$3,450
Safaris & Itineraries
13 DAYS – SAFARI AND TREKKING.
13 DAYS – 12 NIGHTS
SAFARI and HIKING
SAFARI: Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro
HIKING: Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN ARUSHA.
Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). We will arrange a private transfer to Arusha Safari Lodge, where the rest of the day is at leisure. We stay at Arusha Safari Lodge, which is beautifully located on the slope of Mt. Meru and is a perfect place to prepare for your adventure. We will gather in the hotel for a pre-safari briefing and an equipment check. We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance. Dinner and overnight at Arusha Safari Lodge: Half board.
DAY 2: GAME DRIVE IN LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK.
We depart from Arusha Safari Lodge to Lake Manyara National Park. Although small in size, this park is one of the most diverse reserves in the country. Lake Manyara covers two thirds of the park. At the backdrop is the wall of the Great Rift Valley, before which lies the ground water forest, areas of open grassland near the lake foreshore, and the Soda Lake. We enjoy a picnic lunch in this area, which consists of open grassy areas, hot springs, dense woodlands and steep mountainsides. Lake Manyara National Park is a birding paradise that has more than 350 species of bird. The park is also famed for its unique and elusive tree-climbing lions. Dinner and overnight at Nsya Lodge: Full board.
DAY 3: GAME DRIVE IN SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK.
We proceed to Olduvai Gorge, known as the ‘Cradle of Mankind’. It was here, in the Great Rift Valley, that the remains of early hominids dating back 2 million years were uncovered. Afterwards, we visit the most famous wildlife sanctuary in the world – Serengeti National Park. The word ‘Serengeti’ means ‘endless plains’, which describes the park’s 5,600 square mile boundary. Yet for its sprawling area, the Serengeti does not disappoint when it comes to rich game-viewing. Annually, from May to December, millions of animals embark on a migration which brings them from central Serengeti to Kenya’s Maasai Mara and back again in an incredible spectacle. Even during the ‘down-time’, vast herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle roam here, along with groups of elephant, giraffe, and buffalo. As the lions, leopard, cheetah, hyenas and jackals stalk their meals, we enjoy a picnic lunch in this open arena. Dinner and overnight at Serengeti Wild Tented Lodge: Full board.
DAY 4: GAME DRIVE IN NGORONGORO CRATER.
We depart from Serengeti for an encore game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater. At the top of the crater, the views of the caldera and the scattered animals below are breathtaking. We venture onto the crater floor for an up close at the residents of this World Heritage Site, and enjoy a picnic lunch here. The Ngorongoro Crater provides great game-viewing all year-round. The wildlife here makes up a permanent population because grazing and water supplies are plentiful throughout the seasons. We have our final dinner and around evening drive back to Arusha. Dinner and overnight at Arusha Safari Lodge: Half board.
MOUNT MERU-CLIMB
Mount Meru – Is the best for acclimatization prior to Mount Kilimanjaro climbing; The Mountain is the third highest peak in Africa and is the second highest mountain in Tanzania at 4,568m. The mountain is located within Arusha National Park, Tanzania’s gem. This prime location gives trekkers the chance to spot some of wildlife that inhabits the area. Ascend is quite steep, the route to the summit passes over streams, through parkland, montane forest, a giant heather zone and moorland. The summit is reached by a narrow, barren ridge, which provides stunning views of the Ash Cone lying several thousand feet below in the crater.
DAY 5: ARUSHA – MIRIAKAMBA HUT
After an early morning breakfast in Arusha (1400m), you will be picked up from your hotel and brought to the Momela Gate in Arusha National Park. At this time, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then begin your ascent in Arusha National Park. The first day of hiking is similar to a walking safari; you should expect to see giraffes, zebras, antelope, buffalo, and potentially elephants near the trail. Due to the high possibility of spotting wildlife, an armed ranger, hired through the National Park, is required to hike with our team for the duration of the hike. As you continue hiking, you will pass the Ngarenanyuki River and a beautiful waterfall at the base of Mt. Meru. Upon arriving to Miriakamba Hut (2500m), your chef will prepare a hot dinner and washing water for you. Enjoy the beautiful sunset and overnight.
- Elevation: 1,400m/4,620ft to 2500m/8,250ft
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: BLD
DAY 6: MIRIAKAMBA HUT– SADDLE HUT
After breakfast, you will start ascending up the steep trail along the ridge of the saddle. You may see various wildlife along the way! The trail has views of Mt. Meru Crater and the Ash Tray. When you arrive at camp, you have the option of hiking Little Mt. Meru (3820m) with your guide to further acclimate. You will be served an early dinner, so you can receive ample rest before your midnight summit attempt. Get to sleep by 1900!
- Elevation: 2,500m/8,250ft to 3500m/11,550ft
- Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
- Habitat: Heathland
- Meals: BLD
DAY 7: SADDLE HUT – SUMMIT ATTEMPT – ARUSHA
Your guide will wake you at 00:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt at 1:30am. The trail starts off on a steep grade to Rhino Point (3800m) to Cobra Point (4350m). The last hour of the hike you will scramble on a rocky ridge between the crater and inner cliffs of Meru. You will reach the summit of Meru (4565m) at sunrise with spectacular views of Mt. Meru Ash Tray and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Enjoy your views then descend to Momela Gate.
- Elevation: 3,500m/11,550ft to 4,566m/15,068ft – 1400m/4,620ft
- Hiking Time: 12 – 14 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: BLD
MOUNT KILIMANJARO – MARANGU ROUTE
Marangu Route is also known as the “Coca Cola” or “Females Tourist” route. It is the easiest and shortest route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts at every camp site with solar lights and comfortable beds. The huts are communal, and the bunks have a sponge mattress and pillow.
All climbing groups, often from several countries around the world, share meals in dining huts providing a jovial and energetic atmosphere.
This route is usually done in 5 days but can be done in 6 days for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.
DAY 8: DRIVE TO KILIMANJARO NATIONAL PARK MARANGU GATE, HIKE TO MANDARA HUT
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
- Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
DAY 9: HIKE MANDARA HUT TO HOROMBO HUT
You leave the glades of the rain-forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
- Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 12km/7.5mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Heathland
- Meals: BLD
DAY 10: HIKE HOROMBO HUT TO KIBO HUT
Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
- Distance: 9km/5.5mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: BLD
DAY 11: HIKE KIBO HUT TO SUMMIT, AND DOWN TO HOROMBO HUT
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
- Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
- Down to 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: BLD
DAY 12: HIKE HOROMBO HUT TO TRAIL HEAD, DRIVE TO MOSHI
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel Moshi (about 1 hour).
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
- Distance: 20km/12.5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: BLD
DAY 13: DEPARTURE.
Our Driver will pick you at hotel to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for drop off and it will be End of the tour
Kilimanjaro Climb Includes:
- Hotel lodging the night before and the night after the climb (dinner and breakfast included) (double occupancy).
- Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents:
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides:
- Two nights hotel in Marangu
- All Park fees
- Rescue fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Arrival and Departure transfers
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs:
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food:
- Clean, purified drinking water:
- Private, portable chemical flush toilets:
- Crisis management and safety procedures:
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters:
- Summit Emergency Oxygen:
- Walking Poles
- Sleeping Mattress:
- Flying Doctor Service
Kilimanjaro Climb Excludes:
- Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not listed above
- Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)
- Tips and any items of personal nature.
Safety:
Success is what we want during our trip. We are prepared for any urgent situation and also have in place a complete evacuation procedure in case of altitude sickness. We carry first aid supplies and supplement summit oxygen.
Travel insurance:
All customers travelling with Tanzania on Foot are required to have fully comprehensive travel insurance. The policy needs to be valid from the date that the initial order is placed so as to provide cover for a cancellation prior to departure. During travel the insurance needs to provide comprehensive medical, evacuation and repatriation cover.
