Depart from Washington D.C. (Dulles Airport) for an overnight direct flight to Addis Ababa.

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.

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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.

Early morning arrival into Washington D.C. (Dulles Airport).

Inquire about optional Wildlife Safari extensions or a visit to the island of Zanzibar.

"Mt. Kilimanjaro Safari" in Tanzania

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)

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)

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)

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)

Early morning arrival into Washington D.C. (Dulles Airport).