Summit to Savanna with
Make A Difference Now Foundation
Step into the soul of East Africa—where towering peaks, ancient cultures, and untamed wilderness converge in one unforgettable journey. This expedition invites you to summit Kilimanjaro via the remote and scenic Rongai Route, then descend into the heart of Tanzania’s cultural and ecological treasures.
In a powerful collaboration, Karuna Project is teaming up with the international NGO Make A Difference Now to ensure your adventure also uplifts local communities through education, empowerment, and sustainable impact.
From the windswept crater of Ngorongoro to the golden savannas of Serengeti, and from Maasai dances to Hadzabe hunting traditions, every moment is curated for awe, connection, and transformation. With expert guides, seamless logistics, and immersive storytelling, this is not just a trip—it’s your gateway to the extraordinary.
Welcome to Tanzania! Make A Difference Now
Why Our Guests Love This Adventure
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Connection with Place: Connect with yourself, the place, the people
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Make a Difference Now: Contribute to ongoing efforts by international NGO and help change lives of youth in Tanzania
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Dual Adventure: Summit Africa’s highest peak, then immerse in its most iconic safari landscapes.
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WILDLIFE: The World's Most Famous Wildlife Parks, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Eyasi
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Cultural Connection: Authentic encounters with different hunter-gatherers, pastoral, and click language-speaking communities, including the Maasai, Hadzabe, and Datoga people.
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Expert Care: Professional guides, chefs, and porters ensure safety, comfort, and joy.
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Lifetime Achievement: Hiking to the Roof of Africa, Kilimanjaro-enough said!
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Oh! And the interesting food adventures!
Kilimanjaro Climb +
Cultural Exchange & Community Project
$3,720 USD per person double occupancy
+$320 single supplement available in Moshi only
Dates: Jan 17th-27th, 2027
Trekking Days: 7-days
Trekking Distance: 44 miles (70 km)
Difficulty: High level with high elevation and consecutive hiking days!
Group Size: 7-15 people
Trip Length: 11-days
Altitude: Summit is 19,341 ft
with 16,500 ft elevation gain
Views: Phenomenal views over the plains of East Africa
Accommodations:
In Moshi: Salinero Hotels
Kilimanjaro: 4-season mountaineering tents
$2,400 USD per person double occupancy
+ $430 single supplement
Safari
Dates: Jan 27th-31st, 2027
Safari Days: 3-days
Difficulty: Easy level with vehicle safari travel
Group Size: 7-15 people
Trip Length: 5-days
Parks: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Eyasi
Accommodations:
Karatu Town Hotel
Serengeti Kati Kati Tent Camp
Both Summit & Safari
$5,920 USD per person double occupancy
+ $750 single supplement
Dates: Jan 17th-31st, 2027
Trip Length: 15-days
Daily Itinerary
Cultural Exchange & Community Project
+ Kilimanjaro Climb - The Shining Mountain
The Rongai Route is a unique and captivating trail leading to Uhuru Peak on the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. As the only path that approaches the mountain from the north near the Kenyan border, it offers a drier and more sheltered climb through untouched wilderness. The journey begins through lush farmlands and pine forests before opening up into vast moorlands and the dramatic high-altitude desert between the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Unlike the busier southern trails, the Rongai Route is remote and far less crowded, providing trekkers with a peaceful atmosphere and better opportunities to spot local wildlife, such as the black-and-white Colobus monkey. With its gradual ascent and excellent profile for acclimatization, this route boasts a high success rate for reaching the roof of Africa. The Karuna Project is super excited to be offering the less explored and incredibly scenic Rongai Route!
DAY 1: Arrival & Transfer to Moshi Town
A Karuna Project representative will pick you up at JRO Kilimanjaro International Airport. From there, we will transfer to our accommodation for the next 3 nights in the bustling town of Moshi, on the flanks of Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival, we will have some time to freshen up, rest, and relax before our dinner is served. The evening orientation meeting will cover the “Need to knows” for the next three days, then off to bed. Please ensure you arrive before 3 pm on Day 1 of this tour.
Accommodations: in Moshi Salinero Hotel or similar
Meals: Dinner is included
Day 2 & 3: Acclimatization & Make a Difference Now Foundation Local Community Project & Cultural Exchange
Team Karuna will work alongside locals on non-technical tasks such as painting, planting trees, and classroom setup, while also engaging in workshops, mentorship, and cultural exchange. Skilled construction and long-term maintenance are led by local partners to ensure sustainability. This integrated approach delivers a visible and ethical impact on the residents of Moshi, Tanzania, where futures are built indoors, and pride grows outdoors. These efforts strengthen education, workforce readiness, environmental stewardship, and community ownership in one cohesive project. These days also serve as acclimatization and rest days following your international travel.
Accommodations: in Moshi Salinero Hotel or similar
Meals:
Day 4: Travel from Moshi to Kilimanjaro & Start Trek Rongai Gate (elev. 6,400 ft/1,950m) to Simba Camp (elev. 8,530ft/2,600m)
Trekking Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Trekking Duration: 4-5 hours
Highest Elevation: 8,530 ft (2,600 m)
This morning after breakfast, we will pack our gear and head out on a scenic drive from Moshi to the Rongai trailhead. The gradual ascent introduces us to the lush habitat of montane forests alive with birdsong and mountain flora. After lunch at the gate of Kilimanjaro National Park, we meet our porter and mountain team to begin our trek to Simba Camp, where crisp mountain air and star-filled skies await. A hot, delicious dinner will be served at camp, followed by our first night of restful sleep on this giant volcano.
Accommodations: 4-Season Mountaineering Tents
Meals: 3-Daily Meals While Trekking
Day 5: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Cave (elev. 11,811 ft/3,600m)
Trekking Distance: 12 miles (7 km)
Trekking Duration: 7-8 hours
Highest Elevation: 11,811 ft (3,600 m)
This morning, after breakfast, we will begin our hike. Today we will traverse the moorland climactic zone, dotted with unique vegetation, pausing at Second Cave for lunch. Our camp is prepared ahead of your arrival, complete with warm meals and evening snacks. As night falls, the high-altitude chill sets the stage for a true mountain experience.
Accommodations: 4-Season Mountaineering Tents
Meals: 3-Daily Meals While Trekking
Day 6: Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn (elev. 14,200 ft/4,330m)
Trekking Distance: 3 miles (5 km)
Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours
Highest Elevation: 14,200 ft (4,330m)
Today our hike begins with a short but steep climb and rewards us with breathtaking views of Mawenzi’s jagged peaks. Exotic plants like giant lobelia line the trail. At camp, we enjoy a hot dinner and watch the sun dip behind the horizon in a blaze of color.
Accommodations: 4-Season Mountaineering Tents
Meals: 3-Daily Meals While Trekking
Day 7: Acclimatization at Mawenzi Tarn
Today is an acclimatization day to recharge. We will go on a day hike up from Mawenzi Tarn to assist the acclimatization process and have the afternoon to rest after a delicious lunch. This pause strengthens both body and spirit for the days ahead. Inthe evening, our guides will share true cultural stories that will make you hold your ribs from laughing.
Accommodations: 4-Season Mountaineering Tents
Meals: 3-Daily Meals While Trekking
Day 8: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut (elev. ft/4,700m)
Trekking Distance: miles ( km)
Trekking Duration: hours
Highest Elevation: ft (m)
Today, after a hearty breakfast, we cross the stark beauty of the alpine desert “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo peak. We will arrive at Kibo Hut for an early meal and a detailed summit briefing. The goal of today is to rest well—our greatest challenge begins tonight.
Accommodations: 4-Season Mountaineering Tents
Meals: 3-Daily Meals While Trekking
Day 9: SUMMIT DAY! Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (elev. 19,340ft/5895m) descend to Horombo Hut (elev. 12,200ft/3720m)
Trekking Distance: 4 miles + 13 mile descent (6 km + 21 km descent)
Trekking Duration: 8-9 hours to summit + 6-7 hours descent
Highest Elevation: ( 19,341ft/5,895m)
Excitement builds with an alpine midnight start. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. The trail climbs past Hans Meyer Cave to Gillman’s Point. Focusing on the amazing sense of accomplishment ahead, we ascend on switchbacks through heavy scree on the crater rim between the glaciers. The magnificent sunrise awaits you for the remaining snowy rim traverse to Uhuru Peak. Congratulations! You’ve reached Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa! After photos, celebrations, and perhaps tears of joy, we begin the steep descent to Horombo Hut for your last evening on the volcano.
Accommodations: 4-Season Mountaineering Tents
Meals: 3-Daily Meals While Trekking
Day 10/Day1: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (elev. 6,500ft/1,980m)
Trekking Distance: 13 miles (20 km)
Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours
Highest Elevation: 12,200 ft (3720m)
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. As we complete our descent, marked by singing and dancing with our crew, we will receive our certificates of achievement at the gate—green for Gillman’s Point and gold for Uhuru Peak. We then return to Arusha for a long-overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations! Onward safari adventures! If you are attending only the safari, this is your arrival day, and a Karuna representative will be at the airport to transfer you to your accommodation.
Accommodations: in Arusha Planet Lodge
Meals: 3-Daily Meals While Trekking
Daily Itinerary
SAFARI & CULTURAL IMMERSION
The landscape is adorned with ancient acacia trees, their silhouettes etched against the vast sky. These sentinel trees witness the ebb and flow of seasons, their branches sheltering both predator and prey. The horizons stretch beyond imagination—a seamless blend of earth and sky. As the sun sets, it paints the savannah in hues of gold, igniting the dreams of intrepid explorers. So, let your senses roam free. Listen to the whispers of the grass, feel the pulse of the land, and watch as the drama of survival unfolds. On Safai, adventure awaits—a symphony of life set against an infinite backdrop.
DAY 11/Day 2: Departure Day or Off To Maasai Cultural Experience
Today, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport for your journey home. OR, we begin our safari with a journey to Esilalei and the Maasai land. We will visit bustling markets, share dances with Maasai families, and hear stories from the village chief about life in East Africa. We enjoy a bush lunch under acacia trees before continuing to Karatu for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodations: On Safari Inoga Lodge in Karatu
Meals: 3-Daily Meals While on Safari
Day 12/Day 3: LAKE EYASI'S INDIGENOUS TRIBES: A CULTURAL JOURNEY
As the sun rises, we embark on an adventure that unveils the hidden treasures of Lake Eyasi. This expansive lake serves as the ancestral home of two remarkable indigenous communities: the Hadzabe and the Datoga. These hunter-gatherer and pastoralist peoples offer a glimpse into their traditional lives, preserving customs and practices that have endured for generations. With the Hadzabe, we’ll witness their ancient hunting techniques, foraging methods, and captivating campfire stories. The Hadzabe are the last Khoisan (clicking language) tribe in East Africa. The Datoga are skilled metalworkers who herd cattle around Lake Eyasi. We’ll observe their craftsmanship, including the creation of jewelry and arrowheads. We’ll learn about their cultural and spiritual beliefs, perhaps even experiencing traditional dances and songs. By supporting local artisans and appreciating their traditions, we contribute to the preservation of these cultures. We return to our hotel in Karatu.
Accommodations: On Safari Inoga Lodge in Karatu
Meals: 3-Daily Meals While on Safari
Day 13/DAY 4: Unforgettable Ngorongoro Crater
Prepare to be captivated by a place unlike any other in Africa. As you ascend the crater rim, cloud forests envelop you, and a staggering view across the caldera will leave you breathless. Descend along a steep trail onto the crater floor. Here, you’ll share the sunken ecosystem with an array of remarkable creatures. Hyenas are cunning scavengers, their haunting calls echoing through the ancient landscape. Lions prowl the grasslands, their golden coats blending seamlessly with the savannah. Witness elephant gentle giants as their massive forms leave an indelible mark on the land. Elusive and solitary, black rhinos are a testament to conservation efforts. In the soda lake, hippos submerge themselves, their eyes and nostrils peeking above the waterline. We will have a picnic lunch on the crater floor while our guide shares stories of Maasai coexistence with wildlife. We then drive west into Serengeti National Park for an overnight stay at the Katikati Luxury Tented Lodge.
Accommodations: Glamping in the Serengeti Katikati Luxury Tented Lodge
Meals: 3-Daily Meals While on Safari
Day 14/Day 5: SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
We rise early to witness predators on the hunt. When people dream of the Serengeti, it's the savanna filled with acacia trees and those Serengeti horizons that seem to go on forever. This is the epicenter of life—a canvas painted with herds of wildebeest, prides of lions, and graceful giraffes. As we continue through the Serengeti’s endless plains, we return toward Ngorongoro for another wildlife spectacle. We will enjoy a celebratory dinner and last-minute shopping before staying overnight in Karatu.
Accommodations: On Safari Inoga Lodge in Karatu
Meals: 3-Daily Meals While on Safari
Day 15/Day 6: Farewell & Departure Day
This morning, we enjoy our final Tanzanian breakfast and bid farewell to our guides. We will transfer the group to the airport with memories of summit triumphs, safari wonders, and profound cultural experiences. Please ensure your flight is booked for after 3:00 PM.
Meals: Breakfast Provided
Adventure Map
Kilimanjaro Route Map
For the Detail Lovers
Trip
Discounts!
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Itinerary Changes & Mandatory Travel Insurance
All trips are subject to itinerary changes based on a variety of circumstances, including, but not limited to, permit availability, extreme weather, political or bureaucratic obstacles, earthquakes, etc. Payments are not refundable based on itinerary changes; they are only refundable on cancellations based on the cancellation policy. We require everyone to purchase travel insurance to cover unforeseeable travel plan disruptions such as illness, flight delays, natural disasters, political and bureaucratic unrest, etc.