DAY 1- WASHINGTON D.C.
Depart from
Washington D.C. (Dulles Airport) for an overnight direct flight to Addis
Ababa.
DAY 2- MOSHI, TANZANIA
Morning arrival into
Addis Ababa with a convenient connection for your flight to Mt. Kilimanjaro
airport. Meet and Greet services at the airport and transfer to Springlands
Hotel located in Moshi Town close to the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Late
this afternoon there will be a climb briefing with the balance of the evening at
leisure.
DAY 3- MT. KILIMANJARO HIKE
The National
Park Gate (1,830 m.) lies at the edge of Marangu, which is an attractive village
with many small coffee and banana plantations. After completing the entrance
formalities, we climb up through attractive and unspoilt forest to reach the
clearing containing Mandara Hut (2,700 m.), a group of comfortable 'A' frame
wooden huts. The largest cabin has a downstairs dining area and an upstairs
dormitory and mattresses. Smaller huts sleep eight persons. The total capacity
is sixty persons. Water is piped onto site from a spring above and there are
flush toilets behind the main cabin. The volcanic remains of Maundi Crater are
nearby and makes a good afternoon excursion. An alternative is to rest and enjoy
the beautiful forest. There is a rich birdlife at the huts and monkeys are often
seen as well. (3-5 hours walking) (B, L, D)
DAY 4- MT. KILIMANJARO HIKE
The first part
of the walk is a steep ascent through the forest, but the path soon opens out
into grassy moorland and in clear weather, there are good views of Kibo and
Mawenzi peaks. We climb steadily through the moorland zone, containing giant
heathers and occasional stands of groundsel, to eventually reach the hut complex
at Horombo (3,720 m.). The buildings here are similar to Mandara Hut, but total
capacity is one hundred and twenty persons. Water is piped from the stream
behind the huts. There are platform toilets south east of the main hut, about
eighty metres down the slope and flush toilets have been built within the
complex of small huts. Sunrises and sunsets here are often spectacular and the
site is close to the glaciated dome of Kibo. There is a real sense of being
above the clouds here. (4-6 hours walking)(B, L, D)
DAY 5- MT. KILIMANJARO HIKE
We climb very
gradually towards the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The
terrain changes to scree and there is a palpable sense of high altitude
wilderness. We usually reach Kibo Hut (4,700 m.) at the bottom of the crater
wall by midday. Kibo is a stone-built block house with a small dining area and a
number of dormitory rooms leading off a main corridor. There are bunk beds and
mattresses for about sixty people . There is no water here so one has to bring
an ample supply from the 'last water' supply above Horombo Hut. Platform toilets
are behind the hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting and eating in
preparation for the final climb before a very early night! (4-5 hours
walking)(B, L, D)
DAY 6- MT. KILIMANJARO HIKE
We will start
our ascent by torchlight at about 1:00 a.m.., aiming to be up at Gillman's Point
by sunrise. The initial climb is steep over loose volcanic scree, but there are
some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will have us up to
Gillman's (5,685 m.) in about five or six hours. We will rest there and spend
some time taking in the sunrise. For those who are still feeling strong can make
the three hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896
m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers that still occupy most of the
summit area. The descent is surprisingly fast and we return to Horombo for the
night. (11-15 hours walking)(B, L, D)
DAY 7- MT. KILIMANJARO HIKE
We retrace our
steps with a pleasant moorland walk to Mandara and then a lovely forest walk to
the National Park gates. The greenness and lushness of the forest is quite a
stunning contrast to the summit day and it really makes you realise how
varied the scenery on Kilimanjaro really is. (5-6 hours walking). When you
finish the climb, there will be a vehicle waiting to meet you and transfer you
back Springlands Hotel for overnight. (B, L)
DAY 8- RETURN TO USA
After a morning of
leisure, transfer early this afternoon to board your Ethiopian Airline flight
from Mt. Kilimanjaro Airport to Addis Ababa with a convenient connection for the
overnight flight to Washington DC.
DAY 9- ARRIVE USA
Early morning arrival
into Washington D.C. (Dulles Airport).
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS
Inquire about
optional Wildlife Safari extensions or a visit to the island of
Zanzibar.
OPTIONAL 3 Night Post Extension
"Mt. Kilimanjaro
Safari" in Tanzania
DAY 08- TO NGORONGORO CONSERVATION
AREA
Depart this morning aboard a 4x4 Safari vehicle to the northern
highlands, with its verdant hills and pleasing views that made it popular with
settlers and farmers. Arrive at the lodge offering an original experience
reminiscent of the atmosphere of the old days. After lunch, proceed to the town
of Karatu which was of great importance to the German colonial administration.
After visiting the colorful market return to your lodge for an evening of
leisure.(B, L, D)
DAY 09- NGORONGORO CRATER SAFARI
DRIVE
Descend 2,000 feet into Ngorongoro Crater for a thrilling game
drive among Africa's Big 5; lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard. Also
explore the forest area that is inhabited by monkey and elephant. Visit the lake
area, where you may see flamingos and the open savannah where lions hunt for
food. As one of the largest calderas in the world it is considered the “Garden
of Eden”. Enjoy a picnic lunch during this full day game drive.(B, L,
D)
DAY 10- TO LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL
PARK
This morning depart to the Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp,
offering ten deluxe canvas tented chalets each elevated on stilts and situated
along a cliff side. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon safari game drive into Lake
Manyara National Park, which offers a series of fascinating and beautiful
lakes. Every imaginable East African animal is found here. Herds of buffalo,
zebra and several varieties of gazelle inhabit this area. Witness some of the
most amazing pods of hippos. Though you may spot some tree climbing lions, it
will be the abundant flocks of Pink Flamingos that will leave you in
amazement.(B, L, D)
DAY 11- TO MT. KILIMANJARO AIRPORT/ ADDIS
ABABA
A short transfer returns you to the town of Arusha, which was
the setting of John Wayne's1962 epic film Hatari. After lunch continue on to
Mt. Kilimanjaro airport for your flightto Addis Ababa connecting with your
evening flight to Washington D.C.(B, L)
DAY 12- WASHINTON D.C.
Early morning
arrival into Washington D.C. (Dulles Airport).