MOUNT
KILIMANJARO, ZANZIBAR AND ADDIS ABABA
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Have you
always wanted to visit Africa? This is the way to do it! Kilimanjaro,
Serengeti, Zanzibar and Addis Ababa.
There are
also three grades of accommodation (except Zanzibar) so that you can afford it.
This exceptional itinerary commences
with a safari in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania, close to the border with
Kenya. This means that your safari takes in the best known wildlife sanctuary
in the world, Serengeti National Park, and also Ngorongoro Crater which is set
among some of the grandest scenery in Africa.
Mount Kilimanjaro is in fact two peaks, Kibo (5895 m 19340 ft) and
Mawenzi (5353 m 17564 ft). Although only 3 degrees south of the equator, the
summit of Kibo is permanently covered in snow.
First climbed in 1889, many thousands now reach the summit each year. The
abundant wildlife of this region includes elephant, rhinoceros, lion, leopard,
buffalo, hippopotamus, zebra, giraffe, cheetah, eland, impala, wildebeest,
warthog and monkey.
The exotic seaside destination,
Zanzibar, is as wonderful as it sounds. It is the perfect destination for those seeking an exotic location,
rich with mystique, a wealth of history and culture, but with palm-shaded
tropical beaches as well.
Situated in the Indian Ocean, 50 km north of Dar-es-salaam, Zanzibar was
settled in the 12th century by Persians from Shiraz, and Arabs from
Oman. By 1700, the Arabs had transformed the island into the thriving centre of
the East African ivory and slave trades.
In 1890, Zanzibar became a British Protectorate and Livingstone and
Stanley¡¦s great expeditions, together with much missionary exploration into the
heart of Africa, started here.
The port of Zanzibar is the main town and today it has numerous small
shops, bazaars, mosques, palaces, churches, former colonial mansions,
courtyards and squares. The oldest part is Stone Town, a labyrinth of narrow,
winding streets, lined with quaint whitewashed houses often with magnificent
ancient doors.
Formerly known as Abyssinia, home of the Queen of Sheba, Ethiopia is the
oldest independent country in Africa. It is the size of France and Spain
combined. The capital, Addis Ababa, stands in the centre of the country, at an
altitude of more than 2440 m (8000 ft).
Ethiopia was strong enough in the late 19th century to resist
Italian attempts at colonial occupation but the Italians ruled Eritrea in the
north from 1890, and eventually took over the whole country in 1936. They were
forced out of both areas five years later by Ethiopian and Allied forces.
Emporer Haile Selassie was restored to the throne he had lost to the
Italians in 1936, and this re-established a line of monarchs descended from
King Solomon (972-932 BC).
Britain administered Eritrea until 1952 when it was united with Ethiopia.
In 1974, Emporer Haile Selassie and the former feudal aristocracy, was
overthrown by a Marxist-Leninist ideology. This ultimately failed and despite
desperate internal unrest, in 1994, Ethiopians went to the polls to elect a
Constituent Assembly which began the task of drafting a new constitution and
preparing the country for multiparty elections.
Your sightseeing in Addis Ababa will include all major points of
interest.
Ethiopian
Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines was founded in December 1945 with the contractual
assistance of the U.S. carrier, TWA (Trans World Airlines). Operations in Addis
Ababa include a highly developed maintainence base for both its own fleet and
other carriers. It has been a FAA (United States Federal Aviation
Administration) approved repair station since 1968 and a CAA (British Civil
Aviation Authority) certified base since 1964.
The airline has gained a reputation for its high standards and excellent
safety record. Ethiopian Airlines has been flying to Beijing since ?.
Day 1
Saturday. Depart Hong Kong
with Ethiopian Airlines
ET0649 0330
Day 2
Sunday. Arrive
Addis Ababa
1130
Depart Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Airlines ET0861 1320
Arrive Kilimanjaro
1520
Met on arrival and transfer to your
hotel in Arusha for dinner and overnight.
Hotel: Arusha Coffee Lodge or Mountain
Village Lodge or Impala Hotel
Arusha Coffee Lodge
Arusha Coffee Lodge, is situated on a
working coffee plantation spanning 17 acres.
The
lodge offers 21 private chalets, each with luxury en-suite facilities,
including shower, bath and separate toilets. The chalets are built
on raised wooden platforms with multi-level bedrooms, private lounges and huge
balconies overlooking Mount Meru and the plantation. Eight rooms contain king
size beds and 13 contain twin
(three-quarter, extra length) beds.
Triple rooms are available on request.
The
interior décor of each chalet is designed around a coffee theme such as Café
Latte, Espresso and Cappuccino.
The honeymoon suite, the largest on the estate, is located in the Old
Stable block with an en-suite bathroom containing a bath of luxurious
proportions.
All
the chalets have a mini bar, room service, hair dryer, safe, coffee percolator,
tea and coffee caddy and a fireplace.
In keeping with the coffee theme, bathroom amenities include
cappuccino-scented soap. The rooms
are also equipped with overhead ceiling fans, mosquito nets and telephones with
Internet adapters.
Meals
are served at the neighbouring Redds African Grillhouse, with a menu that
reflects an amazing array of both traditional Tanzanian cuisine and other
African specialities. For the
late-risers, a ¡¥breakfast in bed¡¦ option is available.
Other
facilities include a swimming pool, beauty salon, 24 hour room and laundry
service, meals served on your private balcony on request, curio shop, beauty
salon, conference/private function room and day rooms.
Mountain Village Lodge
This beautiful lodge and working coffee plantation is located six miles outside of Arusha. The picturesque grounds overlook Lake Duluti, and on clear days enjoy the magnificent views of Mt. Meru and Kilimanjaro. The bougainvillea-bedecked rondavels (round bungalows) are aesthetically set amongst lush tropical gardens.
Impala Hotel
This centrally located hotel was completely
renovated in 1994 and in 2000 the Millennium Wing was added. The hotel now has
160 rooms, each with a private bathroom en suite and modern amenities.
The hotel has several popular restaurants offering a variety of cuisine
ranging from Indian to Chinese to Italian. A new swimming pool and terrace cafe
have enhanced the appeal of the hotel. Inside you will also discover a
garden lounge, a business center, a currency exchange center, and a gift shop.
This hotel is conveniently located within a short walking distance of downtown
Arusha.
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Day 3
Monday. At
8.00am, after breakfast, drive to Ngorongoro for Lunch. The Ngorongoro Crater at 18 kms
across & 610 metres deep is the largest unbroken caldera in the world. Your lodge is perched on the rim of the
crater offering breathtaking views.
Enjoy an afternoon at leisure with a spectacular view over the crater or
descend into the crater for a short game drive. In the early evening return to the lodge for dinner and
overnight.
Hotel: Ngorongoro Crater
Lodge/Ngorongoro Serena Lodge/Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Perched on the edge of the ancient crater rim
above the cool, swirling mists, this architectural masterpiece is a magnificent
return to the noble elegance of the traveling colonials. Inspired in design by
the Maasai manyatta, there are three separate camps of six to 12 suites. The
stilted, handcrafted structures are adorned with graceful antiques, grand
chandeliers and treasures collected from travels through Africa. Each suite is
discreetly tended by a personal butler who will bring you tea in bed, stoke your
fireplace, and even draw your bath, ready for your return from a day on the
crater floor.
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Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
Set unobtrusively atop the rim of Ngorongoro
Crater, the 75 guestrooms are ornately decorated with local materials. Each
room has an en suite modern bathroom, and most have private verandahs with
views of the crater floor. Built in 1996, the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge exists in
perfect harmony with the natural environment and the wildlife that inhabits it.
The lodge is built into a dormant volcano, its plant and ivy-covered native
stone blending with its surroundings. Sip a sundowner on the terrace after a
day on the crater floor, or go inside and warm up near the fireplaces in the
dining room and bar. Enjoy spectacular views into the crater as you dine on
delicious hearty fare.
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Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Poised in a prime position on the eastern rim of
the Crater, are thatched rondavels housing the 100 suites of the Ngorongoro
Sopa Lodge. Each suite offers magnificent views into the Crater and is
comprised of a spacious bedroom with two queen sized beds, an en suite modern
bathroom with shower and bath, an enclosed solarium with comfortable rocking
chairs and a small private lounge with writing desk and drinks refrigerator. A
swimming pool is located on the very edge of the crater offering a lovely place
to relax for those hardy enough to venture into the chilly water. There is also
a gift and coffee shop.
Day
4
Tuesday. In
the morning, after breakfast, descend into the crater with a picnic lunch and
spend the full day viewing game on the crater floor. This collapsed volcano is home to a large concentration of
wildlife including lion, rhino, hippo, hyena and elephant. In the late afternoon return to the
lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 5
Wednesday. In
the morning, after breakfast, depart with a picnic lunch and drive via Olduvai
Gorge to Serengeti, visiting en route Olduvai Gorge, where in 1969 Dr. Leakey
uncovered the fossil Homo Habilis dated 1.75 million years. With a game drive en route, arrive at
the lodge in the late afternoon for Dinner and overnight. Situated on a hill, the lodge
overlooks the humbling enormity of the endless plains.
Hotel: Kirawira Luxury Tented
Camp or Serengeti Serena Lodge or Serengeti Sopa Lodge
Kirawira Luxury Tented Camp
Set upon a hill with commanding views of endless
savanna, the tented camp allows
visitors to feel close to the soul of the African wilderness. Luxurious
sleeping and bathing arrangements are complemented by valet service, superb
meals made-to-order from house cuisine or from guest recipes. Victorian and
East African elements are blended artfully to create the ultimate safari
ambience. Lush vegetation surrounds the hillock upon which the camp is located.
It is home to wide of variety of big game including lion, buffalo, cheetah,
giraffe, baboon, gazelle, and wildebeest. From behind specially built blinds
you can observe crocodiles feeding by the Grumeti River. Without even leaving
camp, one can encounter much of the extraordinary bird life known to the
immediate area. The camp features 25 luxury double tents and a pool.
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Serengeti Serena Lodge
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Serengeti Serena Lodge
is set on a hilltop with breathtaking vistas of a rolling landscape teeming
with wildlife, which feed in full view of the lodge itself. The 66 banda style
(emulating the traditional Maasai huts) accommodations are dotted discreetly
amongst the natural vegetation, and offer spacious modern facilities with
private verandas with views of the plain below. The main lodge, dining area,
and lounge have been crafted thoughtfully with local materials, and offer the
perfect comfort amidst such a perfect wilderness. Relax in the pool after a
game drive, and enjoy fine cuisine at night, with traditional dancing and performances
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Serengeti Sopa Lodge
This large cement structure is set in the Nyarboro Hills in
the south western part of the Serengeti National Park. It has 100 suites, each
fully carpeted with two queen sized beds, a small sitting room with a drinks
refrigerator, and modern bathrooms. Each suite also has a private veranda
overlooking the animal grazing areas. Electricity is provided by generator day
and night. In addition to a dining area and bar, the lodge has a swimming pool
(variably in use), a guest boutique, and a coffee shop.
Day 6
Thursday. In
the morning, a game drive in the Serengeti. Lunch. In the late afternoon depart for another game drive
with a chance to explore the vast plains and to observe animal and bird life in
their natural habitat. Return to
the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 7
Friday. In
the morning, after breakfast, depart on your final game drive in the Serengeti
en route to the Airstrip for your scheduled flight to Arusha departing at 1115
and arriving 1220. Met upon
arrival and transfer to a restaurant for Lunch.
At 1430 transfer to
Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight to Zanzibar.
Depart
Kilimanjaro with Ethiopian Airlines
ET0851
1640
Arrive
Zanzibar
1740
Met on arrival and transfer
to a hotel in town for overnight.
Hotel:
Zanzibar Serena or Tembo House Hotel
Zanzibar
Serena
Set in two historic seafront buildings that have
been masterfully restored, this stunning hotel is unparalleled in its elegance
and charm. Each of the 51 air-conditioned rooms overlooks the ocean and
surrounds you in the highest standards of luxury hospitality. The restaurant
and bar face the ornate pool terrace, where the bustle of Stone Town lies
behind you, and the serenity of the ocean awaits your gaze.
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Tembo House Hotel
This landmark hotel stands along the seafront in
the heart of Stone Town, Zanzibar's cultural and historical center. All rooms
are spacious, and beautifully decorated with Oriental and traditional Zanzibari
ornaments, antiques and furniture. First-class facilities include air
conditioning, telephone, minibar, multi-channel television and en suite
bathroom. The hotel's beautiful courtyard swimming pool allows you to cool off
during the heat of the day. Other hotel facilities include a souvenir shop, and
Bahari Restaurant, featuring local and international cuisine.
Day 8
Saturday In
the morning, depart on a tour of the old Stone Town. This 3 
hour tour begins at
Livingstone House and the market (opened 1904) where local fruit and vegetables
are sold. Continue to the Anglican Church (1873 ¡V site of the Old Slave
Market), the State House and Zanzibar Museum. On the way to the Sultan's palace pass the High Court, Tip
House, First British Commission, Old Fort, Peoples Garden and House of
Wonders. The tour ends with a walk
through the narrow lanes of the old Stone Town. Lunch on your own.
In the afternoon
depart on a Spice Tour - This 3 hour excursion commences with a drive through
the countryside seeing and tasting a variety of spices (clove, black pepper,
nutmeg, turmeric root etc.) tropical fruits (jackfruit, pineapple, custard
apple, lychee etc) and other rare plants such as the henna bush and lipstick tree. Finally you will get a chance to visit
the Kidichi Persian Baths (1850) and Maruhubi Palace ruins (1888). Return to the hotel for overnight.
Day 9
Sunday In
the morning, after breakfast, transfer to your beach hotel.
Hotel: Ras Nungwi Bungalows or Zanzibar Safari
Resort
Ras Nungwi Bungalows
This small, well appointed hotel is situated upon
quite possibly the most beautiful beach on the island. The accommodations
consist of charming sea-front chalets, and rustically styled lodges, all just a
few strolls through the sand and under palm boughs to the beach and the azure
waters of the Indian Ocean. The finest reefs in the area are embraced by the
5-star PADI dive center, and the water sport center complements the languid
luxury to be found here.
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Zanzibar Safari Resort
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Situated
on the favoured East coast of Zanzibar, and just 40 minutes from Stone Town,
the locally-owned Zanzibar Safari Resort offers an intimate and relaxed, real
Zanzibar, experience.
Here there are just 20 sea-facing chalets providing 40
self-contained and fully serviced rooms including amenities such as hair
dryers, telephone (and often even TV - for the completely addicted!). Each room has a private terrace set in the lush tropical
gardens
The resort¡¦s superbly situated Safari Grill Restaurant caters
for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as snacks from early to late. Carefully
planned menus provide a variety of traditional and international cuisine
freshly prepared from produce sourced daily at the local market
Day 10
Monday At
leisure at the seaside.
Day 11
Tuesday Morning
at leisure, afternoon,
Transfer to Zanzibar Airport.
Depart Zanzibar
PW423 1655
Arrive Dar-Es-Salaam
1715
Met on arrival and transfer to the hotel.
Hotel: Royal Palm or Golden Tulip or Holiday Inn
Royal
Palm
A
five star hotel in Dar-Es-Salaam located on the edge of the city centre which
lives up to the reputation and standard of the International chain. Each
of the hotel's 251 rooms and suites have been tastefully decorated and
furnished to reflect the beauty and culture of Tanzania.All rooms include
individually-controlled air conditioning, bathroom with bath, shower and
toilet, colour TV with satellite channels, sophisticated voice mail systems,
mini-bar, safety deposit boxes, radio and hairdryer. Conference facilities
available. A Beautiful
pool. Food & beverage facilities include: 99ers
Restaurant, Serengeti, Kibo Bar, Pool Snack Bar and Royal Palm Deli.
Golden
Tulip
A five star Hotel which is ideally situated on a coral
cliff along the Indian Ocean, in a quiet residential just a few minutes away
from the city centre of Dar Es Salaam. The Dar es Salaam International Airport
is 18km away.One of the most unique features of the hotel is its beautiful
large entrance hall with high ceilings. This luxurious hotel is spacious with
84 comfortable designed rooms and 6 suites all with balconies offering splendid
views over the Indian Ocean and the City. All rooms are fully air conditioned
and tastefully decorated with Spanish/Arabic designed furniture. Large outdoor swimming pool.
Holiday Inn
A 4 Star Hotel with 152 Air Conditioned rooms and 2 suites.
(5 Floors). The Dar Es Salaam
International Airport is 14 kms away.It has a Baraza restaurant serving
traditional Swahili fare in addition to local seafood.Satellite TV in all guest
rooms, Cable TV, All news cable channel, Dataport on phone, radio, Modem
connection, Private Bath, A/C Public areas, Safety Deposit Box.Out door pool, a
Health club/Fitness center.
Day 12
Wednesday. Transfer to the
airport.
Depart
Dar-Es-Salaam with Ethiopian Airlines ET0830 0715
Arrive
Addis Ababa
1100
Met on
arrival and transfer to the hotel
Hotel:
Sheraton Addis or Ghion.
Afternoon at leisure
Day 13
Thursday. During
the morning visit the Baata Church and the Menelik II Mausoleum. Continue to
the National Museum and the Ethnological Museum which is located at the
University of Addis Ababa.
After lunch drive to the top of Mount Entoto, site of the former capital
of Menelik II, for a panoramic view of Addis Ababa. Continue down to the
¡§Merkato¡¨, the grand open-air market.
Day 14
Friday. Transfer
to the airport.
Depart Addis Ababa with Ethiopian
Airlines
ET0658 0750
Day 15
Saturday. Arrive Hong
Kong
0220
COSTS
As the price depends upon the class of
accommodation chosen and the season, please call us for the cost of your
choices for an exact price.
This
is a suggested Itinerary only, it can be lengthened or shortened to suit your
available travel dates. It can also be made to include other destinations in
Africa, India or Asia.
Prices
are subject to change without notice.