Tanzania route: Kilimanjaro to Serengeti, 17 places to see

Explore Tanzania's diverse landscapes across 17 destinations, from the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro to the wildlife-rich Serengeti National Park. This route connects iconic safari regions including Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro Crater, along with volcanic peaks like Ol Doinyo Lengai and remote areas such as Lake Tanganyika, Gombe Stream National Park, and Mafia Island.

Distance
7141.3 km
Mode
Places
Start
Mount Kilimanjaro
End
Mafia Island
Stops
18
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Mount Kilimanjaro — 5895m ice-capped mountain, climbed during the trek.
  2. Serengeti National Park — Wildlife-rich safari destination across Tanzania.
  3. Ol Doinyo Lengai — 2878m active volcano with fuming crater.
  4. Ngorongoro Crater — Major volcanic crater and wildlife reserve in northern Tanzania.
  5. Lake Natron — Shallow soda lake in northern Tanzania.
  6. Arusha — Major city and gateway for northern Tanzania safaris and treks.
  7. Dar es Salaam — Largest city in Tanzania with coastal access.
  8. Zanzibar — Tropical island with turquoise waters.
  9. Lake Tanganyika — Major freshwater lake in western Tanzania.
  10. Tarangire National Park — Wildlife reserve in northern Tanzania.
  11. Lake Manyara National Park — Game reserve in northern Tanzania.
  12. Gombe Stream National Park — Chimpanzee sanctuary in western Tanzania.
  13. Cheetah, Leopard & Lion
  14. Serengeti National Park
  15. Kalambo Falls
  16. Ruaha National Park
  17. Isimila & Usambara Mountains
  18. Mafia Island

Useful for your trip

Timing
Visit Tanzania during dry season (January-February) for optimal safari conditions and less congestion on mountain routes.
Transport
Rent a Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 for safari exploration. Use code LUCAS5 with Safari Masters for 5% discount on rental fees.
Tip
Choose the 8-day Lemosho Route for Kilimanjaro to allow proper altitude acclimatization and reduce altitude sickness risk at 5,895m elevation.
Tip
Start Kilimanjaro summit attempt at 3:00 AM instead of midnight—psychologically easier to walk 3 hours in darkness than 6 hours.
Avoid
Do not underestimate Kilimanjaro despite its non-technical climb. Altitude sickness affects many climbers; choose longer routes for better acclimatization.
Timing
Plan 5-6 weeks to properly explore Tanzania's diverse regions: Kilimanjaro, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti (37 days covered ~4,650 km).
Save money
Budget approximately 12,400 EUR for a 5-week Tanzania trip, including car rental (~2,900 EUR), fuel (~575 EUR), and park entry fees (~2,307 EUR).
Tip
As a self-driver in national parks, you can avoid crowded main gates by exploring quieter trail networks—especially in Tarangire and Ngorongoro.
Timing
Visit Ngorongoro Crater in morning hours when ungulates actively feed; by midday they rest and are less active for viewing.
Tip
Book Kilimanjaro trek with ZAFS Tours for experienced guides. Book balloon flights with Miracle Experience for aerial Serengeti views.
Tip
Expect daily altitude health checks during Kilimanjaro trek to monitor altitude sickness symptoms; poor sleep at high elevation is normal.
Avoid
Expect significant congestion on Kilimanjaro during dry season—hundreds climb daily. Consider quieter alternative peaks like Ol Doinyo Lengai (2,878m).

Video on this route

TANZANIA TRAVEL DOCUMENTARY | Kilimanjaro & 4x4 Safari Roadtrip 🇹🇿

More routes nearby

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