Destination: Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater

Safari itinerary:

Day 1; Arusha- Tarangire National Park

Early morning after breakfast we leave to Tarangire National Park, which is famous for baobab trees and huge herds of elephants, See the Tarangire river which crosses the park with its importance to flora and fauna in it. Have lunch in the afternoon at the picnic site within the park, thereafter continue with the game drive till sundown, Dinner and overnight at Sangaiwe Tented Lodge on full board basis.

Day 2; Tarangire- Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, depart for Serengeti National Park, via the beautiful high lying farmland of Karatu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Leaving the highlands behind, we descend into the heart of wild Africa – the Serengeti National Park – with its endless plains, rolling into the distance as far as the eye can see. Then head to the central park area, known as the Seronera area, one of the richest wildlife habitats in the park, featuring the Seronera River, which provides a valuable water source to this area hence attracts variety of wildlife species. Arrive in time for lunch and enjoy an afternoon game drive in the Serengeti national park.  Dinner and overnight at Thorn Tree Tented Lodge.

Day 3; Serengeti-Ngorongoro Crater

Early morning (around 6 pm) game drive within the Serengeti National Park, thereafter depart to Ngorongoro Conservation area. Optionally we will stopover the Olduvai Gorge, boasting with a history dating back to the dawn of time. It was here, that the anthropologists Drs. Lois and Mary Leakey discovered the skulls of ‘Nutcracker Man’ and ‘Handy Man’, both very significant links in the chain of human evolution. Drive up to Eileen’s Tree Inn for dinner and overnight.

Day 4; Ngorongoro Crater

After an early breakfast, we descend into the Ngorongoro Crater floor for the crater tour where we will have a chance to view all the big five land mammals and other wildlife. Supported by a year round water supply and fodder, the Ngorongoro crater accommodates enormous variety of animals, which include herds of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, eland, warthog, hippo, and giant African elephants. Another big draw card to this scenic national park, is it’s dense population of predators, which include lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs and the ever-elusive leopard, which sometimes requires a trained eye to spot.

We will see Lake Magadi, a large but shallow alkaline lake in the southwestern corner, which is one of the main features of the crater. A large number of flamingos, hippos and other water birds can usually been seen here.

Enjoy the game drive till noon where we go for a great spot for our lunch in the crater floor and later transfer to Arusha for dinner and overnight or straight to the airport.

End of the program.

Destinations - Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.

Safari itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

We are going to pick you from your place of arrival (airpot or bus station) to your ready booked Venice hotel for overnight. Dream about your national park safari adventure tomorrow. Warmly welcome.

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire

Wake up early morning to enjoy breakfast and there will be a safari briefing before the tour. After that, an experienced driver guide will transfer you from your hotel to Tarangire National Park for a game drive. Overnight at Fanaka campsite.

The most common animals found in the park include zebras, wildebeest, lions, leopards, waterbucks, giraffe, elephants, gazelles, impala, gerenuk, lesser kudu and the beautiful fringe-eared Oryx. You may be lucky to spot the tree-climbing python, for which the park is famous, or the kudu and the roan antelope which are rare species in Northern Tanzania. Over 300 species of birds have been recorded in the Park. The best bird watching months are October to May.

The park's natural vegetation consists mainly of acacia woodland, giant African monster baobab trees, and huge swamp areas. Moreover, both the river and the swamps act like a magnet for the local wildlife during the dry season in Tanzania.

Day 3: Tarangire to Serengeti

After breakfast, depart to Serengeti through the Olduvai Gorge. During the afternoon, we will go on a game drive in Serengeti National Park along the Sogore river circuit, which loops into the plains south of the Seronera river. After game drive, we will enjoy dinner, and stay overnight at the Seronera campsite. During the night, there are wild sounds that will refresh your soul.

Serengeti is the biggest national park in the world, it is renowned for its natural features, landscape, and the endless plains of savannah grasslands horizon. Moreover, there are wildebeest migration of about two millions herbivores, predators, big mammal, along with millions species of fauna and flora that can be found in the park. From Seronera river valley, you will spot animals such as leopard, gazelle, tope, ostrich, flamingos, lovebirds, and cheetah.

Also, there is an optional value added service to visit the Olduvai Gorge, explore the footprints and skull of homo habilis.

Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro

During early morning, the exciting sounds of Africa will rouse you from your sleep. We will enjoy a picnic breakfast, and start the day with an early morning game drive. The driver-guide will bring you to spot some of the many species at Serengeti, and educate you about fascinating habits and habitats of the species.

After a pleasant picnic lunch, the group will continue game drive eastwards to visit another spectacular setting of Tanzania's wildlife, which is the famous Ngorongoro Crater. We will enjoy a tasty and hot dinner, and spend the night at Simba A campsite. On the next day, the 7th wonder of the world is waiting for you. Also, there is an optional value added service to visit the Maasai cultural espying in the bush villages.

Day 5: Ngorongoro to Arusha

After breakfast, you will descend to Ngorongoro Crater floor for game drive. From the crater, you will be able to see a setting of jaw-dropping beauty such as the world's largest volcanic caldera, full of grassland, forest, and swamps.

Also, the permanent water of the crater floor supports a resident population of more than 25,000 large mammals. From there you will view animals such as elephants, lions, leopards, hyenas, jackals, wallowing hippos, waterbucks, baboons, and even the rare black rhinos find shelter there.

The Maasai share awesome space with the animals, grazing the cattle in an area which has been a separate conservation area since 1956. This harmonious co-habitation of man and beast makes Ngorongoro unique in Tanzania, the driver guide will be pleased to explain this incredible co-existence to you. During the afternoon, the group will enjoy a picnic lunch in the crater, there after drive back to Arusha late in the day.

Day 6: Departure from Arusha

After breakfast we take you to airport

Destinations: Lake Natron, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro National Park and Lake Manyara National Park.

Safari itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro airport, Brown Parrot Safaris’s representative will meet you at the exit of the arrivals lounge and transfer you to your Hotel in Arusha. Settle into your accommodation, relax and enjoy dinner, before your safari starts in following day.

Day 2: Arusha - Lake Natron

After breakfast we drive to Lake Natron which is in the Great Rift Valley. On the way you can see beautiful landscapes, traditional Maasai and the only active volcano in East Africa, Oldonyo Lengai. Lake Natron is a highly salty lake, famous for the huge flocks of pink flamingos. More than 75% of the world’s flamingo breeds in this area since it is peaceful, remote and there is plenty of food. The microorganisms that live in Lake Natron’s shallow waters give the lake stunning colors, varying from red to orange to pink. Upon arrival at the lake area you will enjoy nature walk to the beautiful waterfall where you can play and refresh yourself within the falling water. Dinner and stay overnight at your selected lodge.

Day 3: Serengeti National Park (north)

After breakfast we head to the Serengeti National Park to explore the north-east of the Park, also known as the Lobo area. This is one of the richest wildlife spots in the park, where you would see big cats such as lion, cheetah and leopard and herds of elephants. Also the Great Wildebeest Migration passes this area two times each year; in July/August and September/October. Listen to millions of mammals rumble across the plains in search of fresh grass and water. Later in the afternoon we arrive at the selected lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4: Serengeti National Park (central)

Early morning we proceed to the central area of the Serengeti National Park known as Seronera. Due its unique ecosystem, Seronera supports a great diversity of wildlife than anywhere else in the Serengeti. The large number of preys also attracts the highest population of predators. This is certainly one of the best places in Africa to spot large predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas. You can see elephants, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest and many other species on any given day. Dinner and overnight will be at one of the remote Tented Camps, where you stay close to nature.

Day 5: Serengeti National Park ( central)

Full day of magnificent game drives in the central part of the Serengeti National Park. Although wildlife viewing is good here all year-round, the best time to see the Great Wildebeest Migration in Seronera is around February to June. At this time the Seronera is really crowded and you can see huge columns of hundreds of thousands wildebeest, zebras and gazelles. It’s truly an exciting sight to witness millions of mammals rumble across the plains in search of fresh grass and water. In the afternoon we return to your selected lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Serengeti - Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast we depart to the Ngorongoro Crater. Explore one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders on a full day game drive. This park is home to all of Africa’s famous wildlife and has its own unique ecosystem. The view from the rim into the crater floor is simply incredible with its pastel-coloured landscape and wildlife roaming the floor. Animal spotting is easy in this largely flat and open crater floor. Leopards, lions, hyenas and jackals can be found on the floor as well as elephants, buffaloes, wildebeest, zebras, ostriches and rhinos. Lunch will be served at a lovely lakeshore in the crater. Dinner and stay overnight at your selected lodge set high on the crater rim.

Day 7: Lake Manyara National Park - Arusha

Enjoy your last safari day in Lake Manyara National Park. This park is dominated by an enormous soda lake with huge flocks of flamingos. You can spot hundreds of olive baboons, elephants, hippos and if you are lucky Manyara’s tree climbing lions. It is also a perfect place to see the magnificent 400 meter high Rift Valley Escarpment. After this memorable game drive, your safari adventure we drive back to your hotel in Arusha or straight to the Airport depending on your flight date and time.

End of the Safari Program.

Destinations: Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro National Park and Manyara National Park.

Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Tarangire National Park

After breakfast we leave the hotel with packed lunch and drive directly toTarangire National Park. Tarangire is authentically raw and is as ‘wild’ as it gets in the northern circuit with amazing giant baobab trees scatted all over the park. In this bird paradise you can spot more than 550 bird species, including the osprey, marabou, white pelican, vultures, woodland kingfisher, red billed hornbill, yellow necked spur fowl, white face whistling duck and pygmy falcons. Dinner and stay overnight at your selected lodge.

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

You will have a full day bird watching tour in Tarangire National park. The lively Silale Swamp is one of the highlands of Tarangire. Here you can see the largest selections of breeding birds anywhere in the world, including orange-bellied parrots, lovebirds, yellow billed stork, African hoopoe, lilac breasted roller and the largest flying bird (the Kori Bustard). The swamps are also the place to see leopards and lions. Dinner and stay overnight at your selected lodge.

Day 3: Tarangire National Park

Another full day bird watching tour within the Tarangire National park. Since Tarangire is the paradise home for than 550 bird species is considered to offer the best year-round bird watching tour you would ever imagine. Later in the afternoon return back to your Lodge where you will enjoy seeing the endless plains of the Tarangire. Dinner and stay overnight at your selected lodge.

Day 4: Serengeti National Park

Early Morning after breakfast we drive to Serengeti National Park through Olduvai Gorge, also known as the ‘cradle of mankind’. At this site the earliest human skull in the world was discovered and footsteps dating back three million years. This place is primitive and significant in understanding human evolution. Ulduvai Gorge is a steep valley of about 50 km (32 mi) long, situated in the Great Rift Valley, in the eastern part of the Serengeti. We move down into the heart of wild Africa – the Serengeti National Park – with its endless plains, rolling into the distance as far as the eye can see. Then head to the central park area, known as the Seronera area, one of the richest wildlife habitats in the park, featuring the Seronera River, which provides a valuable water source to this area hence attracts variety of wildlife and bird species. Arrive for dinner and stay overnight stay at your selected lodge.

Day 5: Serengeti National Park

Full day bird watching tour within Serengeti National park. Over 500 bird species fly above the savannah, in the forest and around the many rivers in the Serengeti. You can spot, secretary bird, lilac breasted roller, black eagles, raptors, kori bustard and many more. One of the top birding spots is Lake Ndutu where you can see a tremendous selection of birds, including the grey- breasted spurfowl, fischer’s lovebird, red-billed hornbill, rufous-tailed weaver, yellow-throated sandgrouse, white-tailed lark, karamoja apalis, grey-crested helmet-shrike and superb starling with its multi-colored feathers. Dinner and stay overnight at your selected lodge.

Day 6: Serengeti National Park

In your second day of birding in the Serengeti National Park we move to another area in the north Serengeti where you can spot the many beautiful bird species and the other big game you encounter during the game drive.

In the afternoon we come to the selected lodge with a very wonderful outlook that has different species of birdlife as well as the big safari games like Lions, Buffaloes and the big families of Elephants without forgetting the Wildebeest migration. Have dinner rest overnight get ready for the next morning adventure.

Day 7: Serengeti – Ngorongoro

This is the last morning of birding in Serengeti National Park. On our way heading to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, we expect to see Martial Eagles, Black kites, Ashy Starlings, Hildebrandt’s Starlings and Kori bustards on the courtship displays. We will get there in the afternoon to the selected lodge which will be located on top of the Crater rim with the magnificent view of the crater floor. Big games can be spotted right there at your room balcony.

Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater

Early morning after breakfast, we descend to the Ngorongoro Crater floor for wildlife and bird watching till late in the afternoon. This collapsed volcano is home to all of Africa’s famous wildlife and has its own unique ecosystem. Leopards, lions, hyenas and jackals can be found on the savannah as well as elephants, buffaloes, wildebeest, zebras, ostriches and rhinos. The crater offers also excellent birding with species like the golden winged sun bird, jackson’s widow, tacazze sun bird, rufous tailed weaver and livingstone’s turaco. Between September and April the migrants also inhabit the crater. Later in the afternoon we drive to your selected lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 9: Lake Manyara National Park

Early morning after breakfast we head to Lake Manyara National Park with packed lunch. Lake Manyara is famous for its massive soda lake crowded with flamingos, troops of baboons, tree-climbing lions and the breathtaking scenery. The soda lake attracts so many birds and you can spot about 400 bird species in this park such as hornbills, pelicans, vultures, ash starling, spotted morning thrush and the lilac breasted rollers. Late in the afternoon we go for dinner and overnight stay at your selected Lodge.

Day 10: Lake Manyara National Park - Arusha

This is the ultimate morning you can enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna in this small but picturesque park. Later in the afternoon we drive back to Arusha where you have some time to relax at the lodge and stay for overnight.

End of the Safari program

Your safari adventure has come to completion and you will be feeling contented. We drop you to the Airport to catch your flight back home to join your family and friends.

Day trips tour to one of the Tanzania’s national parks are ideal for people with limited time or budget or those who have come to Tanzania for some other reasons and would not want to go back home without seeing one of the wildlife concentration areas in Tanzania. Experience a glance of magnificent nature, abundance of wildlife and natural wonders Tanzania has to offer for just one day. From the unrivalled elephant sightings in Tarangire, the black-and-white colobus monkey in Arusha National Parks and to the amazing pastel-coloured landscape and rare black rhino’s in the Ngorongoro Crater.

Brown Parrot Safaris is happy to arrange day trip tour to the four national parks that surrounds Arusha City; Tarangire NationalPark, Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.

Tarangire National Park

The most common animals found in the park include zebras, wildebeest, lions, leopards, waterbucks, giraffe, elephants, gazelles, impala, gerenuk, lesser kudu and the beautiful fringe-eared Oryx. You may be lucky to spot the tree-climbing python, for which the park is famous, or the kudu and the roan antelope which are rare species in Northern Tanzania. Over 300 species of birds have been recorded in the Park. The best bird watching months are October to May. The park's natural vegetation consists mainly of acacia woodland, giant African monster baobab trees, and huge swamp areas. Moreover, both the river and the swamps act like a magnet for the local wildlife during the dry season in Tanzania.

Enjoy a day game viewing in Tarangire with picnic lunch. In the morning our guide picks you up in Arusha and drives you to Tarangire National Park. In the late afternoon your guide drives you in about 2 hours back to Arusha.

Arusha National Park

Situated between the impressive peaks of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha National Park is ideal for a day trip. It is a small park that boasts diverse landscapes, from rainforest, waterfalls and lakes, to craters, swamps and mountains. It’s a beautiful sight to see thousands of pink-hued flamingos crowd the lakes, especially when they take flight. This is also one of the best places to see the acrobatic black-and-white colobus monkeys. Other wildlife includes velvet monkeys, bushbucks, buffaloes, red forest duikers, hippos, elephants, warthogs, zebras, baboons and giraffes. The main features of the park are the swampy Ngurdoto Crater where wildlife resides, Tanzania’s second highest mountain Mount Meru and the beautiful Momella Lakes.

Enjoy a full day game viewing in this park including a picnic lunch. It is also possible to incorporate activities like canoeing on the lake, walking safari or biking safari. In the late afternoon your driver guide will drive you back to your hotel in Arusha.

Lake Manyara National Park

A soda lake covering almost two-third of the area, tree-climbing lions and the breathtaking scenery is what makes Lake Manyara National Park famous. Other wildlife you can spot includes hippos, bush babies, leopards, giraffes and over 400 bird species like flamingoes, hornbills and pelicans. The Manyara ecosystem consists of savannah, acacia woodland dotted with fig trees, swamps, hot springs and open grass plains. Certainly this makes Lake Manyara incredible diverse and the perfect place to see the spectacular 400 meter high Rift Valley Escarpment.

Enjoy a day game viewing in Lake Manyara with picnic lunch. In the morning our guide picks you up in Arusha/Kilimanjaro Airport and drives you to Lake Manyara. Late in the afternoon your diver guide will drive you back to Arusha.

Ngorongoro Crater

Stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife and spectacular views are most notable features of a day trip to the Ngorongoro Crater. Discover this enormous crater that has become home to all of Africa’s famous wildlife and has its own unique ecosystem. From woodlands and savannahs to swamps, salt lakes and fever tree forests. Due to the year-round supply of fresh water, wildlife has no need to migrate. Within its crater walls you can spot leopards, lions, hyenas, jackals, buffaloes, zebras, ostriches and some of the biggest tuskers left alive in Africa today. Above all, the crater is famed for its black rhino’s and is one of the best places to see the Big Five – buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, rhino.

Enjoy a full day game viewing in the Ngorongoro Crater. In the morning our guide picks you up in Arusha/Kilimanjaro Airport and drives you to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where the crater is located. If you stand on the rim and look below, the majesty of nature lays out before you. Descent into the crater floor for game drive and a picnic lunch. Late in the afternoon the driver guide will drive back to Arusha.

Please contact Brown Parrot Safaris for a wonderful, fulfilling and memorable day trip tour in one of these National Parks.

FIND YOUR ESCAPE IN 6 DAYS WALKING EXPEDITION ON THE CRATER HIGHLANDS.

Day 1; NGORONGORO CRATER TO NAINOKANOKA.

Early in the morning after breakfast we leave Arusha for the crater tour, it is 3 hours’ drive to Lodware gate, stop for registration and enter in the conservation.The views at the rim of Ngorongoro Crater are sensational. On the crater floor, grassland blends into swamps, lakes, rivers, woodland, and mountains. It is a haven for wildlife, including the densest predator population in Africa. The crater is home to up to 25,000 large mammals, mainly grazers like gazelle, buffalo, eland, hartebeest, and warthog.

You will not find giraffe as there is not much to eat at tree levels, or Topi because the competition with wildebeestis not too fierce, nor will you find impala. The crater elephants are strangely, mainly bulls. There are a small number of black rhinos there too. The birdlife is largely seasonal and also affected by the ratio of soda to fresh water in Lake Magadi on the crater floor, Have lunch in the crater floor and later we drive to Nainokanoka in the afternoon stay overnight at Nainokanoka Special Campsite.

Day 2; NAINOKANOKA TO EMBAKAI CRATER.

25 Km, 7-8 hours.

Just after the breakfast from Nainokanoka , you will follow Maasai cattle trails north-east across the grasslands of the Embulbul Depression, towards the Empakai crater, to reach the light wooded crater rim on its southern edge. A path circle the whole crater and you can follow this anticlockwise (east then north) to rich a low point on the western rim, where camping is possible, although there is no water (The guide will have arranged to fill containers at one of the streams crossed earlier.)  Have lunch in the middle of nowhere and continuer with the walk, the view from here down into the crater is stunning. The steep inner walls are densely forested and drop to the flat crater floor, which is partly submerged under a lake, often surrounded by huge flocks of flamingos. The Maasai are not allowed to graze the cattle here, and there is a good chance to see the wildlife. Stay overnight at EmpakaiSpecial camp site.

Day 3; EMPAKAI TO NAIYOBI VILLAGE.

7 Km, 3 hours.

Have breakfast and when we are done we proceed down to Empakai crater floor, see flamingos and other different species of birds. Later on we leave for Naiyobi village, from north or north-east side of the crater you follow tracks which descend gradually to a village called Naiyobi. The name derived from Maasai word for ‘springs’or bubbling water. Some groups camp itself on the football field by the primary school. This is the good opportunity to meet with the locals, rather than snap away your camera. Other groups collect water here and may continue for another hour or so to camp in the bust beyond the village. Your guide knows well the area so that he will choose a perfect spot. Stay overnight at Naiyobi village.

Day 4; NAIYOBI VILLAGE TO NGARESERO

27Km, 8-9 hours.

Early in the morning after breakfast from Naiyobi, you follow the paths through beautiful grassy hills andpatches of light woodland, along a ridge running parallel to main Rift Valley. The cone of OldonyoLengai, which has dominated the view since leaving Empakaai becomes increasingly impressive. The path passes  a distinctive hill called Emowoengoililthat meaning ‘ Gazelle horn ` and drop steeply, lush vegetation soon giving way to scrubby grass and patches of bare rocks and lava. At a base of the steep section there is a single tree offering a welcome shadeand few Maasai huts.

The route continues north, loosing height with the main escarpment wall to your left. LengaiMountain is on your right shoulder and then behind. The path becomes a sandy track as you pass some more Maasai settlement below the cliffs of the escarpment.

The first sign of civilization is Waterfall camp, a simple camp site on banks of NgareseroRiver which flows north from the crater highlands into Lake Natron. After a long hot walk, a swim in the clear running water is very refreshing, but the water contains too many soapy minerals to be thirsty quenching. Drinkable water comes from a small separate spring.

About a kilometer from there your vehicle should meet you here in this night and The Maasai guide and the donkeys will go back to Nainokanoka, Dinner and stay overnight at Lengai Camp site.

Day 5; FULL DAY IN NGARESERO/ LAKE NATRON

It is an easy day today, After breakfast we leave the camp for Lake Natron touring, The lake is natural alkaline soda lake, It is one of the East Africa Rift Valley lakes located in northern Tanzania, North of NgorongoroHighlands and South of active volcano OlDonyoLengai, The measuring a maximum of 57 km in length, is quite shallow less than 3 m deep. The lake`s edges are dotted in pink tinge created by THOUSANDS of FLAMINGOES that migrate there, Take a lot of photos of the Flamingos and other aquatic birds then walk back to the vehicle ready to go back to the camp for hot lunch.

Take a long break and around 3 pm we move out again to the waterfall to wash out the dust and the muddy legs,itis a beautiful and a lovely day, Dinner and stay overnight at Ngaresero camp site.

Day 6; NGARESERO TO ARUSHA

Just after breakfast we pack and load our jeep and hit the dirty road to Arusha Via mtowambu town, We may stop and pop in a couple of gift shops and see what you can find for Family and friends. Dinner and overnight at Green Mountain Lodge.

Day 7; Drop off to the airport! To join yourfamily and friends.

End of adventure tour in Tanzania

Day 1: Arusha to Mandara Hut

• Elevation: 1700 meters to 2740 meters

• Walking time: 4 to 5 hours

• Distance: 7 kilometers

• Habitat: Montane Forest

After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara escarpment located at 9000 feet or 2740 meters. On the side you will view Maundi Crater and the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Black & White Colobus monkeys. Overnight at Mandara Hut.

Day 2: Mandara to Horombo Hut

• Elevation: 2700 meters to 3700 meters

• Distance: 11 kilometers

• Walking time: 6 to 8 hours

• Habitat: Heartland

After breakfast and briefing, ascend for about one hour leaving the glades of the rainforest to catch the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Here you will start viewing the Mawenzi and Kibo summit which are amazing. Along the way you will enjoy seeing the giant lobelias and grounsels. Interestingly you will start to feel the effects of the altitude. Overnight at Horombo Hut.

Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

• Elevation: 3700 meters to 4700 meters

• Distance: 10 kilometers

• Walking time: 6 to 8 hours

• Habitat: Alpine desert

Ascending, you now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heartland but then disappears into "moonscape". Dinner, rest at Kibo Hut and prepare for summit climb.

Day 4: Kibo Hut to summit (Uhuru Peak 5895 meters)  to Horombo Hut

• Elevation: 4700 meters to 5895 meters to 3700 meters

• Distance: 4 kilometers up / 14 kilometers down

• Walking time: 10 to 15 hours

• Habitat: Alpine desert

Midnight to 2:00 a.m., commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman's point located at the crater rim at 18,640 feet or 5,861 meters for about four to seven hours. Continuing (one to two hours), you now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa; 19,340 feet or 5,895 meters.

Unbelievable views at every turn. Get your pictures taken at the summit to show your friends and families. From here, you now descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo summit before proceeding to the Horombo encampment for dinner and a tired but happy overnight.

Note: The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is, by far, the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. "Pole pole" and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Arusha

• Elevation: 3700 meters to 1700 meters

• Distance: 18 kilometers

• Walking time: 5 to 7 hours

After breakfast, a steady descent takes you down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2700 meters or 8858 feet), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. Continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1830 meters or 6004 feet).

At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be preferable to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to Arusha.

Day 1: Arusha to Machame Camp

• Elevation: 5,400 feet to 9,400 feet

• Walking time: 5 to 7 hours

• Distance: 11 kilometers

• Habitat: rainforest

The drive from Arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about two hours. The journey passes through the village of Machame, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. You will leave the park gate and walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are used there. You will continue a short distance until you reach the Machame Camp.

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

• Elevation: 9,400 feet to 12,500 feet

• Walking time: 4 to 6 hours

• Distance: 5 kilometers

• Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast, you will leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. After that, you will have a time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite.

Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

• Elevation: 13,000 feet to 16,000 feet

• Walking time: 7 to 8 hours

• Distance: 10 Kilometer

• Habitat: Semi-desert

From the Shira Plateau, you will continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As you continue, your direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, you will come to the second junction which brings you up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000 feet.

You will then get down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000 feet where you will rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight at Barranco Hut. 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.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

• Elevation: 16,000 feet to 19,300 feet

• Walking time: 8 to 10 hours

• Distance: 5 kilometers

• Habitat: alpine desert.

After breakfast, you will leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, you will leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. You will then continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. There, you will make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are seen from this position.

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

• Elevation: 19,345 feet to 10,000 feet

• Walking time: 7 to 8 hours

• Distance: 12 kilometers

• Habitat: Arctic.

Midnight to 2:00 a.m., you will continue your 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 feet), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (if the weather permits). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your one-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.

From the summit, you will now make your descent straight down to Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, you will enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep at Mweka Campsite.

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Arusha

• Elevation: 10,000 feet to 5,400 feet

• Walking time: 3 to 4 hours

• Distance: 10 kilometers

• Habitat: Rainforest.

After breakfast, you will continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be preferable to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). At the gate, a vehicle will meet and drive you back to your hotel in Arusha Town.

Day 7: Arusha to airport

After breakfast you will have time to shop around in Arusha town before drive to the airport to catch your flight in time.