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COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:  Tanzania is a developing East African nation noted for both its history of stability and its astounding natural beauty. A robust tourist industry provides all levels of tourist amenities, although higher-end facilities are concentrated mainly in the cities and selected game parks.  The United Republic of Tanzania was formed in 1964 with the union of the mainland country of Tanganyika and the Zanzibar archipelago, which comprises the islands of Unguja and Pemba.  Unguja is the much larger and more populous of the two islands and it is commonly referred to as Zanzibar, as is its main city, Stonetown.  Zanzibar enjoys an autonomous status in many areas of governance and has a separate legal system from the mainland.

Geography
Area: Mainland--945,000 sq. km. (378,000 sq. mi.); slightly smaller than New Mexico and Texas combined. Zanzibar--1,658 sq. km. (640 sq. mi.).
Cities: Capital--Dar es Salaam (executive), Dodoma (legislative), Major metropolises--Arusha, Mwanza, Mbeya, Mtwara, Stonetown in Zanzibar.
Terrain: Varied.
Climate: Varies from tropical to arid to temperate.

People
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Tanzanian(s); Zanzibari(s).
Population: Mainland--41.8 million (2010 est.). Zanzibar--1.2 million (est.).
Religions: Muslim 35.0%, Christian 63.0%, other (traditional, Sikh, Hindu, Baha'i) 2.0%.
Language: Official--Kiswahili and English; national--Kiswahili.

Government
Type: Republic.
Independence: Tanganyika 1961, Zanzibar 1963. Union formed in April 1964.
Constitution: 1982.

Tanzania’s population is concentrated along the coast and isles, the fertile northern and southern highlands, and the lands bordering Lake Victoria. The relatively arid and less fertile central region is sparsely inhabited. So too is much of the fertile and well watered far west, including the shores of Lake Tanganyika and Lake Nyasa (Malawi). About 80% of Tanzanians live in rural communities.

Places of interest/attractions

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Mount Kilimanjaro includes the highest peak in Africa and this has made it a popular tourist destination since its opening in 1977. Kilimanjaro was formed over 1 million years ago by volcanic movement along the Rift Valley. Three points- Shira, Kibo and Mawenzi came to be about 750,000 years ago. The highest point is Uhuru Peak on Kibo, which is one of the Seven Summits of the world. The Seven Summits are a list of mountains that are the highest on their continent. Unlike other parks in northern Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is not visited for the wildlife but for the chance to stand in awe of this majestic snow-capped mountain and for many, to climb to the summit.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Home to the famous volcanic Ngorongoro Crater, is located between the Serengeti and Lake Manyara. Other attractions that draw tourists to the area include Embagai Crater, Olduvai Gorge and Lake Masek. Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a Unesco World Heritage site as the largest intact caldera in the world. The crater floor has all the necessities for the thousands of animals that inhabit the area to thrive. The crater is the most popular area allowing for bird watching, photography, walking safaris, and game viewing from a vehicle. Olduvai Gorge, which is in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, makes it possible to see the famous discoveries of remains of early man.

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park is a vast treeless plain with thousands, even millions of animals searching for fresh grasslands. 'Serengeti' means an 'extended place' in the Maasai language. As the largest national park in Tanzania, the Serengeti attracts thousands of tourists each year. A visit to Serengeti National Park is enriching at any time but the best months for wildlife viewing is between December and June. The wet season is from March to May with the coldest period from June to October.

Arusha

Is located at the foot of Mount Meru and is at an altitude of 1300 meters above sea level. Built by the Germans in the late 19th C, Arusha became the center of colonial administration. Arusha is the gateway to the Serengeti and other northern parks. Because of its location, it is the starting point for many safaris.

Zanzibar

Stone Town is the cultural heart of Zanzibar and little has changed in the last 200 years. The narrow streets and winding alleyways are lined with grand houses as the original Arab owners vied with each other for the most extravagant. Over 500 examples of handiwork are reflected in the brass-studded, carved wooden doors.
Stone Town was built in the 19th C when Zanzibar was one of the most important Swahili trading towns in the Indian Ocean.  A walk along Creek Road takes visitors to the original Stone Town area and the location of the Central Darajani Market, Beit el-Amani, City Hall and the Anglican Cathedral.

Popular Activities

Take a beach holiday and city tour in historical Zanzibar.
While visiting Stone Town, tourists can enjoy 'Spice Tours' which take them on a tour of plantations, sights of historical interest and to some of the ruins. On the tours, tourists can sample many spices, herbs and fruits that are produced on the island and see what they look like growing wild. These include cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, black pepper, vanilla, breadfruit and lemongrass

Safari options in Serengeti National park
Including witnessing the annual "Great Migration". The annual migration of millions of zebra and wildebeest takes place in May or early June. The migration of these vast herds is one of the most impressive natural events and the primary draw for many tourists.

Multi-Day Trekking to Mt. Kilimanjaro Summit
There are several route choices available. The mountain rises majestically from the rolling and hot savannah of Tanzania to a barren and snowcapped 3-½ mile high peak.  At an altitude of 19340 feet above sea level Kilimanjaro is the "roof-top of Africa" and one of the largest freestanding mountains in the world.  Apart from its dramatic geological features Mount Kilimanjaro is the perfect destination for wildlife and plant enthusiasts. Kilimanjaro contains an example of virtually every ecosystem on earth.  Glacier, snowfield, desert, alpine moorland, savannah, and tropical jungle are among those found on the mountain, making the descent from the summit similar to walking from the North Pole to the Equator in the space of a few miles.  A truly unforgettable and fascinating adventure . . .

Kilimanjaro is an awesome spectacle and climbing it is achievable by anyone who is determined and reasonably fit. There are several routes to the summit, of which four are recommended. The Marangu and Rongai are the easiest, while the other routes certainly provide a challenge.

The Marangu Route is a popular route as it is not only the quickest route but also the most direct and often deemed as the easier route. The ascent is via the eastern face of the mountain and covers about 50 miles. The descent is via the same route as the ascent.

The Machame Route is one of the most scenic of the routes up to Uhuru Peak. It also affords one the chance of acclimatization due to the concept of climbing high and sleeping at lower altitudes. The ascent is from the western side of Kilimanjaro, with the descent down the southern face along the Mweka route.  One passes through changing vegetation from a tropical forest, to scrubland, to alpine desert and onwards to the summit with it incredible ice fields. This is a strenuous trek but within the limits of a fit individual used to walking in mountain areas. Ski sticks or ice axe are useful when ascending the summit. The final ascent is made very early in the morning from the Barafu Hut. The Mweka Route is used for the descent.

The Umbwe Route is one of the shortest and less used of all the routes. Although it is not a technical climb, it is a lot steeper and recommend only for very fit hikers. This is also the hardest but most spectacular and direct way to reach Uhuru Peak. Extra days can be added to our itinerary to explore or relax along the route or to camp in the Karanga River valley.

The Rongai Route is seldom used where the trek begins on the northern, or Kenyan side of the mountain.  It is a long drive to the starting point but you are rewarded with fantastic views and the likelihood that you will be the only climbers. If you take this route up the mountain you are obliged to descend via the Marangu Route, which is the most popular route.

Travel programs

Our Kilimanjaro Machame Route Program is one of the very best routes, and argueably the most scenic up to the summit of Kilimanjaro.

The most popular and easiest route to the summit is our

KILIMANJARO TREKKING PROGRAM- Marangu Route

Day 1 Arrive Kilimanjaro
Met on arrival and transferred to Springland Hotel located at the foot of Mt Kilimanjaro.
This is a small modern hotel with a view of Kilimanjaro and a pleasant covered dining area in the gardens. There is also an indoor restaurant and small bar. En-suite accommodation is available in the main building with showers, mosquito mesh in the windows, fans and very clean water. A large swimming pool has been recently completed together with a new dining area.
Overnight stay at Springland hotel.

Day 2 Marangu Gate / Mandara Hut (B,L,D)
After breakfast and a short tour briefing from the guide, we will transfer to the gates of Kilimanjaro National Park (it is a 45-minute drive from Moshi to the Marangu Gate). Upon registering with park authorities, from the gate, you ascend a cleared ridge trail, formerly a vehicle track to Mandara Hut. 6000-8860 feet (3 to 4 hour trek)
We will pass through a thick rain forest zone, where there is a high chance of rain in the afternoon. We will spend the night at Mandara Hut, an attractive collection of buildings. Bathrooms are available with running water.

The cleared trail is the fastest way to Mandara, but opportunities to see wildlife or enjoy the forest are limited due to the heavy foot traffic. Thus you will ascend along the parallel forest trail and descend on the main trail. The forest trail branches off to the left, a few minutes after the gate, and follows the edge of a stream through the under growth. About halfway (1 hour from the gate) you will cross the stream and rejoin the main trail.

Transfer to Marangu Gate at an altitude of 6000 feet. The path to Mandara Hut, (your first overnight stop), passes through rain forest and takes up to four hours.

Day 3 Mandara-Horombo Hut. (B,L,D)
( 8860-12205 feet (5 to 7 hour trek).
From Mandara Hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest and skirts the base of the Maundi Crater, crosses a meadow and a wooded stream, then emerges into grassland. It is well worth the short detour to scramble up to the rim of Maundi Crater for a superb view of the mountain and its surroundings. The trail crosses numerous moorland ravines before ending at Horombo Hut, which is set in a rocky valley with a fine stand of giant sceneries or groundsels. Leaving behind the forest and following the ascending path through alpine meadows on to the slopes of Mawenzi.

Horombo Hut is reached after about six hours and is 7 miles from Mandara.

Day 4 Horombo Hut-Kibo Hut.
(B,L,D) 12205-15430 feet (5 to 6 hour trek).
Our trek continues past the final watering point, and ascends onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro, between the peaks of Kibo and Mwenzi. The vegetation thins out as we enter the desert-like alpine zone (approximately 13120 feet) and, once we cross the saddle, Kibo peak comes into view. The saddle is an alpine desert that resembles a lunar landscape. Be careful to notice signs of altitude sickness. This seven-hour walk will be taken at a slow pace. We will spend the night at Kibo Hut, a comfortable stone construction (no running water at Kibo Hut). This semi-desert zone receives an annual rainfall of less than 9 inches; the ground often freezes at night, but ground temperatures soar to above 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) by day. Few plants other than lichens and grasses survive in these conditions.
Overnight stay at Kibo Hut.

Day 5 Kibo Hut-Gillman's Point
(B,L,D) (18635 feet) - Uhuru Peak (19330 feet)-Horombo Hut. (10 to 12 hour trek).
The trail to the summit lies directly behind Kibo Hut, to the west. It is normal to start this day's climb at 2 am or earlier. (The reasons for this are to see the sun rise over Mawenzi from the top of Kibo, the loose stone scree is frozen- making it easier to climb, and you can get back in good time). The first part is an uneven trail, which leads to the Hans Meyer Cave, a good rest point. Thereafter, the trail makes more regular switchbacks most of the way to the top, with a last scramble over rocks to Johannes Notch and Gillmans Point. From there, the trail continues along the rim past Stella Point to Uhuru Peak. An early (2.00am) start to make the steep and demanding final ascent through the snow.

By daybreak you should be at the rim of the crater at 18650 feet. Time and weather permitting the final push to Uhuru Peak should take about 45 minutes. At the top there are stunning views of the ice walls offset by rugged rocks. After a fast descent to Kibo Hut for a meal and rest, continue to descend to Horombo Hut.

Day 6 Return to Marangu gate (B,L)
A sustained descent through the lovely forest with lush undergrowth takes you to the National Park gate at Mweka (situated at 5415 feet). Your walk is 4 to 6 hours.
At the gate, you are met and transferred back to the Springland hotel where you rest for the remainder of the day and celebrate your amazing achievement.
Overnight stay at Springland hotel.

Day 7 Depart Kilimanjaro
After breakfast transfer back to Nairobi for flights back home.

FROM $1895 per person

Photos