Private travel dossier
Tanzania
Olakira Migration Camp & Kilimanjaro
A week in northern Tanzania, told in three chapters - settle in by Kilimanjaro, climb into its rainforest, then follow the herds across the Serengeti plains.
Day by day
Itinerary
One journey, three chapters - acclimatization by the mountain, a rainforest day hike, then three nights on the Serengeti plains.
Departure from the United States
An evening flight out of the United States, overnight across the Atlantic to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). The journey lands in Tanzania the following day.
- Evening departure from the US
- Overnight international flight to JRO
- Arrive in Tanzania the next day
Arrival & Acclimatization
Land at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to a comfortable hotel near Moshi or Arusha, at the foot of the mountain. The day is for rest and settling in - light local walks, an early dinner, and an easy night to ready the body for the altitude ahead.
- Private transfer from JRO to the hotel (approx. 45 minutes)
- Settle in with a comfortable room and garden grounds
- Light local walk to stretch the legs
- Early dinner and an early night
Kilimanjaro Marangu Forest Hike
A day hike on Kilimanjaro's Marangu Route. Drive to Marangu Gate, ascend through the cloud forest to Mandara Hut at 2,700m for a packed lunch with mountain views, then descend and return to the hotel by late afternoon to prepare for the safari.
- Drive to Marangu Gate (approx. 1.5-2 hours from hotel)
- Guided rainforest hike: 8 km round trip, 4-5 hours
- Packed lunch at Mandara Hut (2,700m)
- Descent and return transfer by mid-afternoon
- Evening back at the hotel ahead of safari departure
Safari Begins - Southern Serengeti
An early start to transfer to the Serengeti. Private road transfer south with a picnic lunch en route, arriving at Olakira Migration Camp in the late afternoon in time for a welcome sundowner and an evening game drive.
- Private road transfer to the southern Serengeti
- Picnic lunch en route
- Arrive at Olakira Migration Camp
- Welcome sundowner and evening game drive
- Dinner under canvas at camp
Full Day Safari - Southern Serengeti
A full day exploring the southern short-grass plains in search of the migrating herds. Picnic lunch in the bush. Afternoon continues with a visit to a kopje for sundowners before a night drive back to camp.
- Pre-dawn tea and pastries before morning game drive
- Bush breakfast on the plains
- Picnic lunch in the bush
- Afternoon game drive with sundowner stop
- Night drive with spotlights returning to camp
Final Day at Migration Camp
A last morning of game viewing across the plains where wildebeest, zebra, and the predators that follow them gather in numbers. Midday rest at camp, then a closing afternoon drive before dinner beneath the Serengeti sky.
- Morning game drive across the short-grass plains
- Midday rest at camp (siesta by the tent)
- Third and final night at Olakira
- Sundowner on the plains
- Camp dinner and stargazing
Return Flight to the United States
A final game drive at sunrise, followed by a full breakfast at camp. Morning departure by private transfer back to Kilimanjaro International Airport for the return flight to the US.
- Sunrise game drive with coffee in the bush
- Full breakfast at Olakira
- Private transfer from camp to JRO (approx. 4 hours)
- Return flight to the United States
Note: The trip opens with an acclimatization stay by Kilimanjaro, holding the Marangu Route day hike on Day 2 before the safari begins in the Serengeti. Transfers between the mountain, the camp, and the airport are private road transfers.
Getting there
Flight details
Confirmed bookings from the forwarded itinerary.
Outbound - Friday night departure
Return - Thursday departure
The camp
Safari details
Excerpted from the Asilia Africa booking proposal.
Olakira Migration Camp
Olakira Migration Camp is a mobile camp that moves with the herds through the Serengeti. Set in the southern Serengeti in January, the camp sits among open plains with views stretching to the horizon. Nine tents, each with en-suite facilities, canvas interiors, and hand-carved details. The camp operates entirely on solar power.
Included activities
- Twice-daily game drives in open 4x4 vehicles
- Walking safaris with an armed guide (seasonal)
- Night drives with spotlights
- Sundowners on the plains
- All meals, house drinks, and laundry
- Private transfers from airstrip to camp
Pricing & booking
Full-board package at Olakira Migration Camp: 3 nights, 4 days. Domestic flights, park fees, and conservation levies included. The booking is held under Katie Lee via Asilia Africa.
Day 2
Kilimanjaro hike
Marangu Route · Mandara Hut · Rainforest zone
Marangu Route - Day hike
A single-day rainforest hike on Kilimanjaro's Marangu Route to Mandara Hut (2,700m). The trail winds through dense montane forest, passing giant heather, fig trees, and colobus monkeys. Mandara Hut sits in a clearing with views of the surrounding valley. The round trip covers roughly 8 km and takes 4-5 hours at a steady pace.
What to expect
- Pickup from Arusha or camp, 2-hour drive to Marangu Gate
- Registered park entry with a licensed mountain guide
- Rainforest zone: humid, shaded, temperatures 15-25°C
- Packed lunch at Mandara Hut with mountain views
- Descent and return transfer by late afternoon
Gear & preparation
Light hiking boots or trail shoes, a rain jacket (rainforest is unpredictable), long trousers, a fleece layer, sunscreen, a daypack with water and snacks. Trekking poles are available at the gate. Altitude at Mandara Hut is moderate and most visitors feel no effects on this short section.
Next steps
Ready to confirm
The acclimatization stay and Kilimanjaro hike are confirmed, and the Olakira safari is held with Asilia Africa. Final payment is due 60 days before departure. Visa, vaccinations, and travel insurance should be arranged separately.
Booking reference: Asilia Africa - Katie Lee
Total days: 7 days on the ground, including 3 nights at Olakira