Tour Overview
This trip truly is the all encompassing Tanzania experience; from some of the greatest wildlife viewing the continent has to offer, to the highest free-standing mountain to the crystal blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Whilst on safari we enjoy a comfortable lodge near Ngorongoro Crater, home of the largest concentration of game anywhere in the world, while a permanent secluded camp in Serengeti National Park means we are as close to the wildlife as possible - at the right time of year we may witness the great wildebeest migration from our tent. The Rongai Route on Kilimanjaro gives us stunning views of Kenya and Tanzania throughout the trek, but few compare to sunrise high above the clouds at Uhuru peak, the highest point in Africa. Our route is one of the least frequented, retaining a sense of wilderness as we trek through rainforest, moorland and glacial climatic zones. Finally it's time to take a short internal flight to Zanzibar to relax in our beach lodge. The sights, sounds, aromas and beaches of the beautiful Spice Island help make a perfect end to an active trip. The Sun - recommends Kilimanjaro with Exodus (28 February 2009).
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1Start at Arusha in the morning and transfer to Ilboru Safari Lodge, where there is time to relax, swim, take lunch and leave your Kilimanjaro climb equipment prior to setting off on the safari in the middle of the afternoon. We overnight at a lodge within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Those not flying with the group should meet at Ilboru Safari Lodge by 13.00 hrs.
Day 2
After breakfast we leave the lodge and will be down on the crater floor gameviewing within 30 minutes. The Crater is a wonderful opportunity to see animals in close proximity; the Crater floor is home to vast herds of game, including the rare black rhino, and we will be unlucky not to see all the large plains animals Heading out after lunch and we drive down onto the Serengeti Plains. In January and February the migration of wildebeest is usually in this region and proves a remarkable spectacle. We cross this vast grassland and enjoy the wide open spaces and numerous animals. In the late afternoon we arrive at the far side of the Serengeti and our permanent camp at Ikoma.
Day 3
We have a full day in Serengeti National Park. Much of the day is spent game viewing in the vast plains that are broken only by stands of acacia trees and the occasional kopje. There are excellent opportunities for game viewing around the nearby Seronera River, with crocodiles and hippos in the pools and large lion prides in the area. Our camp is excellently situated, so you have good chances of catching the migration in late summer when the wildebeest are often in the western Serengeti. We stay a second night in the permanent tented camp.
Day 4
We drive into the Seronera region gameviewing on the way, and take the 11.05 hours flight back to Arusha airport. The luggage you left in Arusha on the first day will already be waiting for you on the vehicle. We transfer from the airport on the 2 hour journey to the hotel in Marangu at the base of Kilimanjaro.
Day 5
After completing the necessary registration formalities, we transfer by Landrovers to Nale Moru (1,950 m.) to begin our climb on this unspoilt wilderness route. The first day is only a half-day walk on a small path that winds through farmland and pine plantations. It is a consistent but gentle climb through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. We reach our first overnight stop by late afternoon at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m).
Day 6
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the 'Second Cave` (3,450 m) with superb views of the Eastern ice fields on the rim of Kibo, the youngest and so highest of the three volcanoes that form the entire mountain. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, the second of Kilimanjaro's volcanoes. Our campsite, which we reach in late afternoon, is in a sheltered valley near Kikelewa Caves (3,600 m).
Day 7
A steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb panoramas of the plains across the border in Kenya. We leave vegetation behind close to Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m), spectacularly situated in a cirque beneath the towering cliffs of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or to explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatisation.
Day 8
We leave our attractive campsite to cross the lunar desert of the 'Saddle` between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4,700 m) at the bottom of the Kibo Crater wall by early afternoon. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night!
Day 9
We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight at around midnight. We plod very slowly in darkness and cold on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the Crater rim at Gillman's Point (5,685 m). We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip along the snow-covered rim to the true summit of Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo Hut (4,700 m) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshments and rest, we continue descending to reach our final campsite at Horombo (3,720 m). This is an extremely long and hard day, with between 11 to 15 hours walking at high altitude.
Day 10
A sustained descent with wide views across the moorland takes us into the lovely forest around Mandara (2,700 m), the first stopping place on the Marangu route. The trail continues through semi-tropical vegetation - monkeys are often seen - to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830 m). We transfer to Arusha (a distance of about 125 km) by private bus to our hotel in a coffee plantation by late afternoon for a well-earned rest and a much-needed shower! A beer by the pool is probably also a very attractive option.
Day 11
Today we transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport and fly to Zanzibar, on arrival we transfer to our beach resort called Fumba Beach Lodge on the south west coast of Zanzibar, arriving in the afternoon. The rooms are very comfortable and the cuisine is excellent. There are no other tourist developments in this area and the lodge is very peaceful. The rest of the day is free to relax on the beach, or by the pool. The beach is a tidal beach, so at low tide the surf is nearly 2 km out with a long stretch of shallow waters full of shells, starfish and crabs, while at high tide it's easy to go swimming. It's also possible to get a massage in the spa to fully relax.
Day 12-13
Free days at Fumba. There is a snorkelling and diving centre on site, so both can be easily arranged and is a wonderful way to experience the underwater world with its array of multicoloured fish. A day excursion with snorkelling, sunbathing and a picnic lunch on a secluded island is highly recommended. During the excursion there is a very good chance to see the resident dolphins in Menai Bay. Alternatively you could simply relax by the swimming pool. Another option is a spice tour; much of inland Zanzibar is dominated by the production of exotic spices and we can visit several farms with a professional guide, with the chance to taste and buy!
Day 14
After a relaxed morning we leave the beach to go to Stone Town, in time for lunch and an afternoon of exploration. Discover Stone Town, with its twisting, narrow streets, some beautiful old houses, the infamous former slave market - and some good possibilities for buying souvenirs. Another option is a spice tour; much of inland Zanzibar is dominated by the production of exotic spices and we can visit several farms with a professional guide, with the chance to taste and buy! The hotel we stay in is an excellent example of an old Arab merchant house, restored and refurnished with traditional Zanzibari furniture. It is located right on the waterfront, as well as having a swimming pool, so for those wishing to have a last afternoon of relaxation, there is that option too. A celebration dinner can be taken in one of the excellent local restaurants, enjoying the finely spiced food.
Day 15
End Zanzibar.
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