Your exciting trip to AFRICA is about to begin.
Please check in early for your flight. Ask the desk if you can check your luggage in all the way to Dar-es Salaam. This means that you do not have to pick up bags in Perth and Jo'burg.
On arrival in Perth you will be at the same airport that SAA flies from so no need to change terminals. Walk out of the Virgin Australia terminal and turn left and continue to the SAA check in.
On arrival in Jo'burg you take the International transit route where you will go through immigration check point and into the main terminal where you have a long layover. There is a stopover lounge where you can have a shower, meal and a lovely rest. The name is Shongololo Premium Lounge and it costs around USD30 for 4 hours.
The shops at Joburg airport are amazing so make sure that you have a look at what is available as you can always do a BIG shop on your way home!
On arrival into Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be met by a Maasai Wanderings driver and transferred to Stella Maris Lodge where you will overnight.
Includes: Breakfast
Visa Info: It is recommended to obtain an e-visa prior to departure if arriving into one of Tanzania’s airports. E-visas can be obtained at
https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/
Plastic Bag Ban: Please refer to the Essential Information sheet regarding the plastic bag ban in the countries you are travelling to
GAdventure asked us to book this hotel as their inventory was full and therefore they were unable to get any more rooms. We booked you into this hotel and GAdventure have since changed their hotel to Bristol Cottages. As we had already paid in full we could not change hotels. This means that you are going to have to relocate to Bristol Cottages today for the start of your trip. I have asked them to see if they can pick you up as it was not our fault that you are in the wrong hotel to start. I will let you know.
Your fellow travellers for Gadventures group will arrive during the day.
Today you will attend a pre-departure meeting with the local guide and the rest of the group to go over last-minute details of the Kili climb.
After breakfast, you will be taken to the forested, lower slopes to the Marangu Gate on the Mandara escarpment.
Most days the hiking will begin early in the morning, with hikes of around 5 to 6 hours. The guides will set a moderate pace, so as to allow for time to acclimatize to the altitude changes. Guides will continually repeat the words, “pole pole” (po-ly, po-ly), which means “go slowly” in Swahili.
Walk 4 hours to the Mandara Hut (2743m, 8999 ft) after registering at the gate. The slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro are classified as rainforest zone so there will likely be rain in the afternoon while travelling under the lush canopy. Enjoy the view while hiking through the lower terrain and possibly spot some of the exotic wildlife in the area. The Mandara Hut has sleeping bunks, running water and flushable toilets.
Continue up through the upper rainforest zone and reach the moorland zone at 3000m (9842 ft). In this zone, plants grow to outrageous heights like the giant lobelia and giant groundsel that can reach up to 5m (16 ft).
Enjoy the view of the semi-alpine zone's plants and ravines.
Reach Horombo hut (3720m, 12205 ft) and get some rest.
Start the slow trek through the heathland and enter the alpine desert zone. Because of the increase in altitude, hike a slow pace today to allow time to get acclimatized but pay attention to any signs of altitude sickness.
The ascent to the saddle of Mt Kilimanjaro is between the peaks of Kibo and Mwenzi, and you will get a great view of Kibo after crossing the saddle.
Rest for the night at Kibo Hut (4703m, 15430 ft) and prepare for the upcoming hike to the summit.
Today you push for the summit.
Wake up just after midnight to start climbing to the summit. Gillman’s Point (5861m, 19229 ft) on the crater rim is easier to reach when the scree slope is frozen so the climb is best done before daylight.
The view of the sunrise from the summit is also worth the early start. From Gilman’s Point, continue on to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
Take a while to enjoy the view and celebrate a successful climb before starting the descent to Horombo Huts Camp.
Enjoy a well-deserved rest during your last night on the mountain.
Descend the mountain, passing through villages and plantations on the slopes en route to the Marangu Gate, passing by the Mandara escarpment on the way. Enjoy the easier descent .
Hikers who successfully reached Uhuru Peak will receive a summit certificate.
Transfer by shuttle bus to Moshi.
Time to relax, take a shower, and celebrate with a drink. Cheers to climbing Mt Kilimanjaro!
Before dinner, you will be welcomed and congratulated on your climb by the mamas of the Moshi Women’s Cooperative. They will present you with a gift and a certificate to remember all your efforts on the mountain.
Today you travel to the regional capital of Arusha where you can pick up any last-minute supplies and souvenirs.
Overnight Arusha
A 7-seat 4x4 safari vehicle is used during your safari tour
Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride with a pop-up top.
Today you will visit Lake Manyara National Park and the western rim of the Rift Valley.
Lake Manyara National Park
This western wall of the Rift Valley escarpment is truly stunning. It provides a backdrop for your search for the park's phenomenal birdlife (including raptors), tree-climbing lions, elephants, zebras, hippos, baboons, and buffalos. Look up and see some of the more than 400 species of birds, including pink flamingos, pelicans, cormorants, and storks.
Beyond wildlife, Lake Manyara NP is home to giant fig trees, acacia woodlands, mahogany trees, and grassy flood plains. The contrasts of this area are simply breathtaking; the open plains, huge escarpment, central alkaline lake, dense woodlands, and distant volcanic peaks coming together in an area best described by Ernest Hemingway as “the loveliest I have seen in Africa.”
You will travel to Mto wa Mbu village and take part in a cultural walk to learn about village life in the area. Mto wa Mbu has attracted some 18,000 residents from 120 different tribes. During the two-hour tour, visit the village's local market, go right to the farmer's fields, see how huts are constructed, and meet artisans in their shops. You will enjoy a delicious home-made traditional lunch.
Spend the afternoon viewing wildlife along the main road that winds through lush cool forests of the Lake Manyara National Park, overgrown with ficus trees and covered with bromeliads.
This area is truly stunning, as the western wall of the Rift Valley escarpment provides a gorgeous backdrop. Search for the phenomenal birdlife, tree-climbing lions, elephants, giraffes, and hippos.
Today you will visit an authentic Maasai village en route to the Serengeti.
Drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and on to Serengeti National Park.
En route marvel at the sheer vastness of this territory, and spot the multitude of animal and birdlife while cruising through this acacia-accented savanna.
Rise early for a morning wildlife safari drive in the Serengeti National Park, returning in time for lunch.
You will have the opportunity to see buffalo, elephants, lions, wildebeests, zebras, and more.
Enjoy the scenery, the vast expanse of the grasslands, the play of light and shadow, and the up-close look at wild Africa.
Continue the search for the "big five" in the afternoon while taking in the vastness of the Serengeti plains.
Option
Serengeti Balloon Safari in Serengeti National Park
If you have pre-booked a Serengeti Balloon Safari, your flight will be in the morning. You will miss the morning wildlife safari drive with the group, but you will have spectacular views from above.
Spirited aloft in a hot-air balloon, view the wildlife and terrain of the Serengeti that only the birds see. Enjoy a champagne breakfast and keep that shutter-finger good and limber—you’ll be using it plenty over the course of your hour in the air.
Enjoy one last morning wildlife safari drive to see the animal kingdom come to life in this incredible expanse of grassland savanna.
Afterwards, journey to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, famous for Africa's best wildlife viewing.
The vistas from the Ngorongoro Crater rim are stunning, and there is an ever-present abundance of animals, due to the permanent water supply on the crater floor.
Arrive at the campsite on the crater rim in the evening.
Please note that due to the high-altitude location of the camp, temperatures can drop at night. We recommend bringing extra layers to wear during the evening and following morning.
Today you will leave your Gap adventurers and make your own way to Ilboru Safari Lodge where you will overnight. The bus may be able to drop you en- route to their destination.
Includes: Breakfast & dinner
After breakfast and check-out, you will be met and transferred to Arusha Airport for your Auric Flight to Zanzibar.
On arrival into Zanzibar Airport, you will be met and transferred to Breezes Beach Club & Spa where you will stay for 1 night.
Includes: Daily breakfast & dinner
After a leisurely breakfast you will check-out and begin the transfer to Tembo House in Stone Town.
Today you will enjoy a walking tour enroute to Tembo House Hotel where you will stay for the next 2 nights. Spend the following days at leisure.
Includes: Daily breakfast & dinner
STONE TOWN Culture trip You will probably see most of these on your walking tour, if not you can always as the hotel for a guide and do yourself.
Also known as Mij Mkongwe, which is Swahili for ‘Old Town’, Stone Town is the oldest part of Zanzibar City. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, it is known for its rich cultural heritage of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European elements. Here some things to do and see .
The Arab Fort (Ngome Kongwe)
Mentioned previously in Forodhani Gardens, this building is in far better condition today than its two neighbors, and is especially notable for its impressive architecture and history. Constructed in the late 17th century, this fort was built on top of an even older Portuguese church as a means of defense against the occupying Portuguese forces., The remains of the church can still be seen built into the inside wall of the fort. It was later a prison in the 19th century, and even turned into a ladies’ tennis club before the 1964 Revolution. Now, visitors may enter the fort for free and explore the battlements and towers for great views of the harbor and ocean. The amphitheater inside the fort still sees some use today, and if you’re lucky you may catch a live performance on this 400-year-old stage
Forodhani Gardens
Found on the coast of the Indian Ocean, this small park sits right across the street from some of Stone Town’s most famous buildings: the Arab Fort, the House of Wonders, and the Palace Museum. Sadly, the latter two structures have fallen into a state of total disrepair, but the 19th century architectural details that remain still make these striking ruins worth a visit. A wonderful food market takes place in the garden every night, so be sure to stop by after dark and spend a charmed evening sampling Swahili and Zanzibari cuisine.
Watch out for: The Zanzibar Pizza
Darajani Bazaar
Darjani Bazaar is the hub of Stone Town’s commerce, selling a wide range of groceries from meat and fish to spices and produce, as well as a variety of wares and crafts to enjoy. Several stands sell souvenirs that make perfect keepsakes to take home as mementos of your time in Stone Town. Some of the sights and smells are surely not for the faint of heart, but it is an amazing cultural experience that should not be missed if you want to experience an authentic East African market.
The Old Dispensary
First built as a dispensary during colonial times, this impressive four story building has a long and interesting history. After serving as a charitable institution as well as a series of apartments, it fell into a state of disrepair during the revolution, but was successfully restored to become a respected, thriving cultural site. Located right on Zanzibar’s seafront, The Old Dispensary is now the town’s cultural center and houses its own restaurant along with several shops and offices. There’s also a hookah bar on the second floor for those looking to explore the night life. This symbol of multi-cultural Zanzibari architecture is not to be missed in your travels to Stone Town.
Watch out for: The ‘Big Tree’ – a massive fig tree right by the Old Dispensary.
Anglican Cathedral of Christ Church
Built in 1873 by Edward Steere, the third Bishop of Zanzibar and famous British abolitionist, the Anglican Cathedral of Christ Church was symbolically built on the location of the whipping post from the island’s largest slave market. The unusual architecture includes a unique barrel vault roof and gothic and Islamic details. Steere himself is buried behind the main altar, as he died a few weeks prior to its completion. The grounds also host one of the most famous Slave Monuments in the entire world.
Hours: Daily 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Watch out for: The wooden cross – it’s said to be made from the tree under which the anti-slavery crusader Dr. David Livingstone was buried.
Changuu Island
Also known as ‘Prison Island,’ this island can be reached on a short 20-minute boat ride from Stone Town. Changuu is home to dozens of giant tortoises, some of which are over 200 years old, and its sandy white beaches and crystal clear water make for some great swimming and snorkeling. History buffs can also visit some of the former cells that housed prisoners in the 19th century.
Watch out for: Nakupenda Beach. It’s possible to include this beautiful ‘Sunbar’ in a day tour of the island.
Hamamni Persian Baths
Built between 1870 and 1888, the Hamamni Persian Baths were the first public baths in Zanzibar, and were used as such until 1920. The name ‘Hamamni’ means ‘the place of baths,’ and it was called ‘Persian’ because it was built by Shirazi architects. Although they are no longer in use, it is possible to see many of the rooms for a small fee. Just ask the caretaker across the alley to unlock the gate for you to see this interesting area.
Watch out for: The ‘warm room’ with underground hot water aqueducts.
TODAY you will have a day of doing as you please. If there are places you would like to go to ask the hotel or the guide from yesterday to assist you.
Breakfast and dinner are included today.
Some things you may like to do if they are not included on your walking tour.
Malindi Mosque
Malindi Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Stone Town. Built by the Sunni sect in a simple style, this is one of three mosques that exhibit cone-shaped minarets, which sit on a square platform. To see them, you need to stand on a baraza (benches found on the side of most Swahili-style buildings) of a neighboring building, which is a beautiful structure worth exploring in its own right. The mosque is well worth a visit while in Stone Town, especially since it’s conveniently located just opposite the town center.
Watch out for: The mausoleum across the street – it’s one of the few left in Stone Town.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral
St. Joseph’s Cathedral was built between 1893 and 1897 by French missionaries in the Romanesque style, and the plans were drawn by the same architect who designed the cathedral in Marseilles. Its twin spires can be spotted from anywhere in town, and make up a distinctive feature of Stone Town’s skyline. St. Joseph’s main doors are only opened during mass, but when those are closed, it is possible to enter through the back. While you’re here, stop in to admire the intricately carved wooden chests at the workshop across the street.
Watch out for: The local choir – try to go during a Sunday mass.
After breakfast and check-out, you will be met and transferred to Zanzibar Airport in time for your flight to Johannesburg.
On arrival in Johannesburg, make your way to the Emperors Palace Courtesy Shuttle departure point and transfer to The Peermont Metcourt Hotel for your overnight stay. We will give you a map to find the bus.
Includes: Breakfast
Note: Shuttle runs daily, every 20 minutes between 0600 and 2300
After breakfast and check-out, use the hotel's courtesy shuttle to transfer back to Johannesburg Airport for your flight to Victoria Falls. On arrival into Victoria Falls Airport, you will be met by a lodge representative and transferred to Victoria Falls Safari Lodge where you will stay for the next 3 nights.
1600 - This afternoon you will be met by your Local Guide for your Sunset Cruise (Zambezi Explorer or similar) including snacks and refreshments. Excludes river usage fee of US15 pp, payable direct.
1900 - Make your way to The Makuwa-Kuwa restaurant for dinner.
Includes: Daily breakfast and any other meals/activities as specified
Excludes: All beverages, all gratuities, and items of a personal nature
Visas are required to enter Zimbabwe and can be purchased on arrival at any entry point – the fee for this is US$30.00 cash per person for a single entry visa, payable direct.
On arrival into Victoria Falls Airport you will be met & transferred to Victoria Falls Safari Lodge for 3 nights accommodation including breakfast daily, 2 x Vulture Culture lunches, 1 x Dinner at The Makuwa-Kuwa Restaurant, 1 x Dinner at The Boma Restaurant, 1 x Sunset Cruise & 1 x Tour of The Falls.
16:00 - This afternoon you will be met by your Local Guide for your Sunset Cruise (Zambezi Explorer or similar) including snacks and refreshments - excluding river usage fee of USD$15.00 per person, payable direct.
19:00 - Make your way to The Makuwa-Kuwa Restaurant for Dinner - excluding gratuities and drinks .
Victoria Falls is an adventure seekers paradise. I would definitely make sure that you book activities that you would like to engage in on your first day.
You may like to do some white water rafting, bungee jumping off the bridge and into the Zambezi River below. One can do zip-line, gorge swing and flying fox, a flight over the falls in different flying vehicles "Flight of the Angels". These can be booked through the hotel or your guide who picks you up may do it for you.
Breakfast at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. IF YOU ARE GOING TO DO RIVER RAFTING THIS WILL BE A GOOD DAY TO DO IT. If not change your Boma dinner to the more leisurely day!!!
08:30 - After breakfast you will be met by your Local Guide for your Tour of The Falls - excluding park fees of USD$30.00 per person, payable direct.
13:00 - Make your way to The Makuwa-Kuwa Restaurant for your Vulture Culture Lunch - excluding gratuities and drinks - payable direct.
19:00 - Make your way to The Makuwa-Kuwa Restaurant for Dinner - excluding gratuities and drinks - payable direct.
Breakfast at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and morning at leisure.
13:00 - Make your way to The Makuwa-Kuwa Restaurant for your Vulture Culture Lunch - excluding gratuities and drinks - payable direct.
19:00 - This evening you will be assisted on the courtesy shuttle service to The Boma Restaurant for Dinner & Drum Show - excluding gratuities and drinks - payable direct.
There are many optional activities to enjoy whilst in Vic Falls. White water rafting is a full day excursion and costs about $195 . If you love a thrill then this is a 'must'!! They also have zip lining and bungy jumping etc. A helicopter flight over the falls is also popular about $255.
After breakfast and check-out, you will be met by a Ngomo Lodge Driver who will transfer you across the Zimbabwe/Botswana Kazangula border post (passports required) to Ngoma Safari Lodge where you will stay for 2 nights. Spend the following days enjoying game viewing activities as offered by your lodge.
Includes: All meals, local beverages, scheduled safari activities and park fees/levies
Excludes: Premium branded beverages, staff gratuities and items of a personal nature
Participate in activities on offer by the Lodge.
After breakfast and check out, you will be met and transferred to Kasane Airport for your onward flight to Sydney/Perth via Johannesburg.
Please ask at check -in to put your bags through to Perth for you. One must pick up bags in Perth to go through our strict border security. Make sure you wash any mud off shoes!!
Hope your trip was/is amazing.
Following breakfast & check out this morning you will be met & transferred to Kasane Airport for your onward flights to Johannesburg
