Featuring: Types of journeys explained | Tanzania National Park Map | Safari itineraries | Trekking | Islands TANZANIA Experience Africa at its most exciting. The sights of its great migratory herds, the sounds of its predators and plains game remain ever in the memory. Being immersed in the splendour and mystique of this Nature brings one in an inspiring contact with oneself. Marera Tours offers you this very experience - to venture out into our world famous game parks - Serengeti Ngorongoro Crater and flamingo fringed Lake Manyara. One of your options is to participate in our well organized and exhilarating camping safaris and to sleep contentedly under Africa's starry canopy or to join our high mountain climbing expeditions, witnessing the splendour and vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. Additionally, and for convenience of our clients, our services include reservations in the parks' lodges. Our offers include the following LODGE-BASED GAME SAFARIS Enjoy 3-5 stars luxury accommodation under the clear night African skies dotted with glittering stars. Facilities available include en-suite bathrooms, satellite television, swimming pools, lounge and bar, laundry and service. Choose your accommodations here, select an itinerary here. For further information please contact us... LUXURY / SEMI-LUXURY TENTED-CAMP SAFARIS Single or double permanent tents allow you to have up close encounter the wilderness in comfort and style. All meals are provided and available facilities include lounge and bar, swimming pools, (restricted to certain camps), private bathrooms with hot showers and service. Choose your accommodations here, select an itinerary here. For further information please contact us... ADVENTURE SAFARIS Let your spirit be stolen with charisma of the African wild and the songs of the creatures of savanna. Meals prepared by your private safari chef. Select an itinerary here. For further information please contact us... BALLOON SAFARIS Fly for 1 1/2 hours over the Serengeti Plains and see the Serengeti plains folding infront of your eye you head into the sunrise. Upon landing you will be served Champaign English breakfast cooked over the balloon' burner. Please contact us for further information... MOUNTAIN TREKKING, WALKING AND HIKING SAFARIS Experience wilderness up close and personal and interact with tribal people and learn about the rich heritage of Indigenous people of Tanzania . Trails lasting between 2-7 days can be arranged depending on individual requirements. These include meals prepared by a cook, with donkeys and porters provided to carry food and water. Select an itinerary here. For further information please contact us... BEACH AND LEISURE HOLIDAYS, CULTURAL TOURS AND GENERAL RESERVATIONS We offer a wide array of services that will make your experience in a memory you will cherish for years to come. We will arrange your accommodation and provide you with an itinerary equipped including highlights such as the Spice Tour, Dolphin swims, and water-sports. View more information here. For further information please contact us... CUSTOM ITINERARIES Any of our itineraries can be customized to your perticular needs, please contact us to discuss ideas. TRANSPORT Our vehicles are custom-made safari vehicle made to withstand the harsh terrains and at the same time offering the comfort of game viewing. Our Vehicles include Land Rover TDI 4wds, Land Cruiser 4wds and Toyota Hiace Minibus 4wds. In addition fitted with on board HF radio communications and all passengers are guaranteed windows seats.   Safari itineraries Northern Circuit - 7 days | 6 days | 5 days | 4 days (Longer journeys are available upon request) Southern Circuit - Ruaha/Mikumi, Ruaha/Mikumi/Selous, Ruaha/Udzungwa/Mikumi/Selous Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro (7days / 6nights) Day 1: Depart Arusha at 09.00 am for a 30 minutes drive to Arusha National Park. Here you will participate in a half day walking safari and a half day game drive. You will be accompanied by an armed ranger for the walk, who will guide you through the forest up to the waterfall and the point for viewing the black and white colobus monkeys. During the game drive you will see the 7 Lakes of Momella and the Ngurduto Crater. At sunset, you will return to camp/lodge for dinner and overnight. Day 2: Leave the lodge/camp at 06.00 am, drive for about 90 minutes to Tarangire National Park. This park is often referred to as the "home of elephants", you have a great chance to spot elephants in large groups gathering around the Tarangire River. Other animals to be spotted include leopards, lions, giraffes and even tree-climbing pythons! Day 3: Early breakfast at 6.00 am. Game drive en route to Serengeti National Park. Serengeti is the largest and most famous park in Tanzania, known worldwide for its endless plains, wildebeest-migration, herds of lions and other predators like hyenas, cheetahs and leopards. Crocodiles can be found in the Grumeti River, as well as hippos, giraffes, antelopes, and gazelles. Dinner and overnight in the heart of Serengeti ! Day 4: Tour the northern part of Serengeti. A full day of game drive until sunset, then dinner and overnight in the Lobo area. Day 5: Another game drive in Serengeti. In the afternoon you drive en route (optional stopover at Olduvai) to the rim of Ngorongoro Crater for dinner and overnight with an excellent view of the crater floor! Please note that Simba Camp is the only common campsite in the area, and that the facilities are so-so.....We recommend a night in one of the lodges! Day 6: A full day in the Ngorongoro Crater. There is a very high possibility of spotting the big 5 in one day: lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo and leopard. Lunch will take place at the picnic site at the crater floor. In the afternoon, drive to the top of the Great Rift Valley for overnight with a view to Lake Manyara. . Day 7: A full day in Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its green scenery, varied bird life, tree-climbing lions, hippos and baboons. Early sunrise game drive and picnic lunch. In the afternoon, drive back to Arusha. Discounts for groups, students, NGO’s, and seniors, contact us for details. top Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro (6 days / 5 nights) Day 1: Depart Arusha at 09.00 am for a 30 minutes drive to Arusha National Park. Here you will participate in a half day walking safari and a half day game drive. You will be accompanied by an armed ranger for the walk, who will guide you through the forest up to the waterfall and the point for viewing the black and white colobus monkeys. During the game drive you will see the 7 Lakes of Momella and the Ngurduto Crater. At sunset, you will return to camp/lodge for dinner and overnight. Day 2: Leave the lodge/camp at 06.00 am, drive for about 90 minutes to Tarangire National Park. This park is often referred to as the "home of elephants", you have a great chance to spot elephants in large groups gathering around the Tarangire River. Other animals to be spotted include leopards, lions, giraffes and even tree-climbing pythons! Day 3: Early breakfast at 6.00 am. Game drive en route to Serengeti National Park. Serengeti is the largest and most famous park in Tanzania, known worldwide for its endless plains, wildebeest-migration, herds of lions and other predators like hyenas, cheetahs and leopards. Crocodiles can be found in the Grumeti River, as well as hippos, giraffes, antelopes, and gazelles. Dinner and overnight in the heart of Serengeti ! Day 4: Another game drive in Serengeti. In the afternoon you drive en route (optional stopover at Olduvai) to the rim of Ngorongoro Crater for dinner and overnight with an excellent view of the crater floor! Please note that Simba Camp is the only common campsite in the area, and that the facilities are so-so.....We recommend a night in one of the lodges! Day 5: A full day in the Ngorongoro Crater. There is a very high possibility of spotting the big 5 in one day: lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo and leopard. Lunch will take place at the picnic site at the crater floor. In the afternoon, drive to the top of the Great Rift Valley for overnight with a view to Lake Manyara.. Day 6: A full day in Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its green scenery, varied bird life, tree-climbing lions, hippos and baboons. Early sunrise game drive and picnic lunch. In the afternoon, drive back to Arusha. Discounts for groups, students, NGO’s, and seniors, contact us for details. top Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro (5 days / 4 nights) Day 1: Leave Arusha at 09.00 am, drive for about 1 hour to Tarangire National Park. This park is often referred to as the "home of elephants", you have a great chance to spot elephants in large groups gathering around the Tarangire River. Other animals to be spotted include leopards, lions, giraffes and even tree-climbing pythons! Day 2: Early breakfast at 6.00 am. Game drive en route to Serengeti National Park. Serengeti is the largest and most famous park in Tanzania, known worldwide for its endless plains, wildebeest-migration, herds of lions and other predators like hyenas, cheetahs and leopards. Crocodiles can be found in the Grumeti River, as well as hippos, giraffes, antelopes, and gazelles. Dinner and overnight in the heart of Serengeti ! Day 3: Tour the northern part of Serengeti. A full day of game drive until sunset, then dinner and overnight in the Lobo area. Day 4: Another game drive in Serengeti. In the afternoon you drive en route (optional stopover at Olduvai) to the rim of Ngorongoro Crater for dinner and overnight with an excellent view of the crater floor! Please note that Simba Camp is the only common campsite in the area, and that the facilities are so-so.....We recommend a night in one of the lodges! Day 5: A full day in the Ngorongoro Crater. There is a very high possibility of spotting the big 5 in one day: lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo and leopard. Lunch will take place at the picnic site at the crater floor. In the afternoon, drive back to Arusha. Discounts for groups, students, NGO’s, and seniors, contact us for details. top Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti (4 days / 3 nights) Day 1: Leave Arusha at 09.00 am, drive for about 2 hours to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its green scenery, varied bird life, tree-climbing lions, hippos and baboons. Dinner and overnight will take place on top of the Great Rift Valley, overlooking Lake Manyara. Day 2: Early breakfast at 6.00 am. Game drive en route to Serengeti National Park. Serengeti is the largest and most famous park in Tanzania, known worldwide for its endless plains, wildebeest-migration, herds of lions and other predators like hyenas, cheetahs and leopards. Crocodiles can be found in the Grumeti River, as well as hippos, giraffes, antelopes, and gazelles. Dinner and overnight in the heart of Serengeti ! Day 3: Another game drive in Serengeti. In the afternoon you drive en route (optional stopover at Olduvai) to the rim of Ngorongoro Crater for dinner and overnight with an excellent view of the crater floor! Please note that Simba Camp is the only common campsite in the area, and that the facilities are so-so.....We recommend a night in one of the lodges! Day 4: A full day in the Ngorongoro Crater. There is a very high possibility of spotting the big 5 in one day: lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo and leopard. Lunch will take place at the picnic site at the crater floor. In the afternoon, drive back to Arusha. Discounts for groups, students, NGO’s, and seniors, contact us for details. top The South Ruaha/Mikumi Day 1: Pick clients at Iringa and drive to Ruaha National Park, game viewing in the park. Dinner and ovewrnight will be at Ruaha River Lodge or Msembe Bandas. Day 2: Morning after breakfast, with your picnic lunch a full day game viewing. Dinner and overnight will be at Ruaha River Lodge or Msembe Bandas. Day 3: Early morning after breakfast, sunrise game viewing till 11:00am, back to the camp for lunch. Afternoon go for sunset game viewing. Dinner and overnight will be at Ruaha River Lodge or Msembe Bandas. Day 4: Morning after breakfast, drive to Mikumi National Park for sunset Game viewing. Dinner and overnight will be at Genesis Motel. Day 5: Morning after breakfast, with your picnic lunch a full day game viewing in Mikumi. Dinner and overnight will be at Genesis Motel. Day 6: Early morning after breakfast, sunrise game viewing in the park, after that drive back to Dar es salaam. Discounts for groups, students, NGO’s, and seniors, contact us for details. top Ruaha/Mikumi/Selous Day 1: Meet at Iringa town Baptist Hotel and drive to Ruaha National Park for lunch, evening game viewing till sunset. Dinner and overnight will be at Ruaha River Lodge or Msembe Bandas. Day 2: Morning after breakfast, with your picnic lunch a full day game viewing in the park. Dinner and overnight will be at Ruaha River Lodge or Msembe Bandas. Day 3: Early morning after breakfast, sunrise game viewing then drive to Mikumi National Park for sunset game viewing. Dinner and overnight will be at Genesis Motel. Day 4: Morning after breakfast, drive to Selous Game Reserve via Uluguru Mountains for dinner and overnight at Hidden Paradise Camp. Day 5: Morning after breakfast, with your picnic lunch a full day game viewing. Late afternoon wildness walking safari approximately 2hrs. Dinner and overnight will be at Hidden. Day 6: Morning after breakfast, embark on boat trip on Rufiji River, lunch. Evening game viewing till sunset. Dinner and overnight will be at Hidden Paradise Camp. Day 7: Morning after breakfast, sunrise game viewing then drive back to Dar es salaam. Discounts for groups, students, NGO’s, and seniors, contact us for details. top Ruaha/Udzungwa/Mikumi/Selous Day 1: Pick clients from hotel of staying in Iringa and drive to Ruaha National Park, game viewing in the park. Dinner and overnight will be at Ruaha River Lodge or Msembe Bandas. Day 2: Morning after breakfast, with your picnic lunch a full day game viewing in the park. Dinner and overnight will be at Ruaha River Lodge or Msembe Bandas. Day 3: Early morning after breakfast, sunrise game viewing, and then drive to Udzungwa Mountains National Park for dinner and overnight at Udzungwa Mt. View Lodge. Day 4: Morning after breakfast, trek to Sanje waterfalls 4-5 hrs, descend and drive to Mikumi National Park for sunset game viewing. Dinner and overnight will be at Genesis Motel. Day 5: Morning after breakfast, with your picnic lunch a full day game viewing in the park. Late in the afternoon drive to Morogoro Town for dinner and overnight at Mt. Uluguru Hotel. Day 6: Morning after breakfast, drive to Selous Game Reserve, wildnerss walking safari approximately 2hrs. Dinner and overnight will be at Hidden Paradise Camp. Day 7: Morning after breakfast, with your picnic lunch a full day game viewing. Late afternoon embark on boat trip on Rufiji River. Dinner and overnight will be at Hidden Paradise Camp. Day 8: Early morning sunrise game viewing, back for breakfast. Thereafter drive back to Dar es salaam. Discounts for groups, students, NGO’s, and seniors, contact us for details. top TREKKING Featuring - Mt. Kilimanjaro | Mt. Kenya | Mt. Meru | Ngorongoro Highlands | Ol’Doinyo Lengai Kilimanjaro routes and other treks 6-day Machame route 5-day Marangu route 6-day Rongai route 5-day Umbwe route 7-day Shira route 3-day Mt. Meru trekking Ol’ Doinyo Lengai hike Ngorongoro Highlands trekking   Kilimanjaro mountain is the highest point of Africa standing at three peaks,Kibo which is 5895 metres, Mawenzi 5749 meters, Shira 4160 meters, the mountain is awesome spectacle,but climbing it is achievable by anyone who is determined and reasonably fit. There is a number of routes to climb the mountain, of which we recommend four. The Rongai and Marangu are the easiest, while Machame and Shira provide more enduring walk while ascending. The journey to the roof of the mountain takes at least five days and is best attempted during Tanzania's dry seasons - July through September and January through March. The dry, warm months from mid-December to March and the dry, but cooler months from June to October are generally the best times to trek on the mountain as the weather is normally more favourable with less rain and snow. November is a little more unpredictable and you can have some beautiful sunny days followed by some very poor weather.   The months of April and May should be avoided as it can be very wet with heavy snow and therefore also very cold. The views tend to be that much clearer after the end of the rains as the dust in the air has been swept away, although the views on clear days are breathtaking throughout the year. It should be noted that weather patterns are changing throughout the world and becoming less predictable, so it is important that you come prepared for poor weather on the mountain at any time of the year. Please contact us for a full information pack with details of our standards of service on the mountain including staff welfare, accommodation, food and general conditions on the mountain. top MT. KENYA At 5,199 m. high, Mount Kenya is Africa's second highest mountain. It offers easy or challenging ascents with superb scenic beauty. To the Kikuyu tribespeople it is the home of the Supreme Being: Ngai, a name also used by the Maasai and Kamba tribes. In traditional prayers and sacrifices, Ngai is addressed by the Kikuyu as Mwene Nyaga: the Professor of Brightness. The name comes from Kere Nyaga, the Kikuyu name for Mount Kenya, meaning Mountain of Brightness - Ngai's official home.   General Information The twin peaks of Batian and Nelion can only be climbed by serious trained climbers - a 700m rock face and the cold and altitude make this a hard task. The next peak - Point Lenana is accessible to hikers. The route below has been designed for optimum time on the mountain to acclimatise, as well as getting away from the bulk of hikers. It is run as a camping trip - with all equipment supplied. Top quality mountain tents, thick mattresses, campstools, rain awning, good food, a cook, and qualified guides are supplied, as well as a porter for your pack. Groups are limited to 8 persons per guide. TOUR CODE ESL/MK/115: SIRIMON ROUTE -6 DAYS Day 1 From Nairobi you will be transferred to Naro Moru River Lodge and then take a drive to Sirimon gate to commence your hike overnight in the forest below Judmaier camp. (Lunch & Dinner included) - Camping at 3050m. Day 2 Today you will ascend the Sirimon track to Liki North Valley and camp overnight in below the subsidiary peaks of Tereri and Sendeyo.(Full Board) -Camping at 3960m. Day 3 Climb out of the North Valley and into the Mackinder Valley.Tonight you will camp at the head of the Mackinder Valley, just below the main peaks of Batian and Nelion. (Full Board) - Camping at 4267m. Day 4 Alpine ascent of the third highest peak, Pt. Lenana. On route you will climb up the North face and then descend from Lenana down the Chogoria Route, to overnight near Mintos Hut or Lake Michaelson. (Full Board) - Camping at 4985m. Day 5 Descend from Mintos / Michaelson to Meru Mt Kenya Bandas to overnight here - cold beers, hot showers and fireplaces in the rooms!!! (Full Board) - Camping at approximately 3000m. Day 6 After breakfast you will depart for Nairobi arriving in there in the afternoon. Breakfast included TOUR CODE ESL/MK/116: NARO MORU ROUTE -5 DAYS DAY 1: NARO MORU: Depart from Nairobi at 09:00hrs and proceed South towards the cool slopes of Mt. Kenya. Cross the Equator and arrive at Nanyuki Simbas / Lodge in time for Lunch. Relax and Enjoy magnificent scenery of Mt Kenya region.A COMPLIMENTARY walking tour to the EQUATOR.Ovenight at Simbas Lodge DAY 2: MET.CAMP SITE: Early morning photo taking Mt kenya when its clear then after breakfast, Drive to the gate then walk to the Meteorological Station. This is a very good day for acclimatization, for we will be sleeping at an altitude of 10,000 ft 9 kms 3-4 hours walk. DAY 3: MACKINDER'S CAMP SITE: Hike up through the Teleki valley to Mackinders Camp where there is a spectacular view of the main peaks. Walking time approximately 4-6 hours. Overnight Mackinders Camp. (14,000 ft.) 9kms 4-5 hours walk. DAY 4: MACKINDER'S CAMP SITE: A pre- dawn attempt of point Lenana is made to ensure a successful summit bid and to try to reach the summit in time for a clear view of the majestic scenery. After climbing Pt. Lenana we return back to Mackinders camp for breakfast and then proceed down to Met Station Lodge for overnigh.9 kms 3 to 4 hours walk. DAY 5: NAIROBI: After breakfast at Met station walk down to Park Gate to catch your transport back to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon. Package Includes: * Return transfer Nairobi -Nanyuki/Naro Moru-Nairobi 3 meals per day while trekking 4 days Mt. Kenya trek 3 nights accommodation while trekking 2 transfer from Nanyuki/Naro moru- park gate- return All government park fees at Mt Kenya National park English Speaking Mountain Guides and Porters Accomodation at Nanyuki Simbas lodge D/B/B Mt Kenya T-shirt and Certificate.   Mount Meru is approximately 4615 meters above sea level. It does provide a climb that is spectacular. Actually this mountain is steeper than most of Kilimanjaro. Meru was at one time, taller than Kilimanjaro until it blew it's top some 250 thousand years ago. This huge explosion left behind a huge caldera with a jagged rim. The walks are through forest and woodlands that offer an immense variety of wildlife such as monkeys, elephants, buffalo, giraffe and warthog. Ngorongoro Highlands Ndutu Woodlands: Acacia trees, resident giraffes, impalas and elephants in the dry season Mount Oldeani: Forested crater Lake Natron: Engaresero river gorge, breeding flamingos in the soda lake and rift cliffs. Empakaai Crater: No roads and no human inhabitants, a crater which contains forests and a deep lake, where flocks of flamingos can be spotted. The cardera is six kilometers wide and the lake occupies nearly half of its floor. The scenery is spectacular at every point. From the northern and eastern side you can look out to the dramatic cone of Oldonyo Lengai, the Great Rift Valley and Lake Natron. On the valleys eastern side you might see the snow capped peak of Kilimanjaro. It is possible to camp on the rim and hike into the crater with an armed ranger. Olmoti crater: This shallow grassy crater is the source of the Munge river, which pours through a north in the rim in a spectacular waterfall on its way to Ngorongoro crater. Participate in a pleasant walk from Nainokanoka ranger post, through the forest up to the top of the waterfall. Oldoinyo Lengai: An active volcano, with the possibility of climbing to the very top of the crater. Adventurous visitors sometimes struggle up its steep slopes to visit the steaming, bubbling crater, but most prefer to view its symmetrical cone from a distance. Oldoinyo Lengai is the Maasai language for "Mountain of God". Lerai Forest: "Lerai" is a Maasai word for yellow barked acacia or fever tree. The small forest patches on the crater floor, are homes to monkeys, baboons, bushbucks, waterbucks, elephants and rhinos. A picnic site with ablution facilities is located in this forest. Lake Makat: This soda lake is filled by the Munge river. It is a great attraction for flamingoes and other water birds which come to feed here. Predators hide in the marsh to ambush the large animals that come to drink from the pools and river. In the severe dry season the lake often dries up completely. Olkarien Gorge: The dramatic cliffs of this narrow gorge in the Gol mountains are the breeding site for hundreds of Ruppell's Griffon Vulture during the rains. In the dry season, the Maasai bring their cattle into the gorge to drink. Discounts for groups, students, NGO’s, and seniors, contact us for details. top MACHAME ROUTE 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS Day I: Pick up client from the Hotel transfer to the gate and start walking through mountain forest to Machame hut 3000m for Dinner and overnight. Day 2: After breakfast slowly trekking the path leads up through steep rocky enjoy superb views of Shira Plateau and land below also you will see Mt. Meru another exiting volcano on the South western direction dinner and overnight Shira Hut (3840m). Day 3: Depart Shira in the morning taking the path which rises up gradually towards the Kibo dome, after reaching the wedge Buttress point the path drop down to the Baranco Hut dinner and overnight. Day 4: Leave slowly crossing the floor of the great Baranco Valley and up to the Baranco Valley and up to the Baranco wall, continue the trek on the South Circuit path through the Karanga Valley. (Last water point – Karanga river) then slowly trek to Barafu Hut (4600m). From Barafu you will have excellent views of Kibo dome and Mawenzi peak dinner and overnight Barafu hut. Day 5: Early mid night start to conquer the highest point in Africa. This section of the route is very steep and is considered the steepest on the non-technical path on this mountain between 4 – 7 hours to the peak (5896m) whereby is one hours from stella point (5700m). Then descend down to Mweka hut for dinner and overnight. Day 6: This easy day walking to Mweka gate where you the car transfer you to your hotel. Discounts for groups, students, NGO’s, and seniors, contact us for details. top MARANGU ROUTE 5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS Day 1: 8.00 a.m pick clients from the hotel and drive to Marangu gate then start walk through a thick rain forest which takes four hours to Mandara Hut 2750 m for dinner and overnight. Day 2: After breakfast proceed walk slowly following a trek through the forest and then through the savanna bush to Horombo Hut (3,489m) for dinner and overnight. Day 3: A hard days climb to Kibo Hut 4703 m 6 – 7 hours crossing the barren sub-Alpine terrain of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Needed to relax on arrival as the next stage begins shortly after midnight, this fall on day 5. Day 4: Making a very early start to around 1.00a.m, follow the zig zag path up the screen stopping frequently to catch your breath in this starlit air. This is the steepest and most demanding section of the climb, five hours to Gillmans point 5681m to and most to see sunrise behind Mawenzi, Illuminating plain. Then walk further 45 minutes around the crater and up to the highest point UHURU peak the summit of Africa. Day 5: It is much easier day as we have luxury of walking downhill on the way to the waiting vehicle at Marangu gate for transfer to your Hotel(Arusha / Moshi.)   Discounts for groups, students, NGO’s, and seniors, contact us for details. top RONGAI ROUTE 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS Day 1: An early start with a drive to Rombo gate. Trek for 3-4 hours to the first cave for dinner and overnight. First cave (2700 m) Day 2: Trek to the second cave for lunch and onwards to Kikelewa cave on the Mawenzi trail for overnight. This takes about 6-7 hours. Kikelewa cave (3600 m) Day 3: The day is spent trekking to Mawenzi Tarn hut for overnight. Mawenzi Tarn (4330 m) Day 4: A day of trekking across the saddle to School Camp. This takes about 4-5 hours. School Camp (4750 m) Day 5: Just after midnight start for the summit via Gillman's point (5700m) for 6-7 hours to Uhuru peak (5895m) - the highest point in Africa! The descent takes about 5-6 hours to Horombo hut campsite for overnight.Horombo Camp (3807 m) Day 6: The day is spent descending to Marangu gate, this takes 6 hours or so, where you will be met and transferred to Arusha.   Discounts for groups, students, NGO’s, and seniors, contact us for details. top MBWE ROUTE 5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS Day 1: After a pre departure briefing, depart for Umbwe gate. Begin the trek through the rain forest to the Forest caves for dinner and overnight. (13km for about 5 hours) Forest Caves (2850 m) Day 2: After breakfast, continue your trek past the glacier streams to the Barranco Camp, this is about 5km in 4 hours. An extra day here is recommended for acclimatization. Barranco Camp (3950 m) Day 3: Trek to the Arrow Glacier hut for a distance of 5km in 6 hours. Dinner and overnight. Arrow Glacier (5100 m) Day 4: After midnight, begin the final ascent (3km, 6-7 hours) to Uhuru peak (5895m) - the highest point in Africa!. After a short rest descend to Mweka Camp for overnight. This will be a distance of 12km at around 6-7 hours. Mweka Camp (3100 m) Day 5: After a good nights rest and breakfast, descend to the Mweka gate (10km, 4 hours) where you will be met and transferred to Arusha.   Discounts for groups, students, NGO’s, and seniors, contact us for details. top SHIRA ROUTE A longer, challenging and scenic route on Kilimanjaro. This is a less popular as the trach leading to Shira hut is a longer one and not in every good condition.On the acclimatization day at Shira, one can either stay at Shira Hut taking short walks in the area or depending on the weather condition, Trek along the edge of the Shira Plateau to the Shira cathedral & Shira needle. This takes about 7-8hrs return 1. ASCENT VIA ARROW GLACIER 6NIGHTS 7 DAYS Day Trek Time Distance In km. Destination Accommodation Altitude above sea level Notes 1. 2-3hrs 6km. Londoros Camping 2250m   2. 4-5hrs 8km. Wilderness Camping 3800m   3. 2hrs 3km. Shira Hut Camping 3840m   4.     Shira Hut Camping 3840m Aclimatizati on day at Shira Hut 5. 5-6hrs 8km. Lava Tower Camping 4620m   6. 5-7hrs 6km. Uhuru Peak Camping At Mweka hut 3100m 5895m Start 1:00am. for Uhuru descend to Mweka hut 3100m 6-7hrs 12km. 7. 4-6hrs 15km. Mweka Gate overnight hotel Town END   2. ASCENT ARROW GLACIER 5 NIGHTS 6 DAYS The same as the above day 1-3 4. 5-6hrs 8km. Lava Towers Camping 4620m   5. 5-7hrs 6km. Uhuru Peak Camping 5895m.   6. 3-4hrs 10km. Mweka Gate 1980m.     Start 1:00am then descend to Mweka Gate Finish- Mweka Gate 1980m. Discounts for groups, students, NGO’s, and seniors, contact us for details. top Meru routes 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS Day I: 9:00 leave Arusha for Momella gate where trek starts. On the way stop over for gate watching at Serengeti Ndogo. From Momella gate (altitude 1500m) ascend to Miriakamba hut (altitude 2500m) takes 3hours. Day 2: From Miriakamba hut ascend to Saddle hut takes 4hours (3500m). Afternoon trek to the summit of little Meru (3820m) takes 45minutes. Then down to the rhino point. Dinner and overnight Saddle hut. Day 3: 3:00 a.m from Saddle hut ascend to the summit of Mt. Meru (4565m) and walk around the rim of Meru Crater. Then return to Saddle hut for breakfast across alpine desert. Lunch on the way down you find car at Momella gate wait and drive back to Arusha. top Ngorongoro Highlands to Lake Natron 7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS DAY 1: Depart Arusha for Ngorongoro - Hike to Nainokanoka village ( 28kms, 5 hours) Descend into the Olmoti crater for a morning tour, with lunch inside the crater. In the afternoon, walk the rim of the Olmoti crater and visit the Munge waterfalls before returning to the camp for dinner and overnight DAY 2: Olmoti crater - Kamnana village (20kms, 6 hours). Depart for Kamnana village, walking through the Embulimbuli Depression following the cattle trails which pass through forests and grasslands. Your overnight camp is set in the bush some distance from the village. DAY 3: Damnana village - Empakaai crater (8 kms, 4-5 hours) Early departure. Start walking following the path which leads trough open grassland area, bushland area and forests, gradually gaining height to the rim of the Empakaai crater. Camp is set on the rim, before descending into the crater floor covered with dense equatorial forests, grass and volcanic lake. Animals like buffaloes, redbucks, waterbucks and different species of birds can be seen at close range during the walk around the lake. Overnight camp at the crater rim. DAY 4: Empakaai crater - Naiyobi Maasai village (5 kms, 7 hours) Depart for Naiyobi village circling the crater rim, descend on the northwestern side. DAY 5: Nayiobi village - Mounwongoni village (11kms, 6-8 hours) Depart in the morning following the dusty paths downhill and off the crater highlands to Muowongoni Maasai village. Overnight camp at the edge of the village. DAY 6: Mounwongoni village - Ngarasero village (7-9 hours) Leave in the morning before the sun is hot to follow the winding path across bare volcanic rocks and dusty lava soil. The path rounding the north-western floor of the active Mt. Lengai crosses river Ngarasero to the nearby village. Camp is set near the river and a bath here is very refreshing. Early morning between 1200.am and 01.00 am your transfer vehicle drives you to the foot of Mt. Lengai to start the trek to the peak at 2878 (4-6 hours difficult hiking up, additional 2-3 hours down) DAY 7: Lake Natron - Arusha (375 kms, 5-6 hours drive) Descend from the mountain at about 9.00am or 10.00am. Relax until lunch, then tour Lake Natron by vehicle. Return to Arusha.   Discounts for groups, students, NGO’s, and seniors, contact us for details. top ADD-ON ROUTE Ol’ Doinyo Lengai / Lake Natron 2 DAYS / 1 NIGHTS *Note: This route is usually combined with a safari or Ngorongoro Highland trek, but can be done on its own also. Please contact us for further details. DAY 1: Depart Arusha for Ol’ Doinyo base camp ( 5 or 6 hour drive - mainly on rough roads). Camp will be setup and after lunch you have the option of visiting a waterfall nearby. Relaxation and preparation for the climb ahead will follow. After dinner you can rest >> DAY 2: At 12.00am or 1.00am you will be transferred to the base of the mountain and begin your ascent (4-6 hours). After exploring the volcanic crater and enyoying the sunrise you will descent (2-3 hours). After breakfast at camp you may rest. When you are ready we depart for Lake Natron for a driving and walking tour. Drive back to Arusha will follow. Discounts for groups, students, NGO’s, and seniors, contact us for details. top ISLANDS Featuring - Zanzibar | Pemba | Mafia The east African coast that stretches for nearly 800 km has never failed to enchant sailors, sultans and pirates from far away lands of the Indian Ocean and Persia. Many stories told by the dwellers of the coast say famous sailors like Sin bad have visited this exotic land. A exotic fusion of Arab and African traditions, the coast and the Zanzibar islands together with her sisters Pemba and Mafia have kept the magic of a thousand and One Nights Tales. The ancient history of Kilwa and Kaole is still heard in the thousand year old ruins. The town of Bagamoyo which means "lay the burden of your heart" in swahili, speaks vividly of the memory of the slave, gold and ivory trade can be found in the vestiges of the village. In Dar es Salaam, the main trading center of Tanzania is the vortex of Tanzanian economy. Zanzibar Island When you visit Zanzibar you will feel as if you have been taken back in the days of the sailors, pirates and the sultans. Dressed in colorful veils and long white dresses, women and men walk slowly up the beach where a lonely dhow sails towards the golden sunset. Cheers, trumpets, mystery and the smell of the spices rule the narrow streets of Zanzibar 20 miles from the mainland, Zanzibar Island golden beaches stretches for kilometers. It was the ancient trading port of the sultans of Oman in the 19th century. Zanzibar town is one of its kind in the world, the architecture of Zanzibar resonates the exotic Arabic, Persian and Indian cultures that had many impact in Zanzibar history, Carved doors and balconies decorate the houses which are made of coral stone. Inland, the island is Garden of Eden offering the most exquisite tropical species. Zanzibar Featured activities - Spice tours | Persian baths | Prison Island | Jozani forest Swimming with dolphins | Deep-sea fishing | Diving | Sailing & watersports | ZIFF   top | contact us for pricing and more details... Zanzibar originated as early as the 8th century.The commercial importance of the city grew particulary after it become the primary residence of Omani Sultan Said ibn Sultan in 1840. The town is a slumbering paradise where green cloves, bread leaf, rice, cinnamon and coconuts still grow wild. Also Zanzibar includes the main Island "Unguja" and her sister island Pemba. There is a huge aroma of the cloves, vanilla, cardamom and nutmeg. The town is a fascination place of narrow streets, overhanging balconies and huge, intricately carved wooden doors. Its a place where the famous 19th century explorers such as Livingstone,Stanley, Burton, Speke and Grant began their fateful journeys into the "dark" interior. When you visit Zanzibar you will feel as if you have been taken back in the days of the sailors, pirates and the sultans. Dressed in colorful veils and long white dresses, women and men walk slowly up the beach where a lonely dhow sails towards the golden sunset. Cheers, trumpets, mystery and the smell of the spices rules the narrow streets of Zanzibar 20 miles from the mainland, Zanzibar Island golden beaches stretches for kilometers. It was the ancient trading port of the sultans of Oman in the 19th century. Zanzibar town is one of its kind in the world, the architecture of Zanzibar resonates the exotic Arabic, Persian and Indian cultures that had many impact in Zanzibar history, Carved doors and balconies decorate the houses which are made of coral stone. Inland, the island is Garden of Eden offering the most exquisite tropical species. Zanzibar activities Spice tours - Muscat, vanilla, cinnamon, pepper, ginger and other spices and fruits so exotic that they don't have an English name, can be explored in the many plantations. The slave chambers - The underground slave chambers in Mangapwani was the center of the illegal slave trade up until 1909. Persian baths - On the highest point of the island, Kidichi, the sultan Sayyind Said built Persian baths in 1850, one for him and one for his wife. They are still in a good condition with splendid Persian architecture, so a visit here will be more than worth your time. Prison Island - In the middle of this island, you will find the remains of an old prison built in 1893. Half an hour by boat, you pay a modest fee to enter the island, which is ideal for snorkeling and watching giant turtles, imported from the Seychelles at the end of the century. Jozani Forest - The only remaining natural forest on Zanzibar, where the rare red guerexa monkeys habituate. The best time to go to Jozani is in the early morning hours, when the monkeys are active. contact us for pricing and more details... Swimming with dolphins - Taking place in the southern part of the island, the boat ride is long, and you are not guaranteed to find dolphins, but when you finally do, and if you get the chance to join them in the water, it will be an extraordinary experience. Deep sea fishing - Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia are excellent islands for sports fishing. Do as Ernest Hemingway and catch sailfish, mackerel, kingfish and marlin among others. Diving - Coral reefs, tropical fish and clear water make this area ideal for scuba diving. Take a diving course, get your certificate and jump in the Indian Ocean. Sailing and water sports - Windsurfing and sailing are popular activities, and can be organized many places. ZIFF-The Zanzibar International Film Festival was established in 1997 to promote the art and culture of the Dhow region. The Dhow region consists of the Arabian Peninsula, the Indian sub-continent, Asia, Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. top | contact us for pricing and more details... Pemba Pemba is 30 miles North of Zanzibar and the true clove capital of the world.The island is Approx 50 km long, it has superb diving along its entire shoreline. Pemba is surrounded by numerous smaller islands giving rise to magnificent coral drop-offs with excellent visibility. Its beaches are pristine, and today and 800m deep channel splits Pemba Island from the continent, making this one of Africa's greatest deep-sea fishing destinations.On the Island Itself ,the walking excursions through forests are interesting,revealing many native species including spectacular ferns and giant trees. It also happens to be dominated by over 3 million clove trees and the sweet fragrance will follow you everywhere. It is seldom visited so it makes an ideal getaway. Bullfights sometimes are held on Pemba and it is also world know place of the herbals medicines. Best months to dive are September through to April with an average water temp of 28˚ though diving is good all year round with an exception of May. top | contact us for pricing and more details... Mafia Mafia islands - in the truest sense - a perfect island retreat for adventure divers, game fishermen and those seeking simple feet-up relaxation. Chole Bay, Mafia's protected deep-water anchorage, is part of a protected marine park. Its natural horseshoe shape is studded with lovely beaches. Outside the bay an unbroken reef runs the length of the island. The diving here is amongst the most spectacular in the world and includes colourful coral gardens, walls at various levels and many shelves and coral heads. Forest walks, picnics to inlets and secluded beaches, swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing bird watching and of course relaxation by the pool or on the beach provide lots to do at Kinasi. top | contact us for pricing and more details... hartebeest@habari.co.tz or info@hartebeestsafaris.com | tel/fax: +255-27-254-4258 | mobile: +255-754-481831/+255-787-581831/+255-713-650013/+255-787-550013