Soon after breakfast we leave to drive to the start of our route on Mt. Meru. This takes approximately 2 hours from Moshi and travels through farmland and small communities on the edge of Arusha National Park. As we travel to the foot of the mountain there is a lot to see – examples of the local way of life, the alkaline lakes which are home to flamingoes and other water birds inside the park, and even giraffe near the road grazing. We arrive at the Momella park gate (1500m) and register while our porters sort their loads. We then enter the park with a National Park ranger who accompanies us throughout our time on the mountain and cross a small plain that is home to game including zebra, giraffe and elephant. Climbing gradually we enter the rainforest and can look out for bushbuck (a small antelope) and Colobus monkeys among the large cedar trees and glades of the forest. The relatively few trekkers on the mountain mean the camps are not overcrowded and we will perhaps not even encounter other groups during our trek.

After around 4 hours walking, we arrive at Miriakamba Hut, with an elevation of roughly 2500 meters above sea level. From here, there are views of the lakes in the National Park. While on Mt. Meru, we stay in large wooden huts divided into small dormitories that are relatively comfortable.

The path through the rainforest is steeper today and we should have views of Kilimanjaro roughly 50km away to the northeast. Hanging vines, many large trees, ferns and streams provide a rich habitat for plants and animals in this part of the National Park where we possibly can see monkeys, birdlife and may even spot leopard. Our camp for tonight is Saddle Hut at 3570 meters.

This is between Little Meru and Rhino Point on Mt. Meru, reaching this after 4-5 hours walking. From Saddle Hut, we have the option to climb Little Meru, which is a 2 hour return trip, taking us to 3821 meters, and is very useful for further acclimatizing. We have time to get our kit ready for the summit tomorrow and have an early dinner, before getting to bed to be ready for the climb’s early start tonight.

: We wake up around 1 am, preparing to leave the hut by 2 am. We start walking by the light of our head torches towards Rhino Point and the crater rim. We then follow the crater rim to the 4566 meter summit and enjoy the spectacular silhouetted views of Kilimanjaro as the sun rises over the plains of Africa, including the pyramid shadow cast by Mt. Meru behind us.

The flag of Tanzania is fixed at the top of Mt Meru, also known as Socialist Peak since the country’s independence, and there is a summit register kept in a metal box to sign before leaving. The true, dramatic nature of Mt. Meru can be seen on the way down now the sun has risen, the crater rim is shaped like a horseshoe since the opposite wall collapsed leaving cliffs of 1500 meters. These are some of the biggest in Africa and from the top of them on the crater rim we can see the ash cone below, which is a perfectly formed reminder of past volcanic eruptions that is quite spectacular to see. We follow the rim back to Rhino Point with views of Little Meru then back to Saddle Hut for food and to pack before heading down to Miriakamba Hut. On a four day itinerary, the overnight is spent here at Miriakamba Hut.

On the three day itinerary, we stop the hut for a short break before continuing to the national park gate. After collecting our certificates for climbing to the summit, we head back to our hotel for a well-deserved hot shower and rest. This is a long day with a total walking time of 12-14 hours.

After breakfast we take a few hours to continue down to the national park gate where our vehicle will be waiting to transport you back to your hotel.

A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold a quick briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park's entrance, Machame Gate (1,800 m). After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Machame Camp (3,010 m). The trekking route includes passage through the rainforest (where tropical showers are highly probable), so we recommend you take not only spare clothes, but also your rain coats.

This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:
• Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine
• Drink over 4 litres of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently)
• Take a Diamox pill to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Most mountain climbers take Diamox in the morning, before they start their ascent, in order to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. We recommend you consult your doctor prior to the trip in case of potential allergies.

At night, you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your waking breathing pattern, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and have a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Elevation Change: Machame Gate (1,800 m) – Machame Camp (3,010 m)
Distance: 5 Km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

After breakfast, you will start trekking up to the second high-altitude station, Shira Camp (3,845 m). On this day, you will emerge from the rainforest and for the first time be able to see stunning views of the Shira Plateau laid out in front of you.

Physically speaking, the trekking is not very difficult, but you may feel the changes in altitude, so pay attention to your body and remember that choosing the proper pace is extremely important for good trekking. When you reach the camp, you will have lunch and some rest, after which the group will go on an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp with a 300-meter gain in altitude. Back down at Shira Camp you will be served a hot dinner.

Note: The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness.
Elevation Change: Machame Camp (3,010 m) – Shira Camp (3,845 m)
Distance: 5 Km
Hiking Time 4-5 hours

Acclimatization Hike:
Elevation Change: Shira Camp (3,845 m) – Destination point en route to Lava Tower (4,120 m)
Distance: 2 Km
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours

After breakfast, you will leave Shira Camp (3,845 m) and start your trek towards Lava Tower (4,630 m). This section of the route has a lot of ascents and descents that end in a camp at over 4,600 meters. It might be difficult, and you may feel some discomfort, but in order to successfully acclimate to the altitude you have to spend at least 1–2 hours here, so this is where lunch will be.
Then you will descend to Barranco Camp (3,960 m). Here you can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness! Next day you will be climbing it, but don't worry: it features a very simple hiking trail.

Note: If one or more participants feel sick, the group may refrain from passing the Lava Tower and adjust the route, following instead the road for porters. In this case you will not reach an altitude of 4,630 meters, getting up only to a maximum of 4,400 meters
Elevation Change: Shira Camp (3,845m) – Lava Tower (4,630m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Distance: 11 Km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

On this day, it is best to make an early start to avoid crowding on the way up Barranco Wall. Despite the Wall’s seemingly daunting height and steepness the actual climb is rather merciful at a mere hour or so. The top provides a great photo opportunity with Kibo Peak as the backdrop. The next part of the day is rife with ups and downs where your guides will choose the best place for individual climbers.

A lunch break at Karanga Camp shall be followed by an acclimatization Hike towards Barafu with the highest point read 4,270 m. The group then drops back to Karanga Camp for the overnight.
Elevation Change:Barranco Camp (3,960 m) – Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
Distance:5 Km
Hiking Time:4-5 hours

After breakfast, you begin your way to Barafu Summit Camp (4,640 m). Our team will set up a camp for you ahead of time, including tents and sleeping bags, so you can relax.

After regaining strength, you have to complete an acclimatization climb towards the intermediate Kosovo Summit Camp with its highest point being 4,800 m and then back to Barafu Camp, where you will be served a hot dinner. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before night summiting.
Elevation Change: Karanga Camp (4,035 m) – Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
Distance: 6 Km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Departure from Barafu Camp (4,640 m) at night and the summit trek starts to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Technically the climb is relatively simple; however, the most challenging part is the high altitude. Each pair of climbers will get a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor your physical and mental conditions. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and after a 2-hour rest continue your descent to Millennium Camp (3,820 m).

Note: Don't forget that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including all broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.
Elevation Change: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Millenium Camp (3,820 m)
Distance: 15 Km
Hiking Time: 8-12 hours

The camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of the height and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park's exit: Mweka Gate (1,640 m).

After your descent, the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you a transfer back to the hotel.

Elevation Change: Millenium Camp (3,820 m) – Mweka Gate (1, 640)
Distance: 12 Km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours

You will be picked up from your hotel after breakfast to visit the Lake Manyara National park, which stretches along the 600-m high Rift Valley Escarpment, and is a good spot for combining nature with adventure.

The alkaline Lake Manyara is the centre of attraction. Many water birds gather at the lake and more than 400 bird species are found in the park. Its diverse vegetation support to a large number of herbivorous and the carnivores ultimately. Some of the animals you will encounter here are the monkeys in the forest, giraffes and antelopes on the grasslands and elephants around the acacia trees. Manyara lions, lounging in the trees are a great sight to see in the afternoon drive.

You will have your picnic lunch and continue with an afternoon game viewing. Later, you will drive to the lodge where you will spend the night.

After breakfast, you will drive towards the fertile crater highlands where the farmers grow wheat, corn and coffee. You will pass the Ngorongoro Crater before you reach the plains of Serengeti National Park around mid-day.

With short grass plains, savannah, thick bush, swamps, mountains and lakes and with Bizarre rock formations called Kopjes where the ferocious predators are often found and Annual Migration of wild beasts, this is one of the central attraction of Tanzania. Depending on the season you will witness the migration of thousands of animals for which this park is famous for. More than 2.5 million animals move from one eco-system to the other in search of food and water. On their way to Kenya they give birth to calves many of which are haunted by the lurking predators.

Most animals lose their life while crossing the crocodile infested Mara River. But remember that, Annual Migration is an unpredictable event, as it entirely depends on the rain pattern, but your guide will know where to find the animals and where to see them best. You will spend the night at the lodge.

Dawn is a good time to watch wildlife and so you will be up early to join an early morning game drive. You will return to the camp for breakfast before heading out for another game drive in the park. Here in the Seronera region you will often see wildebeests and zebras in close proximity of lions and other predators such as leopards and cheetahs. After a picnic lunch, you will continue your journey towards the Ngorongoro Crater. Once you have reached the crater rim you will enjoy fantastic views of this 600-m deep collapsed volcano. You will stay at the lodge, situated on the craters edge or Karatu town.

After an early breakfast, you will drive down the steep and narrow road that takes you into the crater. The slopes are forested but soon the landscape changes to savannah. Here the wildlife is just breath-taking and with a little luck you can observe the “Big Five” – lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard – in just a few hours. You should also see warthogs, wildebeests, zebras, hippos and some of the more than 500 bird species of the area. After a morning dedicated to game viewing and a picnic lunch, you will leave the crater in the afternoon to drive back to Arusha/Moshi, where you will arrive in the evening.

Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
Note: Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.