Tanzania: Safaris, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar

Moshi is situated in the Kilimanjaro region, at the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro; the highest peak in Africa. The town is home to different communities giving it a cultural richness and diversity. The thick clouds and the snow-capped peaks of Kilimanjaro are a spectacular sight form the town below. The markets are a must visit not only for souvenir crafts shopping but also for a feel of the local life. Moshi is the departure point of all Mount Kilimanjaro climbs. Hike to Africa’s highest peak or opt for shorter hikes up rocky hills. The nearby Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation and Arusha National Park also add to the adventure for wildlife lovers. Also enjoy the scenes at Marangu waterfalls, snake park and camel back riding. Visits to the local Chagga village, Maasai Village, and the Coffee Auction at Kahawa House give an unmatched cultural experience.

Discover the crown of Tanzania! With an altitude of 19,340 feet, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa, the highest freestanding mountain in the world, and one of the largest volcanoes. On a clear day this impressive formation can be seen from more than 100 miles away, and although it is only three degrees below the Equator, its peak is permanently covered with snow and ice. The base of the immense mountain has a diameter of about 43 miles!

Machame Route is one of the most scenic and therefore popular routes on the mountain and offers stunning scenic vistas. You will hike beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern Ice fields to join the Barafu Route to the summit. As the incline is more gradual, Machame route has a particularly higher success rate of summiting. Day 1: Machame Gate (1830m) – Machame Camp (3050m) | 11km | 5-6hrs Your drive to the base of Kilimanjaro will take you through small mountainside villages to the Machame National Park Gate. Here, your permits will be issued while you can watch the crew prepare for the journey ahead. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. Day 2: Machame Camp (3050m) – Shira 2 Camp (3810m) | 5km | 4-5hrs After a hearty breakfast, the trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures begin to drop. Day 3: Shira 2 Camp (3810m) – Barranco Camp (4000m) via Lava Tower | 10km | 5-7hrs Hike into the Alpine Desert up to Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, you come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier. You continue down to the Barranco Hut. Here you rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day. Day 4: Barranco Camp (4000m) – Karanga Camp (4050m) | 5km | 4-5hrs After crossing the floor of the great Barranco Valley and up the Barranco wall, you continue to Karanga Valley where camp is set for dinner and overnight. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. Day 5: Karanga Camp (4050m) – Barafu Camp (4700m) | 4km | 4-5hrs Continue slowly up toward Barafu Camp, enjoying breathtaking views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Barafu Camp is situated on an exposed ridge. Rest and prepare for summit night! Day 6: Barafu Camp (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka Camp (3100m) | 7-8hrs ascent – 5-6hrs descent Your guide will wake you shortly before midnight for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. Continue your way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused of the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. Ascend through scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim, where you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit, a 1 hour gentle ascent beyond Stella Point. After photos and celebrations, you begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a brief rest. Day 7: Mweka Camp (3100m) – Mweka Gate (1680m) | 10km | 3-4hrs Descend for three hours back to Mweka Gate. The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. After receiving these, you will descend into the Mweka village for 1 hour. You will be served a hot lunch then you will drive back to Arusha for long overdue showers and more celebrations.

With commanding views of magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha is nestled in the shadow of Mount Meru, and an ideal launchpad to reach the country’s most renowned game reserves. Looming over Arusha, the dramatic 4556 meters peak of Mount Meru is a great alternative to Mount Kilimanjaro for fit hikers as it is less crowded and less likely to engender altitude sickness.

Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park is stunningly beautiful. You might spot a famous tree-climbing lion stretched on the branches of a flat-topped acacia tree, whilst lake views are made lovelier with a 400-strong bird species, including pelicans. Journey further to the Ngorongoro Crater, which has one of the highest wildlife densities on earth with antelopes, wildebeest, zebra and the Big Five. One of the natural wonders of the world, the wildlife of Ngorongoro co-exists peacefully with the local Maasai people and their cattle. Surrounding foothills offer lush green landscapes dotted with small villages and picturesque coffee and tea plantations that you can explore by bicycle or on foot.

The Central Serengeti is the heart of the sprawling Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, the world’s best-known wildlife sanctuary. A prime wildlife viewing spot, this area is packed with predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards. The Seronera River carves out a verdant valley here, making it one of the richest ecosystems in the Serengeti. See the rocky granite outcrops known as kopjes, a favorite hideout of the Big Cats. At Moru Kopjes, you might chance upon the last of the elusive black rhinos in their natural habitat. The ancient rock art paintings of Gong Rock and Lake Magadi with its pink flamingos are nearby. Don’t miss the Retina Hippo Pool located at the confluence of two rivers. The Serengeti is best known for the unique annual spectacle known as the Great Migration, where vast numbers of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles travel across the park in a pattern. In April and November, the Central Serengeti turns into a hotspot of wildebeest sightings. Hot air balloon safaris are an excellent way to view wildlife here.

Head to the spice islands! The lure of Zanzibar is legendary and worthy. From exotic Stone Town, a city with a fascinating history that invites you to explore its narrow streets, to palm-fringed beaches and pristine coral reefs, Zanzibar is a complete change of pace from mainland Tanzania. Enjoy wonderfully relaxing days at the fine white sandy beaches, enjoy the book you never got around to read, take in the views of the spectacular turquoise sea, take long walks along the beach, swim with dolphins or discover the magnificent marine life and striking coral formations.