We leave March 9th and return March 29th. We still have the ability to add some folks. So please contact me as soon as possible. This is the current trip itinerary and options for this year. Contact Ed for more information.
SHIRA ROUTE – 8 days & 7 nights (6 days on trek)
This route starts an altitude of 11600ft (3500m) and should only be attempted by trekkers who are already acclimatised or know from previous experience that they can tolerate altitude. From the trailhead the trail heads east across the center of the Shira Plateau, where it is often likely to spot big game, such as elephant and buffalo. The route then joins up with the Machame Route at Shira Camp and approaches the summit via Stella Point descending via Mweka Camp.
Day 1
Pick up ex. shuttle from Arusha and transfer to Mountain Inn, Moshi for dinner and overnight.
DAY 2
Drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate at Londorossi for the first section of the climb through the lush forest to reach Forest Campsite close to the gate at 9000ft/2750m taking 4 to 5 hours. Overnight Forest Camp.
DAY 3
Continue through the forest on to the Shira Plateau to reach Shira Campsite at 12,500ft/3800m for overnight camp taking 5 to 6 hours. Overnight Shira Camp.
DAY 4
Extra night to acclimatize at Shira Camp.
DAY 5
Heading eastwards, continue ascending through the dry landscape before reaching Barranco Campsite at 13,000ft/3900m for overnight camp taking 5- 7 hours. Overnight Barranco Camp.
DAY 6
The path climbs steeply out of the Barranco Valley, crosses the Karanga Valley, then turns north to reach Barafu Campsite at 15,500ft/4600m for overnight camp. Overnight Barafu Camp.
DAY 7
A long day and an early start to reach the crater rim at Stella Point in time for sunrise. Continue on to Uhuru Peak 19,340ft/5896m the highest point in Africa. Descend to Mweka Campsite at 10,000ft/3000m for overnight camp taking 6 to 8 hours ascent 5 to 7 hours descent. Overnight Mweka Camp.
DAY 8
Descend through the forest to the park gate at Mweka wildlife college, taking 3 to 4 hours to be met and transferred back to Mountain inn for dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 9
Extra day in Moshi. D/O at Mt. Inn.
Optional Extension (Highly Recommended)
DAY 10
After breakfast at 0800, pick up and drive to Ngorongoro. Lunch at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge. Afternoon at leisure. D/O at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge.
DAY 11
After breakfast at 0800, full day crater tour of Ngorongoro. Here you may see a spectacular concentration of wildlife, including the big five.
Drive across the dense forest and near the soda lake and enjoy viewing a variety of bird life. Ascend to the lodge from the 2000ft. deep crater. Picnic lunch on the way. D/O at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge.
DAY 12
After breakfast at 0800, depart for Serengeti via Olduvai, site of archeological findings, where traces of pre-historic man dating back to 3.5 million years ago have been discovered. Picnic lunch en-route. Afternoon game drive of Serengeti National Park. D/O at Serengeti Sopa Lodge.
DAY 12
After breakfast at 0800, full-day game drive in Serengeti National Park. Here can be found the largest concentration of plains animals – 4 million and 500 species of birds. Your chance to see predators chasing their prey and enjoying their kill. Picnic lunch on the way. D/O at Serengeti Sopa Lodge.
DAY 13
After breakfast at 0800, transfer to Seronera Airstrip with picnic lunch, Game drive en-route. Depart at 1100 with Coastal Air flight.
Arrive at 1215 at Arusha Airport, meet and transfer to The Arusha Hotel for lunch. Or we can drive to Arusha with picnic lunch (will be required to pay transit Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority fee @ US$50 per person). Drive will take approx. 7-8 hours non stop.
Afterwords I’ll be heading to Masai Mara to visit friends. You are welcome to join me
From Arusha town transfer to Serena Mt. Village for overnight. Stay the rest of the evening at Arusha on leisure.
D/O at Arusha Serena Mountain Village.
Day 14
After breakfast at the hotel transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for a flight to Nairobi. On arrival in Nairobi transfer to Fairview Hotel in the afternoon D/O at Fairview Hotel Nairobi (Bed and breakfast)
Day 15
Following breakfast pick up and drive to Maasai Mara arriving Tipilikwani Mara camp in time for lunch, After lunch leave for afternoon game drive, returning later for dinner at the camp. D/O at Tipilikwani Mara camp( Full board)
Day 16
Full day in the Mara with morning and afternoon game drive D/O at Tipilikwani Mara camp( Full board)
Day 17
Following breakfast depart mara for Nakuru arriving Mbweha camp in time for lunch, After lunch leave for afternoon game drive, returning later for dinner at the camp. D/O at Mbweha camp( Full board)
Day 18
After breakfast and packing leave for Nairobi, on arrival transfer to Jomo Kenyatta Int. Airport for your flight home.
