dshorter- Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, proceed through immigration and customs on to baggage claim. Collect your baggage and then you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
- In the late afternoon there is a briefing with our expedition manager and head guide to go over the Kilimanjaro itinerary in detail, check gear, and answer any questions you may have.
- Keep in mind when packing that the weight limit that the porters will carry is limited to 18kgs per porter. Extra luggage can be stored in Arusha while you are on the Kili climb!
- From Arusha you will set out in vehicles to the starting point of the Machame trail. The day is spent walking to Machame Hut through the mountain’s lush lower rain forest. Depending upon weather conditions, this can be a moderate to demanding day’s work. Camp is pitched at around 3000m.
- Rising early you cross a valley and a stream and then climb up a steep ridge for 3-4 hours. The path then drops into a river gorge before ascending more gently onto the moorland of the Shira Plateau, one of the most fascinating areas of the Mountain. Camp is placed near the Shira Hut at 3840m.
- Today you walk for 5-6 hours enjoying sightings of the typical Kilimanjaro mountain vegetation (Senecios, Lobelia, Helichrysum) and reaching a high point of around 4600m before descending for the rest of the day. On clear days the Lava Tower can be seen as well as some distinct glaciers. These glaciers are shrinking as world temperatures increase. It is speculated that in a mere 15 years many of these glaciers will disappear, forever. The path down to the Barranco Valley can be particularly rewarding and the view of Kibo peak is truly spectacular. In the evening the blanket of cloud often hangs just below the valley, pulsating in the dying light. Camp is pitched in the Barranco Valleyat around 3950m.
- Today you ascend the Barranco wall, then walk across scree and ridges into the Karanga valley (4100m) with breathtaking views of the Western Breach and the southern glacier. You arrive in time for lunch in camp and then have plenty of time to relax and even go for a short acclimatization walk.
- From Karanga we head up a morraine ridge taking our time and going slowly. The views here can be spectacular on the southern glaciers and of the glacial valleys that snake their way down the mountain. The final stage to Barafu is quite steep, and as always we take it very slowly. As with the day before you reach camp by around lunch time leaving lots of time to prepare and relax. In the evening your guide briefs you for the final ascent.
- The attempt on the summit occurs at night in the very early morning. Each climber is assigned a summit guide to ensure that everyone makes it to the top, or returns as required in complete safety. The going is slow, and often quite frustrating on the scree, but persistence and patience ensure steady progress. Near the summit you pass through the gap between the Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers. At Stella point you can then choose to return – you are after all already higher than any point in Africa! Otherwise, continue to Uhuru peak (5896m). Despite the distance being relatively short, progress is slow – there is less than half the oxygen than at sea level! Uhuru Peak provides a unique satisfaction and usually releases a plethora of emotions. If progress is good you can watch the sunrise from the rooftop of Africa. Most people then start returning quite soon after sunrise as the return journey today is quite long. Camp is pitched at Mweka at around 3100m.
- The final descent takes you through the lower heath section that quickly turns into rainforest. Your time on Kilimanjaro ends at Mweka Gate where your landrover will be waiting to transfer you back to your evening’s dinner and overnight at the Rivertrees Country Inn. You may now relax, take a hot shower or even relax by the pool! Enjoy a wonderful celebration dinner!
- After a restful night’s sleep and breakfast, you will be met by your private driver / guide to begin your road trip towards the Ngorongoro Highlands. Pass by the colorful scenes of local Tanzania life including farmland, small villages, Maasai herding their cattle, women carrying bundles of wood on their heads, and more. Enjoy a game drive at the Lake Manyara National Park with a stop to enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing to Acacia Farm Lodge in time for dinner.
- Dec 24: Early this morning, you will depart with a picnic lunch to explore the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Descending the 2,000 ft walls through the early morning mist, you’ll enjoy a full day game drive on the Crater floor. The Ngorongoro Crater is the World’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Due to its size and diversity, the crater floor is comprised of several distinct areas, ranging from forest, swamps, lakes and springs, to open grassland and some sandy dunes, which are home to an abundance of wildlife including lion, cheetah, rhino, ostrich and more. Return to your lodge located in the Ngorongoro Highlands for dinner and overnight.
- After breakfast, you will head west with your private driver-guide towards Serengeti National Park, game-viewing en route. While a long drive, its also one of the most beautiful in Africa as you ascend through the hills of the Ngorongoro conservation area and then down through Maasai villages watching the vast plains of the Serengeti unfurl before you. Continue on with a game drive to your camp. Undoubtedly the best-known wildlife sanctuary in the world, the Serengeti is home to the highest density of animals in the world as well as being unrivaled for its natural beauty, diversity and scientific value.
- Bid farewell to the bush! After a morning activity, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your flight to Zanzibar (scheduled 10:30-12:55). On arrival, collect your luggage and meet your private transfer driver for a road transfer to your spot on the beach!
- Bid farewell to the beach! You’ll be transferred to the Zanzibar airport for your flight to Dar (included). On arrival at the domestic airport, collect your luggage and be met and transferred to the International Airport. Check in for your flight to Cape Town (scheduled 15:35-23:20 via Jo’burg).
- Welcome to South Africa! Upon arrival in Cape Town, you will be met by your representative off the jetway, escorted through the Fast Track immigration line if available, and a transfer will be awaiting your arrival to take you to Sea Five, your oasis while exploring South Africa’s most beautiful city (International flights booked separately). Located in trendy Camps Bay, this boutique hotel is just steps from shops and restaurants and the ideal base to explore the “Mother City”.
- Explore the hidden gems that Cape Town has to offer during a guided food tour with your qualified chef and food critic – we promise that your taste buds will thank you!
- The City Bowl tasting experience is a leisurely walking tour which includes a variety of food and drink tastings around central Cape Town, from the more popular to the obscure and from traditional cuisine to modern. Admire the city’s architectural styles and influences as you gain insight into local culture, history and food trends.
- Walking is not strenuous but it is recommended that guests have a moderate level of fitness.
- Meeting Point: Mustaccio Café, Kloof Street 10 mins before departure
- Today you embark on a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula. Take in the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, before crossing over to Hout Bay, a quaint village and fishing harbour with magnificent mountains views and beaches. From here you drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve via Chapman’s Peak, one of the world’s most breathtaking coastal drives, where you will board a funicular (optional and for your own account) to get to the top of the Peninsula to witness the symbolic meeting of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans and enjoy spectacular views over False Bay.
- After lunch (for your own account), continue to Simonstown, the naval base, and visit the African Penguin breeding colony at Boulders Beach. Then stop at the world-renowned Kirstenbosch Gardens before arriving at your hotel for overnight.
- You will be met this morning by your private guide and transferred to your hotel, nestled amidst the beautiful mountains and vineyards of the Cape Winelands and conveniently located within a few minutes walk of the village center of Franschhoek, South Africa’s renowned gourmet capital.
- Tickets are included for the wine tram today – walking distance from your hotel! This hop-on hop-off tour is one of the best ways to discover the true essence of the Franschhoek Valley – picturesque vineyards, breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality, world-class cuisine, fine wines and a 300 year history. Passengers on board the hop-on hop-off tour experience a unique and leisurely way to see the Franschhoek Valley as they journey through rolling vineyards in an open-side tram and open-air tram-bus stopping in at some of South Africa’s oldest and most distinguished wine estates.
- A combination of tram and tram-bus transports passengers around a loop of stops allowing them to hop-off at each stop and experience the activities on offer, be it wine tasting, a cellar tour, lunch or simply a stroll through the vineyards and when they are ready, hop-on to continue the tour. The experience takes passengers right into the heart of the Franschhoek Valley, with a narration focusing on the history of Franschhoek and wine cultivation in the valley, complimentary wine tastings and unparalleled views of the valley and vineyards.
- This morning, you will be met and driven to Mosaic Private Sanctuary to continue with your safari on South Africa’s stunning shoreline. Situated between ocean, lagoon and glistening mountains, luxury is laced with earthly beauty and heavenly night skies. Centrally located to whale watching, marine tours, shark cage diving and exploring the Overberg Wine Region, Mosaic is the perfect location for nature and activity lovers.
- Bid farewell to Africa today – you will be transferred to the Cape Town International Airport to catch your international flights home (international flights booked separately).
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