Summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro

Africa’s Tallest Mountain

Mt. Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest mountain and one of the world’s Seven Summits. The highest point, Uhuru Peak, tops out at 5,895 meters or 19,341 feet above sea level. While difficult to hike, it’s considered a “walking mountain,” as it doesn’t require specialized equipment or experience to summit. We spent 7 days hiking the Lemosho Route, a scenic route with a higher success rate than others. 

The Lemosho Route 

The Lemosho Route is a multi-day trek to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. It’s very scenic, leading through picturesque landscapes and all of the mountain’s climate zones. The summit becomes visibly closer each day of the hike, offering rewarding views. The Lemosho Route is best for slowly acclimating to the increases in altitude. It takes 8 days but can be completed in 6 or 7 days, depending on speed and acclimatization. The route has an elevation gain of 3,795 meters (12,450 feet) to reach the summit. It covers a distance of 48km (30 miles) to the Uhuru Peak. 

Preparation

The day prior to beginning our Mt. Kilimanjaro hike gave us time to prepare for the adventure of a lifetime. We were introduced to our guide who briefed us on the week ahead and inspected our gear. He brought us to RRM Outdoor Rental Equipment Stores to rent all missing gear needed for the hike. Afterwards, we went shopping for snacks at the Rafiki Supermarketand purchased Diamox from the Mount Kibo Pharmacy. We spent the evening relaxing at our hotel and sipping on a Kilimanjaro Lager as a toast to the upcoming trek!

Day One

Introductions.  The first day of our hike to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro began with an introduction to the crew that would be accompanying and supporting us over the week ahead. Our guide introduced us to the assistant guide, the cook and team of 10 porters! They sang the Kilimanjaro Song, Jambo Bwana, to warmly welcome us. We later heard it countless times at camps and along the trail to the summit. 

Lemosho Gate.  The crew shuttled us to the Lemosho Gate for the official start of our hike. In route, we passed through The Cultivation Zone, one of five climate zones on the mountain, characterized by hilly fields of hardy crops and pine trees. The gate marks the start of the Lemosho Route, beginning at an elevation of 2,100 meters (6,890 feet). The first 7km leads through the Vegetation Zone to the Mti Mkubwa Camp. 

The Vegetation Zone.  The Vegetation Zone is the second of five climate zones on the mountain. We hiked two hours through its verdant cloud forest and foggy pathways to reach the route’s first camp.

Mti Mkubwa Camp.  A small forest clearing surrounded by dense trees inhabited by wild monkeys. It sits at a relatively low elevation of 2,650 meters (8,695 feet). We met our crew here for our first night on the mountain. They set up our tent and outfitted it with a small dining nook stocked with teas, coffee, spreads and snacks. The cook served us the first of many feasts to come. The meal included cucumber soup, avocado salad, fried potatoes and fish makange. We played cards before bed, waking up in the middle of the night to see the starry arms of the Milky Way stretching across the sky.  

Day Two

An Early Start.  The day began with an early start before the sunrise. The crew prepared “bed tea,” hot water for washing and a breakfast spread comprised of porridge, crepes, omelettes and toast. Soon after, we continued our hike through the Vegetation Zone, passing moss covered trees with colobus monkeys jumping between their branches.

The Moorland Zone.  The trail led into, The Moorland Zone, the third of five climate zones on the mountain. It’s characterized by low lying bushes, dry grasses, flowering plants and small boulders. The open and dusty trail revealed scenic panoramas of the landscape and distant views of Kilimanjaro’s snow capped peak. We hiked 7km over 4 hours until reaching the Shira 1 Camp. 

Shira 1 Camp.  The first camp on the Shira Plateau, a relatively flat expanse of The Moorland Zone. The camp sits at a moderate elevation of 3,610 meters (11,844 feet). We arrived as the porters finished setting up our tent. Others arrived with large sacs balanced on their heads and packs slung over the shoulders. Ravens flew around us as we enjoyed the scenic views and ate vegetable pasta for lunch. 

Back On the Trail.  With plenty of energy and daylight left, we continued hiking across The Moorland Zone. The dusty trail lead us 10km further across the Shira Plateau to the Shira 2 Camp. We arrived a day ahead of schedule, having trekked 17km over the course of the day. Mt. Kilimanjaro’s icy peak grew noticeably closer. 

Shira 2 Camp.  A camp at the opposite end of the Shira Plateau at an elevation of 3,850 meters (12,631 feet). Colorful tents stood between boulders and bushes, rattled by strong winds of the open terrain. The sunset cast an amber glow across the landscape as the cold of night set in. We hunkered down inside of our tent, resting and waiting for dinner. The cook served us leek soup, coconut milk stewed beans and rice. We celebrated the success of the day with a packet of m&ms. 

Medical Evaluations.  With the increased elevation, our guides began performing nightly medical evaluations. They checked our heart rate, blood oxygen levels and general wellbeing. 

Day Three

A Rough Night.  No one slept well during the previous night. The cold and wind kept us and our crew awake more than half of the evening. The warmth of the sun rose spread across the Shira Plateau, melting the frost as we began day three. 

The Alpine Desert Zone.  The trail lead higher in elevation to The Alpine Desert Zone, the fourth of five climate zones on the mountain. The terrain was dry, rocky and barren with little to no vegetation. We spotted a tiny Four Striped Grass Mouse scurrying between the rocks. The temperate became colder and the air noticeably thinner. The trail lead steeply uphill to The Lava Tower.

The Lava Tower.  A jagged geological formation created by hardened lava that cooled inside a now eroded volcanic vent. At 4,600 meters (15,092 feet), it’s a key feature along the Lemosho Route and a high altitude campsite. Getting here was difficult due to the increased elevation, though necessary for acclimating.

A Temporary Descent.  The trail led us on a temporary descent from The Lava Tower, through The Alpine Desert and back into The Moorland. The path followed a partially frozen stream, past small waterfalls and into progressively lusher terrain. Colorful lichens covered boulders, green bushes sprouted from the hillside and flowers added color to the landscape. A grove of Giant Groundsels, grew from the riverside. They’re alien-like trees with a central trunk and bushy arms topped with green leafy flourish. 

Baranco Camp.  The trail led to the Baranco Camp, situated at an elevation of 3,900 meters (12,795 feet). It’s one of the largest camps on the mountain and a meeting point for multiple routes. A nomadic village of colorful tents, enthusiastic crews and optimistic hikers sprawl across the landscape. A sea of clouds parted to reveal the town of Moshi 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) below. We rested during the afternoon before dinner. The cook prepared Ndzi, a Tanzanian vegetable stew with plantains, sweet potato, green beans and onions served alongside Chapatti, an East African flatbread.

Day Four

The Baranco Wall.  The trail begins with a hike up the Baranco Wall, a steep rocky ridge just beyond the Baranco Camp. Hikers and their crews scale its 257 meter (843 feet) tall face. While steep, it doesn’t require any specialty equipment, only care and patience. The top of the wall has panoramic views of Mt. Kilimanjaro’s ice capped summit, the cloud covered lowlands and distant silhouette of the Meru Volcano. The trail continues 6km further through a series of scenic valleys to The Karanga Camp. 

The Karanga Camp.  The final camp before Mt. Kilimanjaro’s Base Camp. It resides at 3,995 meters (13,107 feet), similar in elevation to the past two camps. Us and our crew reached the camp by the early afternoon. We walked up the camp’s ridge to help with further with the acclimatization. The exposed location down slope from the glacial summit makes the camp cold, especially at nighttime. 

Pro Tip.  Stuff tomorrow’s clothes inside your sleeping bag at night to warm up before changing in the morning. Thanks mom! 

Day Five

The Hike to Base Camp.  Day 5 began with our assent to The Barafu Camp, Mt. Kilimanjaro’s Base Camp. We hiked 4km across the dry and aired terrain of The Alpine Desert. Slate rocks creaked like broken pottery beneath our feet. The snow covered peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro towered ahead. We reached the camp four hours later.

Barafu Camp.  Barafu translates to “Ice” in Swahili. It’s a cold place, located at an elevation of 4,673 meters (15,331 feet). Tents covered the rugged mountain side. We sat outside of ours, peering across the mountain’s saddle towards the jagged Mawenzi Peak, the third highest in Africa. The cook prepared vegetable soup, fried fish and savory potato pastries stuffed with veggies for lunch. We spent the remainder of the afternoon and evening relaxing and acclimating. 

Day Six

Midnight Hike to The Summit.  The hike to the summit began at midnight. Our guides led us uphill along steep winding trails through the dark of night. Rocks, dust and fine gravel crunched beneath our feet. The stars spanned the night sky, twinkling brightly overhead. Ice and snow banks appeared the further we hiked. Guide erupted into spontaneous songs offering encouragement to those along the trail. 

The Arctic Zone.  The trek to the summit brought us into The Arctic Zone, the fifth of five climate zones on the mountain. It’s characterized by subzero temperatures, snow covered terrain and icy glaciers. 

Stella Point.  Daylight began to break 6 hours into our hike. The scarlet hued sunrise cast a warm glow over the cold and barren landscape. It was at the same time that we reached Stella Point, a lower peak below the main summit. It stands at 5,756 meters (18,885 feet). 

The Trail to the Summit.  The trail continued one hour past Stella Point. Though relatively flat, the distance in between was the treacherous for many hikers suffering altitude sickness. Black lava rocks and glossy obsidian contrasted the white Arctic landscape. Icy pinnacles flanked the trail, glaciers hugged the slopes and snow blanketed the crater. 

Uhuru Peak.  Mt. Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest mountain and one of the World’s Seven Summits. The highest point, tops out at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level. After days of hiking, a congratulatory sign welcomed us to the summit! it was an overwhelming experience to reach. Tears were indeed shed. We celebrated with frozen candy bars and hot ginger tea. The mountain was surrounded by a sea of puffy white clouds. The shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro cast across them. 

The Rapid Descent.  The guides limited us to 15 minutes at the summit due to the harsh environmental conditions. The rapid descent to the base camp took 3 hours. We napped and ate lunch before descending further into the Moorland Zone. The trail lead to the High Camp, located at 3,950 meters (12,960 feet), one hour and a half later. It was the perfect rest area but not our final camp. The descent continued into the Vegetation Zone. Porters passed us in both directions as we followed the rocky path to the Mweka Camp, located at an elevation of 3,100 meters (10,171 feet). We spent our last night camping on the mountain here. 

Day Seven

Crew Appreciation.  The final day began with a goodbye to our mountain crew. We met them after breakfast to express our gratitude and to distribute tips. 

The Rainforest Hike.  The last leg of our journey led us through the rainforest. Our guide led us along the muddy and slippery trail through the foggy forest. Moss covered trees, giant ferns and tiny orchids flanked the path. Monkeys hopped between tree branches as birds squawked in the canopy. It took 3 hours to reach the park gate. 

Certificates & Celebration.  Park rangers verified our successful hike to the summit and awarded us certificates recognizing the achievement. Our crew brought us back to our hotel in Moshi and presented them to us while singing the Kilimanjaro song, Jambo Bwana. We spent the afternoon relaxing and celebrating with a bottle of South African bubbly while overlooking the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. 

Moshi, Tanzania

Moshi is a town at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro and starting point for many multi-day hikes up the mountain. The town is home to tour operators, gear outfitters, pharmacies, grocery stores and hotels making it easy location for last minute gear and needs. 

Local Resources

Rede Tours & Safaris.  A well reviewed tour operator offering multi-day hiking trips to the summit Mt. Kilimanjaro. We booked the Unforgettable 8 Days Lemosho Route Trekking on Kilimanjaro with them prior to arriving in Moshi. They arranged every aspect of our hike including guides, porters, a cook and supplies. 

Rafiki Supermarket.  A chain grocery store with aisles of snacks and drinks. Come here to stock up on granola, dates, chocolates and chips prior to hiking. 

RRM Outdoor Rental Equipment Store.  An outdoor outfitter with all rental gear needed to hike Mt. Kilimanjaro. We rented several items needed to complete the hike at the recommendation of our guide. Cost can quickly add up so be sure you actually need everything being recommended. 

Mount Kibo Pharmacy.  One of the largest pharmacies in Moshi. They sell Diamox, a medication used to cope with AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) also known as altitude sickness. No prescription is needed and a weak supply costs less than $1. 

Where to Stay

The Belle View Inn Bed and Breakfast.  A small hotel with comfortable rooms, daily breakfast, luggage storage and transportation between the airport. We stayed here before and after our hike to Mt. Kilimanjaro. On a clear day, the peak of the mountain is visible from their second floor breakfast hut! Reserve on Booking.

Places to Eat & Drink 

Having some time in Moshi before and after our hike to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, we dined out at a couple local restaurants and a coffee house. 

Maembe Garden.  An elevated restaurant with Swahili cuisine and well made cocktails. We came here to celebrate after summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro. Try the veggies samosas and fish makange. To drink, order a Dawa, the local cocktail made with vodka, honey, lime and sugar. 

Aikama Organic Restaurant.  A restaurant in a commercial shopping center with Tanzanian and Swahili food. We each ordered the Fish Makange, a whole fried fish covered in a mixture of sautéed bell peppers and onions. It’s typically served with cardamom rice. 

SSOH Coffee Factory.  A cafe and roastery with house roasted Tanzanian coffee and artisanal madeleines.

Hiking Tips & Preparation 

Hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro requires little preparation outside of practice hikes and acquiring the correct gear. We came up with several tips to follow while on the mountain. 

Practice Hikes.  Practice half to full day hikes on weekends with some steep inclines at least one month prior to condition yourself. 

Support Network.  Hike the mountain with a group or someone you know. Having a support network while hiking goes a long way. Guides are also great hype-men along the way!

Stay Positive.  Believe in yourself and stay positive! Celebrate milestones with little rewards like the eating a chocolate when you reach the next camp or rest area. 

Stay Hydrated.  Dehydration is the largest concern when hiking. Bring or rent an CamelBak with capacity for 3 liters of water per day. Have guides refill them before hiking for the day. Drink ginger tea to open the airways. Avoid drinking alcohol. 

Pace Yourself.  The altitude and exhaustion can quickly added up. Hike a longer route, like the Lemosho Route, to spend more time acclimating to the high altitude. 

Dress Warm.  Temperatures at night and especially at the summit are below freezing. Plan to add layers the further you ascend and strip them off as you descend. 

Extreme UV.  Prepare for extreme UV radiation at high elevations. Wear sunblock during the day, protective lip balm and UV reflective sunglasses. 

Nighttime Noise.  The noise of the wind is enough to keep you up at night. Being ear plugs or noise canceling headphones to drown out sounds. 

Best Time of Year.  Hike during the dry season for the least chance of rain, snow and muddy trails. It’s colder during this time of year but is often the best time to hike Mt Kilimanjaro. The dry season lasts from July to October. We hiked in late July. 

Hygiene.  Basic squatting toilets are available at each campsite. Bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Guides often provide hot water and soap before meals. Some even offer scented hot towels. 

Cell Service. There is minimal cell service or network on the mountain. Plan to disconnect or use limited service to keep family and friends updated. 

Electricity.  There is no electricity on the mountain. Bring a high capacity power bank to keep devices charged. Keep phones on airplane and low power mode to conserve battery. Store phones and power banks in a warm location. 

Packing List 

Clothing 

• Thermal leggings or underwear 

• Thermal long sleeve shirts 

• Waterproof rain jacket & rain pants 

• Insulated winter coat 

• Insulated snow pants 

• Winter hat, gloves & scarf

• Wool sweaters 

• Thermal socks 

Gear 

• Hiking boots 

• Pair of hiking poles 

• Gators (to cover ankles from dust) 

• Headlamp & extra batteries 

• High capacity power bank

• Sunglasses 

• Sunblock 

• Lip balm with SPF

• CamelBak for water 

• Thermal water bottle for hot drinks 

• Hand and toe warmers 

• Toilet paper 

• Hand sanitizer

• Facial wipes 

• Diamox (altitude sickness medication) 

• Insulated sleeping bag 

• Backpack or Daypack 

• Pillow or neck cushion for sleeping 

• Hiking mattress(typically included) 

• Tent (typically included) 

Snacks 

• Trail mix or granola 

• Chocolates (m&ms & candy bar)

• Dried ginger candies 

• Peppermint hard candies 

• Ginger tea 

Costs & Tipping 

Hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro is expensive! Costs are not always clear when booking tours. Make sure to understand all costs and fees ahead of time. 

Costs & Fees.  We booked a “budget” hike for $1,500 USD per person. This covered entry permits, food and some equipment. An additional $700 USD per person was paid in person to cover crew wages. 

Tipping.  Providing gratuities is a standard practice and expected after hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro. Below is a breakdown of the expected amounts to pay per group. Individual tips will be less depending on group size, crew size and number of days hiking. Tips are given to the lead guide, announced and distributed on the last day of the hike. 

• Lead Guides:  $20-$25 per day 

• Assistant Guides:  $15-$20 per day 

• Cooks:  $10-$20 per day 

• Porters:  $8-$10 per day

• Specialty Porter (Waiter, Summit Porter, Toilet Porter): $10-$12 per day

Swahili Words & Phrases 

Swahili is the local language in Tanzania. We learned several basic words and phrases from our guides and porters while hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro.  

• Pole Pole.  Slowly slowly or take it easy. It’s the speed and theme on the mountain often repeated by guides, porters and trekkers. 

• Hakuna Matata.  The phrase made world famous by the Lion King. It’s a real Swahili phrase meaning no worries or no problems. It’s often used to let guides know you’re doing okay. 

• Jambo. A formal greeting meaning hello. 

• Mambo.  An informal greeting meaning hello or how are you?

• Poa or Poa Poa. A common response to Mambo, meaning good or well. 

• Habari Asubuhi.Good morning. 

• Lala Salama.  Good night or sleep well.

• Kwa Heri.  Goodbye. 

• Asante.  Thank you. 

• Asante Sana.  Thank you very much. 

• Karibu.  Welcome or you’re welcome.

Elsewhere in Tanzania 

We spent four weeks traveling across Tanzania. The country is a remarkable destination for adventure seekers, nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts. Escape to beaches and spice gardens on the tropical island of Zanzibar or explore the country’s vast national parks and wildlife on a Tanzanian Safari. 

For Next Time…

Though we don’t expect to hike Mt. Kilimanjaro again, we learned about Tanzania’s Mt. Meru, another hike-able volcano in the Arusha National Park. It’s the country’s second tallest mountain, after Mt. Kilimanjaro. Its summit reaches heights of 4,566 meters (14,980 feet). It can be hiked in 3-4 days. The route combines elements of a safari with bush camping and mountain hiking. 

Tanzanian Safari

Tanzanian Safari

Tanzania is the land of safaris and African adventures! Its vast nature reserves and national parks are home to scenic landscapes teeming with wildlife, herds of animals and endangered species. We spent four days roadtripping on a safari across the country visiting Tarangire National Park, The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. 

Tarangire National Park 

Tarangire National Park is a popular safari park home to parades of African elephants and ancient baobab trees. We joined a half day game drive through the park on the first day of our safari. 

Tarangire Landscapes.  Dusty roads lead through the scenic landscapes of Tarangire National Park. The terrain is defined by massive baobab trees, umbrella shaped acacia trees, dry grasslands and towering termite mounds. The baobab trees are easily recognizable by their massive trunks and large branching limbs. Some live to be several hundred years old.

Wild Animals.  The Tarangire is plentiful with African animals and wildlife. Small herds of wildebeests, zebra and giraffes gathered together to feed on trees and grasses. A pair of cape buffalo raised their heads from the bush, showing off their massive horns. Warthogs kneeled in the savanna, nibbling on dry grasses as they scurried around. Hornbill toucans and vibrant starlings hopped between tree branches and fluttered away. Waterback antelopes gazed back at us through our binoculars. Baboons and mischievous monkeys sat along roadsides and picnic areas waiting for opportunities to steal food. 

African Elephants.  Large parades of African elephants roam freely around the Tarangire. Soon after entering the park, we spotted over 20 elephants pulling down branches from acacia trees and feeding on grasses. We spotted a second herd marching through a valley. Tiny infants walked slowly alongside parents with lengthy tusks as one. They later crossed a river as we watched from a picnic area at lunch. We parked along the dirt road as a third parade crossed in front of us. A dozen elephants trotted by like a slow moving stampede, raising their trunks and rocking their heads as they passed.

Twiga Campsite & Lodge.  A budget hotel with a small campground, communal restrooms, buffet restaurant and outdoor pool. Three rows of Safari style tents line the lawn in front of the hotel. Inside are Massai woven bed cushions and standard sleeping bags. We camped here overnight after exploring Tarangire National Park.

Serengeti National Park 

The Serengeti is one of Africa’s most famed national park’s and wildlife reserves. Its vast savannas are home to a large population of big cats, predators and African animals. We spent two days on safari in the park, camping overnight in the bush. 

Serengeti Landscapes.  Vast savannas and dry grasslands stretch across the horizon of the Serengeti, occasionally interrupted by the lone acacia tree, termite mound or Kopjes. Safari vehicles zoom down dirt roads, leaving clouds of dust in their wake. Fiery sunsets cast shades of magenta and orange across the sky as silhouettes of acacia trees contrast the horizon.

Kopjes.  Dramatic granite outcrops that rise from the savanna like an island in a sea of grass. They’re also known as “pride rocks” and serve as important habitats for big cats like lions, cheetahs and leopards. 

The Great Migration.  The Great Migration is the largest migration event on the planet. Over a million wildebeests migrate alongside hundreds of thousands of zebras and antelopes from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara in search of food and water. We witnessed the incredible event unfold across the vast landscape. Organized lines of wildebeests snaked across the savanna, trotting and honking as they migrated. A herd passed by a pride of male lions and later crossed the crocodile infested Mara River. Mass herds of wildebeests, zebras and antelopes gathered in the savanna grazing on grasses after migrating long distances. 

Lions.  Lions rein in the Serengeti! Three greeted us just before entering the Nkuyu Gate. One patrolled the roadway, another shaded under a bridge and the third drank from a puddle beside our Land Cruiser, its orange fur and fluffy mane within reaching distance. Several lions napped under a lone acacia tree in the middle of the savanna. Four lionesses prowled through the golden grasses. A majestic lion posed for photos, its amber eyes stared back at us with a genuine fearsomeness. 

Cheetahs.  Cheetahs are one of the most beautiful and powerful animals on the savanna. We encountered a trio napping and watching the horizon for approaching prey. 

Leopards.  Leopards are one of the most difficult animals to spot on the savanna. Our guide spotted one, very well camouflaged and perched on a Kopjes. To our surprise, two cute leopard cubs appeared and began licking the larger one before walking off together.

Hyena.  A solo hyena blocked the road as night fell. It yawned, showing off its pointed teeth before stretching and walking off into the sunset. 

Herds & Wildlife.  Herds of impala, gazelle and zebra roam freely across the dry plaines of the Serengeti. Rarer sights were wildebeest and hartebeest, having migrated on their annual migration to the Maasai Mara in Kenya. Towers of giraffe and parades of elephants march across the savanna in search of food and water. Though more difficult to see, small game like warthogs, jackals and mongoose forage in the low grasses. 

Seronera River.  A narrow river flowing through the south eastern Serengeti. Its lush banks are an oasis for Nile crocodile and large families of bathing hippos. Hundreds of hippos soak with their heads and backs above the water, huffing, puffing and snorting after fully submerging. A rare sight was an 8 ft long python slowly slithering across the ground not far from a large crocodile.

Pimbi Public Campsite.  Camping in the Serengeti is one of the most exciting way to experience the national park. The Pimbi Public Campsite is located in the middle of the Serengeti, completely exposed to the grassy plains and animals that roam them. We camped in tents for one night, arriving shortly after sunset. The cackle of hyena could be heard somewhere in the distance. The roars of lions reverberated across the savanna at night. We woke up to two leopards retuning from their hunt, climbing onto the rocks less than 300 meters from our camp.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area 

Ngorongoro is a lush conservation area famed for its volcanic caldera, large population of predators and variety of birdlife. We camped one night on the crater rim before descending into its expansive floor for a morning game drive.

The Ngorongoro Crater.  The crater is Africa’s largest caldera and the heart of the Ngorongoro Reserve. Its forested walls, grassy floor and alkaline lake is a cradle for life and host to countless species. Formed by the collapse of a prehistoric volcano, its walls tower an average of 2,000 feet above the crater floor. An observation deck looks into its vast expanse from the rim.

Lions & Cats.  Lions are the primary predator in The Ngorongoro Crater. We spotted a lioness and her three cubs walking along the roadside. A very majestic male lion with a dark mane stood in the grasses, looking across the landscape. A little serval slept in the dry grasses and morning sunlight.

Predators & Scavengers.  The Ngorongoro Crater is famed for its high concentration of predators and scavengers. A pride of several lions took down a juvenile wildebeest minutes before we reached the crater floor. The lions sat gnawing on its carcass, bones and skull. A pack of hyena surrounded the lions, waiting in the grasses for a chance at stealing scraps. Two jackals stared on as a flock of vultures flew overhead waiting for leftovers. Further into the crater, a pack of hyena feasted on a dead hippo, pulling intestines from the animal’s carcass.

Lake Magadi.  An alkaline lake in the Ngorongoro Crater home to a variety of aquatic birds like pink flamingos, blue hurons, yellow billed storks, cormorant, egrets and Egyptian Ibis flock to the lake. African crowned cranes, large ostrich, secretary birds and kori bustard forage in the surrounding grasses. Families of hippos lounge in the shallow waters while cape buffalo gather in the marshes. 

Herds of Animals.  Herds are confined to the crater year round due to its vast scale and range of ecosystems. Wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, buffalo and warthogs roam freely in the grasslands. Elephants and giraffes wander the forested crater walls and rim. 

Simba Campsite A.  A large campground on the Ngorongoro Crater Rim. It’s popular with both tenters and camper vans, offering amenities like shared kitchens, restrooms, hot showers, fire pits and a camp store. The campsite is surrounded by lush forest home to wild animals. An elephant walked along the camp’s perimeter, a herd of zebra grazed outside of our tents and a tower of giraffes sat across a distant hill. 

Good to Know. The elevation of the crater rim sits at an average elevation of 7,500 feet above sea level. Its altitude results in cooler temperatures, especially at night. 

Maasai Village. Rural Tanzania is home to many African tribes, particularly the Maasai. They live in small communities comprised of cylindrical mud huts topped with conical thatched roofs. Many wear traditional robes, distinguished by their color and pattern. Maasai men shepherd cows, goats and sheep between fields. The women and children operate roadside stands selling woven baskets, bush honey and safari style paintings. There is a high concentration of Maasai villages on the route through Ngorongoro to the Serengeti.

Suricata Safaris

We booked our 4 day, 3 night group camping safari in Tarangire National Park, The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater with Suricata Safarison Viator. It included all park fees, camping equipment, meals, water and transportation in a 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser. 

Where to Stay

The city of Arusha is a hub for Tanzanian safaris, located within a few hours of some of the country’s most famed reserves and national parks. Its common to stay here for at least a day before and after a safari.

Serengeti Villa.  A boutique eco hotel in Arusha with tropical gardens, safari style rooms and tribal furniture. The villa serves delicious Swahili meals and local beers, hosts nightly bonfires and offers services like laundry and luggage storage. Our only regret was not staying longer. Reserve on Booking.

Good to Know

When to Visit.  The dry season, from July to October, is the best time of year to visit Tanzania for a safari.

Dust.  The savanna can be extremely dusty during the dry season. Bring wipes to clean off with and wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. 

Binoculars.  Being a pair of good binoculars to view distant animals and close up details of nearby game. We bought a pair of Nikon Monarch M5 with 10x42 magnification. 

Camera.  Phones can great for social media photos however, a professional camera is much better for detailed and close up photos. 

Tipping.  Plan to tip safari guides between $10-$20 USD per day per person.

Swahili Words & Phrases 

Swahili is the local language in Tanzania. We learned several basic words and phrases from our guides. 

• Jambo.  A formal greeting meaning hello. 

• Mambo.  An informal greeting meaning hello or how are you?

• Poa or Poa Poa.  A common response to Mambo, meaning good or well. 

• Habari Asubuhi.  Good morning. 

• Lala Salama.  Good night or sleep well.

• Kwa Heri.  Goodbye. 

• Asante.  Thank you. 

• Asante Sana.  Thank you very much. 

• Karibu.  Welcome or you’re welcome.

• Hakuna Matata.  The phrase made world famous by the Lion King. It’s a real Swahili phrase meaning no worries or no problems.

Elsewhere in Tanzania 

We spent four weeks traveling across Tanzania. The country is a remarkable destination for adventure seekers, nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts. Hike to the summit of Africa’s tallest mountain, Mt. Kilimanjaro or escape to beaches and spice gardens on the tropical island of Zanzibar.

For Next Time…

We spent four days in the back of a Toyota Land Cruiser exploring Tanzania’s savannas, craters and national parks. Next time we return, we plan to experience a safari on foot and by air.

Walking Safari.  Guided safaris led on foot by rangers lead visitors through the Arusha National Park to see wildlife up close and personal. Unlike multi day safaris, the park offers full and half day experiences. 

Hot Air Ballon Safari.  Hot air balloons float through the early morning skies of the Serengeti. Once in the park, tour operators offer aerial safaris of its vast grasslands and kopjes.