February 12, 2011: Arrive Tanzania on evening KLM flight. Transfer to Arumeru River Lodge in Usa River village outside Arusha. All meals included starting with a late supper tonight.
Feb 13: Climb briefing with your guide, gear check, village or forest walk. Overnight at the same lodge.
Feb 14: Mountain Day 1 – Forest Camp (8,817')
Start 8 day/7 night Kilimanjaro climb by Lemosho/Western Breach (Arrow Glacier)/Crater Camp route.
From town we drive several hours over highways, then dirt roads, and finally narrow dirt tracks to the Londorosi Gate where you will sign in with the rangers. A short drive further to Lemosho Glades brings us to meet your porters and start the hike. From here we’ll walk about 4 hours through the forest to our camp. A picnic lunch will be provided during our hike. In the forest, exotic moss and flowers delight the eye while bird calls entertain the ear. You may see signs of the elephants that travel in this area.
Feb 15: Mountain Day 2 – Shira Camp (11,502')
Our views open as we leave the Montane Forest and enter the Hagenia zone. This is a good acclimatization hike of 6-9 hours as we climb to 11,300 before descending a little to camp.
Feb 16: Mountain Day 3 – Moir Camp (~13,650')
Our hike will take us across the Shira Plateau and onto the western slope of the Kibo Massif. Hike around 5-6 hours through the Heath zone of the Shira Plateau, a World Heritage Site. Picnic lunch en route. Camp will be in the upper heath zone. Acclimatization walk in the late afternoon.
Feb 17: Mountain Day 4 – Lava Tower Camp (~15,214')
Today we hike about 3-4 hours to our camp near the Lava Tower, a volcanic lava plug on Kilimanjaro's flanks. We enter the alpine zone, where plant life becomes much smaller and the landscape rocky and volcanic. If time and weather permit, we'll have a short acclimatization hike after lunch in camp, or scramble up Lava Tower itself.
Feb 18: Mountain Day 5 – Arrow Glacier Camp (~15,960')
Today's hike is short, allowing us plenty of time to acclimatize at this high altitude. The terrain and altitude make for much slower hiking as we ascend about 3 hours to Arrow Glacier Camp. The Western Breach is visible above us in all its imposing glory. Exploring the area around camp will help our acclimatization and improve our performance tomorrow.
Feb 19: Mountain Day 6 – Western Breach to Crater Camp (~18,769')
After an early start (5 AM) we will wind our way slowly up the Western Breach route to the crater rim of Kilimanjaro, about 7-8 hours of hiking due to the altitude despite the short distance. Although the Breach does not have any technical climbing, it has some areas of scrambling where you use your hands to help you up rocky areas. Once in the Crater, if time permits we might explore the inner crater and the ash pit. This route puts you in Crater Camp usually early enough in the day to maximize your chance of seeing the inner crater and ash pit. Our Camp has wonderful view of the Crater's glaciers, and it is amazing to walk over to and around the nearest one.
Feb 20: Mountain Day 7 – Summit and Mweka Camp (up to 19,340', down to 10,448')
Summit day. We will start our ascent to the summit (19,340ft - 5,896m) around 6:00 AM and reach the summit in under 2 hours. After taking in the view from Uhuru Peak we’ll begin the long descent down to Barafu Hut for lunch and then to our camp at Mweka Camp. Hiking poles will help protect your knees on this steep descent. A long day, around 8-11 hours usually.
Feb 21: Mountain Day 8 – Mweka Park Gate and to the Lodge
We make the final descent to the trail head today, only 3-4 hours hiking. Here we will have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro and heading back to the same Lodge as before the climb.
Feb 22: Safari Day 1 – Transfer to Serengeti
You will spend today in transit to the Serengeti. It is about a 6-7 hour drive however it is quite scenic as you ascend into the Ngorongoro Highlands which has colorful Maasai villages as well as wildlife. Then, descend onto the Serengeti Plains where you will usually see animals en route to the Lodge. If you wish, you can stop at the Olduvai Gorge Museum to learn a bit about our early human ancestors and fossils found in this area. Overnight at Ndutu Lodge on the Ngorongoro/Serengeti border (pending availability) or other lodge/camp. www.ndutu.com
Feb 23: Safari Day 2 – Serengeti
You will spend today exploring the Serengeti ecosystem which flows from Serengeti National park across the invisible line into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Often in February, the game viewing may be better on the Ngorongoro side rather than inside Serengeti. Although migration patterns vary every year, the great migration is usually in full view and wildebeest are having their calves the southern Serengeti ecosystem in February, often near the Ndutu area. Overnight at the same lodge/camp.
Feb 24: Safari Day 3 – Ngorongoro Crater
Early departure for Ngorongoro Crater to enjoy a game drive inside the Crater today. The Crater is home to a large number of animals – predators and prey, migratory and resident animals including the elusive rhino. It is also quite beautiful and memorable. Overnight at Bougainvillea Safari Lodge in Karatu village just outside the Ngorongoro Conservation area, www.bougainvillealodge.net
Feb 25: Safari Day 4 – Final day and return to the airport
Morning coffee plantation walk/tour, shopping stops at the colorful village of Mto wa Mbu for inexpensive souvenirs and an interesting experience. For any art or carvings where quality is important, we suggest you purchase in the more upscale gift shops your driver can take you to that have more quality control in place than the informal market in Mto wa Mbu. Stop by your original Lodge to pick up your Kilimanjaro bag from storage, and then drop of at the airport around 6 PM. Last meal included is lunch today, but if you want to buy some early dinner or snacks at the Lodge on the way to the airport just let your driver know in advance so he plans the time correctly.