Day 1:

Arrive in Tanzania. A World Wide Trekking representative will meet you and transfer to the lodge in Arusha, Tanzania.

Day 2:

Welcome day, equipment check, introductions, orientation and mountain briefing. You will pack your duffel for your porter, and leave a duffle at the hotel with your travel and safari gear. On the climb you will carry just a day pack. During the rest of the day you can rest or visit Arusha town. I will make the rounds to check gear, and before dinner we will have an orientation to meet the other members of the group and discuss the climb so we are all prepared for our African Adventure.

Day 3:

We travel to the Machame trailhead, winding through coffee fields, small villages, and forests of ferns and flowers. After registering with the park service, we gear up with our porters and start our climb. We begin our climb on the edge of the rain forest (elevation 5,800’) We start up through the forest and trek seven hours to the Machame Camp (10,000’) where we set camp for the night.

Day 4:

Leave the Machame camp and cross the valley and begin our ascent. The environment changes from heath forest to moor lands. Halfway up the trail we meet the river gorge and ascend across the Shira Plateau ( 12,300’) We set camp and sleep at the Shira Cave camp.

Day 5:

Today we climb to 14,800’ while crossing the ridge at the Lava Tower, where we will have great views of the African plains far below. Here we will eat lunch acclimate and admire the ancient glacier ice of the Breach Wall at Lava Tower 15,090’. We can climb the Lava Tower before dropping to our 12,800’ campsite at Great Barranco.

Day 6:

We climb the breakfast wall up and over the Great Barranco, topping out at about 14,500’ before dropping to our camp at the Karanga River at about 13,000’. This completes another day of acclimatization as we pass below the famous Breach Wall, the largest ice and rock face in Africa. Here daytime temperatures can reach 80°F, while evening temperatures often drop below freezing.

Day 7:

From the Karanga River we climb about 5-6 hours to our high camp at Barafu (14,650’) As we wind through these rarely traveled regions, we enter a high desert plateau, littered with volcanic boulders. Looking south we view the desert plains as the pinnacles of Mowenzi Peak tower before us. At Barfu we prepare for our summit attempt. While our cook staff prepares our dinner, we will spend our time packing and preparing for the early morning (1:00am) departure for our summit push.

Day 8:

Summit Day! We will awake at midnight and prepare for our ascent. We climb wearing headlamps until the predawn light is reflected off the African plains. Following a distinct ridge we approach the craters rim, then traverse northwest along the rim to the main SUMMIT of Uhuru Peak! (19,340’). We are now on the highest free standing mountain in the world, and the highest point on the African Continent. From here we view the Bismarck Towers, rock pinnacles along the rim and the hanging Redman Glaciers.

As the sun rises over Africa, we will take in a panorama of incredible views. To the north stands the second highest mountain in Africa, Mt. Kenya (17,056’) with it’s unique twin summits. To our west the second highest point in Tanzania Mt. Meru, and the Sothern exposure reveals the sprawling plains of Tanzania and East Africa and Mawenzi Peak.

After enjoying the view from the roof of Africa, we descend to Barafu, rest, eat, pack camp, and begin our traverse down the Mweka route on the southern side of the mountain. We descend down into the jungle and Mweka camp in the dense trees for our last night on the mountain.

Day 9:

The sunrises are incredible as we awake below the towering mountain. We descend through the lush green landscape of the Mweka route into the thickest jungle we have encountered yet. The environment becomes primordial, with 20 foot-tall fern trees creating a prehistoric atmosphere. Rain is likely and an umbrella is a smart choice for your comfort. After reaching the Mweka gate we sign out with the rangers then drive to Arusha, return to our hotel and enjoy a celebration dinner BBQ.

Day10:

Safari: Lake Manyara National Park, African tribes, Ngorongoro National Conservation Area and more…

Today we head out on Safari. We load our Land Cruisers that have open tops so we can view animals up close and safely. We make one last stop in Arusha to get some supplies for our trip then head out through the Great Rift Valley. During the Safari we stay in African lodges each night.

We start our Safari by taking part in the Human Outreach Project donation at the Usa river medical clinic. We visit the clinic and tour the facility then donate needed medical supplies. This is a great time to reflect on our trip as we appreciate the local people that make our journey possible.

We will load our Safari vehicles and drive to Lake Manyara National Park. The park is 205 sq. miles (125 sq. miles is covered by the lake.) The lake forms a spectacular sight with thousands of flamingos. We will also observe many species of birds, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, tree climbing lions, baboons, etc. These are wild animals living in their natural environment. What we see depends on the skills of our drivers and our timing as we explore these beautiful parks. We arrive at the Kudu lodge where we settle in, enjoy dinner and spend the night.

Day 11:

Today we visit some local African Tribes. We head out after breakfast and drive to find the Bushman people living in remote areas as hunters and gathers. They are a very primitive tribe with less than 300 members still remaining. During our visit we learn about their existence, make fire, shoot bow and arrows. This is a special experience and amazing to see.

We continue on and visit another tribe called the Tatoga. Here we see how they live in mud huts and make arrows heads by melting scrap steel to hunt with. Both visits are uniquely different. With 120 tribes in Tanzania these are two of the most primitive and interesting to see. We then return to the Kudu lodge for the night and relax and settle in for the night. We can walk into the local village to shop or rest before dinner. After dinner local perfomers entertain us at the end of an amazing day.

Day 12:

Today we pack the Land Cruisers and depart from the Kudu lodge after an early breakfast. We drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and register with the park service. We head into the park and stop for a view overlooking the largest crater in the world. We continue on to the Olduvai Gorge. This Archeological site is where the Leakey’s made incredible discoveries on the origin of humankind. It is here that the various remains have been found including the skull of Australopithecus. We visit the Leakey museum and listen to the ranger tell us the history of the special find.

After lunch we visit a local Maasai Boma Village. We can tour the huts and learn about the largest tribe in Africa living in remote areas without water available alongside the animals and the wilds of Africa.
We continue on to the Ngorongoro crater and do an afternoon game drive spending the rest of the day viewing animals up close from open top land Cruisers in the crater. The Ngorongoro Crater is home of the BIG 5: Elephant, African Buffalo, Leopard, Black Rhinoceros, and Lion. We can also see Zebras, Cheetahs, Hippos, Hyenas, and a variety of wild animals in their natural environment. A truly spectacular experience all in the largest crater in the world, which hosts the heaviest concentration of animals anywhere on earth. At the end of our day we retreat to a local lodge to enjoy dinner and local entertainment after an awesome full day.

Day 13:

We enjoy breakfast and take in views and the sunrise overlooking the crater. After breakfast we start our journey back to Arusha. On the way we visit the Meserani Snake farm. (Home of different types of snakes and Birds as well as crocodiles and many different species of reptiles that live in Tanzania. After our guided tour we continue on to The Cultural Heritage Center. Here we enjoy a special buffet lunch and can shop in the largest shop in east Africa. The Cutural Heritage features the best variety of souvenirs including a large selection of Tanzanite gem stones, local art and crafts. They also offer shipping to the USA and don’t pester you with salesmen.We can enjoy looking through the center as we like. This is our last stop on the trip and a great time to get any last items to remember your trip and experience in Africa.

In the afternoon we make our way to the Kilimanjaro Airport Hotel and enjoy a afternoon meal and prepare for your departure. You can relax poolside or take a shower and repack your gear in time to catch your evening flight home…

We say our goodbyes and return to the Kilimanjaro International Airport for our return home or onto our next adventure.

Various combinations of this African tour can be scheduled:

1) Kilimanjaro and Safari.

2) Kilimanjaro only.

3) Safari only.

From here, additional Add-On trips may be planned:

* Zanzibar Island in the Indian Ocean - Here you can enjoy exotic Stone Town, a 7th century Persian slave trading port and very Muslim culture. Then head North to Nungwi beach and enjoy crystal clear waters, ancient dowe sailboats, snorkeling, a turtle preserve and white sand beaches before return home.

* Rwanda mountain gorilla tracking. This adventure puts you up close in small groups to families of mountain gorillas from 600lb silverbacks to young offspring upclose. A truly special experience.

* Mount Maru (14,980'): An active volcano and the 2nd highest peak in Tanzania, this summit climb is challenging, but very rewarding.

Contact us to customize your trip.

Before and after our Kilimanjaro we base ourselves out of 1 of a few lodge option based on availability: we choose from the finest lodges available in the area outside of Arusha Tanzania.

ARUMERU RIVER LODGE

Tranquility at the foot of Kilimanjaro.
Tanzania's new luxury lodge set in lush tropical gardens with breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru.

This magnificent new lodge is spread over 12 acres (ca. 50,000 sq.m.) of beautifully landscaped gardens and natural African bushland, bordering on a river lined with precious large old trees.

The attractive main building with the resort facilities, extremely comfortable lounge and bar areas, the reception with telephone /Fax, internet, a boutique, the restaurant and cloak rooms. A terrace restaurant with spectacular views of the mountains Meru and Kilimanjaro overlooks the tropical gardens and a large solar-heated swimming pool.

There are 20 spacious comfortable rooms with en suite bathrooms and verandahs in 10 chalets, all on the ground foor. The rooms are designed and decorated in harmony with the main building where the accent is on traditional eco-friendly African architecture.
Arumeru River Lodge was built on the site of an old coffee farm and is situated only 700 m. south of the main Arusha - Moshi road, just a 35 minutes drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport and 15 minutes away from the town of Arusha.

Mt. Meru Game Lodge and Sanctuary:

The lodge comprises 15 double or twin en-suite bedrooms and 2 suites.
The design and character of the rooms are as individualistic as the lodge itself.

All rooms have a veranda with comfortable chairs where guests may sit during the late afternoons enjoying the peace of the surroundings, soaking up the unique atmosphere of the Lodge and watching the animal and birdlife. The suites are located in their own private garden and are ideal also for families and small groups to whom privacy is very important.

The Mt. Meru Game Lodge Sanctuary:
The main emphasis of the Game Sanctuary is to provide safe haven to African plains game and birds. These include eland, ostriches, waterbucks, zebras, buffalo, small carnivores such as Monitor lizards, small wild cats and of course the enormous variety of birdlife who come to feed, breed and enjoy the unique freedom offered by our very safe environment.
In a specially designed, enclosed area of the grounds of the lodge are also to be found magnificent old owls, porcupine, turtle and even a crocodile.
The majority of our animals were once either orphaned or injured and were brought to the sanctuary for rehabilitation. By choosing to stay with us, you will also therefore be playing a very important role in helping these animals since the Sanctuary is supported entirely by the Lodge. The animals and birdlife at Mount Meru Game Lodge and Sanctuary are certain to delight all of our guests and visitors.

Lodge Meals:

We enjoy meals in the dinning rooms at the lodges we stay. Breakfast is usually set in a buffet style. During dinner we choose from a variety of delicious meals prepared at the lodge. Dinners include a starter, entrée and desert choice.

On the Mountain:

Camps:

Our camps on the mountain are as comfortable as they can possibly be. Tents are set up by our tent crew and include a North Face VE-25 4 season 3 person tent for every 2 members. As well we have a cabin style dinning tent set with table and chairs for all of our meals. We also bring eco friendly portable toilets with privacy shelters for use at camps. Washing water is provided each afternoon when you arrive at camp and in the morning when you wake.

Meals:

Our mountain meals are provided are fresh and nutritious. We have a variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner options that include fresh soups, fruit, vegetables, breads and meats. We always stop for a sit down lunch and rest each day and if the weather permits we set up the dinning tent so we can relax during lunch as well.

Safari Lodging:

We stay in African lodges during our safari so guests can relax in the evening.

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Regularly voted one of the best hotels in the world, this unique lodge clings to the rim of the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, the largest and most perfect volcanic crater on Earth. Long and low, the lodge is built from local river stone and camouflaged with indigenous vines. Designed to blend completely into the landscape, it is entirely invisible from the floor of the Crater 600 metres below.

Known as ‘the eighth wonder of the world' the Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa's best-known wildlife arenas. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers a unique biosphere, which has remained virtually unchanged since the dawn of time. Deep within the Crater, enclosed by towering walls, some 25,000 large mammals wander the plains, lakes and forests of ‘the land that time forgot', dominated by enormous bull elephants, rhinos and lions.

Hugging the contours of the jagged Crater rim, the lodge takes its inspiration from the so-called ‘Cradle of Mankind', the prehistoric site of Olduvai Gorge, which lies close by. Linked by arched stone passages and timbered decks, its walls are decorated with stylized prehistoric cave paintings and lit by flaring torches. At the stone heart of the lodge burns a glowing fire, which is kept constantly alight. Decorated with cave paintings, the rooms are strung around the Crater rim. Each has its own rock- enclosed balcony, and all enjoy completely uninterrupted views of the volcanic amphitheatre far below.

Bougainvillea Safari Lodge:

Bougainvillea Safari Lodge is located on the outskirts of Karatu town about midway between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater. We offer true Tanzanian hospitality and a warm welcome. Each cosy room has mosquito-netted king or twin beds, a fireplace, large bathroom with shower and a veranda from which to enjoy the views of our lush tropical gardens. Triples are possible with prior notice and two of the cottages can be used as family suites, with connecting rooms.

Safari Meals:

During our safari breakfast and dinner is enjoyed at our lodge. We usually pack box lunches and have a picnic during our game drives so we can have lunch on the go while we are out for the day.

Safarai Transportation:

During our safaris we use customized Land Cruisers with professional licensed safari driver during our safari. Each vehicle has charger adapters to re charge camera batteries as well as a cooler box to keep cold drinks. The roof open upwards so members can stand up for game viewing and get the best angles for photographs. Vehicles provide 6 bucket seats in the rear so each member has a window seat and a great view as we travel.

What is included in the cost of the trip?

* All Tanzanian transportation.
* All Hotel accommodations in Tanzanian during listed itinerary. (Double Occupancy in rooms and tents)
* All meals Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, during climb and safari.
* Porters, Guides, drivers, park fees, and climbing permits.

Land costs do not include:

* International roundtrip airfare.
* Tanzanian visas. ($100: Purchase at customs JRO airport.)
* Travel expenses outside listed Itinerary.
* Bottled / Alcoholic beverages
* Excess baggage charges.
* Personal gear.
* International vaccinations.
* Optional single room supplement.
* Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of World Wide Trekking.
* Tips and Gratuities.

Extra Services:

* Single hotel room supplement: $100/ night.
* Additional porter service:
* Lodge: Laundry, Internet, Bar, Phone, etc.

How heavy will my pack?

* Your day pack will be as heavy as you choose. The daypack will contain the items you need to carry for the day: rain gear, camera, snacks, sun block, layer’s for cold or changing conditions.

* A porter will carry a duffel bag with your personal gear. This should be a waterproof duffel bag with the items you need at camp and for changes in altitude. The duffel will not be available during the day between camps.

What gear is provided by World Wide Trekking?

We provide all of the on-mountain gear; personal tents, dinning tents, toilets with privacy tents, etc. The only things you are responsible for are personal gear (clothing, toiletries, sleeping bag and pad). I provide a gear list and can help you with any questions you might have about personal gear. We do have a sleeping bags and sleeping pads for rent if you would rather not buy one. We do have extra gear in Africa in case clients forget to bring necessary items.

Our Staff:

* On Kilimanjaro we will use all local African Guides, cooks, and porters.

* Porters are strong locals that will help carry our expedition supplies: tents, cookware, food, and group personal gear.

* Cooks and servers: We will have cooks and servers to prepare and cook our meals allowing the climbers to rest and recover at camp. It is very important to stay well nourished and hydrated during the climb to increase the chance of success at high altitude.

* A World Wide Trekking guide will be the expedition leader and coordinate the operations of the staff and group. All guides have wilderness medical training and carry comprehensive first aid packs with Epi pens, travel medications, oxygen, decompression bags and many other emergency supplies.

* We will also have local licensed English speaking professional guides.

* On Summit day we will have local guides with us. Anyone unable to go up will be able to turn back with a local guide and accompany them back to high camp.

* On average we will have 3 to 4 local staff per each western climber.

How much money should I bring?

* It is recommended that you bring $600 per person. This recommendation is to cover the following expenses; airport tax, gratuities, phone bills, and other misc. expenses. If you bring travelers checks they are easy to cash at local banks in Arusha but difficult to cash elsewhere. A charge for cashing travelers check means they are worth less money overseas.

* Credit cards are only accepted in large shops for bigger purchases. They also charge a service fee for using your credit card.

* ATM machines are available at local banks in town. Cash can be drawn between trips in Arusha.

Where can I expect to exchange money?

* You will also be able to exchange money at local banks in Arusha.
* Easy money exchange is in the JRO airport when you exit customs upon arrival. Ask for small bills so you can make change and pay for items easily.
* When bringing cash from the states make sure that bills are new and in good shape. $100 should have the NEW large head style.

Gratuities: Should I tip the Guides and staff?

* As in many parts of the world, tipping is a symbol of a job well done. In addition to recognizing service people such as taxi drivers, restaurant and hotel personnel, we will acknowledge our staff with a tip.

* You should plan to tip any service person that helps you. 10% for taxi drivers and restaurant staff is usually in order. Check to see that a tip is not already included in the bill. Remember if tipping in US dollars and the exchange, be careful not to tip to much.

* On our trek with a large staff you will have the opportunity to contribute to a group pool that the expedition leader will distribute to the entire staff. The gratuities are usually presented on the final evening of the trip. We ask clients to budget for $50-100 per person towards the pool for local staff. Most clients usually offer a separate gratuity to their expedition leader and assistant guides. In general, plan to tip $50 - 100 for local guides and $175 - 250 for your American guide who will be with you at all times.

* An example: $50-75 group pool + $50 - $75 local guide + $175 -250 for your U.S. guide = $275 - $400 total tips.

Can I leave a luggage at the lodge?

* Yes, there is a secure place for you to store valuables in the hotel. You can leave a duffel bag with your travel clothes, and items you will not need on the climb at the hotel.

Arriving at the Airport:

You will need a valid passport upon arrival in Tanzania. Those of you arriving early will be responsible for your hotel before scheduled itinerary. When you arrive at the airport you can pay your visa and clear customs. A World Wide Trekking representative will be outside of customs as you exit with you luggage waiting to transport you to the lodge.

Visa: Tanzania US $100 / Purchase when you land at customs.

Visa: Rwanda: Visa is NOT necessary for US citizens.

Is ground transportation provided to and from the airport?

All transportation is taken care of from the time we pick you up at the airport until we drop you off at the airport at the end of your trip.

Hotel:

The Hotels and Lodges we stay at are clean and comfortable. Meals are provided at the Lodges. Laundry, Phone, Shuttles, Internet, and other standard amities are available upon your request.

What happens if one member of the group gets altitude sickness and needs to descend?

There is always the option to have a member turn back and head down if someone is having a hard time. Individuals can be brought down one of the various trails to meet a safari vehicle which will take them down to the lodge to recover. If the situation was more urgent we would report to the hospital or could call for a helicopter rescue. We recommend clients purchase a helicopter insurance option called Flying Doctors. For $35 US you can buy helicopter rescue insurance that is good for the entire 2 weeks you are on the trip which would fly you to Nairobi for a rescue if needed.

Do you provide guidance with regard to inoculations and medicines needed?

Information on all required and recommeded vacinations and medicines are included as part of our gear list. We can also consult you as well and help answer any questions. Dr. Phil Levy is also our World Wide Trekking travel doctor. Dr. Levy is happy to take calls or emails and answer your questions as well.

Are there different safari options available? Is there a big difference between visiting local wildlife areas compared with the Serengeti?

We can do different Safaris but in my opinion there are a few main options. 1) The standard lodge safari 4 days driving out and back from Arusha. You visit Lake Manyara NP, have a day visiting local tribes; Bushman and Datoga tribes and then the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and crater staying in Lodges. 2) The Serengeti option includes a scenic flight into the Serengeti where our safari vehicles are waiting, accommodations in a luxury tented camp, 2 days in the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Conservation area and crater as well as tribal visits. You do cover more ground since you fly out and drive back. Either option is available with a group of 4 or more people on all trips.