Considered by many to be the most beautiful and scenic route to climb, with Machame you pass through tropical montane rain forest to the snows of Kilimanjaro. The dates have been set to coincide with the full moon and the best weather conditions. The group will be climbing with our excellent guides, an assistant guide, cook, and porters. Accommodation is in mountain tents throughout pitched at sites by the huts. All equipment necessary is provided to a high specification, including thick foam mattresses to ensure as comfortable a night sleep as possible, a toilet tent, tables and chairs and 2 way radio to maintain communication with our office in Arusha. In addition, the best of the northern national parks and featuring three nights Adventure Camping in the great Serengeti. A great mix of staying under canvas and in style at Lake Manyara and with our choice of a superbly located lodge perched on the rim of the famous Ngorongoro Crater.
Duration:
17 Day Safari
Location:
Tanzania
Category:
Exploration
Tour Code:
BFS 1000
Price:
Call for Pricing
Travel Recap:
Day 1
Your Journey begins...
Suggested routing: Board your KLM/Northwest flight and through the gateway city of Amsterdam on your journey to Africa. Stopovers in Amsterdam on request.
Day 2
Amsterdam/Arusha, Tanzania
Arrive in Amsterdam early this morning from you home city. Connect on your KLM flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will then be met and transferred to the Rivertrees Country Inn. This newly opened lodge is set in the grounds of a large coffee estate and has spectacular views of Mt. Meru. You will spend the afternoon with your mountain guide preparing for your climb with a briefing for the 'Machame Route'. Rivertrees Country Inn [D]
Day 3
Ascent of Kilimanjaro / Machame
Today you will be transferred to Machame Gate to begin your climb. Climb to Machame Hut, walking along depending on the weather conditions this can be a moderate to very demanding climb through forest then up to the overnight stop on the edge of the forest. (3,000 m) Machame Campsite [B, L, D]
Day 4
The Shira Plateau
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 the river gorge before you climb more gently onto the moorland of the Shira Plateau, one of the most fascinating areas of the Mountain. (3,840 m) Shira Campsite [B, L, D]
Day 5
Barranco
Today you will walk for 5-6 hours, enjoying sightings of the typical Kilimanjaro mountain vegetation (Senecios, Lobelia, Helichrysum) and rewarding views of the spectacular Barranco Valley. (3,950 m) Barranco Campsite [B, L, D]
Day 6
Karanga
From the Barranco Hut, walk across scree and ridges to Karanga (4,100m) with breathtaking views of the West Breach and the southern glacier. Lunch is often taken here, depending on your progress. In the afternoon there is then the chance to head up Karanga Valley to aid acclimatisation, or simply relax in camp as required. Karanga Campsite [B, L, D]
Day 7
Barafu
About 2 hours from Karanga you will come out on the Barafu path (part of the Mweka Trail). It is a further 1-2 hours to Barafu Hut. The last stage to Barafu hut is quite steep, and as always we advise taking it as easy as possible. Being as relaxed as possible both mentally and physically is the best advice (physical relaxation is often as difficult as mental relaxation!). We often try to camp a little higher (around 4700 meters) when possible to make the morning ascent that little bit easier. In the evening you will be briefed for the final ascent, and preparing clothing and water before you rest for the night is a good idea to give you a good start in the morning. Karanga Campsite [B, L, D]
Day 8
Summit- Mweka
You rise early in the morning and begin your climb to the summit by the light of the full moon. You pass through the gap between the Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers and continue to Uhuru peak (5,896 m) where you can watch the sunrise from the rooftop of Africa! You then descend to Mweka Camp for your overnight stay in Mountain tents. (3,100 m) Mweka Camp [B, L, D]
Day 9
Decent of Kilimanjaro
Today you descend to the Mweka Gate and then continue by vehicle to the Rivertrees Country Inn. You may now relax, take a hot shower or a swim in the pool before a final dinner with the other members of your group where you may celebrate the achievement of conquering Mount Kilimanjaro. Rivertrees Country Inn [B, L, D]
On Day 10 you may continue on the optional safari extension, depart for home or combine to one of our other safaris & tours.
Optional Safari Extension:
Day 10
Lake Manyara
From Arusha you will be met and depart, with a picnic lunch, for Lake Manyara National Park and a short game drive. In the early evening continue up the Rift Valley escarpment to Kirurumu Tented Lodge to enjoy the commanding and panoramic views of Lake Manyara and the surrounding area. Kirurumu Tented Lodge [B, L, D]
Day 11, 12 & 13
Serengeti National Park
This morning you have an optional early morning ethno-botanical nature walk. After breakfast, drive to the Serengeti National Park, passing through farmland and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Serengeti, undoubtedly the best-known wildlife sanctuary in the world, is home to the highest density of game in Africa as well as being unequalled for its natural beauty and scientific value. Daily game-drives exploring the wide-open spaces of the Serengeti, visiting different habitats and following the ebb and flow of life in its seasonal movements. Mobile Tented Camp [B, L, D]
Day 14
Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast you will drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with a stop at Olduvai Gorge, the cradle of mankind, for a picnic lunch and a visit to the small museum. You will continue to the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania's 'secret garden' which contains a hidden world of teeming wildlife. Descend 2000 feet from the lush rain forest on the rim to the open savannah and the Lerai acacia woodland on the crater floor for an afternoon of game viewing. Return to the crater rim in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight at your lodge. Ngorongoro Serena/ Sopa Lodge [B, L, D]
Day 15
Ngorongoro Crater
After an early breakfast leave for a full day in the crater following and photographing the animals. At lunchtime relax with a picnic. Leave in the afternoon for the 2-hour drive to Gibbs Farm in time for a hot shower before dinner. Gibbs Farm [B, L, D]
Day 16
Kilimanjaro / Depart
In the morning return to Arusha, with lunch at a popular local restaurant and day accommodations at the Kilimanjaro Airport Hotel before a late transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Amsterdam.
Day 17
Amsterdam / Arrival USA
Connect in Amsterdam to your KLM Royal Dutch Airlines/Northwest flight home.
