Luxury Holidays Tanzania

Kilimanjaro, straddling the border of Kenya and Tanzania, is Africa's highest mountain, and for many people it is a lifetime ambition to ascend to its dramatic summit. There are several routes to the summit. We recommend the popular Marangu route. You can combine the ascent with a Tanzania or Kenya safari, or a stay at an Indian Ocean beach resort.

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The ascent and descent from your base at the comfortable Springland Hotel in Moshi takes in all 6 days, with 5 nights spent in very basic huts on the mountain. After about 4 to 5 hours’ walk, your first night is spent at the Mandara Hut at 2,700 metres.A little more walking (about 7 hours) next day through forest and around the base of the Maundi Crater into moorland habitat. Spend 2 nights the Horombo Hut (3,720m). This extra day at Horombo Hut is for acclimatisation; you can take a round trip hike of about 4 - 5 hours towards the Mawenzi hut to stretch your legs on this day. Mist and vegetation disappear as you pass the last water and near the lunar landscape between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. Kibo Hut is reached in 6 - 7 hours walking (4,700m). A midnight departure takes you on the final ascent through scree and snow to the top of Kibo. By daybreak, you should reach Gillman’s point on the Crater rim. Time,weather and stamina permitting, you should continue for about 45 minutes of easier hiking to the highest point, Uhuru Peak (5,895m). After a rapid descent to Kibo Hut for a meal and rest, you descend to Horombo Hut for an overnight stay (3,720m). Next morning comes the long walk down to the Park Headquarters at Marangu Gate,where you are awarded an official Climbing Certificate by Tanzanian Guides. Continue to the Springland Hotel for a well-earned hot bath and overnight stay.

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The flood plains and forests of Katavi National Park have long been one of Africa’s hidden treasures. Occupying the remote boundaries of Tanzania’s western fringes it regularly receives less than 100 visitors a year, yet can boast some of the greatest concentrations of buffalo and hippo in the country. The end of the long dry season presents an unrivalled insight into the lives and rituals of hippos, which gather in large numbers around the diminishing rivers.

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Remote and beautiful, Mahale is located along the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika. Accessible only by boat or plane, it is sandwiched between the clear waters of the lake and the distant mountains, presenting a rich landscape of lush forested hills that are home to the Primate Protection Programme, offering one of the best opportunities for some spectacular encounters with chimpanzees, Mahale is a unique experience.

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Decorated throughout in traditional style, this award winning resort is located on the pristine beaches of the east coast, amidst a verdant landscape of lush gardens. Its 70 rooms offer a variety of accommodation, each room exquisitely decorated in shades of ivory, with teak wood finishes and hand carved furnishings. Fine dining and indulgent relaxation are afforded by a superb selection of bars, restaurants and leisure facilities.

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Located on an exclusive island, just off the north east coast of Zanzibar, this stunning lodge is surrounded by the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Renowned as one of the most romantic destinations on earth, this luxurious property offers 10 sumptuous and secluded beachside bandas, with en suite facilities, spacious verandas and traditional handmade furnishings that afford opulent exclusivity and spectacular ocean views amidst a beautiful tropical beach forest landscape.

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Built into the rim of the dormant volcano, the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge is built with native stone, covered in ivy and plants. Most of the 75 air-conditioned guestrooms have a private terrace with uninterrupted views of the crater floor, and ensuite facilities. Rooms feature brass lamps, embossed leather headboards, wildwood mirrors, Masai carvings and flamboyant prehistoric wall motifs. The split-level dining and bar area features a two-tier wall of windows looking down on to the constantly changing vistas of the crater below, a traditional circular fireside meeting area, and a recurrent motif of massive 'prehistoric' cave paintings, stone-studded walls, Masai spears and blazing wall lamps. The menu choices include traditional Masai fare, long-time safari favourites and internationally themed menus alike.

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Remote in the extreme, accessible only by air and a boat transfer along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, this camp is a spectacular and exclusive retreat in the very heart of some of Africa’s most pristine landscapes. The camp offers 10 tented bandas, built on wooden platforms and featuring en suite showers, solar power and large balconies that overlook the lake and beach. A uniquely constructed dining area affords great views of the distant mountains.

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Located on an expanse of beautiful beach wilderness on the northern tip of Zanzibar, and protected by a coral reef, Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel is an ideal setting for relaxation. The hotel offers water sport activities including an on-site dive centre.All 32 rooms are tastefully furnished, with hand-crafted four-poster beds and indigenous décor, and all have ensuite facilities and balconies. Mosquito nets over all beds ensure a peaceful night's sleep, with the sound of the ocean rounding off a relaxing day in paradise. Pool, table tennis, darts, board games (including Bau, a Zanzibarian favourite) and a TV room are available to hotel guests. Mountain bikes can be hired to explore the hotel's environs, or you may just want to take long strolls along the unspoilt beach.

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Set within 30 acres of landscaped gardens, this oceanfront hotel is situated on Zanzibar’s north east coast, offering magnificent views across the Indian Ocean. Using only native materials the hotel offers 117 rooms, villas and suites, all with their own private terrace or balcony, large bathrooms and expansive living areas. Two excellent restaurants, a range of spa treatments and a complete fitness centre ensure the ultimate in indulgent luxury.

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Stone Town’s idyllic waterfront offers the perfect location for this spectacular hotel, affording a unique balance of tranquil opulence and exotic atmosphere amidst Zanzibar’s historic capital. Decorated throughout in traditional Swahili designs, each of its rooms are superbly appointed, with elegant touches, modern facilities that ensures the very best in comfort and luxury, all set against a backdrop of lapping waves and lateen-sailed dhows.

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ASCENT OF KILIMANJARO MACHAME ROUTE The magnificent vistas of the volcanic slopes of Kilimanjaro present the highest freestanding mountain in the world, but its unique topographical location means that an ascent of its summit can be done by foot! Mount Kilimanjaro is situated inside the National Park in Tanzania located at 5 degrees South, 36 degrees East, 5895 metres above sea level, crowned by an eternal snowcap. It is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain on earth. It is a mountain where you can hike for more than 90 kilometres, gain 4000 metres in altitude, traverse rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, snow fields and ice cliffs virtually on the equator! A truly unforgettable and fascinating adventure. This 6 day trek is a truly unforgettable and fascinating experience. Skirting the southern flank of the mountain, Machame is considered by many to be the most scenically spectacular of the routes up Kilimanjaro. Views of the Kibo crater and the southern icefields present a breathtaking spectacle as you tackle the rugged slopes towards Uhuru Peak. This route is now getting to skilled hiker, but it’s claimed that it’s the most scenic and beautiful route to the summit. Only tented accommodation available, which can be less comfortable and will require a sleeping bag and hiking mattress. KLM flights as shown in economy class Private transfers throughout Kilimanjaro trek escorted by guide, porters and cook staying in shared hut accommodation National Park Fees All airport taxes Daily departures throughout the year Day 1 Morning departure with KLM via Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro. Arrive in the evening, transfer to the Springland Hotel for 2 nights. Day 2 You will have the day at leisure to prepare yourself for your trek. Half day walks can be arranged from your hotel around the flower studded meadows and banana plantations. In the afternoon your guide and porters will meet you at your hotel to discuss the trek. Day 3 Machame Gate (1490m) – Machame Camp (2980m). After breakfast you will drive from Moshi to the Machame Village, which is a 45-minutes drive. The guides and porters prepare and pack supplies and your equipment in the village. You will receive a lunch pack and you can also buy mineral water in the village. Depending on the condition of the road it is possible to drive from the village to the Machame gate, but if not the muddy 3 KM walk will take about 1 hour. After registering at the gate office, you start your ascent and enter the rain forest almost immediately. There is a strong possibility of rain in the forest, which will transform the trail into a very soggy, muddy and slippery experience. You will have a welcome lunch stop at about half way and will reach the Machame camping area in the late afternoon. Your porters will have arrived at the campsite before you and will have erected your tent on your arrival. In the evening the porters will boil drinking water and the cook will prepare the dinner. Night temperatures can drop to freezing point at this campsite. Day 4 Machame Camp (2980m) – Shira Camp (3840m) After an early rise and breakfast, climb an hour or so to the top of the forest and then for 2 hours at a gentler gradient through the moorland zone. After a short lunch and rest, you continue up a steep rocky ridge onto the Shira plateau. By now you will be able to see an easterly direction, the Western Breach with its stunning glaciers. You are now due to West of Kibo and after a short hike you will reach the Shira campsite at 3840m. Day 5 Shira (3840m) – Lava Tower (4630m) – Baranco Camp (3950m) The route now turns into east into a semi desert and rocky landscape surrounding Lava Tower, where you reach an altitude of 4630m after about a 5-hour walk. Lunch is served in a designated area before ascending the rocky path to Lava Tower (4630m), definitely the toughest day so far. It is normally around this point, where for the first time, some climbers will start feeling symptoms of breathlessness, irritability and headaches. After lunch you descend again by almost 680m to the Baranco Camping area and after reaching the high altitude of 4600m at Lava Tower, the true acclimatization benefit of this day becomes clear. This descent to Baranco Camp takes about 2 hours and offers great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The Camp is situated in a valley below the breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while you wait for the preparation of your dinner. Day 6 Barranco Camp (3950m) – Barafu Camp (4550m) After spending a night at the Great Baranco Wall (a very imposing sight at first), you make your way up this awesome looking obstacle: this usually transpires to be an easier climb than anticipated! Topping out just below the Heim Glacier, appreciate just how beautiful Kilimanjaro really is. The route then heads down through the Karanga Valley over intervening ridges and valleys, and then joins up with the Mweka route. This is the preferred route down from the summit, so remember it. Turn left up the ridge and after another hour or so you reach the Barafu Hut. The last water stop on the route is Karanga Valley, as there is no water at Barafu Camp. Barafu is the Swahili word for “ice”. Totally exposed to the ever present gales and tents are pitched on a narrow, stony and dangerous ridge. Make sure that you familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents.The summit is now a further 1345m up and you will make the final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski stick and thermal clothing for your summit attempt. This should include replacement of your batteries for the headlamp / camera. To prevent your water from freezing it would be wiser to carry it in a thermal flask. Day 7 You will rise around 2330 hours, and after some tea & biscuits you continue into the night. You will head in a north-western direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This 6 hours walk to Stella Point is for many climbers a mentally and physically the most challenging hike. At Stella Point (5685m) you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with a most magnificent sunrise (weather permitting) you are ever likely to see. From Stella Point you will normally encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru peak, the highest point in Africa. The walk back to Barafu from the summit takes 3 hours, via Gillman’s Point, which is on the Crater rim. At Barafu you will have a well earned but short rest and collect the rest of your gear, before heading down to Mweka hut (3100m). Day 8 Mweka Camp (3100m) – Mweka Gate (1980m) After an early and well-deserved breakfast it is a short 3-hour scenic hike back to the Park gate. It is strongly recommended to pay your porters when you have reached the gate safely and not beforehand. At Mweka gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point (5865m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. From the Mweka Gate you will be transferred back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower and dinner. Overnight at the Springland hotel. Day 9 Your room will be available for most of the day until you transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport. Evening departure by KLM via Dar es Salaam and Amsterdam to Heathrow. Day 10 Arrive in the morning at London Heathrow.

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The raw magnificence of the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park offer some of the finest wildlife experiences anywhere on the African continent. These spectacular natural backdrops play host to staggering concentrations of big game whose sheer numbers will astound you. Add to that, the beautiful spice island of Zanzibar and you are guaranteed a unique safari and beach experience. Combining both Tanzania’s beaches and game parks, this exceptional itinerary is ideal for those with limited time. With the convenience of a flight back to Arusha at the end of the safari the tour offers superior levels of accommodation and an opportunity to change the style of beach property used (additional costs may apply). • KLM flights as shown in economy class • Scheduled domestic flights: Serengeti / Arusha Airport • Medium to First class accommodation based on two people sharing • Scheduled game activities as specified • Meals as outlined below B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner • National Park Fees • All airport taxes • Daily departures throughout the year DAY 1 Depart this morning from London Heathrow by KLM via Amsterdam (1 hour 35 minutes) to Kilimanjaro (8 hours 15 minutes). On arrival, private transfer to the Serena Mountain Village Lodge in Arusha.

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ASCENT OF KILIMANJARO The magnificent vistas of the volcanic slopes of Kilimanjaro present the highest freestanding mountain in the world, but its unique topographical location means that an ascent of its summit can be done by foot!Mount Kilimanjaro is situated inside the National Park in Tanzania located at 5 degrees South, 36 degrees East, 5895 metres above sea level, crowned by an eternal snowcap. It is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain on earth. It is a mountain where you can hike for more than 90 kilometres, gain 4000 metres in altitude, traverse rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, snow fields and ice cliffs virtually on the equator! A truly unforgettable and fascinating adventure. This 6 day trek is a truly unforgettable and fascinating experience. Using the popular Marangu route and staying in comfortable hut accommodation you will encounter spectacular views as you make your way to the summit. KLM flights as shown in economy class Private transfers throughout Kilimanjaro trek escorted by guide, porters and cook staying in shared hut accommodation Standard accommodation based on two people sharing a room National Park Fees All airport taxes Daily departures throughout the year Day 1 Morning departure with KLM via Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro. Arrive in the evening, transfer to the Springland Hotel for 2 nights. Day 2 You will have the day at leisure to prepare yourself for your trek. Half day walks can be arranged from your hotel around the flower studded meadows and banana plantations. In the afternoon your guide and porters will meet you at your hotel to discuss the trek. Day 3 This morning you will head off to the park gate where all hikers are requested to sign in at the Park office and make their final preparations for the climb. Porters will be seen arranging and loading their packs, containing the food, water, cooking gas as well as most of your equipment.Make sure that you have all your daypack items (containing at least drinking water, your lunch pack and extra clothing) with you as the porters ascend a lot quicker than the hikers. Your guides will be available to assist with any additional information or needs you might have. You now leave the Park gate and ascend on a cleared ridge trail through the rain forest. The forest suffused with mist and dripping with beards of moss, is also where most of Kilimanjaro's animals are found. (An alternative and more scenic parallel forest trail, branches off the to the left a few minutes after the gate. This trail follows the edge of a stream through the undergrowth and offers you the option to rejoin the main trail either, after 1.5 hours hiking, or 1 hour before Mandara hut).Your first night stop, Mandara hut, is a group of wooden A-framed huts in a forest clearing. Each hut features 6-8 sleeping bunks with solar generated lighting.The total capacity of the camp is 60 climbers. Water is piped into the camp from springs above and there are flush toilets behind the main hut. Day 4 From Mandara hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest then skirts the base of the Maundi Crater and then emerges into the transition from rain forest to moorland. It is well worth a short detour to scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater for your first really impressive view of the Kibo Crater.On a clear day, Kibo will glimmer in the distance, showing off her majestic glaciers in the morning sun. Once you are in the open moorland you will get the chance to see some of Kilimanjaro's most spectacular plants - the endemic giant lobelia which grows up to 3m in height and the giant groundsel (Senecia Kilimanjari), which can reach heights of 5m! After about 6 hours from here you reach the Horombo hut, where you will have hot washing water, rest, an evening meal and overnight. Day 5 Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers! Normally bustling with hikers, guides, porters and with an atmosphere of adventure and excitement. You will meet both ascending and descending hikers here.This extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatisation. A hike towards the Mawenzi hut, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1.5 hours down), is strongly recommended. This hike will further assist with the process of acclimatisation.Remember to drink enough water and move slowly! All meals for the day are provided at the hut. Retire to bed early and get a last good night's rest. Day 6 After breakfast you now continue your ascent into the Alpine desert habitat. From Horombo there are two trails to the "Saddle" (which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo). There is an upper route (right hand fork) and lower route (left hand fork) to choose from.The upper route (right hand fork) will be very familiar, as you will have climbed most of it the previous day towards Mawenzi hut. It is very stony and eroded. The recommended lower route (left hand fork) is much easier and nearly an hour, and it also passes the last watering point at 4130m.You will have to fill your water bottles with all the water you will need until your return to Horombo hut in two night's time (unless you are willing to buy Mineral water at Kibo hut).Once again remember to slow down and drink enough water!! Situated in the barren Alpine desert is Horombo hut, a stone build block house which has bunk beds for 60 climbers, but no streams with water nearby. It is possible to buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. Platform toilets can be found behind the hut. Day 7 You will rise around 2330 hours on Day 6, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman's point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. Probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly.From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction - you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut.After a short rest you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions. Day 8 After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely.You now drive back to Moshi for a long over due hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!Overnight at the Springland hotel. Day 9 Your room will be available for most of the day until you transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport. Evening departure by KLM via Dar es Salaam and Amsterdam to Heathrow. Day 10 Arrive in the morning at London Heathrow.

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EXTENSION TO ZANZIBAR Having conquered the highest mountain in Africa, why not relax on the palm fringed, white sandy shores of Zanzibar? Internal flights as shown in economy class First class accommodation based on two people sharing a room Half board throughout except for breakfast only on day 13 Private transfers throughout Day 9 Following breakfast transfer to Arusha for your flight to Zanzibar. Transfer to Ras Nungwi Beach Resort located on the north coast of Zanzibar where you will spend 4 nights. Located on an expanse of beautiful beach wilderness on the northern tip of Zanzibar, and protected by a coral reef, Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel is an ideal setting for relaxation. The hotel also offers water sport activities including an on-site dive centre. All 32 rooms are tastefully furnished, with hand-crafted four poster beds and indigenous décor, and all have en suite facilities and balconies. Mosquito nets over all beds ensure a peaceful night's sleep, with the sound of the ocean rounding off a relaxing day in paradise. Day 10 – Day 12 You have three whole days to relax on the sun-drenched shores of the sparkling Indian Ocean. The surrounding reefs create one of the most exciting areas to dive and snorkel and are home to flourishing populations of dolphin, turtles and other marine species. A day trip to Stone Town and a visit to the spice plantations is highly recommended. Day 13 Morning at leisure. Transfer to the airport to fly to Dar es Salaam. Transfer to the Holiday Inn for the use of a day room before transferring for your overnight flight on KLM via Amsterdam to London Heathrow. Day 14 Early morning arrival at Heathrow.

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