How long does a Kilimanjaro and Safari combo take?

Most combo trips run 10-14 days: 7 days for the Kilimanjaro climb (Machame or Lemosho route) plus 3-4 days of safari in Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Shorter 9-day combos are possible on the Rongai or Northern Circuit routes.

Do I need to be fit for both the climb and the safari?

Yes. The Kilimanjaro portion requires strong cardiovascular fitness and stamina for multi-day high-altitude trekking. Safari is accessible to most fitness levels - game drives are done from a 4x4 vehicle.

Can I do safari after climbing Kilimanjaro?

Absolutely. Many operators recommend this exact order: summit first, then recover with a safari. Arusha is the base for both, and transfers between the mountain and safari parks are short.

Written by Don Kassim·Founder, Safari Kilimanjaro·Published April 17, 2026·Last updated August 10, 2026

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Planning

Tanzania Safari Weather

Month-by-month guide to what weather to expect on your Tanzania safari.

Month	Weather	Temp	Verdict
January	Dry season. Sunny and warm. Excellent for wildlife viewing — animals concentrate around water sources. Peak season.	20-30C	Excellent
February	Dry season continues. Hot and sunny. Great for wildlife and beach extension. Short crowds before March rains.	21-31C	Very Good
March	Long rains begin. Lush green landscapes. Fewer tourists. Roads can be muddy in parks.	20-28C	Good (green season)
April	Peak of long rains. Green and beautiful. Some camps offer discounted rates. Game viewing more challenging.	19-27C	Discount Season
May	Long rains tapering off. Excellent value. Lush landscapes, baby animals, few tourists.	19-27C	Good Value
June	Rains ending. Short-grass plains emerge. Calving season in Serengeti. Start of peak season.	18-26C	Very Good
July	Dry season begins. Great Migration in northern Serengeti. Peak season pricing.	17-25C	Excellent
August	Peak dry season. Great Migration on northern plains. Cool mornings. Very busy.	17-25C	Excellent
September	Great Migration crosses Mara River. Shoulder season — fewer crowds than August.	18-27C	Very Good
October	Short rains typically begin mid-October. Green landscapes return. Good game viewing. Lower rates.	19-28C	Good
November	Short rains. Green and lush. Excellent birding season. Lower rates at many camps.	19-28C	Good Value
December	Short rains end. Festive season. Very busy and expensive. Sunny and warm.	20-29C	Very Good

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The dry season (June-October) is generally considered the best time for wildlife viewing in Tanzania. Animals concentrate around water sources, vegetation is less dense, and roads are in better condition. The Great Migration is typically visible from July to October.

Green Season Benefits

The long rains (March-May) and short rains (November) offer excellent value with fewer tourists, lusher landscapes, baby animals, and superb birding. Some areas are less accessible during heavy rains.