After a relaxing lunch at the safari lodge, enjoy an afternoon game drive in the Serengeti, marveling at the bountiful wildlife that is resident there. This evening, enjoy a talk by a local researcher from the Serengeti Lion Project, a program tracking all of the prides in the Serengeti. Overnight: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge. (B, L, D)

August 16:  Serengeti Safari, Masai Village, Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater

After an early morning game drive and breakfast at the lodge, depart for the Ngorongoro Crater located in the heart of the "Land of the Masai." Along the way, take a break for a picnic lunch and then stop to visit a local Masai village. Continue on to our safari lodge perched atop the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge. (B, L, D)

August 17:  Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Ngorongoro Crater Rim Hike

Descend into the crater floor early in the morning for a safari drive in the Ngorongoro Crater. Two thousand feet below the rim, the bottom of the crater is dotted with watering holes sheltering almost 30,000 animals in an area naturally enclosed by the slopes of the volcano. At any time, you may see elephant, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, lion, hyena, hippo, and wildebeest. Return to the lodge for a late lunch. In the afternoon you have the opportunity to take a short (1 hour) botanical walk around the lodge grounds or embark on a more rigorous hike (2 hours) to the crater rim. Tonight, enjoy a talk with a local Masai elder.

Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge. (B, L, D)

August 18:  Fly to Stone Town, Zanzibar

Depart for Arusha after an early breakfast. Stop at the Tanzanian Cultural Heritage Center on the way to shop for souvenirs, jewelry and art. After lunch in Arusha, transfer to your connecting flight to Zanzibar in the early afternoon. Zanzibar is a magical spice island in the Indian Ocean where ancient Islamic ruins, noble Arabic houses, and white, sandy, palm-fringed beaches and coves coexist. Upon arrival transfer by motor coach to Stone Town. Overnight: Zanzibar Serena Inn. (B, L, D) 

August 19:  Zanzibar - Stone Town, Transfer to the Beach

Take a walking tour of Stone Town in the morning to explore the heritage and history of this famous town, now designated a World Heritage site. The walking tour will include visits to the city market, the old Anglican Church located on the site of the old Slave Market, and the National Museum of Zanzibar. You may also visit the Old British Consulate, the Old Fort dating back to 1700, the House of Wonders and Livingstone House. Leisurely walks through the winding alleys and narrow streets will lead you to small exotic bazaars and local curio shops. After lunch on your own by the water at our hotel, transfer by motor coach to one of the island's most beautiful beaches. Overnight: Ocean Paradise Resort. (B, D)

August 20:  Zanzibar - Beach

Enjoy a free day on the beach today. Optional spice tours, Jozani Forest tours and snorkeling excursions can be pre-arranged or arranged at the resort while on Zanzibar. It is best to pre-book these activities to ensure availability. Have lunch on your own at the beach. 

OPTIONAL ZANZIBAR TOURS

      -     Spice Plantations Tour ($75):

            A visit to the spice plantations will dazzle

            your senses with fresh spices. This is a

            unique opportunity to visit the local farms

            and talk to farmers who will show you the

            traditional spices and fruits of Zanzibar.

            Spices like cloves, cinnamon, black

            pepper, and nutmeg, grown on plantations,

            will be covered on this tour. Tropical fruits

            suck as jack fruit, rambutan and

            carambola can also be seen and tasted.

      -     Jozani Forest Tour ($75): The Jozani Forest is the only remaining natural forest on

            Unguja Island and is a heaven for nature lovers! With a rich variety of bird species,

            Jozani also offers the unique opportunity of seeing the very rare Red Colobus

            Monkey, which is indigenous to the island of Zanzibar.

     -     Snorkeling ($75): The east coast of Zanzibar is a wonderful place to snorkel. Spend

            3 hours on a local dhow snorkeling among the coral reefs with teeming fish life.

Enjoy a farewell dinner by the beach and spend one last night at the beach resort.

Overnight: Ocean Paradise Resort. (B, D)

August 21: Zanzibar - Beach, Depart for Home

In the late afternoon, the group will drive back to the Zanzibar Airport for a local flight (15-minute flight) to Dar es Salaam. Connect to international flights home. Arrive back home on the afternoon of the next day. (B)

August 22: Arrive Home

All meals aloft. Arrive home.

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Accommodations

Serena Mountain Village

Hidden in the depths of a tree-shaded coffee plantation just outside of Arusha, The Serena Mountain Village is located among the flowered gardens of the plantation's farm house. The accommodations offer wide timbered decks with breath-taking views of nearby Lake Duluti, village-styled clusters and expertly thatched "Makuti" stemmed roofs. All rooms are decorated with authentic carvings and furnished with traditional safari-styled furniture.

Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge

Located on the Rift Valley wall, the Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge has spectacular views of the valley and of Lake Manyara National Park. There is a fantastic swimming pool that looks like it overflows the rift wall into the valley. All 67 rooms are spacious and comfortable and have en suite facilities. The concept used here is different from many other safari lodges in that it has created rondavels which house the rooms. There are 4 rooms in each rondavel, all of which are very private.

Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

The Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge is located in one of the most popular areas of the Serengeti known as Seronera. The 66 rooms in this safari lodge look like Masai rondavels with an ethnic design outside, while the large comfortable interiors are a blend of African and Western style. Strategically located on a hillside overlooking plains below, there are fantastic views of the animal life passing by, sometimes right outside your window.

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

The Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is built out of riverbed rocks and is situated on the rim of the crater with spectacular views. The 75 guest rooms are fairly simple but very comfortable. All have en suite facilities with a walk-in wardrobe, hair dryer, and a balcony perched on the rim of the crater. Central heating helps alleviate those cold nights you might experience.

Zanzibar Serena Inn

The Zanzibar Serena Inn is the most luxurious and only 4-star hotel in Stone Town. The inn is set in two historic seafront buildings that have been restored to their previous grandeur. The interior has a rich Arabic influence intermingled with indigenous influences. The rooms are exceptionally spacious and luxurious, each has a sea view, mini-bar, television, air conditioner, telephone, hair dryer, and safe deposit box. All bathrooms are en suite.

Ocean Paradise Resort

Ocean Paradise Resort is located on the east coast of Zanzibar and set within the unspoiled beauty of an extensive natural palm grove overlooking the azure blue water of the Indian Ocean. The accommodations consist of 100 bungalows decorated in the traditional native Zanzibar style. Each room is air-conditioned and is equipped with satellite television, radio, telephone, en suite bathroom, private terrace, mini-bar, and hair dryer.

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Safari Experience

A typical safari day will include morning and afternoon game drives, traveling in special 4WD vehicles. Each game drive usually lasts 3-4 hours before returning to the safari lodge. Full-day game drives are also offered with box lunches for all those who would like to venture farther afield. There is also extensive wildlife viewing while traveling between one park and another, and these drives usually take 4-6 hours. The vehicles will often split up in the parks to track game separately. 

The safari vehicles are spacious and comfortable. Each vehicle is equipped with radio communication to ensure contact with the safari base and other safari vehicles at all times. The passenger and driver compartments are connected to facilitate communication between the guide and guests. Roof hatches enable excellent wildlife viewing and photography and the safari guides are equipped with reference books listing all the local flora and fauna. All vehicles used on the adventure safaris have 9 seats, however the group will only fill each vehicle with 7 passengers guaranteeing that everyone has a window seat for the best wildlife viewing. The 4WD vehicles can go virtually everywhere, an important feature when you are tracking game, and they add a taste of adventure to your African safari.

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Children

Discover magical Africa and make this trip a family safari adventure. From grandparents to small children, all ages will come together to explore different cultures and wildlife on this educational wilderness experience. See and learn about lion, elephant, rhino, cheetah, wildebeest and more while visiting the great wildlife refuges. "Hakuna Matata," no worries on this safe and comfortable family-oriented safari program with kid-friendly guides, special children's activities and family-friendly accommodations. Children 11 years and younger will receive a $500 per person discount on the trip price if sharing a room with two adults. Children 12 years and older will be charged the full adult rate.

For safety reasons and for the enjoyment of other trip participants, we recommend that only children who are well-behaved and who can be kept in control in the safari vehicles participate in this trip. We recommend that you bring a car seat for your child if he/she uses one back at home. Please note that a maximum of 3 adults/children per room are allowed.

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Expedition Summary

At 19,340 feet (5,895 meters), Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak and the highest stand-alone mountain in the world. Our "Kilimanjaro Climb" offers a once-in-a-lifetime ascent of one of the world's "seven summits" via the road less traveled, the Machame Route, one of the most beautiful trails up the mountain. Spend five days trekking through five distinct climate zones, ranging from rainforest to arctic conditions. Rise early in the morning on the sixth day to reach the summit in time to take in a spectacular sunrise. A coterie of experienced guides, porters and cooks will be your support team as you climb to the "roof of Africa."

Experience Required

This is a strenuous trek up to the summit (19,340 feet) of the highest mountain in Africa. While no previous trekking or technical climbing experience is required, all trekkers must be in excellent physical condition for this trip. We also suggest that you have some experience with exercise at altitude. You will be hiking 5-8 hours each day, up and down mountain trails that are steep and rocky, and mostly at elevations over 10,000 feet. Porters will carry the bulk of the supplies, but even if you are just carrying a day pack, hiking at high altitudes is extremely demanding and can compound physiologic stress. You need to be in excellent health and top physical condition to enjoy such an experience, with adequate cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength and excellent balance. The minimum age for participation on this trip is 15.

The level of fitness needed requires regular aerobic exercise at least one hour 4-5 times each week. This should include aerobic activity (preferably hiking and running) and stair climbing and you must be able to sustain exercise for prolonged periods. We recommend that you start a moderate training program several months prior to departure, then slowly build up to a more strenuous level. Please consult your physician if you have questions concerning your underlying health. We can help answer questions for you and your physician concerning required levels of fitness and health conditions at altitude. If you have concerns

appropriate alternatives.

Trekking and Camping

The average trekking day starts with tea or coffee brought to us in our tents, followed by a basin of hot water for washing up. After repacking your duffel bag, breakfast is served. Start trekking by 8:00am. Porters will carry our bags and each trip participant is only responsible for carrying a "day pack" to carry water, a camera and any extra clothing needed during the day of hiking. Walk at your own pace with a lead guide at the front and another guide at the back of the group. Stop for a hot lunch mid-day, prepared by our kitchen staff who will have trekked quickly ahead of us. Reach our camp in the late afternoon - all the tents are

Top quality staff will accompany the group along the trail including a team of trained and experienced guides, cooks, assistants and porters to ensure the most pleasant trekking experience possible. All camping equipment except sleeping bags and sleeping mats will be provided: tents, chairs, tables, kitchen supplies, first-aid kit, toilet tent, dining tent, etc.  Showers are not available at any of the camps on Kilimanjaro, however washing water is provided in a basin in the morning and evening and toilet tents are provided. There is also an enclosed dining tent for meals. Due to environmental considerations, fires are not permitted on Mount Kilimanjaro. All of the group camping and cooking gear must be carried by porters (there is no vehicle support) and personal luxuries are few, but you will be surprised by the level of comfort and service provided on this camping experience.

Trip Details

Dates:

August 4-12, 2010

Cost:

double rooms/tents -  from $4,510 per person*

single rooms/tents - from $6,010 per person*

* NOTE: The following table lists the double room pricing for various group sizes. A discount is available

  when both trip deposit and final payment are paid by check. 

Includes:

      -     Global Adrenaline head expedition

            leader

      -     local Tanzanian guides

      -     airport transfers when arriving and

            departing on the designated arrival and

            departure dates

      -     accommodation as indicated in

            itinerary

      -     meals as indicated in itinerary

            (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)

      -     bottled water on all transfers and during meals; purified water while on climb

      -     farewell dinner

      -     activities as indicated in itinerary and entrance fee to national park for climb

      -     local porters for transportation of camping gear

Does Not Include:

      -     international flights (approximately $1,800 to $2,500 for USA - East Africa -

            USA flights)

      -     international airport departure tax ($30)

      -     meals not included (approximately $15)

      -     beverages (discretionary)

      -     tips and gratuities (discretionary)

      -     travel insurance (discretionary)

      -     phone calls, laundry and other items of a purely personal nature (discretionary)

Trekking at High Altitude

There are also inherent dangers in any expedition to high altitude. These dangers include everything from rock falls to the possibility of a serious fall, accident or sickness without access to a means of rapid evacuation, adequate medical supplies or adequate medical attention. High altitude may create discomfort and symptoms of illness that you do not experience while exercising at low elevations. Anyone planning a difficult mountain trek must be aware of the demands and risks imposed by very high altitude, be assured of excellent underlying health and prepare with 

The body cannot fully acclimatize to altitudes above 17,000 feet and, as a result, the more time one spends at such altitudes, generally the worse one feels. At 18,000 feet, there is only half the amount of oxygen in the air, which imposes considerable physical stresses on the body. As a result, most trekkers at high altitude feel physical discomfort of shortness of breath, headaches, nausea, insomnia and exhaustion. Individuals vary widely in their ability to acclimatize to altitude and not everyone should go to very high altitude. Because physical fitness does not confer any protection or facilitate acclimatization, it is impossible to predict how you will adapt to the altitude. The greatest protection is avoiding rapid ascents and allowing time for your body to acclimatize to the altitude. You must individually pace yourself to go slowly and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. You must not push too hard no matter how physically fit you may be or feel.

Early symptoms of high altitude sickness include headache, nausea, loss of appetite, insomnia, vomiting, dry cough, irregular breathing, shortness of breath, fatigue and swelling of the ankles and eyelids. It is not uncommon to experience some of these symptoms when you first arrive at high altitude and then to have them decrease in severity within a few days. It is important that you inform your trip leader immediately of any symptoms or discomfort, however minor, so that he/she can help you monitor the situation. Please be aware that carrying on with the climb in spite of alarm signals from your body may result in serious illness and even death. Medical conditions that are aggravated or complicated by high altitude include heart diseases, lung diseases, pregnancy, anemia and sickle cell disease. It is imperative that anyone with these conditions consult his or her physician in detail before attempting this climbing expedition. For more detailed information on altitude illness and medications that can be taken for the prevention of and treatment of altitude illness, please consult the Centers for Disease Control (CDC): http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2010/chapter-2/altitude-illness.aspx.  

Trip Itinerary

August 4: Fly to Africa

Fly to Africa, arriving the next day.

August 5: Arrive in Africa. Transfer to Arusha

After arriving into Kilimanjaro Airport, transfer to Arusha, approximately a 1 hour drive from the airport. Spend the night at our hotel near Arusha. Before retiring for the evening, attend a briefing with the head expedition guide and get a full equipment check.

Overnight: Serena Mountain Village.

August 6: Kilimanjaro Climb - Arusha to Machame Camp

In the morning, transfer to the Machame Park Gate (6,000 feet, 1,830 meters). After registering with the park authorities, begin the climb through lush montane forest. Continue on through lower heathland before reaching the first overnight camp - Machame Camp (9,000 feet, 6-7 hours of walking) at the upper forest edge.

Overnight: Machame Camp. (B, L, D)

August 7: Kilimanjaro Climb - Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Today's segment of the ascent will continue across beautiful heathland and alpine moorland with magnificent views of Kilimanjaro's peak, ending at Shira Camp (12,300 feet, 6-7 hours of walking) in the upper heath zone. Overnight: Shira Camp. (B, L, D)

August 8: Kilimanjaro Climb - Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

Today's hike will take us up to 14,000 feet just below the Lava Tower, then back down to our camp in the Great Barranco Valley. The views of the Great Breach Wall are better from this camp than anywhere else on the mountain. End the day at Barranco Camp (13,000 feet, 5-6 hours of walking). Overnight: Barranco Camp. (B, L, D)

August 9: Kilimanjaro Climb - Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley Camp

Start the day with an exhilarating climb up the eastern wall of the Barranco Gorge where you will enjoy views of Kilimanjaro's ice fields, an equatorial anomaly. Ascend to over 14,000 feet under the glaciers of the southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro before descending into the Karanga Valley (13,000 feet, 4-5 hours of walking) for the night. Overnight: Karanga Valley Camp. (B, L, D)

August 10: Kilimanjaro Climb - Karanga Valley Camp to Barafu Camp

Trek up through the Karanga Valley, following the lava ridge to Barafu Camp (15,500 feet, 6-7 hours of walking), where the group will sleep until rising at close to midnight to get ready to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. Overnight: Barafu Camp. (B, L, D)

August 11: Kilimanjaro Climb - Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

Just after midnight, begin your summit attempt, passing between the Rebmann and Tarzel glaciers to the rim at Stella Point. As dawn nears, summit at Uhuru Peak (19,340 feet), the highest point in Africa. Uhuru will be the culmination of - and the reward for 6-7 hours of strenuous hiking. Then descend back to Barafu Camp, resting for awhile before continuing the descent to Mweka Camp (10,500 feet, 3-4 hours of walking on the descent). Overnight: Mweka Camp. (B, L, D)

August 12: Kilimanjaro Climb - Mweka Camp to Park Gate. Transfer to Arusha. Join Safari

Make the final descent to the park gate, a walk of about 3 or 4 hours. After bidding farewell to your guides and porters, return to Arusha where you will enjoy a celebratory dinner with your fellow climbers before meeting up with the rest of the group for the safari. Those who are doing the Kilimanjaro Climb only may spend the night at our hotel near Arusha before flying home tomorrow. (B, L, D)

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