From Roof of Africa Head to Bush & The Beach

Tripoto
19th Oct 2019
Photo of From Roof of Africa Head to Bush & The Beach by Eliya Tumaini
Day 1

Upon arrival in Arusha, you will be picked up at the airport and taken to your hotel. The rest of the day is free. Relax, take a stroll, enjoy the sights and sounds. Get plenty of rest – tomorrow will be huge! Dinner and over night Outpost Lodge.

Photo of Kilimanjaro Airport, Kilimanjaro Airport Road, Tanzania by Eliya Tumaini
Day 2

The drive from Moshi to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate, takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Marangu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.

Photo of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania by Eliya Tumaini
Day 3

From Mandara hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, then skirts the base of the Maundi Crater and then emerges into the transition from rain forest to moorland. 

Photo of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania by Eliya Tumaini
Day 4

Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers! Horombo is normally bustling with hikers, guides and porters, with an atmosphere of adventure and excitement.

Photo of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania by Eliya Tumaini

After breakfast you now continue your ascent into the Alpine desert habitat. From Horombo there are two trails to the “Saddle” (which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo)

Day 5
Photo of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania by Eliya Tumaini
Day 6
Photo of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania by Eliya Tumaini

You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly.

From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.

Day 7

Celebrating the successful summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. Click here for more info on tips. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Arusha for a long overdue hot shower and swimming, dinner and celebrations at Outpost Lodge!

Day 8

Another early start, but trust us: it’s worth it. The Serengeti is a home to a staggering 1.6 million animals have been recorded moving through the park. We will do game drive until 1pm, when we break for lunch. After eating, there’s time for a little rest (perhaps a quick nap), then we’re back out on the plain looking for more big game. We follow the trail of the migrating wildebeest through the afternoon, then venture back to the campsite or hotel for dinner and over night.

Day 9

After breakfast, we take a packed lunch and head back to the crater. We detour through a traditional Maasai village, where you can get acquainted with the locals, watch some traditional dancing, and see what life is really like on the African plains. From there we descend to the crater floor in search of more big game. The Ngorongoro crater is rich in Tanzanian wildlife, and November to December is the best time to see it. The short rainy season is over and the animals come out in big numbers to enjoy the fresh water and green grass. We eat our packed lunches on the crater floor, at one of several picnic sites near Lerai Forest or Hippo Pool. If we’re lucky, we’ll spot the rare Black Rhinoceros. In the late afternoon we venture back up out of the crater and head onward to Tarangire National Park, where we spend the night.

Day 10

After breakfast, we take a packed lunch and head back to the crater. We detour through a traditional Maasai village, where you can get acquainted with the locals, watch some traditional dancing, and see what life is really like on the African plains. From there we descend to the crater floor in search of more big game. The Ngorongoro crater is rich in Tanzanian wildlife, and November to December is the best time to see it.

Day 11

We save the best for last. After breakfast, we embark on our final game drive through the Tarangire National Park. African elephants – the world’s biggest mammals – are very common in this area. The park is also dotted with the iconic Baobab, shrub-like trees that can grow up to 30m tall. After a full day of exploring Tarangire, Later in the afternoon, we head to Arusha for a flight to Zanzibar.

Day 12 – 15: Full Leisure days at Zanzibar

Day 12

Free leisure days at the beach and you can walk around on your own at slow pace, you will really enjoy the walk (at Nungwi area and kendwa rocks area), it’s worth it.

In Zanzibar there is a lot of activities that you can do, e.g. In Stone town Spice and prison Island tour. The full day tour will take you to the most scenic parts of the Old Town. This culturally rich town got it’s name from the use of coral stone as the main construction ingredient. Being the oldest town in East Africa, the historical roots and influences can be felt at every turn of the tour. Starting from the House of Wonders which is one of the prominent landmarks of Stone Town, you can proceed on to the Palace Museum which was a Sultan’s residence. The Arab Fort, the Dr Livingstone House, Fred Mercury’s home and the pub and Hamamni Persian baths are just a few of the many attractions in this relic of a town. You will have free time in the afternoon for you to explore further on your own or to relax, In the evening, depart from the hotel for a sunset cruise along Stone Town waterfront. Stop at Forodhani gardens for a glance at the evening life.

Day 16

Day 16: Zanzibar to Dar-es-Salaam or Kilimanjaro International Airport

It's the final day in Zanzibar Island, be sure to grab any last minute souvenirs you may want and say one last goodbye to the tranquil blue waters before being transferred to Zanzibar Airport to catch a flight to Dar-es-Salaam or Kilimanjaro International Airport to connect with a flight back home.