"It is the ability of your staff to open their hearts and their willingness to share their personal experiences, their love of the land and pride of their country that sets you apart from the rest." - Andrea Brown, Newton, MA

Depart the U.S. in the late afternoon for Amsterdam. Call us regarding special business class fares.

Arrive in Amsterdam and check in for your connecting flight to Kilimanjaro, arriving in the evening. You are met by your guide and transferred to exclusive accommodations located in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. The eco-friendly permanent tented lodge is a comfortable and elegant oasis with a gorgeous outdoor lounge, stunning views, and wildlife right on the property, thanks to the conservation efforts of the owner.

Overnight: Ndarakwai Ranch

This morning you will have a climb briefing after breakfast to make sure everyone is prepared fully for the next day's adventure. The lodge is set under the spreading branches of Acacia Tortillis, near an extinct volcanic cone, which affords superb views and an excellent spot for sundowner cocktails. Relax today, acclimatizing at camp and enjoying a nature walk on the extensive property.

All meals included
Overnight: Ndarakwai Ranch

Drive to the Londorossi Gate after breakfast and continue by Land Rover through the dense rainforest under the tangled canopy of moss coated vines, home to the black & white colobus monkey, blue monkey, and a vibrant array of exotic birds.

Enjoy lunch at the Morum Barrier Gate trailhead and commence your trek through the heath and moorland, eventually descending to your first camp. As the sun sets, the view of Kibo from across the Shira Plateau is breath taking.

All meals included
Trekking: 1-2 Hours
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp (12,200 ft.)

Spend a full day exploring the Shira plateau, one of the highest plateaus on earth, averaging 12,500 feet. Trek east toward Kibo's glaciated peak, arriving at Shira 2 camp this afternoon.

All meals included
Trekking: 3-4 Hours
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp (12,600 feet)

Proceed steadily upward through the heather and into the barren high altitude desert, toward the natural landmark called "Shark's Tooth." Continue to Moir Camp, a seldom-used but extremely scenic camp affording views over the Shira Plateau and upward to the Lent Group of lava plugs.

All meals included
Trekking: 2-3 Hours
Overnight: Moir Camp (13,800 feet)

Begin your exploration of the Northern Circuit Route by heading further into the stark highland desert on a steep ridge off the main trail. From the Pofu Campsite you will enjoy a magnificent view into the wildlands of the north.

All meals included
Trekking: 5-7 Hours
Overnight: Pofu Camp (13,200 feet)

Proceed steadily onward through the barren mountain desert, continuing the circuit to the east where you'll enjoy the vast, untraveled mountain wilderness. It is unusual to see other trekking groups, making the views and experience extraordinarily unique.

All meals included
Trekking: 5-7 Hours
Overnight: Kikelewa Caves Camp (11,810 feet)

After a hearty breakfast, trek upward to reach a placid mountain lake at the foot of the majestic, steep ridges of Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro's second highest volcano. The camp is nestled at the edge of the lake in a protected alcove with spectacular views towards Mawenzi's cathedral-like spires.

All meals included
Trekking: 3-5 Hours
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (14,210 feet)

Trek across the impressive saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, admiring the spectacularly stark landscape. The temperature turns cold as you near the foot of Kibo, reaching Outward Bound Camp after a relatively easy hike.

All meals included
Trekking: 5-7 Hours
Overnight: Outward Bound Camp (15,585 feet)

Depart after breakfast along a steep slope with switchbacks over loose rock, scree, and boulders as you near Gilman's Point. You will stop at Hans Meyer cave on the way, the famous place described by Kilimanjaro's first western climber in his journals.

Arrive at the summit in the early afternoon hours when there are no other climbers and - typically - the best weather of the day. From the summit take a short descent to reach Crater Camp, set in soft sands near the retreating vertical ice walls of the Furtwangler glacier.

All meals included
Trekking: 7-10 Hours to Summit / 1-2 Hours to Crater Camp (Optional Trek to the Ash Pit)
Overnight: Crater Camp (18,800 feet)

Enjoy a morning hike to the Reusch Crater and central ash pit. The gaping mouth of this majestic, dormant volcano reveals a rare glimpse into a seemingly 'other world' — an impressive sight, to say the least. From there, make a steep descent to Barafu Camp in time for lunch. This afternoon, continue the descent into the Heath zone, stopping at Mweka Camp for the night.

All meals included
Trekking: 6-8 Hours
Overnight: Mweka Camp (10,065 feet)

Complete your descent through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate, where you will be met and transferred back to a comfortable lodge for a much-needed shower and perhaps a celebratory drink!

Trekking: 2-3 Hours

Your Safari Begins

Days 14-15  Ngorongoro Crater

This morning, you will drive towards the Great Rift Valley, into the verdant Ngorongoro Highlands for a rest day.

Arrive at the beautiful Gibb's Farm in time for a delicious gourmet lunch, and relax this afternoon with optional spa services (additional fees apply) to soothe your muscles. There are multiple optional walks available to keep you limber after the arduous trekking days on Kili; walk to the nearby village of Tloma, explore the organic gardens and coffee estate, or take a guided walk into the abutting forest to the foot of a scenic waterfall.

Tomorrow you'll drive to Ngorongoro Crater and spend the day wildlife viewing on the crater floor. Here you'll be amazed as you witness some of the highest concentrations of animals in East Africa. Spend another restful evening at Gibb's Farm, enjoying delicious meals and relaxation around the nightly "Tembo Fire", a fire pit that is lit each night in order to keep elephant, or "tembo," from entering the organic gardens.

All meals included
Overnights: Gibb's Farm

Depart for the Serengeti by Land Rover this morning. Stretch your legs at Olduvai Gorge, where you can learn about the important archeological finds made by the Leakey Family over several decades of tireless research. Have a picnic lunch once you enter Serengeti National Park, taking in the sprawling views from atop Naabi Hill. Continue into heart of Africa watching in awe as herds of animals runs across the plains and predators stalk their prey. It is an endless spectacle of wildlife.

Enjoy your evenings in our private, eco-friendly Thomson Nyumbas. Swahili for "home," our Nyumbas got their name because they are our favorite way to get out into the bush, allowing for exclusivity, plenty of simple comforts, and the ability to explore off the beaten path.

All meals included
Overnights: Thomson Serengeti Nyumba

Take a scenic flight back to Arusha this morning where you'll enjoy a special farewell lunch. You'll have time in the afternoon to relax or shop before transferring to Kilimanjaro Airport for the flight to Amsterdam. Arrive home on the afternoon of Day 19.

Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks
Day Room: Rivertrees Country Inn

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