DAY 1: SPRINGLANDS HOTEL , MOSHI
Moshi
Located in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, close to the Kenyan border in Northern Tanzania, the vibrant town of Moshi is known as a coffee producing hub boasting vast coffee plantations. The majestic snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro towers over this little African town. Moshi serves as the gateway to the Kilimanjaro National Park and provides an excellent base from which to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. Visitors can enjoy day trips, short hikes, or longer expeditions using Moshi as a starting point. Other popular activities include: spotting the Big Five on a wildlife safari, visiting a local village to learn about Maasai culture, and sampling mouth-watering Tanzanian cuisine.
Day Itinerary
Duration: 6 Days, Total hiking distance: About 90 km’s
Sometimes called the Whisky Route. This is a popular route up steep paths through magnificent forests to gain a ridge leading through the moorland zones to the Shira Plateau. It then traverses beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern Ice fields to join the Barafu Route to the summit. An extra day could be added to the itinerary, best spent on the Shira Plateau, where you could walk to the Shira Needles. Strong groups could omit camping at Karanga River. The Mweka Route is used for the descent.
Accommodation on the mountain is in tents, which the porters will pitch for you. You will need a sleeping bag, warm clothes and walking poles. This is a steep, tough trek within the limits of a fit individual used to walking in mountain areas.
Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, pick up and transferred to the Springland Hotel for overnight bed and breakfast
Overnight: Springlands Hotel
Springlands Hotel situated near Moshi in Tanzania is an ideal base for mountain walking trips and safaris to Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru and other wilderness areas in northern Tanzania. The modern hotel is located on the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro. The hotel features a large and modern swimming pool, an airy dining area set in pleasant gardens and indoor and outdoor bars. The accommodations all have spacious tiled en suite facilities with showers, windows fitted with mosquito netting and fans. The hotel is named after the freshwater spring which is located just a short distance away from the hotel.
Basis
Bed & Breakfast
DAY 2: MACHAME CAMP, MOUNT KILIMANJARO
Mount Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Africa. Straddling the Kenya / Tanzania border, the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro rises up to an impressive 5896 metres above sea level. It is one of the world’s highest volcanoes, the highest mountain on the African continent, and the highest free-standing mountain on earth; making it an international destination attracting trekkers and mountaineers from around the globe.
Set within the Kilimanjaro National Park, Kilimanjaro emerges from the sprawling plains of Tanzania and boasts dense tropical rainforests, glacial ice fields, moorlands, and mystical moonscapes. Take on the colossal challenge of climbing this majestic mountain, explore the lush forested foothills, soak up the breathtaking views or take a wildlife safari and spot some of Africa’s diverse wildlife including: elephant, buffalo, leopard, duiker, eland, hyrax, blue monkeys and more.
Day Itinerary
Machame Gate (1490m) – Machame camp (2980m), Hiking time: 7 hours,
Distance: About 18 km’s – Habitat: Montane forest.
Your day starts early with a briefing, followed by breakfast and a 45-minute drive from Moshi (910m) to the Machame village (1490m). The guides and porters prepare and pack the supplies and your equipment in the village. Depending on the condition of the road, it is possible to drive from the village to the Machame gate, but if not, the muddy 3 km walk will take about 1 hour to complete. After registering at the gate office, you start your ascent and enter the rain forest. You will receive a lunch pack at the gate and you can also drink bottled water you bought at Springlands Hotel in Moshi. There is possibility of rain in the forest, which will transform the trail into a very soggy, muddy and slippery experience. In the evening the porters will boil drinking and washing water and the cook will prepare dinner, before you retire to your tent for the night. Night temperatures can already drop to freezing point at Machame campsite.
Overnight: Machame Camp
The Machame Camp is one of the first pit stops along the Machame Route of Mount Kilimanjaro. From the Machame Gate, climbers will hike for about 7 hours through the rainforest to get to Machame Camp. They would overnight at the camp before heading through the moorland towards Shira Camp.
Basis
Full Board: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner and Bed
DAY 3: SHIRA CAMP, MOUNT KILIMANJARO
Mount Kilimanjaro
As previously described
Day Itinerary
Machame camp (2980m) – Shira camp (3840m), Hiking time: 6 hours.
Distance: About 9 km’s – Habitat: Moorland
You rise early at Machame camp and after breakfast you climb an hour or so to the top of the forest and then for 2 hours at a gentler gradient through the moorland zone. After a short lunch and rest, you continue up a rocky ridge onto the Shira plateau. By now you will be able to see in an easterly direction, the Western Breach with its stunning glaciers. You are now due west of Kibo and after a short hike you will reach the Shira campsite at 3 840m. The porters will boil drinking and washing water, before serving dinner. The night at this exposed camp will even be colder than the previous night, with temperatures dropping to well below freezing.
Overnight: Shira Camp
Shira Camp forms part of the second leg of the journey up Mount Kilimanjaro. There are 2 camps – Shira Camp 1 on west side and Shira Camp 2 on the east. The Shira Plateau landscape features a tropical rainforest and shrub land where a range of flora and fauna species are found. Climbers might also spot the White Naped Raven.
Basis
Full Board: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner and Bed
DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP, MOUNT KILIMANJARO
Mount Kilimanjaro
As previously described
Day Itinerary
Shira (3840m)-Lava Tower (4630m)-Barranco camp (3950m), Hiking time: 7 Hrs,
Distance: About 15 km’s – Habitat: Semi desert
The route now turns east into a semi desert and rocky landscape surrounding Lava Tower, where you reach an altitude of 4630m after about a 5 hours walk. Lunch is served in a designated area before ascending the rocky scree path to Lava Tower (4630m). Definitely the toughest day so far. It is normally around this point, where for the first time, some climbers will start to feel symptoms of breathlessness, irritability and headaches.
After lunch you descent again by almost 680m to the Barranco camping area and after reaching the high altitude of 4600m at Lava Tower, the true acclimatization benefit of this day becomes clear. This descent to Barranco camp takes about 2 hours and offers great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall.
The camp is situated in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while you wait for the preparation of your dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp site.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Barranco Camp is the third pit stop along the Machame Route climbing up Mount Kilimanjaro. This area of the mountain is semi-desert and the camp is set in a valley close to the Great Barranco Wall.
Basis
Full Board: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner and Bed
DAY 5: BARAFU CAMP, MOUNT KILIMANJARO
Mount Kilimanjaro
As previously described
Day Itinerary
Baranco to Barafu camp (4550m), Hiking time: 7 hours
Distance: About 13 km’s – Habitat: Alpine desert
Totally exposed to the ever-present gales the tents are pitched on a narrow, stony, and dangerous ridge. Make sure that you familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents. The summit is now a further 1345m up and you will make the final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski stick and thermal clothing for your summit attempt. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at round about 19h00 and try to get some precious rest and sleep for not more than 5hrs
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro climbers would approach Barafu camp at about the 5th day of the journey. The word ‘barafu’ is the Swahili word for ‘ice’, which refers to the cold climate at this altitude.
Basis
Full Board: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner and Bed
DAY 6: MWEKA CAMP, MOUNT KILIMANJARO
Mount Kilimanjaro
As previously described
Day Itinerary
SUMMIT/DESCENT ATTEMPT
Barafu camp (4550m)-Uhuru Peak (5895m)-Mweka (3100m), Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 7/8 hours to descend to Mweka,
Distance: About 7 km’s ascent – 23 km’s descent, Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.
You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. You will head in a north-westerly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim.
This 6-hour walk to Stella point is for many climbers, mentally and physically the most challenging on the route. At Stella Point (5685m) you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting).
From Stella Point you will normally encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak. The time you will spend on the summit will depend on the weather conditions. Do not stop here for too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue. Enjoy your accomplishment and a day to remember for the rest of your live.
The walk back to Barafu from the summit, takes about 3 hours. Here you will have a well earned but short rest and collect the rest of your gear, before heading down to Mweka Camp (3100m) for Dinner and Overnight.
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Mweka Camp is the final campsite on the journey up Mount Kilimanjaro. Climbers would arrive here after a 7 hour hike from Summit Uhuru Peak.
Basis
Full Board: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner and Bed
DAY 7: WERU WERU RIVER LODGE, MOSHI
Moshi
As previously described
Day Itinerary
Mweka camp (3100m)- Mweka Gate (1980m)
Hiking/Descend time: 3 hours,
Distance: About 15 km’s Habitat: Forest
After Breakfast, From the Mweka Gate you will continue down into the Mweka village, normally a muddy and long hour walk. In the Mweka village drive to Springlands Hotel and you will be served a delicious hot lunch!! You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower. It is recommended and tips are highly appreciated at the end of their trip. Tips can be given to the Guide at Springlands Hotel. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. Overnight at Weru Weru River lodge- DBB
Overnight: Weru Weru River Lodge
A warm welcome to Weru Weru River Lodge Moshi, Kilimanjaro.
Weru Weru River Lodge is named after a river flowing from the glacial melt of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The lodge is located in the 2-bridge area, 15 mins drive from Moshi. Surrounded by a coffee estate to the north, the lodge offers tranquility and beautiful views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
This all-inclusive property features a welcoming reception along with 32 suites fused with traditional wood log architecture and elegant décor in a unique gorgeous resort setting.
Designed to complement the surrounding environment, the lodge blends all the comforts of home with the best of Tanzania’s famous hospitality and style.
Basis
Bed & Breakfast
DAY 8 – 11: OCEAN PARADISE RESORT & SPA, KIWENGWA
Kiwengwa
Situated on the island of Unguja, the village of Kiwengwa is set along the island’s spectacular north-eastern coast. Sandwiched between the quaint coastal villages of Pwani Mchangani and Pongwe, Kiwengwa is best known for its spectacularly scenic beach featuring glittering white sands lapped by azure crystalline waters. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing stay at one of the seaside resorts and hotels, explore the local village, and enjoy a host of water-based activities including snorkelling, diving, kite surfing, and boating. Sample the local flavours of Zanzibar’s unique cuisine, sip on a delicious cocktail at a beachfront bar, and discover the fascinating underwater wonderland that lies offshore.
Day Itinerary
After Breakfast and check out, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro airport for your flight to Zanzibar.
Upon arrival at Zanzibar, you will be met by AMA Safaris representative who will brief your and later be dropped tour beach hotel where you will spend your next 4 nights. Overnight at Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa – All Inclusive
Overnight: Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa
Situated on Zanzibar’s picturesque North East coast, overlooking the turquoise Indian Ocean, it is as the name suggests a little piece of paradise.
At Ocean Paradise Resort Zanzibar, you will be greeted by a blaze of colour as you sweep down the imposing driveway, saluted by a Masai warrior as you pass through the entrance gate and be captivated as you arrive in reception and look out over the resort and the azure blue sea.
Mature coconut palms swinging in the breeze, white sandy beach, beautiful landscaped gardens, and traditional style round chalets with pitched Makuti roof, a stunning waterfall feature and the largest swimming pool in Zanzibar are just some of the sights that await you.
A big smile and the greeting of “Jambo” will be the first words you hear, as you begin to feel the warmth that the people of Zanzibar are famed for.
Basis
Fully Inclusive
DAY 12: END OF ITINERARY
Day Itinerary
After check out and breakfast, you will be transferred to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport [ZNZ] Zanzibar for onward flight.
Basis
Breakfast
