Standing on the highest mountain in Africa and witnessing millions of wildebeest crossing the Serengeti plains is one of the world’s greatest travel experiences. A Kilimanjaro and Great Migration Safari combines two of Tanzania’s most iconic adventures into one unforgettable journey. You will challenge yourself by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro before rewarding your achievement with an incredible safari following the Great Wildebeest Migration.
At Colours Africa Tours and Safaris, based in Arusha, Tanzania, we specialize in creating seamless mountain and safari itineraries. Our experienced local guides carefully plan every detail, from your Kilimanjaro trek to your wildlife safari, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and memorable holiday.
This guide explains everything you need to know about combining a Kilimanjaro climb with a Great Migration safari, including the best travel seasons, recommended routes, itinerary options, accommodation, and practical travel tips.
Why Choose a Kilimanjaro and Great Migration Safari?
A Kilimanjaro climb and the Great Migration are two bucket-list experiences. Combining them into one trip saves time, simplifies travel, and allows you to experience Tanzania’s incredible landscapes, wildlife, and culture in a single holiday.
We recommend climbing Mount Kilimanjaro first while your energy levels are highest. After reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 metres), you can relax on safari while searching for the Big Five and witnessing one of nature’s greatest wildlife spectacles.
Benefits of Combining Both Adventures
- Experience Africa’s highest mountain and greatest wildlife migration.
- Enjoy a professionally planned itinerary with seamless transfers.
- Discover Tanzania’s diverse landscapes, from glaciers to savannahs.
- Spot the Big Five in world-famous national parks.
- Choose from mid-range, luxury, or fly-in safari options.
- Customize your itinerary with a Zanzibar beach extension.
What Is the Great Wildebeest Migration?
The Great Wildebeest Migration is the world’s largest land animal migration. Every year, more than 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, move through the Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grass and water.
Along the way, they face dramatic river crossings, predators such as lions, crocodiles, cheetahs, and leopards, and constantly changing landscapes.
The migration takes place throughout the year, with different locations offering unique wildlife experiences depending on the season.
Best Time for a Kilimanjaro and Great Migration Safari
Choosing the right travel dates depends on which stage of the migration you would like to experience.
January to March – Calving Season
Southern Serengeti and Ndutu become the birthplace of thousands of wildebeest calves.
Highlights
- Baby wildebeest
- Predator action
- Excellent photography
- Green landscapes
April to June – Western Corridor
The herds move toward the Western Corridor and Grumeti River.
Highlights
- Large migrating herds
- Fewer visitors
- Beautiful scenery
July to October – Mara River Crossings
This is the most famous period of the migration.
Northern Serengeti offers dramatic river crossings where wildebeest brave crocodile-filled waters as they move between Tanzania and Kenya.
Highlights
- Mara River crossings
- Massive wildlife concentrations
- Peak safari season
November to December – Return South
The migration returns toward the southern Serengeti, preparing for the next calving season.
Suggested 14-Day Kilimanjaro and Great Migration Safari Itinerary
| Day | Destination | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport | Transfer to Arusha |
| Days 2–8 | Mount Kilimanjaro | 7-Day Machame Route or 8-Day Lemosho Route |
| Day 9 | Arusha | Rest after the climb |
| Day 10 | Central Serengeti | Afternoon game drive |
| Days 11–12 | Northern Serengeti | Great Migration safari and Mara River crossings (seasonal) |
| Day 13 | Ngorongoro Crater | Big Five game drive |
| Day 14 | Return to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport | Departure |
Phase One: Conquering the Roof of Africa
Your holiday begins on the magnificent slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
For combined packages, we highly recommend:
- 7-Day Machame Route
- 8-Day Lemosho Route
These routes follow the important climb high, sleep low principle, allowing your body to adjust gradually to the altitude. This greatly reduces the risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS) and improves your summit success.
During the climb, you will pass through five unique ecological zones:
- Tropical rainforest
- Heath and moorland
- Alpine desert
- Arctic summit zone
- Glacier fields near Uhuru Peak
Reaching Uhuru Peak is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement and the perfect beginning to your Tanzania adventure.
Phase Two: Follow the Great Migration Safari Destinations
After descending Mount Kilimanjaro, you will exchange your hiking boots for a comfortable safari vehicle and begin tracking one of nature’s greatest spectacles.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is a year-round journey involving more than 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles as they move across the Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grazing.
Our experienced safari guides carefully plan your itinerary according to the migration’s location during your travel dates.
Great Migration Calendar
| Travel Months | Best Location | Main Experience |
| January – March | Southern Serengeti (Ndutu) | Calving season and predator action |
| April – June | Western Corridor & Central Serengeti | Large migrating herds and Grumeti River crossings |
| July – October | Northern Serengeti | Mara River crossings |
| November – December | Eastern & Southern Serengeti | Return migration toward the south |
January to March – Calving Season
If you travel during the first months of the year, your safari will focus on Southern Serengeti and Ndutu.
Thousands of wildebeest calves are born every day on the nutrient-rich plains.
This attracts large numbers of:
- Lions
- Cheetahs
- Hyenas
- Leopards
It is one of the best seasons for wildlife photography and predator sightings.
July to October – Mara River Crossings in Northern Serengeti
Between July and October, the migration reaches Northern Serengeti.
This is the most famous stage of the migration as thousands of wildebeest attempt to cross the Mara River while avoiding crocodiles waiting beneath the water.
Watching these dramatic crossings is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife experiences.
Central Serengeti- Big Cats
Central Serengeti offers excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year and is home to large populations of lions, leopards, elephants, and cheetahs
Ngorongoro Crater – A Big Five Safari
Every combined itinerary includes a full-day safari inside the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to approximately 25,000 large mammals, including:
- Lions
- Elephants
- Buffaloes
- Leopards
- Endangered black rhinos
It is one of the best places in Africa to complete your Big Five checklist.
Helpful Travel Tips
1. Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Booking your international flights into Kilimanjaro International Airport saves travel time and provides easy access to both Arusha and Mount Kilimanjaro.
2. Pack Two Separate Bags
Packing separate luggage makes your adventure much easier.
Mountain Duffel Bag
Carry only your climbing equipment, including:
- Warm clothing
- Hiking boots
- Sleeping bag
- Trekking gear
Our porter team will carry this bag during the climb.
Safari Suitcase
Pack your safari essentials separately, including:
- Casual clothing
- Camera equipment
- Binoculars
- Evening wear
We’ll safely store your safari luggage at our Arusha office while you’re climbing and deliver it before your safari begins.
3. Walk Pole Pole
On Mount Kilimanjaro, your guides will encourage you to walk “Pole Pole,” meaning “slowly, slowly.”
Walking slowly helps:
- Improve acclimatization
- Reduce fatigue
- Conserve energy
- Increase your summit success
It also ensures you’re ready to enjoy your safari after the climb.
4. Consider a Fly-In Safari
Driving to the remote regions of Serengeti can take many hours.
A fly-in safari allows you to travel from Arusha Airport (ARK) directly to a Serengeti airstrip in about 45 minutes.
Benefits include:
- Less travel time
- More time on safari
- Greater comfort after your climb
- Easy access to Northern or Southern Serengeti
5. Carry Good Camera Equipment
A Kilimanjaro and Great Migration Safari offers incredible photography opportunities, from mountain landscapes to dramatic wildlife encounters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I climb Kilimanjaro and see the Great Migration in one trip?
Yes. A 12 to 16-day itinerary allows enough time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and enjoy a Great Migration safari.
Which months are best?
- January–March: Calving season
- July–October: Mara River crossings
Which Kilimanjaro route is recommended?
The Machame Route and Lemosho Route offer the best balance of scenery, acclimatization, and summit success.
Is this package suitable for honeymooners?
Yes. Many couples choose this adventure before adding a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar.
Responsible Travel with Colours Africa Tours and Safaris
We are committed to responsible tourism that protects Tanzania’s natural heritage and supports local communities. Our Kilimanjaro expeditions promote ethical porter welfare, while our safaris follow responsible wildlife-viewing practices that respect animals and their habitats. By travelling with us, you contribute to sustainable tourism and conservation efforts across Tanzania.
Book Your Kilimanjaro and Great Migration Safari
A Kilimanjaro and Great Migration Safari is one of Africa’s most rewarding travel experiences.
Whether you dream of standing on the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, witnessing the dramatic Mara River crossings, or watching thousands of wildebeest during the calving season, our expert team will create the perfect itinerary for you.
Whether you are travelling as a couple, family, solo explorer, or private group, Colours Africa Tours and Safaris will create a personalized itinerary that matches your travel dates, interests, and budget.