Daily Itinerary – Running & Culture + Wildlife Safari

Itinerary Overview

This 12-day adventure combines running & cultural experiences with an unforgettable safari through Tanzania’s most famous national parks. The first part of the journey takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of West Kilimanjaro, Ngare Nanyuki, and Arusha National Park, before concluding with a wildlife safari in some of the country’s most renowned reserves.

Daily running distances range from 4 to 15 miles (7 – 25 km), allowing you to explore Tanzania’s incredible scenery and culture at an active pace.

Accommodations include comfortable lodges & camps, featuring locally inspired cuisine and professional guidance from experienced running and safari experts.

Itinerary Summary

Running & Culture

• Day 1: Arrival – West Kilimanjaro (House of West Kili)
• Day 2: West Kilimanjaro (7.1mi / 12.5km)
• Day 3: West Kilimanjaro → Ngare Nanyuki (11.2mi / 17.9km)
• Day 4: Ngare Nanyuki (6-9mi / 10-15km)
• Day 5: Arusha National Park (15.1mi / 25.3km)
• Day 6: Marangu Villages (4-6mi / 8-10km)
• Day 7: Marangu Villages (9-12mi / 15-20km)
• Day 8: Marangu Villages – Kilimanjaro Hike

Wildlife Safari

• Day 9: Lake Manyara National Park & Ngorongoro Highlands
• Day 10: Ngorongoro Crater & Olmoti Crater
• Day 11: Tarangire National Park
• Day 12: Tarangire National Park → Arusha Town → Departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival – West Kilimanjaro

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where the Rocky Africa Experience team will greet you and transfer you to the House of West Kili Lodge.

Overnight: House of West Kili
Meals: D

Day 2: Running Day 1 – West Kilimanjaro

Morning uphill run into the foothills of Kilimanjaro, reaching Siha Village (1,700m). Visit a local beekeeper specializing in stingless bees, with honey tasting and village tour.

Afternoon: Market visit & Sanya Juu town tour, including a stop at a local bar.

Overnight: House of West Kili
Meals: B, L, D
Running Distance: 7.1mi / 12.5km

Day 3: Running Day 2 – West Kilimanjaro → Ngare Nanyuki

Run from Sanya Juu outskirts into the Maasai plains, passing through smallholder farms that gradually give way to rocky grazing land for Maasai livestock.

Afternoon: Guided Maasai nature walk in the surrounding plains.

Overnight: Maasai Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Running Distance: 11.2mi / 17.9km

Day 4: Running Day 3 – Ngare Nanyuki

Early morning loop run through the northern hills. Visit a traditional Maasai boma (homestead) to experience Maasai culture and traditions.

Afternoon at leisure – optional spear-throwing, donkey rides, Maasai women’s workshop visit, or relaxation at the lodge pool.

Overnight: Maasai Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Running Distance: 6-9mi / 10-15km

Day 5: Running Day 4 – Ngare Nanyuki → Arusha National Park

Run west toward Mount Meru, transitioning into lush, hilly terrain. The run ends at Momella Camp, set beside a scenic lake in Arusha National Park.

Afternoon: Game drive in Arusha NP, with chances to spot buffalo, giraffe, elephants, hippos, antelopes, and colobus monkeys.

Overnight: Momella Cultural Tourism Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Running Distance: 15.1mi / 25.3km

Day 6: Running Day 5 – Marangu Villages

Morning loop run through the hills surrounding camp. Transfer to Moshi Town, followed by a town tour and lunch.

Continue up the mountain to Marangu Hotel (2,000m), located on the edge of Kilimanjaro’s rainforest.

Overnight: Marangu Hotel
Meals: B, L, D
Running Distance: 4-6mi / 8-10km

Day 7: Running Day 6 – Marangu Villages

A longer loop run through the farms and forests of Marangu. Afternoon at leisure – explore waterfalls, swim in the river, or relax in the hotel’s garden.

Overnight: Marangu Hotel
Meals: B, L, D
Running Distance: 9-12mi / 15-20km

Day 8: Marangu → Kilimanjaro Hike

Guided full-day hike along the Marangu route, through lush rainforest with blue monkeys and exotic birds. Reach 2,800m before descending.

Overnight: Marangu Hotel
Meals: B, L, D

Wildlife Safari Extension

Day 9: Lake Manyara National Park & Ngorongoro Highlands

Morning game drive in Lake Manyara NP, home to elephants, flamingos, and tree-climbing lions. Afternoon treetop canopy walk before driving to Ngorongoro Highlands.

Overnight: Farm House Valley
Meals: B, L, D

Day 10: Ngorongoro Crater & Olmoti Crater

Game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater, often called “Africa’s Eden”. Afternoon: Ranger-guided hike around Olmoti Crater and its waterfalls.

Overnight: Farm House Valley
Meals: B, L, D

Day 11: Tarangire National Park

Morning safari in Tarangire NP, famous for its baobabs, elephants, and lions. Evening sundowners at Tarangire Safari Lodge, overlooking the river.

Overnight: Tarangire Safari Lodge
Meals: B, L, D

Day 12: Tarangire → Arusha → Departure

Final morning safari, followed by a return to Arusha for shopping & farewell dinner before airport transfer.

Meals: B, L, D

Inclusions & Exclusions

✔️ All accommodations & meals (B, L, D)
✔️ Guided runs & hikes
✔️ Support vehicle for runs
✔️ Safari game drives & park fees

❌ Alcohol & soft drinks (except sundowner)
❌ International flights & visas
❌ Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)

Disclaimer

Accommodation availability may vary; Rocky Africa Experience reserves the right to substitute comparable options. Price adjustments may occur due to inflation, exchange rates, or increased park fees (TANAPA).