KILIMANJARO CLIMB, SERENGETI SAFARI & ZANZIBAR PACKAGE

Distance: 5 miles, Hiking time: 4-5 hrs, Habitat: Heath

We continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Accommodation: Four-season expedition tents - Mountain hardware.

Yoga: at 3 pm Lead by (Nikki Dean) - 20-30 minutes activity

Elevation: 11,500ft - 13,800ft, Distance: 7 miles,

Hiking time: 5-7 hrs, Habitat: Heath

Today, we will spend the full day exploring the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on earth. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadow towards Shira 2 Camp. We then divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a lesser-used camping site at the base of the Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Four-season expedition tents - Mountain hardware.

Elevation: 13,800ft - 15,190ft,

Distance:  4 miles, Hiking time: 4-5 hrs. Habitat: Alpine desert

Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 15,190ft - 13,044ft, Distance: 2 miles

Hiking time: 2-3 hrs, Habitat: Alpine desert

We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is extremely beneficial for acclimatization.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Four-season expedition tents - Mountain hardware.

Yoga: At 7: 45am Lead by (Nikki Dean) - 20-30-minute activity.

Elevation: 13,044ft - 3,106ft, Distance:  3 miles

Hiking time: 4-5 hrs, Habitat: Alpine desert

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. We will then climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900ft, cliff. The Barranco Wall, also known as the Kissing Wall, is approximately 3 ft. wide. This narrow section is famous because climbers often place a kiss on the rock as they pass by. Climbers also “hug” the outcrop and breathe a sigh of relief on the other side as they realize it wasn’t nearly as intimidating as it looked.

From the top of the Barranco Wall, we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One steeper climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This shorter day will prepare us for higher elevation at the summit.

Elevation:  3,106ft - 15,331ft, Distance: 2 miles

Hiking time: 3-4 hrs, Habitat: Alpine desert

We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this position.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Four season expedition tents - mountain hardware.

Yoga: at 3pm lead by (Nikki Dean) - 20-30 minutes activity

Elevation:  15,331ft - 19,341ft, Distance:  3 miles, Hiking time: 7-8 hrs, Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation:  19,341ft - 10,065ft, Distance: 7 miles, Hiking time: 4-6 hrs

Habitat: Rain forest

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. At this elevation and time of day, the wind and cold can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent but short breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak.

Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak— the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Here, you can take a moment to reflect on your tremendous accomplishment. You’ll obviously have the opportunity to take a few pictures from the ‘Rooftop of Africa’ to memorialize this special moment.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we will enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Elevation:  10,065ft - 5,380ft, Distance:  6 miles

Hiking time: 3-4 hrs, Habitat: Rain forest

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate where we will be met by our driver who will transport us back to the hotel in Moshi/Arusha for shower. Here, we can relax with some refreshments, perhaps a local Kilimanjaro beer, while we wait to receive our summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in the hotel for a long overdue hot shower.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Four season expedition tents - Mountain hardware.

Your Safari begins from Arusha to Tarangire National park. You will arrive in time for mid-morning game drive in Tarangire National park. And head to your camp in late afternoon for your dinner. Next you will have an early morning game drive and back to the same lodge for lunch, relaxation, pool time, and overnight.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight at Lake Burunge Luxury camp

Option: Yoga: at 7am Lead by (Leader available) - 20-30 minutes activity

Today you will have something very special in Ngorongoro crater conservation area…Game drive all day in the crater with hot lunch and drinks, and transfer to your lodge in late afternoon.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight at Lake Lemala Luxury camp.

Option Yoga:  at 2pm Lead by (Leader available) - 20-30 minutes activity

A day in your life where you get to witness thousands of wildebeest and zebras searching for green grass in the southern Southern Serengeti national park. Another big day in Sere, touring the great Central Serengeti plain for the big fives and animal Male lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhino.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight at Baobab Luxury camp

Day 17: Drop off at Seronera Airstrip in Serengeti, catch the flight around 10:00am, and fly to Zanzibar.Yoga will continue in Zanzibar - Optional