OVERVIEW – Brief

This section only provides a brief introduction or summary:

• The Safari – Basic Itinerary (for more details see ITINERARIES)
• The Climb – Basic Itinerary (for more details see ITINERARIES)
• The Educational Experience
• Pre-Trip Briefing
• Accommodations
• Climbing Groups
• Acclimatization
• A Typical Day in the Serengeti
• Temperatures and Vegetation
• A Day with the Children

The Safari – Itinerary In Brief

Arrival date – July 2,  2022 (on or before): Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, Tanzania. Airport pick-up, welcoming dinner and accommodation are included; followed by all meals, accommodation, safari vehicles and guides up to breakfast July 5, 2021.

Day 1 (July 3): Safari begins – Manyara game drive, overnight in beautiful Highview Hotel

Day 2 : Olduvai Gorge. Serengeti game drive

Day 3 : Serengeti game drive

Day 4 : Masai Village, Ngorongoro Crater game drive, Highview Hotel

Day 5 : Tarangiri Game Reserve (depending on migration pattern), Moshi, Springlands Hotel.

July 8, 2022 – Safari ends after breakfast . . .Options: fly home, participate in the Mt. Kilimanjaro climb or spend time with Heshie and the orphans in Moshi.  NOTE: meals beyond breakfast, and any additional night’s accommodation are at your discretion. . .Werner will arrange if you wish.

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July 8: Moshi, Springlands Hotel – preparation for the climb, briefing, meet our guides,  and 2hr Leadership Development. Optional: shopping, orphanage, sight seeing or rest!

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The Climb – Itinerary in Brief

Kilimanjaro – the majesty and the beauty

Day 1 (July 9): Moshi (915 m/3,000 ft) to Machame Gate (1,490 m/4,890 ft)
then climb to Machame Camp (2,980 m/9,780 ft), 5-7 hours

Day 2:  Machame Camp (2,980 m/9,780 ft) to Shira Camp (3,840 m/12,600 ft) – 9 km/5.6 mi, 4-6 hours

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower (4,630 m/15,190 ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950 m/12,960 ft)  – 15 km/8.9 mi, 7 hours

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,950 m/12,960 ft) to Karanga (4,026 m/13,277 ft) – 9.5 km/6 mi, 3-5 hours

Day 5: Karanga (4,026 m/13,277 ft) to Barafu (4600m /15,200 ft)- 3.9/2.5 mi, km, 3-5 hours

Day 6: The Summit!

Barafu Camp (4,600 m/15,200 ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,341 ft), down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m/10,170 ft) – 7 km/4.4mi up,  6 – 8 hours up, 7-8 hours down to Mweka (3,100 m/10,170 ft)

Day 7: Mweke Camp (3,100 m/10,170 ft) to Mweka Gate (1,980 m/6,500 ft) and back to Moshi (890 m/2,920 ft) – 15 km/8.9 mi, 3-4 hours

DAY 8 (July 16): End – Breakfast and transport to airport (included) for flight home – some will want to stay on to be with the orphan community with Heshie (& Werner). Please note: meals beyond breakfast and additional night’s accommodation are at your discretion. . .Werner will arrange if you wish.

On the Summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro (Uhuru Peak) with Robert G. Allen, 2006

The Educational Experience

Beyond the mesmerizing experience of the African landscape, the safari and the climb, the trip will be enhanced by visiting a Masai Village, witnessing the migration of the animals of the Serengeti and the history of the Ngorongoro Crater.

You will get a sense of the difference in the agrarian way of African life and that of the cattle loving Masai. You will depart this astounding world asking yourself (just like those of you who were here before and in Nepal with Werner), “How can anyone have so little, and yet, have so much and be so happy?”

In a world as different as Africa, in contrast to our cities and lives of our everyday existence, it is hard not to see ‘life’ from a very different perspective. Dunking yourself into unfamiliar ‘waters,’ especially in the safety of a group and its seasoned leaders, opens portals hitherto closed, and where FEAR (False Evidence Appearing Real) has the opportunity to either melt away or become insignificant in the grand scheme of creation. In conjunction with the Leadership Development (see Menu bar) transformations do not only become possible, they become highly likely – actually a reality!

Trek Leader(s) and Staff

Our Executive Tour Organizer, Guide, Safari and Climb Leader is Werner Berger (see menu bar). The Local Guides are English speaking, experienced, safari and mountain people who love their country and what they do; together we guarantee a safe and enjoyable trip. For the most part, the guides were raised at the foot of Kilimanjaro. Also, our porters form an intricate part of the trek and their amazing carrying capacity allows you to enjoy the journey. We have 3 porters per climber and each carries up to 32 pounds /15kgs of your gear, plus all the food and accommodation requirements. We will have 1 lead guide and 3 assistaint guides per each 8-12 climbers.

You will be carrying your own day-pack with water, snacks and emergency clothing (approx. 10 – 17 lbs). If you let us know ahead of time, we are able to arrange a personal porter at an additional fee.

Pre Trip Briefing

Prior to the climb we conduct a Pre-Climb Briefing. We discuss acclimatization, introduce your trek Leaders and give you an opportunity to ask questions and meet your fellow team members. We also brief you on how to get the most out of your time on this amazing mountain and the educational experiences you will relish.

Meals

All Meals are provided during the Safari and the Climb. Our own cooks accompany us on the mountain.

Safari: Includes dinner on July 2 and breakfast on July 8

Climb only: Includes dinner on July 8 and breakfast on the July 16.

You will be on your own for meals and accommodation, prior to and after the above dates. The combined adventure includes all meals and accommodation from July 2 (dinner) June 29 and breakfast on July 16 (breakfast).

Accommodations

In Moshi we stay at the Springlands Hotel. The accommodation is rated 3 star, simple, comfortable and clean and the meals are served buffet style. On the safari, we will be staying at the beautiful Highview Hotel and Serengeti Wild Camp (wonderful bush setting, tall tent accommodation, beds with mattresses, with shower and toilet). All park fees are included.  Accommodations are based on two-person occupancy. Upon request, and where available, single occupancy may be arranged for an additional fee of $450 US for safari and $750 safari and climb. In Moshi, the cost of the combined trip includes four (4) nights accommodation – one (1) before the start of the Safari, two (2) after, and one (1) night at the end of the Climb.

A Typical Day in the Serengetti

You will be awakened, likely before day break, ushered to breakfast and then taken on an early morning game drive in search of the African Big Five – Elephant, Lion, Rhinoceros, Leopard and Cape Buffalo. We will see droves of Wildebeest and Zebra, Antelope of all kinds, Giraffe – magically appearing around a bend in the road – Warthogs, Guinea Foul, and Monkeys of many descriptions. In addition we are likely to see Cheetah, Meercats, Hippopotamus and Crocodiles. We might even come across a night kill; possibly abandoned by the lions and the hyenas, and now left to the frantic scraping of the vultures. This is Africa – Africa in the raw, were the symbiotic existence of life tends to shock the western mind. At times we might see something foreign to our expectations and say, “Oh! That’s horrible.” In truth, that’s life!

During the game drive we will enjoy a box lunch, maybe in the shade of an Acacia tree were we might stop and rest for a few hours. Later we will go on a late afternoon game drive followed by dinner. After a pleasant evening around a campfire (when available), with bright stars sparking out of a pitch-black ceiling, and frequent nocturnal sounds of Africa penetrating  the darkness, we’ll retire to our beds.

Seeing all five of the “Big 5” is the challenge.  In the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater we will see plenty of wildlife up close. We might see hundreds of birds (including flamingo) and more mammals than you can count. The challenge will be the spotting of the elusive Rhino. What a memorable place!

Tarangire Park is famous for its elephants, birds and migrating wildebeest. The permanent Tarangire River keeps many sections lush and green in contrast to the sun drenched veldt. . .in the past the animal sightings have ranged from spectacular to, shall we say, “less so!” – in fact, twice (2) in the 9 trips they were gone.

Temperatures and Vegetation

“The Serengeti climate is usually warm and dry with mean temperatures varying between 60 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (15/25 degrees Celsius). The temperatures tend to be moderate year round, with cool nights. The cycle of the rains causes the clockwise migration of the animals along most of the 400 miles (600 Km) of the Rift Valley of this vast tectonically and volcanically formed landscape. In places you will be mesmerized by the forms sculpted by the abration of endless winds, rain and sun.”

Climbing Groups

The size of the group will determine the number of climbing groups we will create. Each group will have one Tanzanian leader, 3-4 assistant leaders, and 3 porters per climber (carrying your gear, food and tenting equipment).

Acclimatization

The Safari has been planned to precede the Climb since it lends itself to a great opportunity for acclimatization, especially for those living below 5000ft (1524m)….the more time we spend at altitude the more the body adapts and the lower the risk of contracting AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) – my teams have NEVER had an AMS incidents!!! On the summit of Kilimanjaro (19,340 ft/5895m) the oxygen level is about 45% of that at sea level. To deal with this deficiency, the body needs time to adapt, hence the time in the Serengetti and 6 nights/7 days on the mountain. Again, with Werner’s high altitude experience, and our competent guides, our team has never had any altitude issues.

The Serengeti is about 5000ft in elevation, and the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater is 8000 ft/2438m. On the return from the safari we will spend about 1 hour on the rim allowing the rarified air to condition our bodies prior to approaching the mountain.

On the climb you will hear your guides frequently yell, “Polle, polle”, which means “Slowly, slowly” in Swahili[1]. This, plus the ‘rest step,’and ‘climbers’ breathing (both of which Werner will teach you) are the absolute keys to success.

If you have any known heart, lung or blood disorders you must consult your doctor before traveling. Our itinerary has been designed to prevent AMS, and it is important to know, altitude effects people differently. We will have supplemental oxygen on the climb and reserve the right to send any climber down, if we in our estimation believe there might be any danger to her/his health….in registering for the climb, you unequivocally agree to this stipulation.

[1] Explanation: With proper trip planning, guidance and slow climbing the chemistry in our bodies can changed and adapt to the rarified air. A speedy ascent does not allow this.

A Day With The Children

The Mt. Kilimanjaro Orphanage is a 5 minute walk from our resort hotel. While the climbers are on Mt. Kilimanjaro, Heshie spends her days supporting the orphans, here, as well as in a location 3 hours drive away. Not only is she welcomed by all because of her gifts (over 2000 brand new clothing items, months of school supplies, supplements and medical supplies), but also for her love, compassion and coaching. I am surprised to see 4 to 16 year olds eagerly learning to stitch, and all ages thirsting for her coaching on how self awareness, self appreciation, relationship building, how to be a friend, pursuing a dream and reaping and playing in a world of abundance is each and everyone’s birthright. She teaches, “You are magnificent and all powerful and can fashion your life in a win/win manner according to your own dreams and wishes.” I can’t stand back without thinking, “How many kids in our western world could be benefitting from her teachings of character development, attitude and living, with respect in a world of abundance?”

After we come off the mountain a number of climbers accompany Heshie to the local orphanage. We are all struck by the exuberance and love with which the kids, running, greet us. Many of the climbers have brought their own gifts. The hours that followed are filled with laughter, play and more love than seems possible. Heshie has laid the ground work and the climbers revel in the joys of the moment. . .a sharp contrast to the demands of climbing a high altitude peak. The correlations that stands out are the close knit relationships, the team work and the learning opportunities presented by both encounters. How in heavens name can we ever behave as if we do not have any personal responsibilities in our lives and that, ultimately, we are not responsible to each other. Our kids, regardless of race, color, religion or any other differentiating factor are our future; and we better all start acting accordingly, before humanity becomes even more fractured and isolated and ultimately blows the beautiful creation we all live in, into smithereens.

Who is having the most fun? Dwayne or the kids?