The Low Down (see bottom of this page for a photo gallery)
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 prepare for our ascent on Kilimanjaro with a three-day warm -up trek to the summit of Mount Meru 4566 meters (14,981 feet). Having a careful acclimatization profile gives the entire team a better chance to successfully.ascend Africa 's highest point — Mount Kilimanjaro, at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). Mt. Kilimanjaro, a dormant volcano, is snow-capped 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. A four-day extension to the exotic island of Zanzibar is a great way to relax and give your legs a break while enjoying its white sand beaches and turquoise colored seas. Come find yourself in Africa with Renaissance Adventure Guides!
Group size: 6-12 clients. Our low client/staff ratio ensures you a high standard of service and professionalism.
Departure point: Arusha, TANZANIA
Dates: July 11-25, 2010 (Zanzibar extension July 25-28, 2010)
Duration: 15 days (Zanzibar add 3 more days)
Price $ 4695 - Mt. Meru, Kilimanjaro, Serengeti **
$ 1265 - Zanzibar Extension **
**International airfare not included. Local airfare included where listed.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Arusha, one of the most visited towns in Tanzania, Arusha sits at the base of Mount Meru and is the starting point for many safaris in northern Tanzania. We stay at the beautiful Arumeru River Lodge (www.arumerulodge.com), located outside of Arusha. The lodge has a swimming pool and all amenities. (D)
Day 2
Relax from the long flight and take in the sights and sounds in Arusha. We will take a day trip to Meru or Arusha 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. Arumeru River Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 3
Today we begin our ascent of Mount Meru. A 2 hour drive brings us to Momella gate where we receive our trekking permits, meet up with our porters and game ranger. The adventure begins as you journey through the lush forest and cross the Ngare Nanyuki river to reach Miriakamba Hut at 8337ft / 2541m (4-5 hours). En route up, you will see buffalo grazing in the lush fields below us, and in the far distance - Kilimanjaro. Over night Miriakamba Hut. (B,L,D)
Day 4
After an early start the trek takes on a more serious grade as you ascend steeply for approximately 2 to 3 hours through the lush forests toward Saddle Hut at 3570m. The songs of birds form most of our wildlife encounters as you climb in elevation.
Day 5
A very early start and 2 hours of trekking bring you to the summit of Mount Meru at 4565m, just in time to see the sunrise behind Kilimanjaro. After sunrise and breakfast you descend to Momella Gate where our vehicle will be waiting to return us to the Arumeru River Lodge for an afternoon of soaking in the pool and preparing for tomorrow’s trek on Kili. (B,L,D)
Day 6
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 Mt Kilimanjaro. (B,L,D)
Day 7
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 8
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 9
There is an old mountaineering saying in regards to acclimatization that says, "Climb high, sleep low". Today we will descend in elevation by trekking 8.7 miles to Karanga Valley Camp at 13,900ft for dinner and overnight (~6 hours walking). Here we will get a great view of Moshi, Arusha and the surrounding valley. (B,L,D)
Day 10
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 11
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 12
Descend to Mweka gate and drive back to Arusha. Overnight at Arumeru River Lodge 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 13
Fly to Serengeti National Park www.serengeti.org, one of the last remaining wildlife spectacles on Earth. Overnight at the beautiful Seronera Lodge - built into the large rocks and boulders overlooking the plains you might just fell like you arrived on the set of The Lion King. (B,L,D)
Day 14
Today we will experience the wildlife of Africa on a vehicle safari. Think BIG as we search for lions, elephants, wildebeest and more! Seronera Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 15
Fly to Arusha airstrip. The days is yours for shopping in Arusha until two hours before your flight departs. Most flights depart in the evening. Transfer to Kilimanjaro airport. Catch outbound flight back towards home. (B)
Zanzibar Extension:
Day 15
Wake up today knowing that by this evening you will be relaxing on the white sand beaches of Zanzibar. Depart from Arusha Airport and fly to Zanzibar Town. Transfer to Mnarani Beach Cottages www.mnarani-beach-cottages.com on the north end of the island in the town of Nungwi. All rooms include en-suite bathrooms. (B,D)
Day 16
Today your tired muscles will thank you. Wander the beaches and swim in the ocean. Facilities include swimming pool, free internet, library, Zanzibar “bao game, darts, satellite TV, safes, restaurant and bar. (B,D)
Day 17
Yes indeed, its another day of relaxing in the sun. Perhaps you will opt for diving the famous reefs or chill out on a dhow cruise instead of beach combing today. Either way, “AAAAHHHHHHHHH” is the word. Mnarani Beach Cottages (B,D)
Day 18
Return to Zanzibar Airport for your morning flight to Dar es Salaam.
Hiking Kilimanjaro 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 as a prophylaxis (such as Diamox) 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.
Rich Pace will be leading our July 2010 Kili adventure.
Scroll over photos below for larger-sized images:
Renaissance Adventure Guides
Denver, Colorado 80209 USA
Office: 303-988-2943
Max cell: 303-246-2617
Lyle cell: 303-258-6049
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