You will be met by your guide at the Riverside shuttle terminus (if coming from Niarobi) or at Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be taken to your hotel to rest and explore Arusha before the early start to Kiboko-Bushcamp and the start of you unforgettable adventure. Your guide will take you round Arusha to the local markets, souvenir shops and just to walk around and have a taste of the busy Tanzanian town.
Up early for the 2 hour drive to Kiboko-Bushcamp. On the way you will see the Maasai going about their daily business, leading cattle or walking to and from the markets. After checking into your luxury tent your guide will take you on a walk down to Lake Manyara and return for lunch. In the afternoon it is off for a 3 hour bird watching safari. Your first evening under the African skies is breathtaking. There is no noise to disturb you and no light pollution to stop you from observing stellar constellations from a new perspective!.
Up early once again but this time off to your first game park, Lake Manyara National Park. You will see baboons, giraffes, zebra and hopefully one of the tree climbing lions. The hippo pool with the pink flamingos is unforgettable.
A very early start as it is off to Ngorongoro National Park experiencing the sun rising over the Rift Valley. It is a three hour drive and an amazing experience as you descend into the crater to observe the water buffalo, zebras, elephants, hippos, lions, black rhino ... the list goes on!!!!!
After two exciting days you will need a rest and experience some of the diverse Tanzanian culture. You will visit the Massai Village close to the Kiboko-Bushcamp. You will be able to chat to the people and buy some of their many crafts. (money goes direct to those who make them). A lazy afternoon reading and saving energy for the trip to Lake Eyasi.
Another early start to Lake Eyasi famous for The Harzabe and Mangati Tribe living in the bush . You will meet the people and ask about their fascinating way of life. You will be spending the night in the bush but the guides will erect your tent and cook you a delicious meal of your choice.
After breakfast you can take a walk in the bush and try to experience how the local people live. Then it is back to the Bush-camp.
One more National Park before going to Kilimanjaro but this time to Tarangire which has large herds of elephants to observe wondering about the bush. Tarangire comes into its own in the dry season as many animals migrate to the permanent water in the Tarangire River.
Day
9:
Time to pack up and head for the lush green slopes of Mount KIlimanjaro.
After a stop off at Arusha for a well earned meal in one of the many restaurants,
you will be driving through Moshi (buy some food and drinks) and up the
mountain through the villages of Uru North.It takes one hour from Moshi
to get to Njari Campsite but when you arrive you
will think it is one of the most relaxing and peaceful places you have
ever visited. You can sit on the veranda of the house, drinking beer and
look at the snow covered slopes of the Kilimanjaro peak. At sunset you
will also be able to see Mount Meru!
Day
10:
Waking up for the first time at Njari campsite is a wonderful experience.
You will hear the birds singing and watch the butterflies. It is so green.
The guides will provide hot water for your "african shower".
After breakfast it is time for a big hike into the forest to a water fall.
The rainforest of Kilimanjaro National Park is wonderful. So lush and
green with breathtaking views. You will want to get back to the campsite
before sunset to enjoy the view of Kilimanjaro at sunset.
After a lazy breakfast you can take a walk through Njari Village which covers a very large area. You can visit a traditional Chagga House and meet the Chagga people. You will have lunch with the Shayo family who are typical coffee farmers but cook the best local food I have tasted. Mr Shayo will take you round his shamba. It is ingenious how the Chagga grow so many crops on a small area of land. On the way back up to the campsite you can stop and have a beer in a local bar. You will be encouraged to try the local brew, umbegi, but beware!
Another big hike in the forest to the large waterfall. Another day of breathtaking scenery.
A lazy start for the tired legs. Now it is time for you to choose how to spend most of your last day on Kilimanjaro, whether it is another wander round the village or another walk in the forest. In the afternoon you can hear the church choir which is just magnificent. The harmonies achieved are amazing.
The time you dread has come! However you can do some last minute shopping in Moshi and support the craft cooperatives. Then back to the airport with lots of wonderful memories to take home!
