day 10: Departure
After breakfast, you’ll take a morning boat ride back to Kigoma. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for lunch and a short rest. The afternoon is at your leisure—relax at the hotel or prepare for your onward journey. Later, you’ll be transferred to Kigoma Airport for your departure flight.
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch
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Frequently Asked Questions
None, but previous hiking or climbing experience will help. You need to be fit and healthy and have a good pair of worn-in hiking boots. The fitter you are the more you are likely to enjoy it.
There are at least six routes to the top, Uhuru peak. You will hike between 53 and 73km depending on which route you choose. The shortest and toughest is the 5-day Umbwe route. Allowing extra days will help you to acclimatize better and improve your chances of reaching the summit. The easiest and most popular route is Marangu (which can be done in five), but we use six days for this route.
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world and the highest mountain in Africa. Its highest point is Uhuru Peak on the Kibo crater at 5895m above sea level.
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed anytime throughout the year. Most travelers prefer climbing during the dry seasons: December to March, June to October. Many consider the best months to climb Kilimanjaro to be January, February, and September.
On most routes, you’ll trek 4-7 hours most days. On certain routes you’ll trek as many as 10-15 hours on the longest days.
Prior to the climb, you’ll enjoy an acclimatization day with wildlife viewing and nature walks. Trekking through the rain forest, you’re likely to spot black-and-white Colobus monkeys, tropical birds and more.
Highly-trained chefs prepare three hot nutritious meals daily, as well as trail snacks and afternoon tea each day. You’ll eat all your meals in a solar-lit dining tent with your fellow trekkers and head guide. Delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other specialty meals can be provided (with advance request). We’re happy to send you a sample menu—just ask!
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, celiac, lactose-free, or if you have any allergies, just give us a heads up and you will be catered to
Your mountain camps are set up and broken down each day by expert camp porters. You’ll stay in double occupancy all-weather tents with full-ground pads to keep you and your gear dry. Private toilet tents, solar-lit dining tents with tables and chairs, and basins of hot water for washing are provided in every camp. Grand Traverse treks include upgraded solar-lit walk-in-height sleeping tents with mountaineering beds and mattresses for additional comfort.Your mountain camps are set up and broken down each day by expert camp porters. You’ll stay in double occupancy all-weather tents with full-ground pads to keep you and your gear dry. Private toilet tents, solar-lit dining tents with tables and chairs, and basins of hot water for washing are provided in every camp. Grand Traverse treks include upgraded solar-lit walk-in-height sleeping tents with mountaineering beds and mattresses for additional comfort.
In the individual trip pages there is a detailed section on what is included and excluded.
Yes, it is expected and much appreciated. The amount depends on the number of days, but can range from $150 and $300 per hiker. Tips are pooled and shared amongst the crew. Bring US dollar bills.
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed anytime throughout the year. Most travellers prefer climbing during the dry seasons: December to March, June to October. Many consider the best months to climb Kilimanjaro to be January, February, and September.
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The Pathway Support Package
The Pathway Support Package is what makes the difference. This isn’t just a booking – it’s a complete preparation experience designed to remove uncertainty and set you up for success. From the moment you commit, we guide you through every step.
You’ll receive detailed training plans, packing lists, travel tips and practical guidance to make sure nothing is left to chance. On top of that, you’ll get three tailored coaching sessions with endurance specialist Doug White and one mindset session with Stevie Kidd.
Our team becomes your team - committed to helping you reach the summit and enjoy every moment of the journey along the way.
✅ Trip Essentials
- How To Apply For a Visa
- Travel Insurance Information
- Transfer Information
- Accommodation Details
- Health & Hygiene
✅ Equipment Lists
- Gear List
- Clothing
- Sleeping & Other Equipment
- Toiletries & Medicine
- Technical Equipment
✅ Coaching
- Not sure where to start, don't worry we will provide you with everything you need
- Detailed training plans
- Checklists
- Coaching Calls
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Gallery
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Useful Info
Tips for a Successful Climb
BE PROPERLY EQUIPPED
An essential part of your preparation will be to ensure that you are well equipped for your summit attempt. Print our final Packing List and mark it off, to ensure that you are. Click on Packing List to get to this very important step in your preparation.
BE PHYSICALLY PREPARED
It is important that your body is adequately prepared for the physical challenges of Mount Kilimanjaro. Develop your fitness and get your body in shape for your Kilimanjaro summit expedition.
MENTAL PREPARATION
It is possible to summit Kilimanjaro successfully. Many before you have succeeded. This should be topmost in your mind when preparing for the summit attempt. You should always remain in a positive state of mind, but not overly arrogant. Try to anticipate various different scenarios, which you may possibly encounter on the mountain and try to work out the most suitable course of action, mentally by yourself or even as a group. Your mental stamina will, without a doubt, make the really difficult sections, like from Kibo to Uhuru or from Barafu to Uhuru, easier to complete. Remember if you are properly equipped, you have taken everything as indicated on the Packing List, you are physically prepared and have all the knowledge gained from guide – you will be mentally confident for the physical part of Kilimanjaro.
ADEQUATE TRAVEL INSURANCE
Make sure that you have adequate travel and medical insurance, which will also provide you with cover for the climb up Kilimanjaro.
ON THE MOUNTAIN
GO SLOWLY
Go slowly – “Pole Pole” as they say in Swahili! This is also very important during your first days of climbing. Even if you feel well, slow down and enjoy the scenery. The biggest cause of altitude sickness is ascending too high too fast! The slower you hike to more time you give your body to acclimatise.
DRINK ENOUGH WATER
Make sure that you drink at least 3 – 4 litres of liquid a day – preferably water. For your first day it is recommended that you take along fresh water, which may be purchased at the hotel in Moshi before your climb. Try to get the bottles with the screw tops, this way you will also have containers in which to take water further up the mountain. Running water on the mountain is safe to drink from day-2 onwards, but care should still be taken. If you are not used to fresh water in nature, prevent any inconvenience by using water purification tablets.
REMEMBER! A functioning “body water balance” is one of the keys to a successful climb!
WALK HIGH – SLEEP LOW
If possible and especially on your acclimatization day “walk high – sleep low” Try to do a short evening stroll to a higher altitude and then descend to sleep at the camp at a lower altitude. This is essential on your acclimatization day.
TAKE A WALKING POLE
A walking pole is essential. Use of ski poles reduces external and internal loads on the knee joint by up to 20%. Using 1 ski pole is a must, but 2 poles are recommended.
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Travel Info
For Entry into Tanzania
Passport
Your passport must have at least six months of validity from the date of entry. Additionally, Tanzania requires that there should be a minimum of one blank page in your passport for a visa stamp upon arrival.
Visa
Most travellers visiting Tanzania require a visa for entry. You can determine your eligibility and apply for an e-visa by visiting the official website. The standard cost for a visa is $50 USD and processing time is around 2 weeks.
Travel insurance
Insurance is not a requirement to enter Tanzania, but in my opinion, travel insurance is a must – especially when going on safari. It provides peace of mind, covering unforeseen circumstances such as health emergencies, accidents, and loss of belongings.
Yellow Fever Vaccine*
Travelers aged 1 year and older arriving from countries at risk for yellow fever virus transmission must provide proof of yellow fever vaccination. This requirement also applies to layovers exceeding 12 hours in countries with a risk of yellow fever virus transmission. If you’re considering a layover in Addis Ababa or another place with yellow fever risk, keep this in mind.
Travel tip
Store your important paperwork securely in a waterproof and sealable bag to protect them from humidity and unexpected downpours. It’s also a good idea to make scanned copies of essential documents and store them in a separate location from the originals. This ensures a backup in case of loss or theft.
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Terms & Conditions
What You Need to Know
Your Deposit is Non-Refundable
As soon as you book, we begin preparing your journey – reserving your space, tailoring your support package, and getting vital logistics in motion. For that reason, deposits are non-refundable.
Full Payment is Due 90 Days Before Departure
To finalise your trip, full payment is required at least 90 days before your departure date. If you book within 90 days of departure, full payment will be due immediately.
Trip Forms Are Required Before We Can Proceed
Once your deposit is received, we’ll send you essential trip information, including forms for each participant. These must be completed before we can release further details about your trip – they’re crucial for us to tailor your experience properly and keep everything running smoothly.
Your Hosts in Tanzania
Your Kilimanjaro expedition will be hosted by our trusted partners, Migration Venture Africa. They are responsible for your on-the-ground experience from arrival in Tanzania through to your summit and return. We’ve built a long-standing, highly collaborative relationship with them to ensure everything meets the high standards we promise.
Flights Are Not Included
Please note that your package does not include international flights to or from Tanzania. However, we’re happy to advise on travel options if needed.
Coaching & Support Calls
You will receive video coaching sessions with Doug White (our endurance specialist) and Stevie Kidd as part of your package. These are delivered via video call. If you’d like to arrange additional coaching before or after your trip, we’re happy to organise that – just let us know (fees apply).
Need to Speak to Us?
We’re here to help. You can reach us any time on:
📞 +44 (0) 330 311 2413
📧 inspire@steviekidd.co.uk
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What People Said
“Absolutely life-changing, and very difficult to summarise the whole experience”
Lisa Newman
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Anete Eglija
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“I feel honoured to have been part of the Reach Your Peak Kilimanjaro trip. I experienced unbelievable personal growth, unexpected friendships and enlightenment to what I am actually capable of doing.”
Paula Pierceall
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