Ultimate Tanzania
From the rooftop of Africa to the white sand beaches of Zanzibar, not to mention an epic safari in between, join us on the ultimate Tanzanian experience!
1)Trek to the top of Africa’s highest mountain on the most scenic route with the highest success rate—the Lemosho route
2) Witness Lions, Cheetahs, Elephants, and more in Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, & the Serengeti
3) Unwind on the beaches of Zanzibar, where we will attend Africa's largest music festival
Email info@fittreks.com for more details.
DETAILS
Trek fee: $6500 from Kilimanjaro (JRO)
Deposit: $600
•Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft
•Distance: 6 km
•Hiking Time:3-4 hours
•Habitat: Rain Forest
We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 2-3 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, we eat lunch, then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
•Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft •Distance: 8 km •Hiking Time 5-6 hours •Habitat: Moorland
We continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.
•Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft •Distance: 14 km •Hiking Time: 5-7 hours •Habitat: Moorland
We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we continue to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
•Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft •Distance: 7 km •Hiking Time: 4-6 hours •Habitat: Semi Desert
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower (4360M), called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
•Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft •Distance: 4 km •Hiking Time: 4-5 hours •Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut (4673M). At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
•Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft) •Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent •Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent •Habitat: Arctic
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak (5895M), you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp (3068M) is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
•Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft •Distance: 10 km •Hiking Time: 3-4 hours •Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, we will continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive our summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (but we will keep our rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka village to drive us back to our hotel in Moshi.
We will have a well-deserved celebration dinner this evening.
We wrap up another iconic day in the Serengeti, and make our way back down towards the famous Ngorongoro Crater. This crater is an anomaly, where hundreds of thousands of animals meet at a central water source. Like a reality show with lots of big personalities in one small space-- wildebeests giving birth, elephants roaming carelessly, hungry hyenas and lions looking for their next meals-- there is bound to be a little drama.
From here, we fly on to Zanzibar to relax for the remainder of the trip. During the day you are free to roam the historic streets of Zanzibar, famous for its spice trade and commerce (foodies rejoice!). Or maybe you want to relax on the white sand beaches, dipping into the Indian Ocean, as needed. In the evenings, the Sauti Za Busara music festival hosts a stellar lineup of artists from all over Africa, resonating within the walls of historic Zanzibar's Old Fort. We have our final dinner together at one of Zanzibar's finest restaurants, and say our goodbyes to our new friends.