|
We set off for an easy first hour amongst corn and
potato fields with the chattering of children
following along behind. After about an hour we enter
the rainforest, hoping to spot the beautiful Black
and White Colobus Monkey. We exit the green areas
and enter the heath zone, with buffalo and elephant
tracks to be spotted. After some time we cross a
stream and then enter the camp, funnily enough - no
caves in sight despite its name! On a clear evening,
there is a wonderful view across to the Kenyan
plains below.
1st Cave Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day Three
Hike: 12km, Altitude: 2640m-3600m, 6-7 hours
We begin our day along a dusty track into the true
heather zone and the vegetation diminishes. It is a
wide open horizon today, so sunscreen and hate are
essential. We climb up a few small hills and climb
around some rocky areas but arrive at a small cave -
lunchtime. We head across to the east and our
campsite nearer to Mawenzi, crossing a stream before
arriving into camp.
Kikelelwa Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day Four
Hike: 9km, Altitude: 3600m-4550m, 3-4 hours
There is a dry and steep, grassy area that meets us
first thing this morning and ultimately allows us
magic views across the wild lands we are within. The
path then opens out to barren and rocky areas and we
make our way to the base of Mawenzi, a spectacular
and jagged peak above camp. The sunset and sunrise
against the towering spires are breathtaking.
Mawenzi Tarn camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day Five
Hike: - Altitude: 4550m+ 3-4 hours
This is a rest day, and we spend the time taking
part in an acclimatisation walk in the morning after
breakfast. We scramble our way up the rocky ridges
with care, but are rewarded with he most unspoilt
scene. We return to camp for lunch and an afternoon
of resting and football match: Trekkers vs. Maasai
Wanderings Kili Team!
Mawenzi Tarn Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day Six
Hike: 11km, Altitude: 4550m-4700m, 4-5 hours
We set off after our hearty breakfast, across the
windy saddle between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi.
It is open and barren, but our focus is the camp far
in front of us and the summit assault to come. Once
we reach the camp, a hub for two routes, we rest as
much as possible in preparation for the challenge
ahead and enjoy an early dinner.
Kibo Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day Seven
Hike: 27km, Altitude: 4700m-5896m-3720m, 14-16 hours
Summit day and so headlamps must be ready! We set
off in a shuffle, ascending the volcanic scree along
a zig-zagging trail to Gilmans Point. He going gets
tough almost immediately but we are allowed the
luxury of regular rest stops alongside caves and
rocky outcrops. This is where your mental toughness
will shine, forcing yourself to put one foot in
front of the other in a “I think I can” manner. Pole
pole and listening to the encouragement of your
guide will get you up to Gilmans for a much need
rest point before continuing to skirt the Crater to
Uhuru Peak - ‘The Roof of Africa’. After a short
time to gather your breath and photographs, we begin
our descent back to Kibo for brunch and a short rest
before continuing on to Horombo Camp. This is a very
tough day but the backdrop of Kibo behind you is a
tribute to the achievement you have just been
awarded.
Horombo Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day Eight
Hike: 18km Altitude: 3720m-1620m 6-7 hours
Final opportunities to take pictures of your Maasai
Wanderings Mountain Team - and on a clear morning,
Kibo will loom large as a backdrop to your
photographs. We will also deal with the issue of
tipping (ask for suggested guidelines if you are
unsure) and the team will send you off on your final
stretch with our farewell ‘Kili Song’. We head off
down the path, into the areas of the Giant Senecias
to Mandara Hut for a lunch stop. Then we enter the
forest for a final descent to Marangu Gate. We
complete the sign-out formalities before waving
good-bye to our new ‘Kili’ family and transfer to
Arusha.
At the lodge, its time to take a warm shower, a
quick nap and get some laundry done. We have also
organised for a full body scrub to help cleanse the
body externally from one week in harsh conditions.
It is a very welcome and relaxing experience as
reward for your conquest.
Karama Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day Nine
After breakfast, we join an optional walking town
and craft market tour - helps to keep your muscles
loose after ‘Kili’. WE come to the lodge for lunch
and resting and an option of further holistic
therapies: yoga, reflexology, reiki or essential oil
massage.
Karama Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day Ten
After a relaxing morning we transfer to the airport
for our flight to Zanzibar, where the azure waters
and Swahili culture await us. We are met and
transferred to the Eastern Beaches for a change of
pace in this exotic escape.
Matemwe Beach Village (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day Eleven
At Matemwe, we are allowed to take advantage of the
slower pace by relaxing in he traditional bandas or
partaking in a selection of optional extra
activities: diving, snorkelling, Jozani forest tour,
henna painting, sunset show cruises and much more.
Matemwe Beach Village (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day Twelve
Another day in paradise. Matemwe Beach Village
enjoys a complete beach front location, with
Zanzibari style rooms - simple and perfectly suited
to relaxation.
Matemwe Beach Village (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day Thirteen
In our own time, we transfer to Stone Town and take
a step back in time with a Spice & Slave tour along
the way. It is a great introduction to the life on
Zanzibar of years gone by and demonstrates why Stone
Town is designed and functions so well as it is.
Zanzibar Palace Hotel (Breakfast)
Day Fourteen
Stone Town is home to an array of alleyways, curio
shops and global cuisine - also some great locations
to watch the sun set over African skies. The buzz of
the town, the architecture and the residents are a
melting pot of where the Middle East meets Africa -
to create the Swahili culture.
Zanzibar Palace Hotel (Breakfast)
Day Fifteen
Transfer to airport departure for your journey
beyond…
(Breakfast) |
