Mountain climbing enthusiasts will relish this opportunity to scale the peaks of Mountain Kilimanjaro and relax from their exertions at one of the most spectacular wildlife locations in Africa, the Ngorongoro Crater. The seven-day route to the summit of Kilimanjaro will take you through incredible scenery and test your mountain prowess. Unwind from your exertions in breathtaking splendour on the rim of the world’s largest intact caldera. Travel into the mist-shrouded depths to encounter the Big Five and marvel at the incredible concentration of wildlife on the Crater floor.
• Spectacular Mt Kilimanjaro, the rooftop of Africa • Incredible density of wildlife, as well as magnificent views, at the Ngorongoro Crater
Day 1: Arusha Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met and chauffeured to the Arusha Hotel. You will spend the afternoon with your mountain guide, who will brief you and prepare you for your climb.
Day 2: Kilimanjaro – Machame Today you will drive to Machame Gate to begin your climb of Kilimanjaro. Depending on weather conditions, the route through to the overnight stop at Machame Hut on the edge of the forest can be a moderate to a very demanding climb. That night you will camp in mountain tents near Machame Hut at an altitude of 3 000m (9 840 feet).
Day 3: Kilimanjaro - Shira Rising early, you cross a valley and stream, and then climb up a steep ridge for three to four hours. The path then drops into a river gorge before it begins a gentler ascent onto the moorland of the Shira Plateau, one of the most fascinating areas on Kilimanjaro. That night you will camp in mountain tents near Shira Hut at an altitude of 3 840m (12 600 feet).
Day 4: Kilimanjaro – Barranco Today you will walk for five to six hours through typical Kilimanjaro mountain vegetation with rewarding views of the spectacular Barranco Valley. That night you will camp in mountain tents near Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3 950m (12 960 feet).
Day 5: Kilimanjaro - Karanga From the Barranco Hut, you will ascend the Barranco wall, and walk across scree and ridges to Karanga Valley (4 100m or 13 450 feet), with breathtaking views of the West Breach and the southern glacier. Depending on progress, you may break here for lunch. In the afternoon, you have the choice of heading up the Karanga Valley to aid acclimatisation or simply relaxing in camp. You will spend the night at Karanga Camp.
Day 6: Kilimanjaro Barafu Approximately two hours’ walk from Karanga you will join the Barafu path (part of the Mweka Trail). It will take you another one or two hours to reach Barafu Hut and the last stage to the hut is quite steep. In the evening you will be briefed for your final ascent. You will spend the night at Barafu Camp at an altitude of approximately 4 700m (15 420 feet) to make the morning ascent as easy as possible.
Day 7: Kilimanjaro – summit and Mweka You will rise early in the morning and begin your climb to the summit. You will pass through the gap between the Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers and continue to Uhuru peak (5 896 m or 19 350 feet), where you can watch the sun rise from the rooftop of Africa! You will then descend to Mweka Camp at an altitude of 3 100m (10 170 feet) and spend the night in mountain tents.
Day 8: Arusha Today you will descend to the Mweka Gate and will be driven to the Arusha Hotel, where you will spend the night. It’s time to relax and take a hot shower or a swim in the pool before a final dinner with the other members of your group to celebrate your conquest of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Day 9, 10 & 11: Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area Enjoy breakfast before you are chauffeured to Arusha Airport for a flight to Manyara Airstrip. From here, a two-hour drive will provide plenty of opportunity to explore the scenery on your way to &BEYOND Ngorongoro Crater Lodge.
For the next three nights you will enjoy some of the most spectacular views on the African continent from your whimsical suite on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Your stay is on a full board basis, including a daily game drive on the Crater floor and park fees. Additional adventures may be booked directly at the Lodge, subject to extra cost and availability of vehicles. Such adventures include excursions to Olduvai Gorge and Shifting Sands, a visit to a Maasai village and walks at Empakai Crater. Massages are offered in your room for those who want to relax after a busy day’s game viewing.
Day 12: Arusha After breakfast you will drive to Manyara Airstrip and fly back to Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your safari will end.
African Safari Destinations
