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Mountain
Just the name Mount Kilimanjaro
conjures up romantic visions on Africa. Rising high above the East
African plains in Northern Tanzania, 'Kili' is Africa's highest
mountain and the tallest free standing mountain in the world. Even
though it is only three degrees from the equator, it is snow-capped
year-round. A fantastic African adventure, this challenging expedition
also includes a game drive in beautiful Arusha National Park and
several days of cultural sessions in the Marangu region.
Includes: All lodging, meals, and guides. Dates: August 17 Difficulty: Strenuous |
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| Day 1 | Welcome to Tanzania! After arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, we'll transfer to the Tanzanite Lodge, a rustic string of cabins nestled alongside a forested animal sanctuary. Accommodations: Tanzanite Lodge Meals: Dinner |
| Day 2 | Arusha National Park After breakfast, we'll depart for a game drive in Arusha National Park. This 137 square km park contains two craters - Mt. Meru Crater and the miniature Ngurdoto Crater - that create a prime habitat for numerous species of birds, black and white colobus monkeys, buffalo, hippo, elephant, giraffe, antelope, hyena and leopard. This evening we'll have a pre-climb briefing to prepare for tomorrow's departure. Accommodations: Mountain Inn Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Day 3 - 8 | Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro We'll start our climb up the largest mountain in Africa at the Kili National Park Gate at Machame. Hiking through lush montane forest to the tree line, we'll spend our first night camping at Machame Hut (10,000 feet). Passing through fields of colorful wildflowers on our second day, we'll climb the steep ridge to Shira Plateau and relax on its grassy moorland at the Shira Hut (12,500 feet). Our next two days - stopping at Barranco hut (13,000 feet) and Barafu Hut (15,000 feet) - feature stunning views of Kili on our way to the peak. On our fifth day, we'll start our ascent from the camp at Barafu Hut early (around midnight) in order to summit the mountain at sunrise. Snow conditions permitting, we'll pass Gillman's Point (18,604 ft) and walk along the caldera to the true summit, Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft) - meaning 'Freedom Peak' and known as the roof of Africa. After enjoying the view from the peak, we'll begin our descent. Tonight we'll stay at Mweka Hut for our final night of camping on Kili. The next day - with gravity as our helper - we will descend to the park's gate. We'll spend the night relaxing and reminiscing about the climb at our hotel. Accommodations: Camping, Mountain Inn (last night) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Day 9 | Cooking & Storytelling At the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro lies the small village of Marangu. We'll spend the next three days in Marangu meeting the people and exploring the Chagga culture of Northern Tanzania. On our arrival, we'll get to know the village and surrounding area with a village tour. Follow trails that wind through the bush, explore caves and waterfalls, wander through the surrounding fields, or sit beneath a tree and learn some local folklore from the villagers. We'll also get a better taste of the local fare as we learn to cook some of the traditional foods of Tanzania, including staples such as chapati (fried flat bread), wali (cooked rice) or ndizi (plantains). Adventurous eaters will learn to eat ughali as the locals do... gathering a handful of the warm, soft corn meal porridge to scoop up other foods, like sauces and vegetables. Later this evening, we'll learn several traditional Tanzanian tales as our local storyteller weaves his way through myths and legends native to East Africa. This evening, join local families for dinner and an optional overnight homestay. Accommodations: Homestay or Mountain Inn Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Day 10 | Blacksmithing & Carving The village of Marangu is renowned for its metallurgy. In fact, many men from throughout Northern Tanzania travel to Marangu to train as blacksmiths. Learn from the masters as we help produce a variety of objects, including spears, knives, and instruments. This afternoon we'll learn more about the techniques used in Tanzanian carvings. In addition to hearing the stories and history behind their unique carving style, our local artist instructors will teach us how to carve using traditional tools to shape the hard mpiga wood. Accommodations: Homestay or Mountain Inn Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Day 11 | Painting & Wine Brewing Start the morning learning to paint in traditional styles. Led by local painters that exhibit their works throughout East Africa and beyond, you'll learn the various styles that are unique to Tanzania and specifically the Chagga tribe. If a morning of painting drives your thirst, stick around for an afternoon of learning local wine production techniques. Mr. Mamuya - a 70-year old former teacher - is an entertaining man who will share his skills in traditional mbege brewing. Then we'll have an opportunity to sample the local brew! Accommodations: Tanzanite Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Day 12 | Arusha Today's free time is perfect for exploring the markets and neighborhoods of Arusha, the small town that serves as the 'hub' of Northern Tanzania's active safari business. This afternoon, we'll transfer to the airport for our trip home. Meals: Breakfast |