Topi Adventure Tours & Safaris

KILIMANJARO CLIMBING (MACHAME ROUTE- SCINIC ROUTE

Unknown

Link Author

Title: KILIMANJARO CLIMBING (MACHAME ROUTE- SCINIC ROUTE
Author: Unknown
Rating 5 of 5 Des:

MACHAME (CAMPING) Advantages - Scenic, western ascent - Least expensive camping route - Varied scenery - Easy access to trailhea...

<br />

<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">MACHAME (CAMPING)</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 6;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Advantages </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-
Scenic, western ascent<br />
- Least expensive camping route<br />
- Varied scenery<br />
- Easy access to trailhead</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 6;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Disadvantages </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-
Most popular camping route</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SAMPLE ITINERARY:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Day One</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKo0-ZbCki4AC6_J9qBkgSKSiuW1h7Q3kyeZL5nFlOQZRzo-c8shDXGB7D-vSIpFWnTOUaUafKefv-inq1EbJjc5Y62EUulkLAwnGvVvwAUMpOZIViPay-P8BgIxJz3Xck0YP2KDZQVaQ/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKo0-ZbCki4AC6_J9qBkgSKSiuW1h7Q3kyeZL5nFlOQZRzo-c8shDXGB7D-vSIpFWnTOUaUafKefv-inq1EbJjc5Y62EUulkLAwnGvVvwAUMpOZIViPay-P8BgIxJz3Xck0YP2KDZQVaQ/s200/042.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4se3qMaSJ7FNCV7cF-_1ciDvFfPrPPnhMzvdQqlVxNrc-7hnF73m9oD2vvL-5A4RyLZZMKet8x7W1zekCjAVJSw0cTPBuQkW8Y5Wpha9pNiP-lrHJ4JPbJeaSU3KotBYmTtuapXhbdOQ/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4se3qMaSJ7FNCV7cF-_1ciDvFfPrPPnhMzvdQqlVxNrc-7hnF73m9oD2vvL-5A4RyLZZMKet8x7W1zekCjAVJSw0cTPBuQkW8Y5Wpha9pNiP-lrHJ4JPbJeaSU3KotBYmTtuapXhbdOQ/s200/009.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Meet your Guide at
Kilimanjaro airport meet our driver, drive to Park view or Similar, hotel in
Moshi for Overnight.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 6;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 6;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 6;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 6;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Day Two: Machame Gate (1,800m/5,905ft)
to Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft)</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elevation
Gain: 1,200 meters, 3,935 feet</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hiking
time: 6 to 7 hours</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-Q94KhdG2EnUOz1AnvKKMeCwApBlnT0cdLR2yja7UR9l0m_sl2G6HdL47dly9cHCU4DWR1YGH0PGDuhEHYyvUge0L_C4B3ikJhZk6udIqARJoN2pu47j0G_oFcWf8Tgq5FqKG2M0K6I/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-Q94KhdG2EnUOz1AnvKKMeCwApBlnT0cdLR2yja7UR9l0m_sl2G6HdL47dly9cHCU4DWR1YGH0PGDuhEHYyvUge0L_C4B3ikJhZk6udIqARJoN2pu47j0G_oFcWf8Tgq5FqKG2M0K6I/s200/002.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> At
9am, leave Moshi for Machame Gate, where you will meet our porters, guides and
cooks that will spend the next six days trekking with you to Uhuru Peak, the
roof of Africa. The drive through coffee farms and villages to Machame Gate
takes about 1.5 hours. After arriving, wait at the gate while we register your
climb and the porters and guides make final preparations.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Hike
to Machame Camp via the mystical, moss-covered trees of Kilimanjaro’s cloud
forest. As the forest thins later in the hike, take in the heathers, tall
grasses and wildflowers. If the weather is clear, enjoy the striking views of
your ultimate destination, Kibo Peak. Our porters and cooks will go ahead and
prepare the campsite before you arrive.  </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 6;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Day Three: Machame Camp
(3,000m/9,840ft) to Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft)</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfeXQWz0qkz3pIkRLEfgbYC0Y-3UKiHrb4hKh2UKrLMC-2RZRX5z-caDzNfFdznfXfEqhapvtLPZzGK7JVYa5zz_uVSHZlbm66A5pIEXheNp2pN0FzbNSN1t5EMN0yTJctBlrlajcMJE/s1600/028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfeXQWz0qkz3pIkRLEfgbYC0Y-3UKiHrb4hKh2UKrLMC-2RZRX5z-caDzNfFdznfXfEqhapvtLPZzGK7JVYa5zz_uVSHZlbm66A5pIEXheNp2pN0FzbNSN1t5EMN0yTJctBlrlajcMJE/s320/028.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div>
<br />

<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 6;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elevation Gain: 840 meters, 2,760 feet</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hiking
time: 6 to 8 hours</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Today’s
trek includes several uphill sections so carry plenty of drinking water as it
can be hot hiking on a clear day. There are several viewpoints from which to
view the plains and forests below, and the commanding Kibo and Mawenzi peaks
above. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Notice
the change in vegetation as you gain altitude. The trees diminish in size,
giving way to Kilimanjaro’s famous high altitude plants, Sceneciokilimanjari
and Lobelia deckenii. After lunch, climb the Shira Plateau, created when Kibo’s
lava flows filled the Shira crater. Continue to Shira Camp and relax for the
rest of the day. Kibo lies to the west and Mount Meru to the east. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 6;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Day Four: Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft)
to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Total
Elevation Gain: 690 meters, 2,264 feet</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hiking
time: 6 to 8 hours</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Although
this up and down day ends with an elevation gain of only 110 meters, by early
afternoon you will have climbed 690 meters to a height of 4,530 meters before
beginning your descent to Barranco Camp. This day is crucial for
acclimatization.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> After
breakfast, hike east on the Shira Plateau before reaching the junction for the
Shira and Lemosho Routes. Continue on through the barren landscape before
stopping for lunch. Shortly after lunch, reach the highest point of the day
before descending quickly to Barranco Camp. Faster hikers can take a detour via
Lava Tower, a 300-foot lava formation jutting out of the mountainside.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQ5eY7NU2K6PhPiroBBjgYiPtdR8sqY1MXxR8kcdXHhu7WV60ZFevBY8f_cH2QJ2WxvXn_O-T-uosHvbvs2p-lhjq2WcuodDhZu9s01m4vp-xb6HJF0WBxEBZv4BTLmysJ3KZg1rkibM/s1600/289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQ5eY7NU2K6PhPiroBBjgYiPtdR8sqY1MXxR8kcdXHhu7WV60ZFevBY8f_cH2QJ2WxvXn_O-T-uosHvbvs2p-lhjq2WcuodDhZu9s01m4vp-xb6HJF0WBxEBZv4BTLmysJ3KZg1rkibM/s320/289.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 6;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Day Five: Barranco Camp
(3,950m/12,960ft) to Karanga Camp (4,200m/13,780ft)</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elevation
Gain: 250 meters, 820 feet</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Distance:
7 Kilometers</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hiking
time: 3 to 5 hours</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Leave
Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with an
hour-and-a-half scramble up the Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the
day and in some places you may have to use your hands to aid your climb. After
reaching the top, hike through fairly level terrain before making a short but
steep descent into the green Karanga River Valley.  </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 6;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Day Six: Karanga Valley
(4,200m/13,780ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft)</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elevation
Gain: 400 meters, 1,320 feet</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Distance:
6 Kilometers</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hiking
time: 3 to 5 hours</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> After
breakfast, begin the hike to Barafu Camp. On the way to Barafu, view several of
Kibo’s glaciers as well as the junction that connects the descent route, Mweka,
with the Machame trail. During day four, hike by the Heim, Kersten and Decken
Glaciers. Although the trail to Barafu passes through alpine desert with little
vegetation, Barafu Camp offers stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Try to
sleep upon finishing dinner as you will wake before midnight for your summit
hike.  </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KRKGLWAW-YNJs_oRAcaz2HQaJ-pU1cJzhlUgsxExEiVLA1utXw2mb-m5DRHnFadECRjUhRMtZQ5B36B1TkBqEjDJoC3LPMo5gnfwmN-s5opcv1U58gCLn-NVXu0HHayWH_RCtXAAWlY/s1600/130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KRKGLWAW-YNJs_oRAcaz2HQaJ-pU1cJzhlUgsxExEiVLA1utXw2mb-m5DRHnFadECRjUhRMtZQ5B36B1TkBqEjDJoC3LPMo5gnfwmN-s5opcv1U58gCLn-NVXu0HHayWH_RCtXAAWlY/s320/130.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 6;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Day Seven: Barafu Camp
(4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Mweka Camp
(3,100m/10,170ft)</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elevation
Gain: 1,295 meters, 4,240 feet</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elevation
Loss: 2,795 meters, 9,170 feet</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hiking
time: 6 hours to the rim, 1 hour to Uhuru, 3 to 4 hours back to Barafu, 4 hours
to Mweka</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Around
midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. Hike by the light of your headlamp
for the next six hours. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging
part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim
at Stella Point.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The
hike from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes
go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring.
The crater rim hike takes approximately one hour. Upon reaching Uhuru, take
photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to
Mweka Camp. On the way down from Uhuru, enjoy views of the mountain, crater,
clouds and glaciers. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> At
Barafu Camp, eat breakfast and take a short break. You still have another three
to five hours to go before reaching Mweka Camp.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6FUkWYKsnaVL-gCOT66shpGtfNNPotbCNdJH1QIIkTk6vOpn7srxTHeSlxgXwORqTFlSm2-ki3e_5uiZJ_IN5l4QXqMsySc1sanUp2Vl2HVIFedAPHHDFMF_mAfGGHeQUAUzz3W2uzeM/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6FUkWYKsnaVL-gCOT66shpGtfNNPotbCNdJH1QIIkTk6vOpn7srxTHeSlxgXwORqTFlSm2-ki3e_5uiZJ_IN5l4QXqMsySc1sanUp2Vl2HVIFedAPHHDFMF_mAfGGHeQUAUzz3W2uzeM/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 6;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Day Eight: Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)
to Mweka Gate (1,500m/4,920ft)</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elevation
Loss: 1,600 meters, 5,250 feet</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hiking
time: 4 hours</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> After
breakfast, finish the trek with a hike through the forest to Mweka Gate. The
trail may be slippery following rain. Our vehicles will meet you at the lower
station of Mweka Gate to take you back to Moshi</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Day Nine:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> After breakfast at
Hotel, proceed with <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>you’re another activities or drive
back to Airport fly back home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>

KILIMANJARO CLIMBING (MACHAME ROUTE- SCINIC ROUTE

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

Soma zaidi »

17 Jun 2016

ABOUT SERENGETI

Unknown

Link Author

Title: ABOUT SERENGETI
Author: Unknown
Rating 5 of 5 Des:

What is the Serengeti? The Serengeti name derives from the Maasai phrase “siringet” which translates to “endless plains”. The Serengeti N...

What is the Serengeti?<br />
The Serengeti name derives from the Maasai
 phrase “siringet” which translates to “endless plains”. The Serengeti 
National Park is located in northern Tanzania and is truly vast, 
covering an area of about 5,700 square miles (14,763 sq km). For 
travelers’ purposes, Serengeti is typically used to refer specifically 
to the protected national park. But the greater Serengeti ecosystem is 
much larger, roughly 18,600 sq miles (30,000 sq km) and includes several
 other game reserves and parks, notably the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
 and Kenya’s Masai Mara National Park. The great Serengeti area is 
roughly defined by the  wildebeest migration route.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vygc2d3H7VRXOov35dkiwYmLX8nUmiATcUIuOHEO-VFVlDG5xw5N0_ugjPrMMT4A0tVGawSsYOV81J95s7TEy-Q0f04DMdsIradFqswJkgh3IUeI0zunoVemQRRzCSmrP5gSyPo2rdw/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vygc2d3H7VRXOov35dkiwYmLX8nUmiATcUIuOHEO-VFVlDG5xw5N0_ugjPrMMT4A0tVGawSsYOV81J95s7TEy-Q0f04DMdsIradFqswJkgh3IUeI0zunoVemQRRzCSmrP5gSyPo2rdw/s320/019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The Serengeti is
 one of the most famous national parks in Africa and offers some of the 
best wildlife viewing in the world; however, there are a number of 
things to do in the Serengeti other than game drives. The Serengeti has 
earned the titles of one of the “Seven Natural Wonders of Africa” and 
one of the “Ten Natural Travel Wonders of the World” for being the site 
of the largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world (about 2 
million animals!). However, even without the Great Migration, the park 
sports the densest lion population in the world and is home to all 
members of the Big Five and almost 500 bird species. The Serengeti fits 
well into most people’s dream of an African safari with its abundant 
wildlife, vast golden plains dotted with thorny umbrella acacia trees, 
kopjes, and sausage trees, and its crocodile and hippo-filled rivers. 
When planning your time to this amazing place, you’ll want to take into 
account its large size and the timing of your visit to ensure the best 
viewing experience. In addition to the traditional daytime game drives, 
you might consider seeking out an alternative view of this beautiful 
ecosystem on walking safaris, night drives, and even from atop of a 
horse, hot air balloon, or plane! Including education and cultural 
activities such as visiting a local Maasai village or learning about the
 important paleoanthropological findings at Oldupai Gorge can also 
enhance a visit to this region. We loved our time in the Serengeti and 
below we’ll share our guide to visiting this amazing area. First we’ll 
share some practical information and then we’ll cover our list of the 
top ten things to do in the Serengeti.  <br />
When is the best time to visit?<br />
The Serengeti is one of the areas in Tanzania that offers good game 
viewing all year round, although you might want to avoid the heavy rains
 in April and May. However, depending on your sightseeing priorities 
(wildebeest calving, wildebeest river crossing, best time to see 
predators, birding, etc.), you’ll want to plan your visit accordingly. 
While all seasons can be a great time to visit, it is perhaps more 
important to figure out what parts of the Serengeti you’ll want to 
explore during your visit which will largely depend on your sightseeing 
priorities and the timing and length of your visit. We worked closely 
with our safari company, Amani Afrika, to determine our route and 
lodging based on the time of year and what we wanted to see.<br />
Here is
 a very rough guide to the Serengeti’s four sections (just note that 
each of these sections is still very large) and what you can expect to 
see: The Southern plains area of the Serengeti is easy to access and 
offers a great place to see the herds from about December to March and 
the calving season in February is particularly rewarding, but wildlife 
is generally much more scarce during the dry season. The Central 
Serengeti and Seronera area is the most visited as wildlife viewing is 
good here year-round and it has the most lodging options, but it is also
 the most crowded section of the park. The Western Serengeti area or 
Western Corridor offers decent wildlife viewing all year round with the 
migration reaching the Grumeti River around May or June and the river is
 also a great place to view crocodiles and hippos. The Northern 
Serengeti area (Kogatende, Lobo, Loliondo)  is the least visited and 
most remote section of the Serengeti but also offers some of the top 
luxury camps and lodges in the country. Possibility to see Mara River 
crossings here around July and August and several camps in the north 
offer walking safaris and off-road experiences.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCcWIueELONFvQt4w9EwfU9R5bPXjjR7CctOzQUaiD1JFpUkk1SaWLBtjNmcA4F0JD1hMnZU-xGEu4BjtMHm_zn_q_0X8EEsZnn0SrjF-4O_X4aU9mpGCaH15vgQrrCRszspCM-AWg7o/s1600/095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCcWIueELONFvQt4w9EwfU9R5bPXjjR7CctOzQUaiD1JFpUkk1SaWLBtjNmcA4F0JD1hMnZU-xGEu4BjtMHm_zn_q_0X8EEsZnn0SrjF-4O_X4aU9mpGCaH15vgQrrCRszspCM-AWg7o/s320/095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Where can I stay?<br />
There are a number of public campsites ($30/adult), special campsites 
($50/adult), tented camps, and lodges in the Serengeti. The largest 
number and greatest variety of lodging exists in the Central Serengeti 
region around Seronera. Whether you want to camp on the cheap, sleep in a
 remote luxury tented camp, or stay in a large lodge with all the 
familiar Western amenities, you should be able to find something in the 
Serengeti suiting any lifestyle or budget. You should book 
accommodations well in advance, especially in peak season.<br />
Need more information?<br />
Contact at: sales@topiadventure.com <br />
Phone Number: +255 754 868 857<br />
What can I do in Serengeti?<br />
1. Spend Time on Game Drives<br />
Obviously, one of the highlights of most visits to the Serengeti is the
 wildlife drives and the Serengeti is particularly renown for its 
migrating wildebeest, its dense lion population, and its good birding 
opportunities. What might not be as obvious to many potential visitors 
is that given the large size of the Serengeti, you can’t explore all the
 areas in a few days and you shouldn’t try. The distances are long and 
the roads can be rough so expect plenty of “African massage” along the 
way. Not all areas of the Serengeti are created equal and you should 
think about what you are most interested in seeing here and plan 
accordingly based on your sightseeing priorities and the timing and 
length of your visit (a good safari company should be able to give great
 recommendations here). See the “Best time to Visit” section earlier in 
the article. Serengeti is the stuff that African safari fantasies are 
made of and was hands down our favorite park during this visit. I can’t 
list all the animals and birds we saw in the Serengeti, but the list 
includes an amazing number of predators, including several cheetah, a 
leopard, hyena, jackals, and a ton of lions. We saw all the “Big Five” 
here except the elusive and rare black rhino. “Oh, it’s just another 
lioness” and “I don’t want to see any more hippos” were actual phrases 
we dared to utter on our last day here after seeing so many of these 
amazing animals! Our Amani Afrika guide, Muridy, was great at spotting 
animals for us and we learned so much from him about the animals, trees,
 birds, and ecosystem.<br />
2. Stop at the Serengeti Visitor Center<br />
The Serengeti Visitor Centre is worth a stop for its self-guided walking
 path that provides informative signs and exhibits about the history of 
the Serengeti, its ecosystem, and its wildlife. You are likely to even 
spot some wildlife along the path, including rock hyraxes (we probably 
saw close to a hundred of these little critters!), birds, and brightly 
colored agama lizards. A great place to stretch your feet and let 
children expend a little energy. This is also an excellent place to stop
 for a lunch break as the center has an outdoor picnic area, restrooms, a
 snack and coffee shop, and a gift shop. This was our favorite visitors 
center among those we stopped at in Tanzanian game parks. The center is 
located in the Seronera area and is open daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm 
(8:00-17:00).<br />
3. Visit a Maasai Village<br />
The Serengeti ecosystem 
has long been home to the Maasai, a semi-nomadic people who live in 
southern Kenya and northern Tanzania along the Great Rift Valley. They 
are the most well-known local tribe in East Africa to visitors due to 
their residence near and within many of the popular game parks, their 
continued engagement in their traditional ways of life, and their 
distinctive traditional clothing. Many Maasai villages, also called 
Maasai bomas, welcome visitors to visit and learn about their customs, 
traditions, and lifestyle. Most visits last an hour or less and include a
 brief dancing ceremony, a visit to a traditional boma made of sticks, 
mud, and cow manure, a visit to the village school, and the opportunity 
to purchase handicrafts produced by members of the village. Along the 
way, an elder will explain some of the customs related to raising and 
herding livestock, marriage, construction of the homes, education of the
 children, and traditional dress. Ethan and I had mixed feelings about 
the village we visited that was located between the Ngorongoro Crater 
and the entry to the Serengeti National Park. I do  think that all 
visitors should learn about the Maasai and their culture, but the 
touristy village visit felt “icky” to us.  We felt like there was way 
too much emphasis on making money and selling stuff and we got the 
strong impression that residents spend the whole afternoon waiting for 
each tourist group so they could perform out-of-context ceremonial 
dances. The worse part was that the adorable school children at the 
school were clearly reciting a script (alphabet and numbers in English) 
while we visited and it did not appear that they were actually being 
educated as there were no books, few supplies, and the chalkboard 
contained only the recited alphabet and numbers. How could they possibly
 learn anything if they have to perform for tourists all day? While not 
all villages are the same, we heard that many other visitors to other 
villages had similar experiences and we hope that these visits change to
 offer a more enriching cultural experience for visitors (that doesn’t 
feel so choreographed and commercial) without disrupting the daily life 
of the villagers, particularly the school-aged children. Most villages 
charge an entry fee and then many also suggest a donation for the 
village school or “hospital” as well as a strong sell of their 
handicrafts.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqha7yG2dImwksKC1MgNkPtwy9gw9okT7m5b3iq4NRC1n-aPSvN3FrKeBzBkWAc8sxttd6Fz3X91ojJ3H3cMMg4kFHZucQ8zb7JKPHNuM-njbv2lVHchjvQ3CbeX80uwNn85t5dKYLf4/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqha7yG2dImwksKC1MgNkPtwy9gw9okT7m5b3iq4NRC1n-aPSvN3FrKeBzBkWAc8sxttd6Fz3X91ojJ3H3cMMg4kFHZucQ8zb7JKPHNuM-njbv2lVHchjvQ3CbeX80uwNn85t5dKYLf4/s320/051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
4. Experience a Night Game Drive<br />
A night game drive
 allows you the unique opportunity to spot a number of nocturnal 
animals, such as civets, bush babies, nightjars, and aardvarks, and 
possibly even predators on the hunt. Seeing new animals is definitely a 
highlight of these evening game drives, but these drives also give you 
the unique chance to see your surroundings from a very different 
perspective. While night game drives are not allowed in most parks in 
Tanzania and I don’t think anyone has permission to take guests on night
 game drives within the Serengeti National Park, certain lodges and 
camps have permission to do night drives on land located just outside 
the Serengeti. There are no fences around the park so there is still 
great wildlife viewing along the borders of the Serengeti. So if you are
 interested in a night drive in this area, look for lodges and camps 
located just outside the national park and let your safari operator know
 you are interested in this experience. For instance, some camps and 
lodges within the Ikoma Wildlife Area, such as Ikoma Safari Camp, have 
permission to do night game drives. Klein’s Camp sits on private 
wildlife concession land leased from the Maasai and has permission to do
 night drives as does Buffalo Luxury Camp which sits on privately owned 
land located just outside Klein’s Gate. We had the opportunity to do two
 night game drives at Buffalo Luxury Camp and were able to see bat-eared
 fox, chameleons, skinks, bush babies, impala, topi, wildebeest, 
giraffes, dik diks, gazelle, impala, zebra, scrub hare, jackals, 
mongoose, and hyena. While we were lucky to spot a lot of different 
animals, there is simply something thrilling about being able to drive 
around at night and hear all the night sounds of the wildlife. Tim, our 
wonderful guide, told us about some very exciting nighttime game drives 
he’d been on recently involving a group of hunting lions!  We didn’t see
 anything quite that thrilling, but we were content to just watch the 
delightful big-eyed bouncing bush babies!<br />
5. Visit the Moru Kopjes<br />
Kopjes are interesting weathered gigantic rock formations that rise out
 of the central Serengeti plains like little mountains. Islands in a sea
 of grass. Trees, vines, and bushes sprout out of many of the formations
 and you can see them scattered around the Serengeti Visitors Center. 
These rock formations provide shade, small water pools, and a great 
vantage point for many animals, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
 The Moru Kopjes are the most frequently visited kopjes and some kopjes 
contain African rock paintings done by Maasai cattle herders and at 
least one of the rocks, nicknamed the “Gong Rock”,  is believed to be an
 ancient musical instrument. While we didn’t see any kopjes that were 
quite as spectacular as The Lion King‘s Pride Rock and there were no 
baboon presentations of newborn lion cubs going on during our visit, the
 kopjes are a good place to spot big cats and smaller mammals such as 
hyraxes so point your binoculars here when on game drives. The Moru 
Kopjes area is also the best place to spot a black rhino in the 
Serengeti National Park.<br />
<br />
The 
Serengeti is the setting for one of the world’s great natural 
spectacles: the Great Migration of herds of over a million wildebeest as
 well as hundreds of thousands of other hoofed animals, including 
zebras, eland, and gazelle. Who has not seen at least one of the amazing
 videos or photos of hundreds of thousands of these animals crossing the
 Mara River in a line and hundreds being dramatically pulled down by 
crocodiles!? Now this event could also be termed the Great Misconception
 as people seem to think the migration consists of just a single event 
(river crossing) or happens over a short time frame, but in fact it is a
 cyclical event that essentially never ends. Here’s a rough sketch of 
the cycle: January-March: the wildebeest are concentrated in the 
northern Ngorongoro Conservation Area and southern Serengeti area 
grazing and calving (February is prime calving month typically), April 
and May see the herds beginning to head in a northwest direction in 
search of green grass and May is generally the beginning of the mating 
season or “the rut” for the animals, June often finds the herds 
beginning to concentrate on the western side of the crocodile-infested 
Grumeti River (river crossings), July and August the herds continue to 
move in a northeast direction towards the Mara River and the Kenyan 
border (time of dramatic Mara River crossings), September-December the 
herds graze in the Maasai Mara in Kenya and then begin to slowly migrate
 in a southwestern direction back into Tanzania to begin the process 
again! The actual movement and timing of the migration depends heavily 
on the rainfall and weather so do let your safari operator know if you 
are interested in seeing the Migration so they can best maximize your 
chances to see the herds. The herds can be quite unpredictable, 
especially regarding the river crossings, so if this is high on your 
list make sure you plan an adequate amount of time in the area to 
maximize your chances of seeing it. We were only able to see a small 
number of animals cross during our time alongside the Mara River, but 
the prior day tens of thousands of animals had crossed. Next time! But 
seeing the large wildebeest herds congregate and then move in 
single-file columns is very impressive even without seeing any 
significant crossings.<br />
7. Step Back in Time at Oldupai Gorge<br />
Lying only a few miles south of Serengeti National Park, the Oldupai 
Gorge (also called Olduvai Gorge) makes a convenient stop for those 
traveling between the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. The actual 
gorge is a steep-sided ravine that is about 30 miles long. The site is 
famous because it is here where the Leakey’s discovered human fossils 
and tools dating back to over 2 million years ago. Fossils remains of 
over 60 hominids (human ancestors) have been found in this area, making 
it one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world. 
The discoveries here have been instrumental in furthering the 
understanding of human evolution. The small Oldupai Museum (small 
entrance fee) was founded by Mary Leakey and contains information and 
artifacts related to the  Leakey family, the fossil discoveries, the 
gorge, and the Laetoli footprints. Nearby is also the Laetoli 
archaeological site, which is famous for its 27m-long trail of hominid 
footprints that are believed to be 3.6 million years old! While this 
small museum might not be a must-see for some, it is a good way to add 
in a bit of non-wildlife education. Many visitors spend about 30 minutes
 in the museum and break for lunch here. We had planned to stop here but
 regretfully ran out of time and needed to keep going in order to make 
it to our lodge on time that day. One of the many reasons we want to 
return to this area, although we did get to check out the Natural 
History Museum in Arusha which has a section dedicated to human 
evolution and the fossil discoveries at Oldupai Gorge.<br />
8. Get an Aerial View of the Serengeti<br />
Want a bird’s eye view of the Serengeti? Perhaps the ultimate way to 
see this magnificent space is to spend an hour or so floating in a hot 
air balloon over the plains at dawn. Witness the sunrise over the 
“endless plains” and then come down to treetop level to view the animals
 before they seek cover to escape the heat of the day. After you touch 
down again, you’ll be treated to a glass of champagne and a full 
English-style breakfast with your fellow ballon riders. Sounds wonderful
 but this lofty experience comes with the price tag of $499 per person 
from the well-known Serengeti Ballon Safaris. If you are looking for an 
aerial view for a cheaper price, consider booking one of the small 
shared regional plane flights to or from one of the seven Serengeti 
airstrips. Several airlines have daily flights within the Serengeti (as 
well as to Manyara, Nairobi, Arusha, Dar-es-Salaam, Zanzibar, etc.), 
including Air Excel, Coastal Aviation, Regional Air, and Safari Plus. 
Private charter flights are also possible through these companies if you
 want to set the itinerary but expect to pay a lot for this privilege. 
We specifically traveled in a small 13-passenger plane from Kogatende 
airstrip (e.g., a field in northern Serengeti near the Mara River) to 
Arusha via Coastal Aviation. The plane flew relatively low for the first
 30 minutes or so as we made two other stops, but then for the last hour
 to Arusha the plane flew too high for good views. The views are not 
nearly as good as you’d get from a balloon (except briefly when landing 
and taking off) but for $275/person the flight provided us an aerial 
view, gave us the experience of flying in our smallest plane yet, and 
saved us a lot of time and the long bumpy ride by jeep back to Arusha.<br />
9. Stay at a Camp or Lodge that Allows you to Hear the Wildlife at Night<br />
Sleeping in a camp set off by itself where one can lay back and hear 
the chirping of the crickets, the cry of the African Fish Eagle, the 
rustling of the giant elephant, the “laughing” of the hyena, the yelping
 of the jackal, and the roar of the lions can be a magical part of the 
safari experience. The great part is that you can have this experience 
sleeping on the ground in a basic tent at a $50/night campsite or while 
sleeping under a down comforter in a $1,000/per night luxury tent as its
 the location that is most important here, not the tent. Our stay at 
Asanja Africa, a small luxury tented camp in central Serengeti, gave us 
the best feeling of sleeping in the African bush during our trip. We 
heard birds, jackals, hyena, and lions during the night from the safety 
and comfort of our tent. Just note that while the animals may seem very 
close (and they may be!), you can hear a loud lion’s roar from miles 
away. However, this experience is definitely not for everyone and we 
heard people complain about hearing the wind and being very upset when a
 lizard entered their tent at some places we stayed. Another experience 
you may want to consider when choosing lodging is a bush dinner as these
 can be a fun way to watch the sunset and enjoy a meal under the stars 
near a roaring camp fire. We enjoyed a great group bush dinner at 
Buffalo Luxury Camp. No matter your preferences, you should communicate 
with your tour operator about the kind of lodging you are looking for so
 that they can help you have the best experience as everyone’s vision of
 the ideal African safari is different.<br />
10. View Wildlife and Nature on Foot (or even on horseback!)<br />
An interesting way to explore the Serengeti ecosystem is to do it on 
your own two feet.  While perhaps not as exciting as drives, walking 
safaris are a great chance to get up close to the plants, trees, and 
smaller animals and learn a lot more about them. Similar to night 
drives, walking safaris are possible on the borders of the Serengeti 
National Park in designated areas. Several camps and lodges in the north
 allow for daytime nature and game walks, such as Klein’s Camp and 
Buffalo Luxury Camp. Also check out Alex Walker’s Serian camps for 
guided walks. For those really interested in walking safaris in the 
Serengeti area, check out Wayo Africa which offers multi-day walking 
safari tours. For those wanting to explore the area in the manner of the
 cowboys, the Serengeti Singita Grumeti lodges (there are several) offer
 unique equestrian safari opportunities that take you on guided 
horseback tours! We did a nature walk with Tim at Buffalo Luxury Camp, 
who is an encyclopedia of African wildlife knowledge, and we learned a 
ton about local plants, Dung beetles, the animals (giraffe, zebra, 
gazelle, wildebeest, baboons) we spotted during the walk, and we even 
got to see a demonstration of how the Maasai traditionally make fires. 
We highly recommend taking the time to fit in a walk as they are 
family-friendly and very educational with a good guide. It’s much easier
 to appreciate the local plants, insects, smaller animals, and birds 
up-close on foot compared to from a distance in the safari vehicle.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZlG_VY8ci8RFrIYfV_Zp9NK57YIeaDfuArJcN9d14GgZlLBbjzXJ2oTqx_0qLBY6WINXMoJzcUmb-hDmCKniDhOwsk5ZQ56Joe3Y2DTbKkOy3KyT_Wq384n3WpqdsonYbV1gafxfpks/s1600/127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZlG_VY8ci8RFrIYfV_Zp9NK57YIeaDfuArJcN9d14GgZlLBbjzXJ2oTqx_0qLBY6WINXMoJzcUmb-hDmCKniDhOwsk5ZQ56Joe3Y2DTbKkOy3KyT_Wq384n3WpqdsonYbV1gafxfpks/s320/127.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
6. Witness the Great Migration<br />
What is the Serengeti?<br />
The Serengeti name derives from the Maasai phrase “siringet” which 
translates to “endless plains”. The Serengeti National Park is located 
in northern Tanzania and is truly vast, covering an area of about 5,700 
square miles (14,763 sq km). For travelers’ purposes, Serengeti is 
typically used to refer specifically to the protected national park. But
 the greater Serengeti ecosystem is much larger, roughly 18,600 sq miles
 (30,000 sq km) and includes several other game reserves and parks, 
notably the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Kenya’s Masai Mara National
 Park. The great Serengeti area is roughly defined by the  wildebeest 
migration route.<br />
The Serengeti is one of the most famous national 
parks in Africa and offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the 
world; however, there are a number of things to do in the Serengeti 
other than game drives. The Serengeti has earned the titles of one of 
the “Seven Natural Wonders of Africa” and one of the “Ten Natural Travel
 Wonders of the World” for being the site of the largest terrestrial 
mammal migration in the world (about 2 million animals!). However, even 
without the Great Migration, the park sports the densest lion population
 in the world and is home to all members of the Big Five and almost 500 
bird species. The Serengeti fits well into most people’s dream of an 
African safari with its abundant wildlife, vast golden plains dotted 
with thorny umbrella acacia trees, kopjes, and sausage trees, and its 
crocodile and hippo-filled rivers. When planning your time to this 
amazing place, you’ll want to take into account its large size and the 
timing of your visit to ensure the best viewing experience. In addition 
to the traditional daytime game drives, you might consider seeking out 
an alternative view of this beautiful ecosystem on walking safaris, 
night drives, and even from atop of a horse, hot air balloon, or plane! 
Including education and cultural activities such as visiting a local 
Maasai village or learning about the important paleoanthropological 
findings at Oldupai Gorge can also enhance a visit to this region. We 
loved our time in the Serengeti and below we’ll share our guide to 
visiting this amazing area. First we’ll share some practical information
 and then we’ll cover our list of the top ten things to do in the 
Serengeti.  <br />
When is the best time to visit?<br />
<br />
Here is a very rough guide to the 
Serengeti’s four sections (just note that each of these sections is 
still very large) and what you can expect to see: The Southern plains 
area of the Serengeti is easy to access and offers a great place to see 
the herds from about December to March and the calving season in 
February is particularly rewarding, but wildlife is generally much more 
scarce during the dry season. The Central Serengeti and Seronera area is
 the most visited as wildlife viewing is good here year-round and it has
 the most lodging options, but it is also the most crowded section of 
the park. The Western Serengeti area or Western Corridor offers decent 
wildlife viewing all year round with the migration reaching the Grumeti 
River around May or June and the river is also a great place to view 
crocodiles and hippos. The Northern Serengeti area (Kogatende, Lobo, 
Loliondo)  is the least visited and most remote section of the Serengeti
 but also offers some of the top luxury camps and lodges in the country.
 Possibility to see Mara River crossings here around July and August and
 several camps in the north offer walking safaris and off-road 
experiences.<br />
Where can I stay?<br />
There are a number of public 
campsites ($30/adult), special campsites ($50/adult), tented camps, and 
lodges in the Serengeti. The largest number and greatest variety of 
lodging exists in the Central Serengeti region around Seronera. Whether 
you want to camp on the cheap, sleep in a remote luxury tented camp, or 
stay in a large lodge with all the familiar Western amenities, you 
should be able to find something in the Serengeti suiting any lifestyle 
or budget. You should book accommodations well in advance, especially in
 peak season.<br />
Need more information?<br />
Contact at: sales@topiadventure.com <br />
Phone Number: +255 754 868 857<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcvqXqbMQsdp8gCPsyXXBOivhtrx5C-bwZ56y1-zmLnwdASGBmhKQ_7wG1_Lo4cuWHuSJVj1A52zIe6P9EfaQOKR-gDF8L4QBnpVj7BvMWgyLVjWkOAN5yr0A8csumVpwyyzKNONByfQ/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcvqXqbMQsdp8gCPsyXXBOivhtrx5C-bwZ56y1-zmLnwdASGBmhKQ_7wG1_Lo4cuWHuSJVj1A52zIe6P9EfaQOKR-gDF8L4QBnpVj7BvMWgyLVjWkOAN5yr0A8csumVpwyyzKNONByfQ/s320/056.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The Serengeti is 
one of the areas in Tanzania that offers good game viewing all year 
round, although you might want to avoid the heavy rains in April and 
May. However, depending on your sightseeing priorities (wildebeest 
calving, wildebeest river crossing, best time to see predators, birding,
 etc.), you’ll want to plan your visit accordingly. While all seasons 
can be a great time to visit, it is perhaps more important to figure out
 what parts of the Serengeti you’ll want to explore during your visit 
which will largely depend on your sightseeing priorities and the timing 
and length of your visit. We worked closely with our safari company, 
Amani Afrika, to determine our route and lodging based on the time of 
year and what we wanted to see.<br />
What can I do in Serengeti?<br />
1. Spend Time on Game Drives<br />
Obviously, one of the highlights of most visits to the Serengeti is the
 wildlife drives and the Serengeti is particularly renown for its 
migrating wildebeest, its dense lion population, and its good birding 
opportunities. What might not be as obvious to many potential visitors 
is that given the large size of the Serengeti, you can’t explore all the
 areas in a few days and you shouldn’t try. The distances are long and 
the roads can be rough so expect plenty of “African massage” along the 
way. Not all areas of the Serengeti are created equal and you should 
think about what you are most interested in seeing here and plan 
accordingly based on your sightseeing priorities and the timing and 
length of your visit (a good safari company should be able to give great
 recommendations here). See the “Best time to Visit” section earlier in 
the article. Serengeti is the stuff that African safari fantasies are 
made of and was hands down our favorite park during this visit. I can’t 
list all the animals and birds we saw in the Serengeti, but the list 
includes an amazing number of predators, including several cheetah, a 
leopard, hyena, jackals, and a ton of lions. We saw all the “Big Five” 
here except the elusive and rare black rhino. “Oh, it’s just another 
lioness” and “I don’t want to see any more hippos” were actual phrases 
we dared to utter on our last day here after seeing so many of these 
amazing animals! Our Amani Afrika guide, Muridy, was great at spotting 
animals for us and we learned so much from him about the animals, trees,
 birds, and ecosystem.<br />
2. Stop at the Serengeti Visitor Center<br />
The Serengeti Visitor Centre is worth a stop for its self-guided walking
 path that provides informative signs and exhibits about the history of 
the Serengeti, its ecosystem, and its wildlife. You are likely to even 
spot some wildlife along the path, including rock hyraxes (we probably 
saw close to a hundred of these little critters!), birds, and brightly 
colored agama lizards. A great place to stretch your feet and let 
children expend a little energy. This is also an excellent place to stop
 for a lunch break as the center has an outdoor picnic area, restrooms, a
 snack and coffee shop, and a gift shop. This was our favorite visitors 
center among those we stopped at in Tanzanian game parks. The center is 
located in the Seronera area and is open daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm 
(8:00-17:00).<br />
3. Visit a Maasai Village<br />
<br />
4. Experience a Night Game Drive<br />
A night game drive
 allows you the unique opportunity to spot a number of nocturnal 
animals, such as civets, bush babies, nightjars, and aardvarks, and 
possibly even predators on the hunt. Seeing new animals is definitely a 
highlight of these evening game drives, but these drives also give you 
the unique chance to see your surroundings from a very different 
perspective. While night game drives are not allowed in most parks in 
Tanzania and I don’t think anyone has permission to take guests on night
 game drives within the Serengeti National Park, certain lodges and 
camps have permission to do night drives on land located just outside 
the Serengeti. There are no fences around the park so there is still 
great wildlife viewing along the borders of the Serengeti. So if you are
 interested in a night drive in this area, look for lodges and camps 
located just outside the national park and let your safari operator know
 you are interested in this experience. For instance, some camps and 
lodges within the Ikoma Wildlife Area, such as Ikoma Safari Camp, have 
permission to do night game drives. Klein’s Camp sits on private 
wildlife concession land leased from the Maasai and has permission to do
 night drives as does Buffalo Luxury Camp which sits on privately owned 
land located just outside Klein’s Gate. We had the opportunity to do two
 night game drives at Buffalo Luxury Camp and were able to see bat-eared
 fox, chameleons, skinks, bush babies, impala, topi, wildebeest, 
giraffes, dik diks, gazelle, impala, zebra, scrub hare, jackals, 
mongoose, and hyena. While we were lucky to spot a lot of different 
animals, there is simply something thrilling about being able to drive 
around at night and hear all the night sounds of the wildlife. Tim, our 
wonderful guide, told us about some very exciting nighttime game drives 
he’d been on recently involving a group of hunting lions!  We didn’t see
 anything quite that thrilling, but we were content to just watch the 
delightful big-eyed bouncing bush babies!<br />
5. Visit the Moru Kopjes<br />
Kopjes are interesting weathered gigantic rock formations that rise out
 of the central Serengeti plains like little mountains. Islands in a sea
 of grass. Trees, vines, and bushes sprout out of many of the formations
 and you can see them scattered around the Serengeti Visitors Center. 
These rock formations provide shade, small water pools, and a great 
vantage point for many animals, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
 The Moru Kopjes are the most frequently visited kopjes and some kopjes 
contain African rock paintings done by Maasai cattle herders and at 
least one of the rocks, nicknamed the “Gong Rock”,  is believed to be an
 ancient musical instrument. While we didn’t see any kopjes that were 
quite as spectacular as The Lion King‘s Pride Rock and there were no 
baboon presentations of newborn lion cubs going on during our visit, the
 kopjes are a good place to spot big cats and smaller mammals such as 
hyraxes so point your binoculars here when on game drives. The Moru 
Kopjes area is also the best place to spot a black rhino in the 
Serengeti National Park.<br />
6. Witness the Great Migration<br />
The 
Serengeti is the setting for one of the world’s great natural 
spectacles: the Great Migration of herds of over a million wildebeest as
 well as hundreds of thousands of other hoofed animals, including 
zebras, eland, and gazelle. Who has not seen at least one of the amazing
 videos or photos of hundreds of thousands of these animals crossing the
 Mara River in a line and hundreds being dramatically pulled down by 
crocodiles!? Now this event could also be termed the Great Misconception
 as people seem to think the migration consists of just a single event 
(river crossing) or happens over a short time frame, but in fact it is a
 cyclical event that essentially never ends. Here’s a rough sketch of 
the cycle: January-March: the wildebeest are concentrated in the 
northern Ngorongoro Conservation Area and southern Serengeti area 
grazing and calving (February is prime calving month typically), April 
and May see the herds beginning to head in a northwest direction in 
search of green grass and May is generally the beginning of the mating 
season or “the rut” for the animals, June often finds the herds 
beginning to concentrate on the western side of the crocodile-infested 
Grumeti River (river crossings), July and August the herds continue to 
move in a northeast direction towards the Mara River and the Kenyan 
border (time of dramatic Mara River crossings), September-December the 
herds graze in the Maasai Mara in Kenya and then begin to slowly migrate
 in a southwestern direction back into Tanzania to begin the process 
again! The actual movement and timing of the migration depends heavily 
on the rainfall and weather so do let your safari operator know if you 
are interested in seeing the Migration so they can best maximize your 
chances to see the herds. The herds can be quite unpredictable, 
especially regarding the river crossings, so if this is high on your 
list make sure you plan an adequate amount of time in the area to 
maximize your chances of seeing it. We were only able to see a small 
number of animals cross during our time alongside the Mara River, but 
the prior day tens of thousands of animals had crossed. Next time! But 
seeing the large wildebeest herds congregate and then move in 
single-file columns is very impressive even without seeing any 
significant crossings.<br />
7. Step Back in Time at Oldupai Gorge<br />
Lying only a few miles south of Serengeti National Park, the Oldupai 
Gorge (also called Olduvai Gorge) makes a convenient stop for those 
traveling between the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. The actual 
gorge is a steep-sided ravine that is about 30 miles long. The site is 
famous because it is here where the Leakey’s discovered human fossils 
and tools dating back to over 2 million years ago. Fossils remains of 
over 60 hominids (human ancestors) have been found in this area, making 
it one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world. 
The discoveries here have been instrumental in furthering the 
understanding of human evolution. The small Oldupai Museum (small 
entrance fee) was founded by Mary Leakey and contains information and 
artifacts related to the  Leakey family, the fossil discoveries, the 
gorge, and the Laetoli footprints. Nearby is also the Laetoli 
archaeological site, which is famous for its 27m-long trail of hominid 
footprints that are believed to be 3.6 million years old! While this 
small museum might not be a must-see for some, it is a good way to add 
in a bit of non-wildlife education. Many visitors spend about 30 minutes
 in the museum and break for lunch here. We had planned to stop here but
 regretfully ran out of time and needed to keep going in order to make 
it to our lodge on time that day. One of the many reasons we want to 
return to this area, although we did get to check out the Natural 
History Museum in Arusha which has a section dedicated to human 
evolution and the fossil discoveries at Oldupai Gorge.<br />
8. Get an Aerial View of the Serengeti<br />
Want a bird’s eye view of the Serengeti? Perhaps the ultimate way to 
see this magnificent space is to spend an hour or so floating in a hot 
air balloon over the plains at dawn. Witness the sunrise over the 
“endless plains” and then come down to treetop level to view the animals
 before they seek cover to escape the heat of the day. After you touch 
down again, you’ll be treated to a glass of champagne and a full 
English-style breakfast with your fellow ballon riders. Sounds wonderful
 but this lofty experience comes with the price tag of $499 per person 
from the well-known Serengeti Ballon Safaris. If you are looking for an 
aerial view for a cheaper price, consider booking one of the small 
shared regional plane flights to or from one of the seven Serengeti 
airstrips. Several airlines have daily flights within the Serengeti (as 
well as to Manyara, Nairobi, Arusha, Dar-es-Salaam, Zanzibar, etc.), 
including Air Excel, Coastal Aviation, Regional Air, and Safari Plus. 
Private charter flights are also possible through these companies if you
 want to set the itinerary but expect to pay a lot for this privilege. 
We specifically traveled in a small 13-passenger plane from Kogatende 
airstrip (e.g., a field in northern Serengeti near the Mara River) to 
Arusha via Coastal Aviation. The plane flew relatively low for the first
 30 minutes or so as we made two other stops, but then for the last hour
 to Arusha the plane flew too high for good views. The views are not 
nearly as good as you’d get from a balloon (except briefly when landing 
and taking off) but for $275/person the flight provided us an aerial 
view, gave us the experience of flying in our smallest plane yet, and 
saved us a lot of time and the long bumpy ride by jeep back to Arusha.<br />
9. Stay at a Camp or Lodge that Allows you to Hear the Wildlife at Night<br />
Sleeping in a camp set off by itself where one can lay back and hear 
the chirping of the crickets, the cry of the African Fish Eagle, the 
rustling of the giant elephant, the “laughing” of the hyena, the yelping
 of the jackal, and the roar of the lions can be a magical part of the 
safari experience. The great part is that you can have this experience 
sleeping on the ground in a basic tent at a $50/night campsite or while 
sleeping under a down comforter in a $1,000/per night luxury tent as its
 the location that is most important here, not the tent. Our stay at 
Asanja Africa, a small luxury tented camp in central Serengeti, gave us 
the best feeling of sleeping in the African bush during our trip. We 
heard birds, jackals, hyena, and lions during the night from the safety 
and comfort of our tent. Just note that while the animals may seem very 
close (and they may be!), you can hear a loud lion’s roar from miles 
away. However, this experience is definitely not for everyone and we 
heard people complain about hearing the wind and being very upset when a
 lizard entered their tent at some places we stayed. Another experience 
you may want to consider when choosing lodging is a bush dinner as these
 can be a fun way to watch the sunset and enjoy a meal under the stars 
near a roaring camp fire. We enjoyed a great group bush dinner at 
Buffalo Luxury Camp. No matter your preferences, you should communicate 
with your tour operator about the kind of lodging you are looking for so
 that they can help you have the best experience as everyone’s vision of
 the ideal African safari is different.<br />
10. View Wildlife and Nature on Foot (or even on horseback!)<br />
An interesting way to explore the Serengeti ecosystem is to do it on 
your own two feet.  While perhaps not as exciting as drives, walking 
safaris are a great chance to get up close to the plants, trees, and 
smaller animals and learn a lot more about them. Similar to night 
drives, walking safaris are possible on the borders of the Serengeti 
National Park in designated areas. Several camps and lodges in the north
 allow for daytime nature and game walks, such as Klein’s Camp and 
Buffalo Luxury Camp. Also check out Alex Walker’s Serian camps for 
guided walks. For those really interested in walking safaris in the 
Serengeti area, check out Wayo Africa which offers multi-day walking 
safari tours. For those wanting to explore the area in the manner of the
 cowboys, the Serengeti Singita Grumeti lodges (there are several) offer
 unique equestrian safari opportunities that take you on guided 
horseback tours! We did a nature walk with Tim at Buffalo Luxury Camp, 
who is an encyclopedia of African wildlife knowledge, and we learned a 
ton about local plants, Dung beetles, the animals (giraffe, zebra, 
gazelle, wildebeest, baboons) we spotted during the walk, and we even 
got to see a demonstration of how the Maasai traditionally make fires. 
We highly recommend taking the time to fit in a walk as they are 
family-friendly and very educational with a good guide. It’s much easier
 to appreciate the local plants, insects, smaller animals, and birds 
up-close on foot compared to from a distance in the safari vehicle.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmkXDwlF6rpxL3MOI1LVfLd8Yd43q2mNiqyQDz9uvNVmTj20xjv-ibsywptjkufHOuT3wexgH_U4Y5ZS8SBR6_VNNdvvmrdpy0uATRpzWLFVr5zDTnFEdgopfGRpG5gUTpezau_0SJvI/s1600/114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmkXDwlF6rpxL3MOI1LVfLd8Yd43q2mNiqyQDz9uvNVmTj20xjv-ibsywptjkufHOuT3wexgH_U4Y5ZS8SBR6_VNNdvvmrdpy0uATRpzWLFVr5zDTnFEdgopfGRpG5gUTpezau_0SJvI/s320/114.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The Serengeti ecosystem 
has long been home to the Maasai, a semi-nomadic people who live in 
southern Kenya and northern Tanzania along the Great Rift Valley. They 
are the most well-known local tribe in East Africa to visitors due to 
their residence near and within many of the popular game parks, their 
continued engagement in their traditional ways of life, and their 
distinctive traditional clothing. Many Maasai villages, also called 
Maasai bomas, welcome visitors to visit and learn about their customs, 
traditions, and lifestyle. Most visits last an hour or less and include a
 brief dancing ceremony, a visit to a traditional boma made of sticks, 
mud, and cow manure, a visit to the village school, and the opportunity 
to purchase handicrafts produced by members of the village. Along the 
way, an elder will explain some of the customs related to raising and 
herding livestock, marriage, construction of the homes, education of the
 children, and traditional dress. Ethan and I had mixed feelings about 
the village we visited that was located between the Ngorongoro Crater 
and the entry to the Serengeti National Park. I do  think that all 
visitors should learn about the Maasai and their culture, but the 
touristy village visit felt “icky” to us.  We felt like there was way 
too much emphasis on making money and selling stuff and we got the 
strong impression that residents spend the whole afternoon waiting for 
each tourist group so they could perform out-of-context ceremonial 
dances. The worse part was that the adorable school children at the 
school were clearly reciting a script (alphabet and numbers in English) 
while we visited and it did not appear that they were actually being 
educated as there were no books, few supplies, and the chalkboard 
contained only the recited alphabet and numbers. How could they possibly
 learn anything if they have to perform for tourists all day? While not 
all villages are the same, we heard that many other visitors to other 
villages had similar experiences and we hope that these visits change to
 offer a more enriching cultural experience for visitors (that doesn’t 
feel so choreographed and commercial) without disrupting the daily life 
of the villagers, particularly the school-aged children. Most villages 
charge an entry fee and then many also suggest a donation for the 
village school or “hospital” as well as a strong sell of their 
handicrafts.

ABOUT SERENGETI

What is the Serengeti? The Serengeti name derives from the Maasai phrase “siringet” which translates to “endless plains”. The Serengeti National Park is located in northern Tanzania and is truly vas…

Soma zaidi »

16 Jun 2016

Group of 3 people climbing kilimanjaro via Machame route

Unknown

Link Author

Title: Group of 3 people climbing kilimanjaro via Machame route
Author: Unknown
Rating 5 of 5 Des:

6/6/2016 3:01 Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport Topi Adventure

<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDq33DtIkrMTWQGgLUUbep1uWTF2NMBhzJ9o7kDSrpJEnj1D4wZMA3c4ex5Y6vFpgdRT_njQeODCL_QLCWRPfTjmVLwzpJ7Brg0AvN0J5azqBWRe2w6cuMwUGpI03dtcD1AOOI7Z_Jf8/s1600/420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDq33DtIkrMTWQGgLUUbep1uWTF2NMBhzJ9o7kDSrpJEnj1D4wZMA3c4ex5Y6vFpgdRT_njQeODCL_QLCWRPfTjmVLwzpJ7Brg0AvN0J5azqBWRe2w6cuMwUGpI03dtcD1AOOI7Z_Jf8/s1600/420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3k8q8W9oAO1P1w23E2uQT7qMRiSsweyYJPfAv4Lst7LltjxLl5k2xq7IPWaf5hurYjDneg32rKJFa4x-UdthHVGNv54K-VLybd_D7R2TicmcnzoncATAADLX2uTp7GDQkydUld23miU/s1600/419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLbFKctZGreALniQU0Y7A1lHfXeRvE8i-H11jCfL4ekdAlaTDT7lVdQA-HfT-SnYy4knD8AgKnXRM2zdrXuc8ISIwfVNnoX5VKTT_DJkE9VlAa6f-eyfSYGswrbmhExF7YKFNgtXPR4s/s1600/418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLbFKctZGreALniQU0Y7A1lHfXeRvE8i-H11jCfL4ekdAlaTDT7lVdQA-HfT-SnYy4knD8AgKnXRM2zdrXuc8ISIwfVNnoX5VKTT_DJkE9VlAa6f-eyfSYGswrbmhExF7YKFNgtXPR4s/s320/418.JPG" width="320" /></a>6/6/2016 3:01<br />
<br />
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.topiadventure.com/" target="_blank">Topi Adventure</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />

Group of 3 people climbing kilimanjaro via Machame route

6/6/2016 3:01 Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport Topi Adventure …

Soma zaidi »

16 Jun 2016

Group to join ( 7 days/6nights Machame Route) tour start on 15th September 2015 finish on 21st September 2015

Unknown

Link Author

Title: Group to join ( 7 days/6nights Machame Route) tour start on 15th September 2015 finish on 21st September 2015
Author: Unknown
Rating 5 of 5 Des:

MACHAME (CAMPING) Advantages - Scenic, western ascent - Least expensive camping route - Varied scenery - Easy access t...

<br />

<br />
<br />
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 6;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Advantages </span></h3>
<br />

<br />
<br />
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SAMPLE ITINERARY:</span></span></h3>
<br />

<br />
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgt-QMn0A-5Ou9lMycEO69pLl8yhnep42aVWDaABeLN_XFh4BZcu1ON9pvh8AEl5_AAXxvIAUsjfvlXzwYGA7xGiY3cFccgijCI5eyzQLDW1mLRFnwxqTjnxKoPAOQF-SnqvEGJvzNtU/s1600/001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></h3>
<br />
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcv4-y0pUJrYFYy3Nyu21Z9CUXPND5OZwQLfLf3ovwEFhC3Iz2GA8P6a3cojjd58gr3y-4cZi0wTUryAshew0q-Ua6SyzS7EMErAXCZergwHjmWlOPj9HBr1arbPGkWRzl9ql8tXEXrro/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
</span></span></h3>
<br />
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcv4-y0pUJrYFYy3Nyu21Z9CUXPND5OZwQLfLf3ovwEFhC3Iz2GA8P6a3cojjd58gr3y-4cZi0wTUryAshew0q-Ua6SyzS7EMErAXCZergwHjmWlOPj9HBr1arbPGkWRzl9ql8tXEXrro/s1600/009.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcv4-y0pUJrYFYy3Nyu21Z9CUXPND5OZwQLfLf3ovwEFhC3Iz2GA8P6a3cojjd58gr3y-4cZi0wTUryAshew0q-Ua6SyzS7EMErAXCZergwHjmWlOPj9HBr1arbPGkWRzl9ql8tXEXrro/s320/009.jpg" width="320" /></a>Day One</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: Arrive at Moshi and
pick up with our driver to Park view hotel for briefing and overnight at
Park view hotel. </span></h3>
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmT7k44YaUjQ-aTG7kgW_ssN_asI2MZCr7kphhR11gwUBNWX115ZqAYVOOwuNkjncxS23BmC87-7-6b1IR8u3Yj1qA2Gt3cRsMhCuXkK_Fd1GByaI6epCiJ90B7gbDlgdnLKmXBnLPCo/s1600/026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgt-QMn0A-5Ou9lMycEO69pLl8yhnep42aVWDaABeLN_XFh4BZcu1ON9pvh8AEl5_AAXxvIAUsjfvlXzwYGA7xGiY3cFccgijCI5eyzQLDW1mLRFnwxqTjnxKoPAOQF-SnqvEGJvzNtU/s1600/001.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgt-QMn0A-5Ou9lMycEO69pLl8yhnep42aVWDaABeLN_XFh4BZcu1ON9pvh8AEl5_AAXxvIAUsjfvlXzwYGA7xGiY3cFccgijCI5eyzQLDW1mLRFnwxqTjnxKoPAOQF-SnqvEGJvzNtU/s320/001.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></h3>
<br />
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Day Two: Machame Gate (1,800m/5,905ft)
to Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft)</span></h3>
<br />

<br />
<br />
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hiking
time: 6 to 8 hours</span></h3>
<br />
<br />
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmT7k44YaUjQ-aTG7kgW_ssN_asI2MZCr7kphhR11gwUBNWX115ZqAYVOOwuNkjncxS23BmC87-7-6b1IR8u3Yj1qA2Gt3cRsMhCuXkK_Fd1GByaI6epCiJ90B7gbDlgdnLKmXBnLPCo/s1600/026.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmT7k44YaUjQ-aTG7kgW_ssN_asI2MZCr7kphhR11gwUBNWX115ZqAYVOOwuNkjncxS23BmC87-7-6b1IR8u3Yj1qA2Gt3cRsMhCuXkK_Fd1GByaI6epCiJ90B7gbDlgdnLKmXBnLPCo/s320/026.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Today’s
trek includes several uphill sections so carry plenty of drinking water as it
can be hot hiking on a clear day. There are several viewpoints from which to
view the plains and forests below, and the commanding Kibo and Mawenzi peaks
above. </span></h3>
<br />
<br />
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Notice
the change in vegetation as you gain altitude. The trees diminish in size,
giving way to Kilimanjaro’s famous high altitude plants, Scenecio kilimanjari
and Lobelia deckenii. After lunch, climb the Shira Plateau, created when Kibo’s
lava flows filled the Shira crater. Continue to Shira Camp and relax for the
rest of the day. Kibo lies to the west and Mount Meru to the east. </span></h3>
<br />

<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScaqBNK9YRoQl7hF3eqklZRsyW0yM5T4dEqlDRUYUJ_QCJm7aTnttpa_Cp9RNUv7IB0YeB2DVdlEdlsAgLGWy8XNEMBV8ZbqAzy13HRJmZik6UVhbQ3atsD7G08fRw1Sy6DFuMSUZgE4/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScaqBNK9YRoQl7hF3eqklZRsyW0yM5T4dEqlDRUYUJ_QCJm7aTnttpa_Cp9RNUv7IB0YeB2DVdlEdlsAgLGWy8XNEMBV8ZbqAzy13HRJmZik6UVhbQ3atsD7G08fRw1Sy6DFuMSUZgE4/s320/018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 6;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Day Seven: Barafu Camp
(4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Mweka Camp
(3,100m/10,170ft)</span></h3>
<br />

<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1JA2ucFwzNsbR2fTKAwPZH37Bb0QyuBAElFm7BWjXHxBHXRrCp_IhVkZ0qoL5ZJ7ZA1E0vVtUkeop8bG15lwP05QTq-lvVmjkuVSe2I7vNVy-T_GpLn4Q9YPfkG3wnXfzBwZl5ssmt4/s1600/076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> At
Barafu Camp, eat breakfast and take a short break. You still have another three
to five hours to go before reaching Mweka Camp.</span></h3>
<br />

<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnooEtwLe7doFRM9hq9m_hcbV9yXxRzxqr3YF2Cr6WlbXWOBrEXs_HWiWQTOVjTxu-YVJ9GWThJWpf_L_xVsjEoyigtvcmHWocMqu6X4BLg8sOkV53E4o_Ycr4wwO42HvQmM-_IlsASFw/s1600/072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnooEtwLe7doFRM9hq9m_hcbV9yXxRzxqr3YF2Cr6WlbXWOBrEXs_HWiWQTOVjTxu-YVJ9GWThJWpf_L_xVsjEoyigtvcmHWocMqu6X4BLg8sOkV53E4o_Ycr4wwO42HvQmM-_IlsASFw/s320/072.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div>
<b>   After
breakfast, finish the trek with a hike through the forest to Mweka Gate. The
trail may be slippery following rain. Our vehicles will meet you at the lower
station of Mweka Gate to take you back to Moshi</b><br />
<br />

Group to join ( 7 days/6nights Machame Route) tour start on 15th September 2015 finish on 21st September 2015

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

Soma zaidi »

09 Sep 2015

Load more posts

KILIMANJARO CLIMBING (MACHAME ROUTE- SCINIC ROUTE

ABOUT SERENGETI

Group of 3 people climbing kilimanjaro via Machame route

Group to join ( 7 days/6nights Machame Route) tour start on 15th September 2015 finish on 21st September 2015

Fomu ya Anwani