Day
1 -
Moshi
KILIMANJARO ARRIVAL (D)
After you arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you are transferred to a hotel in Moshi. You will be energizing making your final preparations for the great experience. Your Kilimanjaro expert meets you and provides a safari briefing.
Overnight: Moshi
Day
2 -
Machame Camp
MACHAME GATE – MACHAME CAMP (B, L, D)
After breakfast, depart from your hotel early in the morning for the Machame village with a Lunch box for you to sporadically bite on you trek. From the park entrance gate (Machame), you walk through a dense forest of fig and rubber trees, begonia flowers, and other tropical vegetation. A stop for lunch will be made halfway to this evening's campsite. As you continue your ascent, you find that the tropical forest has given way to tall grasses and giant heather. You will be walking on a ridge, to the left of which is the Semira stream, and on the right, the Weru. Your camp is set up near some old metals huts, which were once used for shelter. This initial stage of the climb is tranquil and relatively easy. There is no point in rushing to get to the camp, as there is little to do there. Guides tend to recommend a slow ascent, even at this point, for gradual acclimatisation. Do not try to keep up with your porters, who will usually bound ahead. Instead, take time to admire the beauty of the afro mountain forest.
Walking distance: 11km/ 7miles; Walking time: 5-7hours; Altitude gain: 1,490m/ 4,890ft
Overnight: Machame Camp
Day
3 -
Shira Camp
MACHAME CAMP – SHIRA CAMP (B, L, D)
On this mornings, wake-up early with a steaming cup of tea or coffee and by a fabulous view of Uhuru peak, if the weather allows. Today's trek takes you up a steep track through a savannah of tall grasses, volcanic rock, and bearded heather. You will encounter giant groundsels as you hike through a ghostly landscape of volcanic lava, caves, and foamy streams. Lunch will be taken just below the Shira Plateau. On arrival at the campsite, there is time to relax and even so for an acclimatisation hike with your guides before dinner.
Walking distance: 9km/ 5.5miles; Walking time: 4-6hours; Altitude gain: 860m/ 2,820ft
Overnight: Shira Camp
Day
4 -
Barranco Camp
SHIRA CAMP – LAVA TOWER – BARRANCO CAMP (B, L, D)
The entire Shira Plateau greets you this morning with sweeping vistas across to Meru and the Shira Needles. A steady walk takes you up to the pass at Lava Tower, where you stop to have lunch. Crossing the Bastain stream, you will begin to descend towards Barranco Camp. The trek takes you along an immense canyon called the Great Barranco. Along the way, you will see numerous waterfalls, which are fed, by streams coming from the mountain, converging here to form the Umbwe River. Your camp is set at almost the same altitude as the night before.
Walking distance: 15km/ 9.3miles; Walking time: 7-9hours; Altitude gain: 360m/ 2,230ft
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Day
5 -
Karanga Camp
BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP (B, L, D)
This morning, begin your hike to Karanga Camp, which is on the same altitude as Barranco Camp. Encounter a bit of a climb at Barranco wall and spend the rest of the trek climbing up and down the slopes of the mountain most to camp. Climbing is not considered difficult and you should arrive in time for lunch. In the afternoon, you have the opportunity to hike in the Karanga Valley where giant senecios and lobelia grows. However, you are well advised to rest as much as you possibly can to prepare you for the climb ahead.
Walking distance: 5.8km/ 3.4miles; Walking time: 4-5hours; Altitude gain: 55m/ 185ft
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Day
6 -
Barafu Camp
KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP (B, L, D)
The scenic climb to Barafu is mostly on a moraine and lava ridge with a view of Mawenzi peak towering majestically to the right, and overhead.,Kibo peak seemingly just out of reach. The alpine desert terrain at this point is mostly a mineral environment with few lichens and mosses. Lunch is taken in camp and in the afternoon there is a summit clothing check. Climbers who choose to ascend the peak will go to bed very early this night, as the next day is the longest one.
Walking distance: 3.5km/ 2.2miles; Walking time: 4-5hours; Altitude gain: 510m/ 1,675ft
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Day
7 -
Mweka Camp
BARAFU CAMP – UHURU PEAK – MWEKA CAMP (B, L, D)
Awake at midnight and after a light breakfast, start climbing to the peak. Carry as little as possible, as it is a tough hike and the temperature will drop down to -4° to 5° Fahrenheit. You will climb for about six hours before reaching the edge of the crater, Stella points. Another hour of climbing brings you to the summit. Uhuru stands at 19,340 feet and is the highest point on the continent of Africa. The track around the edge of the crater is rocky and often icy. Concentrate on your feet, and follow your guide very closely for this portion of the journey. The descent is no easier than the ascent. You will reach Barafu camp again around lunch time. Climbers will be given the opportunity to rest and have some refreshments before continuing on to Mweka Camp for the night.
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Day
8 -
Moshi
MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE (B, L, D)
On the final day of the journey, you descend from Mweka camp to the base. Upon arrival at the gate, you will be rewarded with certificates attesting your success at climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. After finishing your climb you will be taken to a hotel for hot shower, dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Moshi
Day
9 -
Arusha
MOSHI – KIKULETWA HOT SPRINGS – ARUSHA (B, L)
Today, after a total night rest, enjoy your breakfast and spend your day in the most beautiful Oasis of Moshi - “The Kikuletwa hot springs”. Continue then to Arusha town for an overnight before starting wildlife safaris in the next day.
Overnight: Arusha
Day
10 -
Lake Manyara
ARUSHA – LAKE MANYARA (B)
Nestled at the rusty-gold core of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park is well known for its unusual tree-climbing lions and herds of elephant. The park is also home to hippos, baboons, giraffes, zebra, wildebeest, and is particularly good for bird watching, with over 380 species having been recorded.
Overnight: Lake Manyara
Day
11 -
Serengeti
LAKE MANYARA – SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK (B, L)
Continue to the famous Serengeti National Park – Tanzania's original and most frequented game reserve. The Serengeti is renowned for the annual wildebeest migration and immense wildlife population. Enjoy a picnic lunch on one of the kopjes (rock outcropping) and continue to explore the park. Migration of the herds and the time of year are two factors that influence the availability of the wildlife but you can anticipate encountering wildebeest, lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, baboons, hippos, rhinos, antelopes and many birds and other species..
Overnight: Serengeti
Day
12-13 -
Serengeti
SERENGETI GAME DRIVES (B, M, D)
Embark on an exhilarating early morning game drive through the vast plains of the Serengeti. The savannah is an active playground for predators in the early hours. You may encounter a pack of lions mauling the final scraps of their kill whilst vultures circle for the trifle prey. The shadows of the trees are drenched in colour as the brilliant orange begins to pour out of the sun on the horizon. A tasty hot lunch will be served during the break in game drive. In one of these two days, you get a chance to glide a hot air balloon ride which ends with a champagne breakfast in the flight! What an exhilarating experience! (Optional), Balloon safari is also the best choice for the honeymooners and lovely birthday surprises.
Overnight: Serengeti
Day
14 -
Ngorongoro
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK – NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA (B)
Finish your time in Serengeti with another morning game drive before you continue to the Ngorongoro Crater with game en route. After your morning Safari drive, head towards the Ngorongoro National park with a game en route at Ngorongoro conservation area. Spend your night at the rim of the Crater with a stunning view into the caldera and on the sunset. If you want, you can also visit the Maasai Village or take part in a guided nature walk along the crater rim (optionals). Alternatively, you settle in at your beautiful country home style lodge and enjoy a restful afternoon.
Overnight: Ngorongoro
Day
15 -
Arusha
NGORONGORO CRATER TOUR – ARUSHA (B, L, D)
In the morning, walk into this magnificent crater for a game drive. Ngorongoro crater is home to an estimated 30,000 wild animals including some of Tanzania’s last remaining black Rhinos. The crater has a dense population of predators like the Lion, Cheetah and the elusive Leopard. The elevated structure encourages the animals to refrain from migrating in and out of the crater which means there is a high possibility of spotting every member of ‘The Big 5’. After enjoying your picnic lunch, continue with the game drive while making ascend out of the crater and drive to Arusha for your overnight.
Overnight: Arusha
Day
16 -
Stone Town
ARUSHA – ZANZIBAR (B, L)
Take a morning flight from Arusha to Zanzibar. Upon your arrival, you are welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a quick hot lunch and start with your Stone Town Tour. This tour takes you through fabled Stone Town, where history appears to stand still. With visits to the Anglican Church and the Arab Fort amongst others, it is a fascinating look at the essence of Zanzibar. You see Zanzibar’s bustling market, winding alleyways, ornately carved and studded doors, two cathedrals and countless mosques!
Overnight: Stone Town
Day
17 -
Uroa
SPICE TOUR – BEACH RELAXATION (B, L)
Drive today to your North coast hotel. On your way, take part in the spice and botanical tour. Taste and see the tropical fruits, spices, plantation and plots in the Island. The Spice Tour gives you in depth information not only about spices, but also about organically grown herbs and a detailed description about their traditional uses in medicine, cosmetics and cooking. A variety of spice plants used as ornament, medicines, flowers, fruits and another interesting flora can be seen during spice tour. After the tour, you are invited for an opulent lunch, where you can taste the spices and fruits. The rest of the day is free at leisure at your beach hotel.
Overnight: Uroa
Day
18-20 -
Uroa
BEACH RELAXATION (B, D)
Spend the following three days at the beach for some relaxation. If you are a fan of swimming, there are beautiful beaches as well as swimming pools. If you like to go for active beach activities, the choice is yours: Zanzibar has a lot of beach activities, like canoeing, diving, swimming with dolphins, beauty and spa services, body massage … you mention! There is a lot to do in Zanzibar but sometimes all you want is a good book and fantastic beach on which to chill out and unwind.
Overnight: Uroa
Day
21 -
Uroa
ZANZIBAR DEPARTURE (B)
Depending on your flight time, you are transferred to the airport for your flight home or onward journey.
Kilimanjaro from Moshi, Tanzania
