Kilimanjaro Trek & Serengeti National Park

Arusha is located at the foothills of Mount Meru on the eastern side of the Great Rift Valley. This is the gateway to the northern safari circuit, with easy access to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Mount Meru. Its elevation of 1,400 m (4,600 ft) keeps temperatures relatively cool despite proximity to the equator; temperatures generally range between 10 and 30 C (50 and 86F), with little humidity due to the altitude.

Established in 1973, Mt Kilimanjaro National Park covers 1,688 sq km (652 sq mi), which includes the whole of Mount Kilimanjaro above the tree line and its surrounding montane forest above 1,820 m (5,970 ft).

The “Roof of Africa,” Mt Kilimanjaro is not only Africa’s highest peak at 5,895 m (19,341 ft), but also one of the world's highest volcanoes and the world’s tallest walkable mountain. No climbing equipment is needed to reach the peak, but that doesn't mean its easy. Climbers traverse 80 km (50 mi) to reach the summit on this challenging multi-day journey, ascending through five different ecological zones, each with its own flora and fauna.

The majority of the park is in the montane forest belt, an area teeming with wildlife. More than 150 species of mammals live on the mountain, including seven primates and hundreds of bird species. It is also home to the Chagga people, who rely on its rich volcanic soil and bountiful supply of pure spring water for their agricultural livelihood.

Although positioned close to the equator (just 330 km south), Mt Kilimanjaro is notoriously snow-capped, its glaciers towering majestically over the savannah plains. It has three volcanic cones situated near the fault-line of two tectonic plates: Mawenzi, Shira, and Kibo. Kibo is the tallest and dormant, while the other two are extinct. It’s estimated that Shira's peak once stood at least 16,000 ft high before it collapsed to form what is known as the "Shira Plateau." Currently, Kilimanjaro's highest summit is Uhuru Peak, located on Kibo’s crater.

There are several different routes for climbing Kilimanjaro. These include the Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, Northern circuit and Machame. Our hike starts at Machame gate, ascending through afromontane forest and then into the heath zone and onto the edge of the remnants of the Shira volcano. The route then circumnavigates the main peak, Kibo, counterclockwise on the route, passing some spectacular features, such as giant steps and glacial valleys. The final ascent is from Barafu camp. It is a night-time ascent to Uhuru Peak via Stella Point. The descent is via the Mweka route.

Singita Grumeti, situated adjacent to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, is an integral part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, the home of the Great Migration. The reserve was created by the Tanzanian government in 1994 in order to protect the path of the annual wildebeest migration and the indigenous biodiversity of this vast, important ecosystem. In 2002, the Grumeti Community and Wildlife Conservation Fund (now known as the Grumeti Fund), a not-for-profit organisation, was granted the right to manage and conserve the 350,000 acres.
Singita took over the management of the property to enhance low-impact luxury tourism. The area has the benefit of a few lodges and so provides an exclusive game viewing experience in a very high-quality game area. Other than black rhino, all of the big five are present. Even outside of the May-June peak when the migration comes through, the reserve has very good resident wildlife.

Journeying into the heart of Africa’s most untouched and remote wilderness areas, Singita’s twice-daily game drives present the opportunity for intimate connections with nature and discovering the raw beauty of the continent’s most magnificent creatures up close. Each tailormade exploration with your personal field guide celebrates the freedom to spend unfiltered time in wide-open spaces and while no two Singita game drives are ever the same, you are bound to be enchanted by vivid encounters with Africa’s most iconic wildlife.

In addition to game drives and guided safari walks, activities include community visits, wellness treatments, wine experiences, a fitness centre, swimming pool, and optional visit to the anti-poaching observation post.