Africa - From the Rooftop to the Ranges

Transcription

1 Africa - From the Rooftop to the Ranges Mountains and ranges to be conquered, tribal lands to be discovered, a wealth of unique wildlife to be seen! This is Africa at its best... Trip Length: 27 days / 26 nights Maximum 12 guests 17 March to 12 April 2019 USD $6850 / person / twin share Single Supplement (Tanzania hotels only, 5 nights): USD $550 / person Included meals marked each day. B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner Africa is an irresistible magnet beckoning walkers, wild life enthusiasts, botanists, and photographers. The Rooftop of Africa, in Tanzania is our first stop. Those willing and able will climb mighty Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m). Its perfect dormant volcanic cone dominates the skyline as it stands sentinel above the surrounding plains and game reserves. Arusha National Park is where we may see the tree-climbing lions. The Serengeti Plains are alive with game and protect the lifestyle of the Masai people. To the south, in the northern Drakensberg Ranges, we ll visit the land of the Zulus as we climb Ukhahlamba (Barrier of Upright Spears), a formidable rock bastion rising from the Transkei flatlands. Except when camping or staying in mountain huts, we stay in three-star hotels and an eco lodge. We carry day packs for all hikes, except in the Drakensberg Range when we need to carry our own clothes, sleping bag and personal items, unless you wish to hire an extra porter. Prices for this are available on request. Experience why this continent is so unique and feel her beckon you back time after time... Day 1: Sunday 17 March Arrive Moshi We touch down at Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to our hotel in Moshi. Moshi, a gateway to Kilimanjaro National Park, is a town in northern Tanzania, near the Kenyan border. Moshi is known for its coffee farms and is one of Tanzania s major coffee-producing hubs. We ll meet our guides in the evening and discuss the program for our ascent of Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain on the African continent. Day 2: Monday 18 March Moshi Marangu (B, L) Drive to Marangu 1.25 hours After breakfast we ll collect our picnic lunches and drive to Marangu village. We ll Take A Walk around the village and explore the cultural life; Marangu Waterfall, and caves used by the Chaga tribe to fight against German colonialism. We may even get to taste some banana beer. Day 3: Tuesday 19 March Marangu Mandara Huts (B, L, D) 3-4 hours walking, about 8.9 km, Grade gradual, carrying 5-7 kg pack with lunch, water, camera and personal items. The porters carry our other gear. We ll collect picnic lunches, drive 10 minutes to Marangu Park Gate to register with park rangers before we start our Kilimanjaro ascent. The walk leads through rainforest where we may spot exotic animals like black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and an array of colourful birds. Our excess luggage will be transferred to Arusha for pick-up on Day 8. Overnight Mandara Huts (2743 m), bunk beds, running water and flush toilets. Huts along the Marangu Route

2 Day 4: Wednesday 20 March Mandara Hut Horombo Hut (B, L, D) 5-6 hours walking, about 11 km, Grade gradual We continue through the upper rainforest zone to the moorland zone at 3000 m. Giant lobelia and giant groundsel grow to an amazing 5 m here and there are excellent views of Kilimanjaro s two peaks, Kibo and Mawenzi. We finally reach the hut and it s time for a rest. Overnight Horombo Hut (3720 m), bunk beds, running water and flush toilets. Day 5: Thursday 21 March Horombo Hut acclimatisation day (B, L, D) We ll spend the day acclimatising to high altitude, with an option of doing a day walk to Mawenzi Hut (4600 m). Overnight Horombo Hut (3720 m), bunk beds, running water and flush toilets. Day 6: Friday 22 March Horombo Hut Kibo Hut (B, L, D) 4-5 hours walking, about 9 km, Grade gradual After an early breakfast, we ll set out at a very slow and gentle pace (pole pole) to give us more time for acclimatisation. We ll walk through the heathland zone to the alpine desert zone and continue to Kilimanjaro Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. It s likely to be cooler today. We ll have dinner, then get some sleep to prepare for our summit climb. Overnight Kibo Hut (4720 m), bunk beds Day 7: Saturday 23 March Kibo Hut Uhuru Peak Horombo Hut (B, L, D) Giant Groundsel Trees 6-8 hours to the summit, about 6 km, Grade steep and challenging 6-7 hours walking from summit to Horombo Hut, Grade easy 3-4 hours walking from Kibo Hut to Horombo Hut, Grade easy We ll wake around midnight, have some refreshing tea with cookies, then rug up against the cold before we start our summit climb. (Those not going to the summit will stay at Kibo Hut, sleeping). After reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) the Kilimanjaro summit, we ll spend minutes taking photos and enjoying the views before starting our descent to Kibo Hut. We ll collect our lunches and those who did not go to the summit, then continue descending to Horombo Hut. Overnight Horombo Hut (3720 m), bunk beds, running water and flush toilets On the way to Kili

3 Day 8: Sunday 24 March Horombo Hut Arusha (B, L) Drive to Arusha, 2 hours 30 minutes 6 hours walking, about 19.9 km, Grade easy, but long distance After a leisurely breakfast we descend to Marangu Gate where our bus will be waiting to take us to our hotel in Arusha. Day 9: Monday 25 March Arusha National Park (B, L) Drive to Arusha National Park, minutes 4 hours walking, about 2-3 km, Grade easy, carrying a day pack After breakfast, we collect our picnic lunches and drive to Arusha National Park where we ll enjoy a game tour in the park and a walking safari with the park ranger. We may even get close to wild animals - buffaloes, giraffes, warthogs, zebras and baboons are some to call this place home. An albino baboon was spotted in November A visit to Momela Lakes may reveal flamingos and hippos. This park is also the home of Mount Meru, a dormant volcano, 70 km west of Mount Kilimanjaro. At a height of 4,562 m, it is the fifthhighest mountain in Africa. Back to our Arusha hotel. Day 10: Tuesday 26 March Tarangire National Park (B, L, D) Drive to Tarangire National Park, 2 hours 30 minutes Drive to Lake Manyara National Park, 1 hour 30 minutes After breakfast and collecting our picnic lunches we drive to Tarangire National Park, the sixth largest national park in Tanzania. It s a quiet park, slightly off the main safari route in northern Tanzania. It is known for its elephant migration, birding and authentic safari atmosphere. Once there, we take a game tour for a full day viewing native animals. The Tarangire River crosses the park and is the primary source of fresh water for wild animals during the annual dry season. Because of the high concentration of elephants, greater than any other location, the locals refer to the park as Elephant s Paradise. Some of the many other animals we are likely to see are the big cats, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes and gazelles. Later, we ll drive to Lake Manyara National Park and spend the night in a campsite. Overnight at Twiga Campsite or Fanaka Campsite at Mto wa Mbu town. Day 11: Wednesday 27 March Lake Manyara National Park (B, L, D) After breakfast we ll take a short 5 to10 minutes drive back into Lake Manyara National Park, for another game tour to view the wild animals. Although small, the park teems with wildlife. This is the day we hope to see the tree-climbing lions and flamingos, icons of the park. Giraffes, huge elephants, hippos, buffaloes, gazelles and many other animals make this park unique. Bird watchers won t be disappointed either as there are over 300 species of birds here. Later we ll drive to the camp for a hot lunch, and after we can walk to Mto wa Mbu town for a town tour to experience the culture of the locals. This town is noted for the largest bananas in Tanzania. Overnight campsite at Mto wa Mbu town. Day 12: Thursday 28 March Ngorongoro Crater - Serengeti National Park (B, L, D) Drive to Serengeti National Park from Olduvai Gorge, 1 hour 45 minutes We ll collect picnic lunches before driving to Serengeti National Park via Ngorongoro Crater, the world s largest inactive, intact and unfilled volcanic caldera. We ll pass Olduvai Gorge (the museum of the Cradle of Mankind). This rich archaeological site is where evidence of the earliest humans has been found. As we drive into Serengeti National Park and head to our campsite, we ll have our eyes peeled to spot more African game. Overnight Seronera camp. Day 13: Friday 29 March Serengeti National Park (B, L, D) Today we have the option of an early morning balloon safari over the Serengeti, or another driving game tour. We ll be back at camp for a hot lunch and an afternoon game tour. Overnight Seronera Camp. Day 14: Saturday 30 March Serengeti National Park (B, L D) Another day stalking game, and don t think you ll ever tire of it. The pixels will be on overload as we drive through the central Serengeti National Park. Overnight Seronera Camp. Young Masai Warriors

4 Day 15: Sunday 31 March Ngorongoro - Simba Camp (B, L, D) We ll grab our picnic lunches again and drive to Ngorongoro via Ndutu, Serengeti s southern plain. Today we are on the lookout for the wildebeest migrations in the Ndutu area. Overnight at Simba Camp. Mess Hut in the Serengeti Day 16: Monday 1 April (B, L) Drive from Ngorongoro to Arusha, 3 hours We ll descend the crater for one last game tour before driving back to Arusha and saying goddbye to our guides. Overnight at hotel. Day 17: Tuesday 2 April (B) Flight from Kilimanjaro to Johannesberg Overnight at hotel. What s Included in Tanzania All ground transport, except to and from Kilimanjaro Airport Transport in comfortable landcruisers with driver Baggage transfers English speaking trip leader and local guides An Australian Take A Walk Adventures leader for the complete trip 5 nights 3* hotels, 5 nights huts, 6 nights tents (mountain and safari accommodation is in huts / tents) Mattresses for camping Mount Kilimanjaro government park fees Guides, cooks, porters Meals per day (B, L, D) Bottled water during the game drives and safaris (the guides will be treating drinking water on the mountain) Porter backpacks for carrying food and our extra clothes What s Not Included in Tanzania Flight from Australia to Tanzania Flight from Kilimanjaro to Johannesberg Any lodging prior to the tour dates and on Day 17 Ground transfer Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi (Day 1), and Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport (Day 17) Visas Travel and accident insurance All personal trekking equipment including backpacks, sleeping bags, liners and pillows Extra meals not noted and all trail snacks Alcohol, soft drinks and mineral water Personal medications and first aid kit - guides carry only the basics Personal expenses and other services Tips for guides, cooks, porters, drivers and hotels Optional hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti Other General Information Hot showers in hotels, hot water in basins in huts, mobile bathrooms at campsites WiFi and device charging in hotels ATMs available in all towns Bags will be carried by porters on the mountains and by van on safari Tipping - this is usually arranged with the trip leader. We have told our Tanzanian operator that we are independent travellers and do not expect our bags to be carried into or out of our hotels etc for a tip, unless we ask for the service. Tipping is usually organised as a group thing.

5 Testimonials from some of our 2017 Africa - Wildlife, Wilderness and Wonders trip adventures Lis -... I have got so many wonderful memories. It was a great trip, so different to anything I have ever seen or done before, so many great experiences every day... Thanks to both of you for all the work you put into organising such a great trip, thanks for being there for everyone when they needed that little extra support or information... Many memories of Africa, of wildlife, of mountains and scenery, of lifestyles, of people, and especially of new friendships... Thank You. Mary Anne -...many thanks for organising the great trip to Africa. I loved the journey and the company. Lee and Ken -...Yes, Africa was fantastic. - I still don t have my head around what we actually managed to see and do. The group was really good... Annette - Thanks for a great trip...the jet lag wasn t as bad as I was expecting thank goodness... Magical Serengeti Day 18: Wednesday 3 April (B,D) Road transfer from Johannesburg to Drakensberg. 4 hours There will be options to stop along the freeway to buy our own lunch. Our eco lodge is nestled below the ramparts of the Drakensberg Range. In the afternoon, we ll meet our local guide and discuss the program for the Drakensberg section of our African adventure. Overnight Eco Lodge Day 19: Thursday 4 April (B,L,D) San Bushman Art Site and Cannibal Cave 4-5 hours walking, about 12 km, Grade Easy / Moderate - undulating with a few steep sections After descending into Cavern Valley, we pass through Fern Forest before climbing through protea savannah veld up towards Lone Rock. About 75% of the way up to the sandstone cliffs we contour to view the San Bushmen paintings, then continue on and climb to Cannibal Cavern, a 60 m deep and 200 m wide shelter in the sandstone cliffs. San Bushmen lived around Cannibal Cave in ancient times and decorated sandstone overhangs with their art. During the Zulu wars in the early nineteenth century, refugees from displaced tribes fled south and west. Cannibal Cavern was a final refuge for a small band of survivors. Faced with starvation, their only option was to eat their own dead. This led to the name Amazizi amazimo is the Zulu word for cannibal. After a break there we continue to a view point on top of Surprise Ridge from where we are able to view the Amphitheatre, Tugela Falls and the main Drakensberg escarpment. We return via the hotel. Overnight Eco Lodge

6 When hiking in the Northern Drakensberg Ranges we will be walking over rough terrain with rocks and lumpy grass at an average of 3000 m. We will walk around km a day, around 6 hours a day. The only place we are likely to need a rope is on the optional climb to Cathedral Peak (Day 24) when we cross the Bell Traverse. Then it is only for 4 km over 4 hours. Day 20: Friday 5 April (B,L,D) Sentinel car park (2500 m) Camp 1 Driving time to Sentinel car park, 2 hrs 4 hours walking, about 5 km, 450 m ascent, Grade - moderate walking, some exposure on the ladders This first day is commonly referred to as the Chain Ladders Hike. From the car park we follow a well-maintained path as it zig zags up past the Three Witches to the base of the Sentinel Massif. Along the way we ll stop for lunch at a view point overlooking the Amphitheatre, Devils Tooth and the Inner Tower. After lunch we stroll along a contour path below and around the Sentinel to arrive at the chain ladders that penetrate the steep rock faces and lead to the plateau above. There are two sections of both ladders; the first is about 30 m, followed by a 17 m section. But who s measuring - our aim and focus is to get to the plateau! Once on top we have an easy walk along the relatively level plateau for 40 minutes to our first camp near Tugela Falls (3036 m), the highest in Africa and the second highest waterfall in the world. The waters from Tugela Falls drop into the Tugela Valley below. The views are amazing, especially at sunrise. We may be lucky enough to see several large birds of prey, including bearded vultures (Lammmergeier). Day 21: Saturday 6 April (B,L,D) The Chain Ladders 6 hours walking, about 13 km, Grade moderate Today we walk a bit more into the country of Lesotho, along the Kubedu Valley. Lesotho is a small, poor kingdom landlocked by South Africa. High on the plateau, you may see the Sotho herdsmen who live in rough kraals in summer. They are tough men, sometimes wearing nothing but a blanket and gum boots during the coldest of days. Lunch is at the stream below Icidi Buttress. It may be boots off time as we ford the Kubedu River. We cross a few ridges before gradually dropping to a stream, then up the valley and over another ridge to our lunch spot. More views, then it s another two hours walking to our camp for the night, near Stimela Peak overlooking the Mnweni area way below. Day 22: Sunday 7 April (B,L,D) 6 hours walking of undulating hills, about 14 km, Grade moderate Mbuduni Pass and Madonna and her Worshipers are our backdrop today. We stop along the way for a break beside another Lesotho stream. Now it is an uphill walk onto the route behind the Black and Tan Wall to the Hanging Valleys that spill into the great hole of Mnweni Cutback. From the cutback we look over to the Rockeries and Mponjewana while having lunch at another small mountain stream. Then it s uphill back into Lesotho and views to the infant Orange River where it begins its 2200 km journey west to the Atlantic. We trek down into the Orange River Valley and on to our camp near a huge Cape Vulture colony. This spectacular spot overlooks the valley that is home to our Zulu porters. Mnweni Cutback Fields of Wildflowers

7 Our Porters Chat with a Sotho Herdsman Day 23: Monday 8 April (B,L,D) 4-5 hours walking, about 10 km, Grade moderate It s a shorter day today as we walk behind the mighty saddle. We may even get to have a dip in a beautiful pool before the climb up to Alice s Restaurant for lunch, where the views are amazing. We can look back to the Devils Tooth at the Amphitheatre, and over Cathedral Peak in front of us, and all the way to Champagne Castle. After lunch we descend past Ntonjelana Pass and up the Kwakwatsi River to camp above Mlambonja Pass. On some of the more well-established mule trails we may encounter some Lesotho marijuana smugglers - that s what they do! Day 24: Tuesday 9 April (B,L,D) 9 hours walking if doing the Cathedral Peak climb, about 7 km, Grade steep and challenging 2-3 hours walking from camp to camp, about 5 km, Grade moderate This is the hardest day as we walk along the Bell Traverse on the climb to Cathedral Peak. You do need a head for heights for the climb and our guides will use a rope for safety. It is 4 km from our camp to the base of Cathedral Peak where we have lunch. While having lunch we can check out the peak and decide if the climb is for you. The climbers will leave after lunch, the others will stay at the lunch spot and watch for the climbers as we wait for them to return, then we walk just 45 minutes to camp on the ridge below Cathedral Peak. Cathedral Peak is a free standing summit that soars 3005 m above sea level. It stands alone in the Mlambonja Wilderness Area and is surrounded by the towering peaks of the main Drakensberg escarpment. (If the weather prohibits the group from doing the Bell Traverse, we will walk down Mlambonja Pass to camp at the bottom.) Day 25: Wednesday 10 April (B,L,D) 2-3 hours walking from camp below Cathedral Peak to Cathedral Peak Hotel, about 6 km, Grade easy to moderate, along an established path 1 hour walking from camp below Mlambonja Pass to Cathedral Peak Hotel, about 2 km, Grade easy Drive time from Cathedral Peak Hotel to our eco lodge about 1 hour This is our last day on the Northern Drakensberg trek. From the camp below Cathedral Peak we walk down the ridge past Orange Peel Gap to the hotel, and then it s into the vehicles and back to our Ecco Lodge where we will be treated to a braai (barbecue) and Scottish pipes. What a fitting way to end our sojourn! Overnight Eco Lodge Day 26: Thursday 11 April (B,L,D) Rest day at our Eco Lodge. There are plenty of short to medium day walks from there if you are still feeling energetic. Overnight Eco Lodge Day 27: Friday 12 April (B) Transfer to Johannesberg. End of our Africa - the Rooftop to the Ranges adventure. The Drakensbergs - you ll love it...

8 Eco Lodge What s Included in the Drakensberg Range All ground transport, except Johannesberg Airport transfers on arrival and departure from our hotel Transport in a comfortable bus with driver Baggage transfers. Extra luggage may be left at the Eco Lodge while we do the trek English speaking trip leader and local guides - Ian (our on-the-ground organiser and guide) tells me he speaks beautiful English, and I can vouch for that! An Australian Take A Walk Adventures leader for the complete trip Cabin accommodation at the Eco Lodge 5 nights in tents while on the hike Mattresses for camping Drakensberg park permits Guides, cooks, porters Meals per day as per the itinerary (B, L, D) There is no need to treat the water in the Drakensberg. Ian assures us it is the absolute best you will ever drink!) Porter backpacks for carrying food and our extra clothes Jambo (hello)...

9 What s Not Included in the Drakensberg Range Flight from Kilimanjaro to Johannesberg Flight from Johannesberg to Australia or any other destination Any lodging prior to or following the Drakensberg section (Days 17 and 27 in Johannesberg) Visas Travel and accident insurance All personal trekking equipment including backpacks, sleeping bags, liners and pillows Extra meals not noted and all trail snacks Alcohol, soft drinks and mineral water Personal medications and first aid kit Personal expenses and other services Tips for guides, cooks, porters, drivers and hotels Hot showers in hotels and the eco lodge WiFi and device charging in hotels ATMs available in all towns Porters will carry the tents and food, so you will only need to carry your clothes, toiletries, wet weather gear, sleeping bag, pillow, personal medication, camera etc. The weather in April is generally very stable, around C during the day and maybe -2 C at night at the worst. It is usually clear with no rain. Tipping - this is usually arranged with the trip leader and is usually organised as a group thing Ian and Sue - Thank you both ever so much for all your hard work in organising the winderful trip to Africa. We thoroughly enjoyed every part of the adventure... Thank you also for your care and attention along the way... Liz - Thank you very much for organising a terrific trip through a majestic landscape... Ann and Barry - Thanks for the wonderful trip. Other General Information Testimonials from some of our previous Drakensberg trip adventurers Ruth - Thanks very much for organising such a wonderful trip. Looking forward to the next one... (Please note: This is an adventure. Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha and Tarangire national parks have not been included in any previous Take A Walk itineraries. Most of the Drakensberg itinerary has been experienced on a previous trip, and we are using the same local organiser and head guide for that section. John and Lyn will accompany the trip. To ensure the safety and the well-being of the group, please bear in mind the itinerary may be altered for reasons beyond our control such as weather, trail conditions, and road or park closures. The final hiking selection is at the discretion of our local tour leaders.) Take A Walk Publications and Adventures Pty Ltd PO Box 66, Camp Hill, Qld 4152 Australia info@takeawalk.com.au