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
Met on arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport by our AMA Safaris driver guide and transferred to Springlands hotel for overnight on Bed & Breakfast Basis.
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 springs which is located just a short distance away from the hotel.
Basis
Bed and 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
Your day starts early with a briefing, followed by breakfast and a 45-minute drive from Moshe (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 Moshe. 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.
Distance: 109.41km Travel Time: 2:46 hours
Overnight: Machame Camp
The Machame Camp is one of the first pitstops 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 – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 3: SHIRA CAMP, MOUNT KILIMANJARO
Mount Kilimanjaro
As previously described
Day Itinerary
You rise early at Machame camp and after breakfast you climb an hour or so to the top of the forest and then for 2hrs 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 3840m. 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 shrubland where a range of flora and fauna species are found. Climbers might also spot the White Naped Raven.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP, MOUNT KILIMANJARO
Mount Kilimanjaro
As previously described
Day Itinerary
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 5hrs 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 2hrs 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 pitstop 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 – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 5: BARAFU CAMP, MOUNT KILIMANJARO
Mount Kilimanjaro
As previously described
Day Itinerary
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 – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 6: MWEKA CAMP, MOUNT KILIMANJARO
Mount Kilimanjaro
As previously described
Day Itinerary
You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. You will head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This 6hrs 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 2hrs 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 3hrs. 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 7hrs hike from Summit Uhuru Peak.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 7: SPRINGLANDS HOTEL , MOSHI
Moshi
As previously described
Day Itinerary
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, Overnight in Springlands hotel. 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: 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 springs which is located just a short distance away from the hotel.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
DAY 8: THE AFRICAN TULIP, ARUSHA
Arusha
Resting at the foot of Mount Meru, the sprawling city of Arusha is known as the safari capital of northern Tanzania. It serves as an excellent base from which to explore the remarkably scenic surrounding area which includes majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as the Manyara, Tarangire and Ngorongoro National Parks. Arusha is a good spot to take a day or two off from the safari circuit as it features a temperate climate and lush surrounds. Visitors can look forward to exploring the wildlife-abundant Serengeti National Park; the magnificent Arusha National Park; and taking on the challenge of climbing Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth highest mountain.
Day Itinerary
After breakfast at Springlands hotel you will be transferred to Arusha town for an overnight at African Tulip-(BB).
Overnight: The African Tulip
The African Tulip is an elegant and charming Luxury Boutique Hotel in the heart of Arusha. A warm and friendly welcome awaits guests who want to experience the best of Tanzanian hospitality. The hotel has been designed with safari travellers, business persons, families, honeymooners, elite and leisure travellers in mind. It has amenities of convenience whilst offering a high standard of luxury.
The hotel has 29 guest rooms, 7 of which are suites. The rooms are individually and stylishly decorated using warm African tones. A lot of African material and local art has been used reflecting the common thread that runs throughout the hotel which is one of consistence and quality.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
DAY 9: LAKE MANYARA SERENA SAFARI LDG, LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
Lake Manyara National Park
Situated in Tanzania’s central-northern region with the Lake Manyara on its east and the Manyara Escarpment to its west, the Lake Manyara National Park offers breathtaking views and a large variety of habitats supporting an array of wildlife. This small park is home to surprising biodiversity and features a magnificent landscape of acacia woodlands, water forests, baobab strewn cliffs, algae-streaked hot springs, swamps and the lake itself. The park supports 400 species of bird, and the largest concentration of baboons anywhere in the world. Other species include giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impala, waterbuck, warthog, the Cape clawless otter, and Egyptian mongoose. Don’t miss the opportunity to see thousands of flamingos on the lake, the renowned tree-climbing lions, and large families of elephants strolling through the forest.
Day Itinerary
Breakfast at your lodge, then drive to Lake Manyara National Park, one of the Rift Valley’s numerous alkaline lakes, which apart from its abundant bird life, is known for its tree-climbing lions. Arrive for lunch at your lodge. Afternoon game drive until sunset. Meals and overnight at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge( LDBB)
Overnight: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Standing high on the bluff of a dramatic ochre and terracotta streaked cliff above the flamingo-frosted expanse of Lake Manyara’s gleaming alkaline waters, the Lodge commands panoramic views across the volcano-studded floor of the Great Rift Valley. Designed to reflect the brilliance of Lake Manyara’s unique birdlife, the Lodge draws on an inspirational architectural motif that melds swooping avian curves with the gentle concentric patterns of traditional Maasai ‘Bomas’ (encampments) whilst the vibrantly coloured frescoes lining the walls are designed to depict the colourful intricacy of bird migratory patterns. The ambiance of the Lodge is a fusion of lakeside tranquility, towering volcanic splendour and adventure-packed sporting activity.
As to wildlife, the park offers abundant sightings of; monkey, jackal, mongoose, hyena, hyrax, zebra, hippo, warthog, buffalo, Masai giraffe, duiker, waterbuck and impala. Significant numbers of elephant are also resident in the Park whilst sightings of black rhino and leopard are not uncommon. Manyara is also especially noted for its wealth of bird life, being visited by many thousands of sugar-pink Lesser Flamingos, significant numbers of Greater Flamingos and a host of other woodland, plains and water birds
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 10: NGORONGORO SOPA LODGE, NGORONGORO CRATER
Ngorongoro Crater
Located in Northern Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater is best known for its natural beauty and abundance of diverse wildlife; which makes it one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations. Surrounded by Tanzania’s highlands, this UNESCO-listed crater is said to be the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Visitors can look forward to spotting the world-renowned Big Five and a host of other wildlife species including large herds of zebra and wildebeest. It is famed as one of Tanzania’s best tourist attractions offering visitors an array of wonderful activities including excellent bird watching, trekking, wildlife viewing, mountain biking and visiting a local Maasai village. Don’t miss the opportunity to jump on an excursion to the magnificent Olduvai Gorge.
Day Itinerary
After breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact caldera in the world. Its enduring charm stems from its overwhelming beauty and the abundance of wildlife permanently resident on the crater floor. Arrive for lunch with Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge (LDBB)
Overnight: Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Perched on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, the magnificent Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge is the only property on the eastern rim of this World Heritage Site.
Accommodating 186 guests in its 97 spacious en-suite bedrooms, the Lodge has its own private road to the crater floor. The Lodge is perfectly situated to explore the abundant game in what is often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”. Its location offers awe-inspiring views over the crater and some of the most breathtaking sunsets to be seen in Tanzania.
Each suite has a private lounge with mini-bar, en-suite bathroom, central heating and a private solarium. The Lodge has telephone facilities, satellite TV, a conference room, and a swimming pool situated on the very edge of the rim.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 11: NGORONGORO SOPA LODGE, NGORONGORO CRATER
Day Itinerary
After breakfast, depart for half day tour of the crater floor. Return to your lodge for lunch. Afternoon at leisure.
Meals and overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge (LDBB)
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 12: SERENGETI SOPA LODGE, CENTRAL SERENGETI
Central Serengeti
Situated in the heart of Tanzania, the Central Serengeti encompasses the world-famous Seronera Valley which is known for its prime wildlife-viewing opportunities. This picture-perfect landscape is characterized by endless stretches of savannah-covered open plains, interspersed by rocky outcrops of granite, scattered with acacia woodlands and covered in a network of rivers and streams. The Central Serengeti forms part of the great wildebeest and zebra migration and provides an ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife such as giraffe, impala, waterbuck, hippo, elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, hyena, jackal, serval and much more. Popular activities include: game viewing, cultural tours, horse riding safaris, and hot air ballooning over the spectacularly scenic terrain.
Day Itinerary
After breakfast, drive to the Serengeti National Park, undoubtedly the most famous wildlife sanctuary in the world, unequalled for its natural beauty and the greatest concentration of plains game anywhere. En route visit the Olduvai Gorge site of archeological findings, where traces of pre-historic man dating back to 3.5 million years ago have been discovered. Arrive for lunch at your lodge. Afternoon game drive until sunset. Meals and overnight at Serengeti Sopa Lodge (LDBB)
Overnight: Serengeti Sopa Lodge
Offering arguably the best wildlife to be seen anywhere in Africa, the Serengeti National Park provides the perfect backdrop for the Serengeti Sopa Lodge.
Located in the Nyarboro Hills in the south-west of this world-famous park, the lodge has panoramic views over the savannah. An almost constant southerly breeze keeps the temperature at a comfortable level.
The lodge now accommodates 146 guests in 73 rooms and four luxury two-storey suites, all overlooking the eastern plains of the Serengeti. Each room has a private lounge with mini-bar, en-suite bathroom and private verandah. The Lodge has telephone facilities, satellite TV, a conference room and a swimming pool.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 13: SERENGETI SOPA LODGE, CENTRAL SERENGETI
Day Itinerary
All day spent in the Serengeti with morning and afternoon game drives.
Meals and overnight at Serengeti Sopa Lodge (LDBB)
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 14: END OF ITINERARY
Day Itinerary
Breakfast at your lodge, drive to Arusha town for lunch, later you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward flight back home.
Basis
Breakfast
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