Kilimanjaro Climb & Tanzania Safari

13 days - from $5695

Combine the achievement of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with a safari in Tanzania’s spectacular game parks

Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa. It lies close to the equator, yet snow, ice and glaciers are to be found on its highest slopes. Soaring to the impressive altitude of 5895 metres (19,350 feet), it provides incredible views of hundreds of square kilometres of surrounding countryside – thousands of feet below – as well as of the mountain peaks, valleys and glaciers around you. The walk to the summit takes you through a number of distinctly different climatic and vegetation zones – from beautiful rainforest, to alpine moorland, to volcanic desert, to glaciers, ice and snow. (Indeed, even if you do not make it to the top, the scenic interest and rewards of the lower sections are considerable). No mountaineering experience is required; you are able to walk all the way. As you gain altitude, however, the going will seem tough at times – the increasing effect of altitude, and walking on scree slopes on the upper sections, mean that this is a far-from-easy undertaking. In addition, very cold conditions can be encountered on the higher slopes, and you must be adequately equipped with cold and wet weather clothing. However, if you walk slowly, even from the start at lower altitudes, have a good mental attitude and a reasonable degree of physical fitness, this will all help immeasurably. You will be accompanied by guides, and porters will help to carry your luggage. On the way up your nights are spent in tents, on the Machame route; however on the descent you join the Mweka route, spending one night in this area (but still using our own tents). The thrill of reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro gives you an unsurpassed sense of achievement. The Machame Route is a day longer than the standard trail and we have added a further day to the standard itinerary. This provides important additional time for acclimatisation and may well increase your chances of reaching the summit.

After your climb you head out on safari staying in beautifully appointed, permanent tented camps. We game drive at picturesque Lake Manyara en route to the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater. Just 20 kilometres wide, the crater floor teems with vast quantities of game, including elephant, lion, cheetah and black rhino. From Ngorongoro Crater we head into the Serengeti National Park. This is quintessential Africa, where wide open plains stretch as far as the imagination, and beyond, supporting vast numbers of plains game, including over two million wildebeest. A visit to the Serengeti ranks as one of the major highlights in all of Africa. This trip is truly the ultimate challenge, followed by the ultimate reward!

Highlights

• The black-maned tree-climbing lions and flamingos of Lake Manyara National Park
• The 'Garden of Eden' of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ngorongoro Crater
• Game drives in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Serengeti
• Climb Mt Kilimanjaro - Africa's highest peak

Itinerary:

Day 1: Machame2: Machame Hut3: Shira Hut4: Barranco Hut5: Karanga Valley6: Barafu Hut7: Summit - Mweka8: Machame Village9: Lake Manyara - Ngorongoro Conservation Area10: Ngorongoro Crater11-12: Serengeti National Park13: Serengeti National Park - Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport
Included:

A specialist local mountain guide, services of porters/cook on mountain climb, local tour leader on safari, arrival transfer, accommodation, transport, domestic flight Serengeti to Arusha Airport, game activities, entrance and park/mountain fees as indicated below:

Intrnational airfares, airport departure taxes, visas, meals unless specified in the itinerary, insurance, laundry, any optional tours or activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.

This trip includes 7 days in Kilimanjaro National Park, 2 days in both Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park and 1 day in Lake Manyara National Park.