Kilimanjaro - Rongai Route, Classic Kenya Safari & Lamu - Overland Trip

3 weeks: Nairobi to Nairobi (IMT-KTRL)

Intro

The highlights of Kenya combined with an ascent of Kilimanjaro on the Rongai Route, and a well deserved few days on the delightful island of Lamu.

Group Size

Max 14

Activities

6 day trek on Mt Kilimanjaro, game drives

Trek grade

Strenuous

Accommodation

16 nights in lodges and tourist class hotels, 5 nights camping

Transport

Public shuttle bus, transfer vehicle to / from the mountain, on foot, custom safari vehicle, plane

Staffing

Days 1-2, 9 & 18-22 unescorted, days 3-8 services of mountain guide, cook and porters, fully escorted by driver/guide on safari

Meals

As per itinerary. B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner

Entrance Fees

Local payment covers all park entrance fees

Note:

The Lamu section of this tour is unescorted.

Itineraries

Day 1,NAIROBI

Arrival day

Day 2,MOSHI

Early morning shuttle bus across the Tanzanian border to Moshi, arriving in the afternoon. There will be a briefing on our trek this evening. (BD)

Day 3,FIRST CAVE (1,800m)

We begin our trek up Mt Kilimanjaro, passing through cultivated land that is used by local farmers, until we reach our overnight stop at First Cave. Approx. 2-3 hours trekking. (BLD)

Day 4,KIKEWALA CAVE CAMP (3,800m)

We walk today for approximately seven hours, gaining in altitude and passing through the forest zone until we reach the moorland zone. We enjoy views of Kibo Peak en route to our overnight camp at Kikewala Cave. Approx. 6-7 hours trekking. (BLD)

Day 5,MAWENZI TARN HUT (4,330m)

Today we climb up grassy slopes, eventually coming out of the zone of vegetation and onto rock until we finally reach Mawenzi Tarn Hut, where our camp is spectacularly located by the Mawenzi cliffs. Approx. 7 hours trekking. (BLD)

Day 6,KIBO HUT (4,730m)

Continuing our climb we cross through lunar landscapes en route to our camp at the base of Kibo Peak. Approx. 4-5 hours trekking. (BLD)

Day 7,UHURU PEAK (5,895m)

We will be woken at midnight to begin the final ascent. The first section is hard work on scree up to Gillman’s Point (5,690m) and from there we continue up to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The views will be worth the effort! After time at the top we descend to Horombo Hut to spend the night. 8-12 hours trekking. (BLD)

Day 8,MOSHI

Descend to the park gate and transfer back to our hotel in Moshi for the night. Approx. 6 hours trekking. (BLD)

Day 9,MOSHI – NAIROBI

Morning public shuttle bus to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore this vibrant African city. (B)

Day 10,MT KENYA

We depart from Nairobi early, heading north to Mt Kenya, Africa’s second highest mountain. On arrival we have time for an optional walk around the base of the mountain, known for its prolific birdlife and black and white colobus monkeys. (BLD)

Day 11,SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE

Continue north to Samburu National Reserve. Samburu is situated in the semi-desert northern frontier area of Kenya and contains many species not found anywhere else in the country. Upon arrival we take a game drive. (BLD)

Day 12,SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE

We enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, in search of lion, leopard, giraffe and some of the more unusual species that are found here. (BLD)

Day 13,LAKE NAIVASHA

Drive to Lake Naivasha. This afternoon we take a boat ride on the lake. (BLD)

Day 14,MASAI MARA

A long drive brings us to the Masai Mara National Reserve. Upon arrival we take an afternoon game drive. (BLD)

Day 15 to Day 16,MASAI MARA

The Masai Mara has one of the highest densities of wildlife to be found anywhere in Africa and during our time here we enjoy a variety of game drives in search of its celebrated residents. We hope to spot lion, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, elephant, giraffe, hippo, hyena and much more. (BLD)

Day 17,NAIROBI

We leave the Masai Mara behind and head back to Nairobi, where the rest of the day is free to relax. (B)

Day 18,LAMU

Fly from Nairobi to Lamu and transfer to your hotel. (B)

Day 19 to Day 21,LAMU

The island of Lamu, off the coast of Kenya, is the perfect place to unwind after your trip through Africa. Rich in Arab and Swahili culture and packed full of interesting architecture, Lamu offers a slice of Africa that cannot be found elsewhere. Lamu town exists delightfully in another era, with no cars and local people wandering the streets in traditional dress. If you still have some energy left after your trip, there are plenty of options to choose from, from windsurfing and fishing to dhow trips. Alternatively, kick back, relax, and let Lamu seduce you. (BLD)

Day 22,NAIROBI

Bid a sad farewell to this lovely island and fly back to Nairobi. Tour ends on arrival. (B)



Last updated: 5th September 2008

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