Amani Nature Reserve hiking; Amani nature reserve is located in the East Usambara Mountains and it is the home to fauna and flora which cannot found somewhere else. Among the endemic species found in this reserve and the Usambara Mountains include, the Usambara three-horned chameleon, Nduk eagle owl and the famous African violet (Saintpaulia).
One of the major attraction in Amani nature reserve is the Botanical gardens which is the second largest botanical garden in the world where major medical research are done in the Amani Medical Research. Now days this Nature reserve has changed into one of the significant tourist attraction in the country where by a number of tourist from around the world visit for scientific research, ecotourism and trekking.
Amani Nature Reserve is a bird paradise where variety of birds can be spotted including, Uluguru violet backed, forest warbler, Amani Sun bird, and various species of flowers such us nine species of the African Violet garden flower and the colorful butterflies.
Visitors can get information about the flora and fauna of the Usambara Mountains at the reserve visitors center before starting the tour. The center has a variety of seed samples and photographs of varies species located in the area. You may also get an opportunity to get some information about the local culture and craft.
Amani Nature Reserve Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Emau Hill, Usambara Mountains
Depart Dar es Salaam at 0800 hrs to Amani nature reserve in Usambara Mountains.. Stop for lunch at Korogwe Transit hotel then proceed to Emau Hill where you will overnight at Emau Hill Campsite.
Day 2: Amani Nature Reserve
After breakfast a short walk in the immediate area to experience a tropical rain forest and by the river to see the African Violets growing in profusion.
Optional
A drive around the area including a visit to a tea estate
Escorted night walk in the Amani Nature Reserve
Day 3: Bird watching
Breakfast in the Camp, option to stay at leisure in the camp either go for bird watching or hiking.
Picnic lunch can be arranged.
Optional
Full day escorted bird watching with picnic lunch
Day 4- 7: East Usambara Mountains to Pangani
After breakfast depart Amani nature reserve for the journey to the historical and cultural town of Pangani via Tanga. Spend 4 nights HB at Mkoma Bay Tented Lodge.
Relax by the pool, walk on the beach or the following optional activities:
Pangani River cruise; Snorkeling off Maziwe Island; Walking tour of historic Pangani; Dhow trip to Zanzibar; Scuba Diving; Mountain Bikes; Lunch and shopping in Tanga
Day 8: Pangani – Dar es Salaam.
Today we will transfer you by road to Dar es Salaam via Msata and the historical town of Bagamayo.
Note: Emau Hill Forest Campsite will be closed during the rainy season approx. mid-April until June 21st
Package Includes:
Airport transfers
2 nights in the hotel at Dar es Salaam
Reserve Entrance fees
3 nights accommodation at Emau Hill Forest Campsite with three meals a day
Transport in a 4WD Safari vehicle
4 nights accommodation at Mkoma Bay Tented lodge HB.
Airport transfers on the arriving and departing day at Dar es Salaam.
Salary for the Professional English Drive Guide & armed ranger
Trekking Udzungwa Mountains through Mwanihana trail takes 3 days with overnight stay in tents in the mid of the virgin and charming forest. Starting few kilometers from the Udzungwa Mountains National Park headquarters in Mang’ula village this trail develops through the eastern side of Mt. Mwanihana, across semi-humid hilly forests, humid sub-mountain forests, pluvial mountain forests, and short stretches of high-mountain moorlands, and reaches the highest peak at about 2,400 meters of height. While hiking Udzungwa you will encounter several species of animals and vegetation.
The total distance for this route is about 20 kilometers and trekking is easy with some short steep distances. Since the night is spent in the forest where the weather and climatic condition is somehow difficult then this trail is recommended for adventure travelers and wilderness lovers.
Trekking Udzungwa Mountains Program
Day 1 – 2: Dar es Slaam to Mikumi National Park
Pick up from the hotel at Dar es Salaam or Airport for the drive to Mikumi national park with a short stop in Morogoro town for breakfast. Continue to Mikumi national park and upon the arrival at the park conduct game drive with the possibility to see animal such as lion, leopard, cheetah, elephants, buffaloes and several species of antelopes. This park is also the best spot for bird watching safari with about 400 bird species recorded. Meals and overnight at Camp Bastian.
Day 3: Mikumi National Park to Mang’ula
Early morning leave Mikumi to Udzungwa Mountains National Park at Mang’ula for registrations thereafter transfer to the starting point of Sanje trail for a half day trek. While hiking you will see several endemic primates such as Sanje Crested Mangabey and the Iringa red Colobus. Arrive at Sanje waterfalls which water drops at the height of about 180 meters. Spend some moments relax at the waterfalls and enjoy your picnic lunch overlooking the panoramic view of the Kilombero Valley. In the afternoon descend back to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Trekking Udzungwa – Mwanihana trail
Breakfast at the lodge then transfer to Sonjo Village which is begin point for the Mwanihana trek. Trek Mwanihana trail escorted by an armed ranger and encounter some game animals such as elephant and buffalo. As you track in the forest your guide will help you identify various medicinal plants. Today you will camp at Njia panda area.
Day 5: Trekking Udzungwa Mountains
Early breakfast, proceed with the Udzungwa Mountains trek through the changing forest to the Mwanihana summit. Encounter true montane vegetation amongst the Giant Ericas. Below you will view a spider’s web of elephant trails crisscrossing the park. Descend and trek through the forest until you reach your camp for the night.
Day 4: Udzungwa Mountains – back to Dar es Salaam.
Early morning after breakfast descend the trek with possibility to encounter some primates and antelopes such as red duiker. As you arrive at the starting point catch up the vehicle back to the lodge then proceed to Dar es Salaam.
Rongai route begins on the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro near the Kenyan border. This is the least traveled route for the Mount Kilimanjaro Climb. It takes a long drive to get to the starting point that is filled with fantastic views. After summit you will decent on the Marangu route. Accommodation on this route will be in tents.
THE BEST MONTHS TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO RONGAI ROUTE.
Normally March, April and May are the months with long rains and should be avoided.
November is usually short rains but it is not often rains all the days so Climbing is possible.
July can be colder and November to December can be wet.
January to February is the warmest months, almost clear of clouds each evening and morning.
The success rates with our guides are outstanding compared to the overall success rates for all climbers who attempt to reach the top.
Summit Success Rates: Stella Point (48%). Uhuru Peak (46%).
Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Rongai Route Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival
Arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport/Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Transfer by normal (0800am or 0200pm) shuttle Bus to Arusha where you booked in Arusha Crown Hotel/Impala hotel for the night BB
Day 02: Hotel – Rongai Gate – First Cave
Today we transfer to the start of the Rongai route, close to the Kenyan border, where we begin the ascent of Kilimanjaro. The first night will be camping at the first cave.
Day 03: First Cave – Third Cave
The climbing today is a gradual ascent and we get great views of the plains of Kenya below and the spectacular Mawenzi Tarn above. We get up to a height of 3800m today where we camp for the night by the Third Cave.
Day 04: Third Cave
We have an extra day for acclimatization. This is spent in the vicinity of Third Cave taking gentle walks.
Day 05: Third Cave – Kibo Hut
Our climb today takes us through the lunar desert of the Saddle, the lava-covered expanse between the two peaks Mawenzi and Kibo. By the end of the day we reach Kibo Hut at 4700m where we camp overnight and rest, ready for the ascent the next day.
Day 06: Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut
We have a very early start for the final ascent, leaving the hut in the middle of the night to arrive at Uhuru Peak just after dawn. It is a 4 to 5 hour slow walk up increasingly steep screed to Gillman’s Point at 5690m followed by a further 1 to 2 hour walk around the crater rim to Uhuru Peak at 5896m. You have incredible views of glaciers many storey high surrounding you, and the plains of Africa stretched out below you. After taking in this amazing view we return by the same path past Kibo Hut and on down the Marangu Route all the way to Horombo Hut.
Day 07: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate
It just takes us about half the day to descend back down to the park gates at Marangu. Here we will be met and transferred back to the Arusha hotel. It is now time to celebrate your achievement. Overnight bed and breakfast basis.
Tour Price:
Price Includes:
National Park entry fees, camping fees, rescue fees
English speaking guide(s), cook and porters
Full board camping accommodation during the climb
Camping equipment ie Tents + Form mattress
Mineral water for the first day, boiled and filtered water on the other days
Transfer to the gate and return to Arusha
Price excludes:
Other drinks
Meals and accommodation in Arusha – We can arrange this one too.
Lemosho Route is considered as the best route on Mount Kilimanjaro Climb. The trek begin through thick and fertile rain forest which followed by the wildflowers and shrubs of the heath ecosystem. Approaching from the west, we cross one of most beautiful areas on Kilimanjaro, the vast Shira Plateau, before traversing the mountain along the southern circuit. The Lemosho route is for those with previous backpacking experience
THE BEST MONTHS FOR CLIMBING MOUNT KILIMANJARO – LEMOSHO ROUTE.
Normally the best Months for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro are January, February and also August and September. July can be colder and November to December can be wet. The month of March, April and May are the months with long rains and should be avoided.
November is usually short rains but it is not often rains all the days so Climbing is possible.
January to February is the warmest months, almost clear of clouds each evening and morning.
The success rates with our guides are outstanding compared to the overall success rates for all climbers who attempt to reach the top. Summit Success Rates: Stella Point (48%). Uhuru Peak (46%).
Lemosho Route – Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Day
Arrive Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) met and transfer to Moshi Town. While in the lodge our Mount Kilimanjaro guide will brief you about the next day trek. The guide will also help you to check for your climbing equipment. In addition to the above he / she will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.
Day 2: Lemosho Big Tree Camp (2,650 m); 3-4 hours walking.
Transfer to Londorosi Gate where you will do the necessary registration formalities. From Londorosi we drive through varied farmland with open views over the plains to reach the Lemosho roadhead. The last section of the road is of poor quality and difficult to drive after rain, sometimes we start walking a kilometre or two below the roadhead. We often have our lunch at the roadhead before starting to walk. It is an easy day of walking up a small path through beautiful and lush forest. We camp at Lemosho Big Tree Camp.
We soon leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone of giant heather. The trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. There is a tangible sense of wilderness, especially if afternoon mists come in! We camp in the centre of the plateau at “Shira One.
Day 4: Great Barranco valley (3,900 m); 7-8 hours walking
A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction (4,550 m) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below near our campsite at Barranco valley.
Day 5: Karanga campsite (4,000 m); 4-5 hours walking
A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the south-eastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Icefields. The terrain changes to scree, with pockets of vegetation in sheltered hollows, and there is only a short distance to our camp at Karanga (4,000 m), the last water point on the way to the summit.
Day 6: Barafu campsite (4,600 m); 3-4 hours walking
We follow an easy path on compacted scree with wide views that gains altitude unrelentingly to reach the Barafu campsite (4,600 m) for lunch. There is a short acclimatisation walk to the plateau at the bottom of the South-East valley (4,800 m). The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night.
Day 7: Mweka forest camp (3100 m); 13-15 hours walking
Proceed with the Lemosho Route climb by ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point (5,735 m), in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the two hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach our final Mweka forest camp.
Day 8: Mweka forest camp to Mweka Gate (1,650 m); 3-4 hours walking.
A sustained descent through lovely forest with lush undergrowth takes us to Mweka National Park gate.
Price Includes:
2 Nights accommodation at Keys Hotek on BB
Private professional mountain guides
All Park fees
Rescue fees
All meals while on the Mountain
Arrival and Departure transfers
Government taxes, VAT and all relating service charges
Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
Summit Oxygen
Walking Sticks
Camping Gears
Price Excludes:
Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Meals not listed above
Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)
Tips and any items of personal nature.
Emergency Evacuation by Flying Doctor
Marangu Route is the easiest and shortest route to Climb Kilimanjaro and sometimes called the “Coca Cola” route. Compared to other routes the Marangu route is the only route on Mt Kilimanjaro which accommodation is offered in shared huts fitted with solar panels in every camp. In each hut there are comfortable beds with sponge mattress and pillow.
The first stop when climbing Kilimanjaro along Marangu route is the Mandara hut at the altitude of 2700 meters above sea the level. This hut has a total of 60 beds. Heading further towards the Mount Kilimanjaro summit is the Horombo hut which located at 3720 meters above sea level. The Horombo Huts is larger than with Mandara huts with the total of 120 beds. Both Horombo and Mandara huts have bathrooms and running water with basic latrines. At 4700 meters height is Kibo hut with 60 beds. All the huts have dining huts which is shared by all climbers which brings a cheerful atmosphere. Beer and soft drinks are also available for sale at the huts. Climbing Kilimanjaro through this route is normally takes 5 days but it can be done for 6 days for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing to a basecamp below Kibo’s sub peak Mawenzi
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport meet and greet then transfer to the small town of Moshi for overnight at Keys Hotel or other hotels of the same standard.
Day 2: Moshi – Marangu Gate – Mandara Hut
Breakfast, followed by briefing from your guide, depart the hotel at 08:30 am for a 45 minutes drive to Marangu gate. This gate is located to the eastern side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Register at the gate and start the climbing through the rain forest. Along the forest you will see the eucalyptus trees, colobus monkeys and bird life. The trail between the gate and Mandara hut used to be wet and muddy so trekking poles and gaiters will help. During climbing Kilimanjaro Shorts and t-shirts can be enough, but you should carry with you the rain gear and warmer clothing. You may opt to stop for lunch at halfway or proceed to Mandara Huts where you will arrive around 1 or 2 pm. Take lunch, rest and have some tea or coffee. While at Mandara you will have a 15 minute walking trip to Maundi Crater where you will see the surroundings. Dinner will be served at 7 pm.
Day 3: Mandara to Horombo
Breakfast at 7:30 am, and continue to climb Kilimanjaro through rainforest glades, follow an ascending path through heathland for 1 hour. Along the trail you can see giant lobelias and groundsels. Continue toward the moorlands with the vegetation cover of small shrubs. Stop for lunch at the point where you can enjoy amazing views of Mawenzi. Arrive Horombo Huts at 2 to 3 pm and enjoy the view of Kibo’s summit. Spend the remaining hours of the day relaxing and prepare yourself for dinner. Bathrooms with running shower are available. At this point most climbers start to feel the effects of altitude so you can choose to spend an extra day for acclimatization here. You may also choose to climb to a basecamp below Kibo’s sub peak Mawenzi.
Day 4: Horombo to Kibo Hut
Wake up early to enjoy the magnificent sunrise, breakfast and continue with the climb through the to breakfast as usual, but if you wake early you can get some great photos of the sunrise. The first part of the day’s hike climbs through the dwindling heathland that annex into a moonscape as you enter the broad saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. Halfway stop for lunch, and as you proceed crossing the saddle you can observe the summit that you will be climbing in the coming few hours. Not that there is no running water at Kibo Hut.
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Summit
Wake up at midnight for a light breakfast and prepare for your summit ascent. At 1 am start to climb along steep trail via Gilman’s Point and arrive to the summit at 5,861 m / 18,640 ft between 5 and 7 am. Here, the panoramic views of the magical crater and its icecaps welcome you. Continue to trek for another 2 hours along the crater rim near the renowned snows take you to Kilimanjaro’s true summit, Uhuru Peak, by 9 am which is the Africa’s highest point. This is also the best spot on Kilimanjaro to take pictures which you will show to your friends.
After staying at the summit, descend back to the Kibo Huts for lunch and short rest thereafter continue to Horombo huts. Eat dinner and get some well-deserved sleep!
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Climbing Oldoinyo Lengai is extremely awesome adventure ideal not for everyone but for fit people with excellent physical condition. At the beginning the trek is gentle and it start changing to drastically into steepness as you move higher normally after the first distance of 300 meters. The steepness is what makes it difficult and very challenging to climb this mountain and addition to it is the existence of the hot sun during the day which results to a high temperature. Due to these facts we highly recommend to start the climb in the early morning hours at 01:00 am or 02:00 am so that you reach the summit before the sunrise when it is cool. The distance from the base to the point where you can the volcano crater is 2 kilometers and the total time requires to climb Oldoinyo Lengai up and down is approximately 6 to 7 hours.
The total duration required for the entire tours is 3 days which combine climbing oldoinyo lengai and a visit to the nearby area of interest such as the Lake Natron. This lake is the main nesting ground for flamingo birds in the region.
Oldoinyo lengai is part of the volcanic system of the East African Rift Valley which produces natrocarbonatite lava. This mountain has been experiencing occasional volcanic eruptions which makes the locals who lives in the near neighborhood to call it the mountain of God. They actually name it the mountain of Gold “Oldoinyo Lengai” due to the presence of fire and ashes occur during the eruption.
Requirements for Climbing Oldoinyo Lengai
Oldoinyo Lengai Climbing gears: Warm sleeping bag (-10’C); Trekking boots (used and comfortable); a warm jacket; Thermo long underwear; Balaclava hat; several pairs of warm socks; windbreaker jacket; Rain gear, Getas, Light camera, Sunglasses and sun creams; Warm gloves, a walking stick and some medicines.
Medical Kit: We advise you to consult your doctor before coming to climb Oldoinyo lengai and furthermore to bring your own medical kit with all important medicines. You can include in the kit antibiotics, malaria tabs, sunburn cream, water purification tabs, Diamox, (Aspirins will do for mild headaches). For the case of Acute Mountain Sickness you shall have to climb down. Doctor before the climb.
Camping during Climbing Oldoinyo Lengai:
We use light tents for camping which is perched in the public camping sites supported with basic necessities only. Together with the tents we provide mattresses, chair, tables etc.
During this trip you will accompanied by your private cook who will be preparing fresh meals for you and deals with the camp chores. It is your obligation to inform us about your dietary requirements so that we organize your meals accordingly.
Climbing Oldoinyo Lengai Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha – Oldoinyo Lengai
At 08:00 am we shall pick you up from your hotel in Arusha town for hardly 3 hour drive via Engaruka ruins to Oldoinyo Lengai. Located in the Gregory Rift, south of Lake Natron Oldoinyo lengai is the only live volcano in the East African region which experiencing occasion volcanic eruptions. The shape of this mountain is almost perfect cone with crater at the top and steep slopes. As you arrive in the area you shall depart for a short tour to Lake Natron which is located few kilometers north east. The Lake Natron is one of the major breeding site for the flamingo in the area. In the evening you may also visit the maasai community for a cultural interaction and the nearby waterfalls for a swim
Day 2: Climb Oldoinyo Lengi Mountain – Arusha
Today at 01:00 am in the night you shall be transferred by vehicle from the camp to the base of the Mount Oldoinyo Lengai to start the climbing. The total climbing distance is from the base to the peak and the way back to the base is approximately 4 kilometers. The climb is challenging and it requires a physically fit person to manage it. Arrive at the Peak just before sunrise after 5 to 6 hours of trek.
The oldoinyo lengai crater is quite unique with ashes on it as it goes down to the volcano vent. After spending sometimes at the summit taking pictures you will descend to the mountain base for transfer back to the camp. After a short rest and brunch in the camp you will depart back to Arusha arriving in the evening.
Enquire for Price
All transfers made by road to all destinations as per Itinerary Accommodation in campsites while on safari for full board basis. Park fee and village charges Service for Maasai guide and their donkey Fee for a professional driver guide & an armed ranger Pure drinking water 1.5 liter per person per day Sleeping bag
Accommodation in Ausha on the arrival and departure day International flight Airport departure tax Flying doctors insurance All expenses of personal nature Tips for diver and cooker Alcoholic drinks while in the Camp.
