Tanzania Safaris
4 Days Arusha Lake Manyara Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Safari
4 Days Arusha Lake Manyara Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Safari
6 Days Arusha–Tarangire Serengeti Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara Safari
6 Days Arusha–Tarangire Serengeti Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara Safari
7 Days Arusha – Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire Safari
7 Days Arusha – Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire Safari
Mountain Climbing Safaris
Mount Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest point, rises four miles into the sky from a bed of clouds. On a clear day the world’s tallest freestanding mountain, located in north-eastern Tanzania near the border with Kenya, can be seen from more than 100 miles away.
The mountain and surrounding forests were designated as a game reserve in the early twentieth century and in 1973 Mount Kilimanjaro National Park was established. Fourteen years later it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It lies about 100 miles (160 km) east of the East African Rift System and about 140 miles (225 km) south of Nairobi.
This snow-capped monolith, located just three degrees south of the equator, is one of the largest volcanoes to break through the earth’s crust. In fact Kilimanjaro is actually made up of three distinct volcanoes which first emerged around 750,000 years ago; Mawenzi and Shira, which are extinct, flank the highest, Kibo, which is dormant.
Why kili?
Each year thousands of visitors arrive in Africa with dreams of conquering the great Kilimanjaro. Part of what makes the mission so appealing is that although Kilimanjaro is one of the Seven Continental summits, it does not require technical climbing skills.
That said, this classic challenge is certainly no walk in the park. The thin air causes altitude sickness and the camping conditions are best described as austere. And if it’s a sunshine holiday you’re after – forget it. Kilimanjaro has a knack of hurling atrocious weather conditions at anyone who tries to tackle it.
So what on earth is the appeal?
For starters, where else can you trek from the equator to Arctic conditions in just a few days? This awesome journey meanders through tropical rainforest, Alpine meadows, moorland, desert uplands, and right up to icy glaciers.
Conquering the mountain offers an incredible sense of achievement for those who are physically and mentally strong enough to undertake it. But it’s worth remembering that anyone who undertakes the challenge is also benefiting the local economy as Kilimanjaro is an integral part of the tourism industry, creating jobs, and earning much needed foreign revenues.
When is the best time to go?
The best months for climbing are January and February, with September, October and December also good. July and August offer generally clear weather conditions, but the trails are most crowded during the holidays. If climbing out of peak season, note that the north face of Kilimanjaro is marginally drier, so routes that approach from the north, such as Rongai, are best.
It must be noted that Kilimanjaro has a typical montane climate – unpredictable even in the “driest” seasons. A bright clear morning on Shira Plateau can turn to rain and sleet in the afternoon as the hot air rises from the lowland valleys. Then, as evening falls the sky clears revealing a beautiful starlit canopy overhead. These dramatic daily shifts in climate are the norm on Kilimanjaro, and part of the thrill of the climb!
Pre-trip preparations
Being organised and prepared is key to the success of any attempt to scale Kilimanjaro. A good degree of physical fitness is obviously all important, so it might be worth seeking advice from a professional to help create a suitable training plan.
Be sure to work on your aerobic fitness, as the better your lungs work the easier it will be to cope with the thin air. It is also important to build up muscle tone for trekking up and down the mountain. Just as important is core fitness in order to avoid back problems while carrying your gear.
At the gym, build up stamina on the step machine and treadmill with increasing inclines. Beyond that, the best training for hill trekking is… hill trekking! So get out and try walking for increasing lengths of time with a day-pack weighing up to 8kgs. Wherever you train, don’t forget those all-important stretches.
While the physical challenge is immense, Kilimanjaro can also test your mental and emotional strength as you battle with extreme exhaustion and challenging weather conditions, and home comforts will be long forgotten as you grapple with minimal washing facilities and basic toilets.
Kit
Pack for all weathers as conditions vary dramatically on the mountain as you pass through different climatic conditions – from rainforest, Alpine moorland and high altitude desert, right up to the arctic summit. Among the essentials, you will need:
- A large waterproof kitbag or rucksack (70-90L)
- A waterproof daypack (30-40L)
- A good four-season sleeping bag plus fleece liner, offering comfort rating to –10c.
- A quality sleeping mat.
- Sturdy walking boots with ankle support. It’s well worth wearing these in before the trip.
- Waterproof windbreaker and trousers.
- A down or ski jacket for summit night is essential.
- Thermal underwear.
- Thermal balaclava or insulated hat.
- Insulated gloves/mittens and thermal inner gloves.
- Sunhat, sun cream protection and sunglasses.
- Insect repellent and malaria tablets.
- Water purification tablets.
- Telescopic walking poles with rubber tips are highly recommended.
Staying safe
It is all-important to stay healthy and safe during any attempt to climb Kilimanjaro. Consult your GP or travel clinic about malaria protection and jabs at least two months ahead of your departure date.
Many travellers experience sunburn and stomach upsets while on the mountain, but otherwise the main health concern is the high altitude.
Healthy people may travel rapidly to 11,480ft above sea level but can go on to develop symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). These can emerge at lower altitudes for anyone with cardiac problems.
Most adventurers will at some point experience some of the following symptoms: headache, disturbed sleep, loss of appetite, nausea, dizziness and vomiting. AMS can also affect the climber’s ability to make sensible decisions.
Studies have shown that a low dosage of a drug called Diamox can help prevent symptoms of AMS. Discuss this option with your GP/travel clinic ahead of departure.
Experiencing low level symptoms does not necessarily spell the end of your climb. If the symptoms are mild, a rest day at the same or a lower altitude may help. However, if the situation persists or worsens it is vital to descend in order to avoid something more serious and potentially life-threatening.
Climbing an itinerary that is too short is the most common and preventable reason that climbers fail to summit. We recommend itineraries over a minimum of seven days and six nights.
The Routes
Kilimanjaro offers a bewildering range of routes which vary widely, offering different degrees of difficulty and varied landscapes. Some are busy and commercial or you can go off-the-beaten track for a more peaceful experience.
Lemosho Route: This is a slightly more relaxed route, allowing 8 days for acclimatisation and with a good balance in the height of the camp sites. The scenery is really beautiful, passing through forests and traverses. The success rate is 88% to Uhuru Peak and 94% to Stella Point.
Machame Route: This is the most popular route, and as such it can get pretty busy. It has overtaken the Marangu Route in terms of popularity, and although it does boast spectacular views to the west of the mountain, we feel like its popularity has somewhat stunted it’s quality.
Northern Circuit: Being a 9 day climb, virtually everyone reaches the summit on the Northern Circuit climb. You can do it in 8, but 9 is a bit more relaxed! It is for mountain lovers and also for those who seek solitude on the mountain – it is a hard thing to come by on Kilimanjaro and so this is a welcome bonus to the Northern Circuit route.
Rongai Route: This is our favourite 6 day route. It begins the ascent up the northern side of the mountain, and is unparalleled in terms of scenery and summit success. There is some flexibility here too, as you can add a day giving you extra time for acclimatisation and increasing the chances of summiting. The success rate for the 7 day route is 74% to Uhuru and 88% to Gilmans Point.
Shira Route: This is an 8 day itinerary which takes you through the unspoilt wilderness of Shira Plateau and around the hilly and beautiful Moir Hut and the Lent Hills, before traversing underneath the Kibo icefields to summit via the Barafu Camp. The Shira Route approaches the summit from the western side, and is for those who want uninterrupted scenery and away from the crowds. The summit success is 86% to Uhuru Peak, and 93% to Stella Point.
Mountain Climbing Safari Packages
6 Days Mt Kilimanjaro Climbing – Machame Route
6 Days Mt Kilimanjaro Climbing – Machame Route
7 Days Mt Kilimanjaro Climbing – Marangu Route
7 Days Mt Kilimanjaro Climbing – Marangu Route
8 Days Mt. Kilimanjaro Climbing – Rongai Route
8 Days Mt. Kilimanjaro Climbing – Rongai Route
Zanzibar and Pemba island
Zanzibar
Zanzibar is an island off the coast of East Africa and a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania. It’s a luxury destination.
This island paradise boasts idyllic white-sand beaches and hundreds of years of history as an Arab trading post for East Africa. Visit the Old Fort that dates back to 1700, the House of Wonders, Livingston’s House and more. Take a tour of a spice plantation, swim with dolphins or head to the blue waters for deep-sea fishing. Zanzibar’s resorts come complete with pools, spas, world-class dining options, water sports facilities and amazing beaches just a few meters away.
An Arab trading post for centuries, this island combines Swahili and Arab culture in a very unique way. Warm weather year-round.
Spice Tours
Visit a spice plantation to view and taste the many spices and fruits available. Spices include cloves, nutmeg, lipstick, iodine plant, lemongrass, vanilla, henna & more. Fruits include jack fruit, rambutan, oranges, custard apple, guava, mango, papaya, bungo & many more.
Stone Town
The capital city of Zanzibar, Stone Town boasts centuries of history. Winding, narrow streets lead to markets, souvenir shops, restaurants, bars and more. Historical sites include the Tip House, the Old Fort, the Peoples Palace, the House of Wonders, the Kidichi Persian Baths and Dr. Livingston’s House.
North Coast
Find a mellow atmosphere and the opportunity to swim at all tides. Excellent diving and snorkelling. Visit the Turtle Sanctuary, where injured turtles are nursed to health before being released. The north coast is the dhow building capital of Zanzibar. Enjoy a party atmosphere at most of the bars and hotels at night.
East Coast
Less of a party atmosphere at night compared with the North Coast. There is no swimming at low tide, as the tide recedes 1-2 km. Great snorkelling and diving are available, with a barrier reef about 1 km offshore.
Dress & Behaviour
The island is 95% Muslim and while alcohol and tobacco are freely available, visitors should dress modestly and refrain from public displays of affection. When in town, women should cover their shoulders and knees. Men should not walk bear-chested or wear swimming trunks.
Pemba island
Pemba Island is part of Tanzania’s Zanzibar Archipelago, off the coast of East Africa. It’s known for its lush, green hills and clove plantations – producing 70% of the world’s cloves. The Pemba Channel, with its coral reefs and abundant marine life, separates the island from mainland Tanzania.
Pemba Island is known as “The Evergreen Island” because of its lush vegetation and rolling countryside. The Island is also famous for its immense and dramatic blue water drop-offs along with pristine coral reefs teeming with marine life of all shapes and sizes. The Northern tip of the island is one of the world’s great dive sites but only suitable for advanced divers due to the strong currents.
The island offers serene settings, close encounters with nature and an excellent getaway from civilization. The close-knit family of local people looks forward to sharing their small island with you.