Kilimanjaro, Safari & Beach Adventure

Arriving at Kilimanjaro Airport, this extended family enjoyed a private road transfer to their accommodation in Moshi where they checked-in at Chanya Lodge for some rest after a long journey. After they were rested up they met mid-afternoon for a hike briefing with their dedicated mountain guide to check their hiking equipment rentals. The remainder of the days one and two were given to the group to enjoy at their leisure so they were well rested for the big hike.

Day three saw this big family depart for their seven-day Kilimanjaro trek on the Machame route. Around 9am they were transferred by road from Moshi town to Machame gate. After registration, they began their seven-hour, nine kilometre trek through the thick and diverse rain forest zone with a guide, who warned guests to expect rain in the afternoon, making the path slightly slippery. Guests could look forward to a steady, but relatively steep, hike taking them to the edge of the forest and heather zone.

Day four was dedicated to trekking from Machame Camp to Shira Camp with the route a little shorter, beginning with a trek through the heather and moorland zone up a steep ridge until the semi-circular cliff known as Picnic Rock. From here hikers have excellent views on a clear day of Kibo peak, the tallest cone on the mountain where your goal of Uhuru peak is.

Day five’s trail was a walk from Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp. This part of the hike is a 10km route designed to acclimatize the group and is a great indicator to see how the body can handle the higher altitude.

Day six’s 6km route starts at Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp: an impressive, non-technical scramble that gives a feeling of mountain climbing (without any previous experience or advanced equipment required). It is rewarded with a superb view from the top back into the camp and the Heim glacier on the peak.

The second to last day of their hike, the family travelled from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, climbing almost casually for three to four hours through the empty landscape of the alpine desert where they kept a slow pace even though the path was not extremely steep. The short distance meant they had plenty of time at their summit camp to rest and prepare for the summit attempt that night.

On the final day of the hike, guests plotted their route from Barafu Camp to Stella Point to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp. In the early morning (around 00:00am) they began their final ascent to the summit of Uhuru Peak through the arctic zone. The trek is a steep hike over loose volcanic scree through the dark and cold night, and takes a slow pace in a zig-zag pattern towards Stella Point (5685m or 18650ft), the first stop on the Kibo crater rim. From here a short (but difficult) hike remains to get to Uhuru Peak (5895m or 19341ft), the highest point in Africa. Hikers usually don’t spend that long at the peak due to the extreme altitude and will descend back down to the base camp for their breakfast or brunch. After their gear was packed up they continued the descent through the alpine desert, heather and moorland, eventually stopping at Mweka Camp in the rainforest zone for a well-deserved rest after a nearly 18-hour day’s trek.

After summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, the family’s final descent began at Mweka Camp. They trekked through the southern rainforest to Mweka Gate, a 10 km (6 mi) journey that took approximately 3-4 hours. Starting at an altitude of 3080m (10105ft) and ending at 1630m (5350ft), they descended 1450m (4755ft). At Mweka Gate, they bid farewell to their crew before transferring to Chanya Lodge in Moshi Town, about an hour’s drive away.

Upon arrival at Chanya Lodge around noon, they collected their luggage and returned any rented equipment. From there, their private driver transported them to Hamerkop House, a 1.5-hour drive. They arrived at Hamerkop House around 14:30, checked in, and had the option of enjoying a late lunch on arrival or a packed lunch during the transfer. A pre-booked massage for each family member was arranged (to be settled directly). They spent the night at Hamerkop House, resting in two garden rooms: one triple room and one double-sharing room.

On day ten the family began their adventure with a private vehicle transfer from Arusha to the Ngorongoro region, accompanied by their safari guide. The guide had reconfirmed the exact departure time the night before. Their journey to Lake Manyara, a 2.5-hour drive, included an exciting game drive. As they explored Lake Manyara, they marveled at the hippos, pink flamingos, various bird species, and the famous tree-climbing lions. The family was thrilled to see elephants, buffalo, cheetahs, Masai giraffes, wildebeests, impalas, zebras, warthogs, hyenas, and the unique tree-climbing lions in their natural habitats. They also enjoyed the Treetop Walkway, which offered a spectacular bird’s eye view from high suspension bridges. During a break, they relished a packed picnic lunch amidst the stunning scenery.

In the afternoon, they continued to their camp in the Ngorongoro region, a 1.5-hour drive. Upon arrival, they checked in and settled into the camp. Around 14:30-15:00, they embarked on a guided nature walk with a Maasai and ranger, enriching their understanding of the local ecosystem. For the next two nights, they stayed at the Ngorongoro Tented Camp on a full-board basis, with accommodations arranged in one triple room and one double sharing room. The camp’s proximity to the Ngorongoro Crater rim offered them a quick descent to the crater floor, providing a head start over others using the busier Seneto access road. The family appreciated the camp’s amenities, including warm duvets, hot water bottles, gas heaters, en-suite bathrooms with hot showers, solar electricity with a backup generator, and a mess tent with a lounge and bar. They enjoyed complimentary internet, limited laundry services, and charging facilities, as well as complimentary drinks, except for premium wines and spirits.

By day eleven the family spent the full day on a game drive in Ngorongoro, descending into the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. They eagerly spotted the Big Five and other wildlife, including large herds of zebra and wildebeest. The family engaged in bird watching, trekking, wildlife viewing, mountain biking, and visiting a local Maasai village. A packed picnic lunch was enjoyed during their exploration. Starting as early as 06:15, their game drive allowed them to be on the crater floor within 10-15 minutes, immersing them in the rich wildlife and stunning landscapes of Ngorongoro.

On day twelve the family journeyed on a 3 hour drive from Ngorongoro to the Serengeti with their private guide and safari vehicle. They headed to the Seronera region, known for its year-round game viewing due to its abundant water sources and large populations of resident big cats. For the next four nights, they stayed at Ewanjan Tented Camp on a full-board basis. Lemala Ewanjan offered an intimate and authentic tented camp experience in the secluded, game-rich Seronera Valley. The family was positioned in a quiet area with uninterrupted views of the plains and stunning sunsets. The camp featured warm duvets, flush toilets, large safari-style showers, wooden storage cabinets, 24-hour solar lighting, and outdoor loungers. The mess tent was elegantly decorated with leather sofas, side cabinets, rugs, and chests, where guests could gather for cocktails and share safari stories around the campfire or under chandeliers.

For day thirteen, the family enjoyed an early morning hot air balloon experience with Miracle Balloon. Early between 4am and 5am, they were collected from the camp and taken to the balloon launch site, offering opportunities to see wildlife either returning from nocturnal activities or starting their day.

Upon arrival at the launch site around 6am, they had tea, coffee, and biscuits while receiving a safety briefing from the pilot. The approximate take-off time was 6:30am, and they enjoyed a stunning one-hour flight with breathtaking bird’s-eye views of the Serengeti. After landing, they celebrated with a glass of bubbly and enjoyed a buffet-style breakfast in the African bush. Their private guide then met them to continue their safari or return to the camp.

On day sixteen the family bid farewell to their guide and hosts in the Serengeti. They took a scheduled light aircraft flight with from Seronera to Zanzibar where they were greeted and transferred by road transfer to their lodge. Upon arrival, they settled into Sharazad, where they stayed for two nights on a full-board basis. The rest of the day was spent relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar.

Day seventeen was dedicated to unwinding from their Mount Kilimanjaro hike and safari adventure. The family enjoyed the beach, took walks along the white sandy shores, and had access to the Beach Restaurant & Pool Bar, Beach Snack Bar, three pools, a Wellness Studio, and a Beach Boutique Shop. They could participate in various optional activities such as yoga, paddle boarding, kayaking, kitesurfing, diving, fitness and martial arts, snorkeling, spa treatments, boat trips for dolphin watching or fishing, traditional dhow sailing trips, visiting Jozani Forest to see red colobus monkeys, and taking a local village tour.

After enjoying an early breakfast, the family departed at 10:00 for a full-day tour of Stone Town, rich in history and ancient stories. They began with a Spice Tour, visiting a community-supported spice farm. Here, they learned about various spices, such as cinnamon, lemongrass, cloves, and nutmeg, earning Zanzibar its nickname, the Spice Island. They also had the chance to learn Swahili cooking methods, taste homegrown seasonal fruits, and purchase fresh spices directly from the farm.

Lunch was enjoyed at Zito, followed by an afternoon exploring Stone Town. The family immersed themselves in the town’s historical ambiance, visiting the Anglican Cathedral, the Slave Markets, the Palace of the Sultans, Tip Tip’s House, the Old Arabic Fort, and Forodhani Park. As they walked through the narrow streets, they marveled at the famous Zanzibar doors, experienced henna art, and explored the vibrant fruit and vegetable market.

Thereafter the family bid Zanzibar farewell and their private transfer to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for their onward flight. They checked in for their international flight back home at 3pm, concluding their memorable journey through Tanzania and Zanzibar.