Come find yourself on the adventure trip of a lifetime combining some of the BIG features that Africa has to offer. Join the team as we ascend Africa 's highest point — Mount Kilimanjaro, at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). Mt. Kilimanjaro, a dormant volcano, is snowcapped even though it is near the Equator. This trek travels through several vegetation zones, ranging from the semiarid scrub on the plateau around the mountain, the fertile southern slopes, dense forests, open moorlands, alpine deserts and moss and lichen groupings.Then relax while you enjoy the stunning scenery and plethora of wild game as we take a vehicle safari through Serengeti National Park. Elephants, lions, rhinos, monkeys and many more exotic animals are expected to be encountered as we travel through unspoiled Africa.
Group size: 8-16
Departure point: Arusha, TANZANIA
Dates Jan 10-24, 2009
Duration 15 days
Price $ 6,795
(Round-trip DIA-Arusha airfare included)
Day 1 Depart Denver International Airport (DIA)
Day 2
Arrive in Arusha, one of the most visited towns in Tanzania . It sits at the base of Mount Meru and is the starting point for safaris in northern Tanzania. We stay at the comfortable three-star Impala Hotel Arusha (www.impalahotel.com/nav_page.htm), which is about a mile from the town center. The hotel has a swimming pool and all amenities. (D)
Day 3
Relax from the long flight and take in the sights and sounds in Arusha. We will take a day trip to Meru National Park. Mount Meru is a dormant volcano that is just outside of the city. The focus of today is relaxing from the long flight in preparation for beginning our trek tomorrow. There will be minimal physical activity as we stretch our legs on a short hike. Hotel Impala Arusha. (B,L,D)
Day 4
In the early morning we drive to Kilimanjaro National Park to start our climb at the Machame gate. From here we hike 5 miles to the Machame Hut Camp. We spend the night here at 10,000ft and begin the acclimatization process. By slowly ascending the mountain we allow our bodies to adjust and adapt to the changes in atmospheric pressure. Thus the team is in much better shape to enjoy climbing of Mt Kilimanjaro. (B,L,D)
Day 5
We continue on the trail climbing Mt Kilimanjaro, winding up a ridge until we reach open moorland, where the main peak of Kilimanjaro first comes into view. Continuing through this open and sometimes rocky terrain we reach our campsite 3.7 miles later at Shira Hut Camp (12,500ft) for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 6
Yet another day of trekking to higher elevations as we continue upwards to our campsite near Lava Tower Camp at 15,200ft (~4 hours walking). (B,L,D)
Day 7
There is an old mountaineering saying in regards to acclimatization that says, "Climb high, sleep low". Today we will descend in elevation by trekking 3.7 miles to Barranco Camp at 14,000ft for dinner and overnight. This is a shorter and easier day. Spend the afternoon and evening relaxing. (B,L,D)
Day 8
Today we will hike for 5 miles to Karanga Valley Camp at 13,900ft for dinner and overnight. Here we will get a great view of Moshi, Arusha and the surrounding valley. (B,L,D)
Day 9
It's time to head up again and we are off to Barafu Hut Camp at 15,350ft. Spend the afternoon preparing for our final ascent the following day. (B,L,D)
Day 10
Summit day! Be prepared for a LONG DAY as we awake around 4am to be on the trail by 5am. Today is a big distance day as the ascent will cover ~4,000 feet of elevation gain. Revel in the joy of ascent and accomplishment on top of the world before a long descent of ~9,000 feet. Arrive at Millennium Hut Camp for dinner and overnight around dark somewhere near the 6pm hour. (B,L,D)
Day 11
Descend to Mweka gate and drive back to Arusha. Overnight at Impala Hotel for a well deserved shower and soft bed. Here we will pick up gear left from before trek that we will need for the safari. (B,L,D)
Day 12
Fly to Serengeti National Park www.serengeti.org/, one of the last remaining wildlife spectacles on Earth. Overnight at the beautiful Seronera Lodge www.hotelsandlodges-tanzania.com/tanzania-hotel-and-lodges-seronera-wildlife-lodge.htm (B,L,D)
Day 13
Today we will experience the wildlife of Africa on a vehicle safari. Think BIG as we search for lions, elephants, wildebeast and more! Seronera Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 14
Fly to Arusha airstrip. Shopping until 6:30pm. Transfer to Kilimanjaro airport. Catch outbound flight back to USA. (B)
Day 15
Arrive in Denver , CO. (DIA)
Hiking Kiliminjaro or trekking in the mountains, anywhere in the world, requires a adequate level of fitness. To be best prepared for the stresses of altitude, participants should be in sound physical shape prior to the trip (see Max's blog on Training for High Altitude Trekking raguides.com/blog/training-for-high-altitude-trekking/). Consideration should also be given to taking medications prophylactically that will decrease that odds of having altitude related illness. Participants should also possess pleasant demeanor, team attitude and realistic expectations. Not all trips will summit Kilimanjaro but every effort will be made, within reason, to achieve a full peak ascent. The itinerary should be taken only as a general guide. Even though we update our itineraries every year to take into account such things as changes to trekking routes and changes in the routing or availability of local transport, it is not possible to guarantee that any of our holidays will run exactly according to the proposed itinerary. A variety of factors, including adverse weather conditions and difficulties with transportation, can lead to enforced changes on our Kilimanjaro treks. The trip leader will make any changes that are necessary, after consultation with the group.
Renaissance Adventure Guides
2109 S. Wadsword Blvd.
Suite 200
Lakewood, CO 80227
Office: 303-988-2943
Max cell: 303-246-2617
Lyle cell: 303-258-6049
Toll Free/Fax: 866-424-8433
info@raguides.com
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