The Tides Lodge

The Tides Lodge and Mawimbi Villa are two adjacent lodgings managed by Karla and Willem. The two are caring and helpful hosts who have helped us with our travel planning. The two plots are only a few minutes drive away from each other directly on the beach. We had planned to spend some time first at the Tides Lodge and then at Mawimbi Villa. The Tides Lodge has a large main house, which invites you to relax and linger, as well as about a dozen bungalows situated to the right and left of the main house. The bungalows are lovingly and stylishly furnished and offer high comfort. Next to the sea, which is perfect for swimming, the lodge offers a pool for refreshment.

Since the complex is quite small overall, guests are taken care of very well, which we found extremely pleasant. Especially after a strenuous mountain ascent or safari, the place is ideal for relaxing. Samir made us delicious cocktails. The food prepared by Sophia was always fantastic.

But the area has much more to offer than just relaxation. Thus, for example, visits to the very authentic surrounding villages are easily possible on foot. Samir did one of the tours with us and showed us what the life of the locals in a small coastal village is like. But also for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts the area has something to offer.

Maziwe Island!

Only a few kilometers away from the beach lies Maziwe Island. The small island seemed to appear out of nowhere as we approached it. Maziwe Island is a sandbank only a few meters high, located in the Indian Ocean and surrounded by coral reefs. We reached the small island by boat in about 45 minutes driving time. The water temperature was 28 degrees, the beach magnificent and a small tent offered protection from the sun. The island is ideal for extended picnics, to relax and to discover the underwater world. We got our equipment from the Tides Lodge and therefore had less luggage of our own to carry. We put our goggles on, got the snorkel ready and dived into the water! The following moments: simply impressive! The underwater world is colorful thanks to the countless corals and the varied animal life. Besides lionfish and other fish species we saw blue starfish and other exotic sea creatures. A great trip!

After our time at Tides Lodge we set off for our second stop at Ushonog Beach, Mawimbi Villa.

Mawimbi Villa

Mawimbi Villa is also located directly on the beach but differs from the Tides Lodge. Mawimbi Villa is an early 20th century villa of enormous size. It has a pool and can accommodate up to 10 adults and two children. Normally it is only rented to groups, a booking by different travel groups is rather rare due to the intimacy. The five bedrooms are all very stylishly furnished, spacious and most have their own bathroom. The common rooms such as living room and veranda are ideal for resting and relaxing. From the balcony you have a great view to the ocean.

If you stop at Mawimbi Villa, you will certainly not leave hungry again. Full board is included in the rental price. Once more, we were very lucky to have Sophia as our cook by our side. She prepared delicious food for us, especially fish and seafood. All in all, we had a great experience of a special kind! 

Much too fast the time passed by at Ushongo Beach and we continued our journey with a little adventure.

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…our first game drive!

Game drive, what does that mean? In simple words: you go on a discovery tour through a national park in a jeep together with your guide, who is at the same time your driver. A grandiose experience! There were only the two of us on safari and together with our guide we were three in the car. Therefore, we had enough space for our belongings and a clear view outside. Regardless of the type of activity, i.e. both trekking in Kilimanjaro National Park and safaris, you must register in the national park before entering it. You don’t have to take any special documents with you, your driver has all the necessary information and registers you. Hence, a few minutes after arrival at the entrance of Lake Manyara National Park we could drive into the park with our jeep.

Right at the beginning a multitude of baboons lined the road. The partly pert animals are widespread in Tanzania and an integral part of every national park. There are almost no roads in the national parks, but rather trails. However, these are usually in good condition and can easily be driven on by four-wheel drive cars. After a short time, the forest, at first quite dense, begins to clear. On the increasingly open areas we could watch different animals such as impalas, helmet-guinea fowls, different antelope species and giraffes. A little later the trees disappear almost completely and open the view to the lake, Lake Manyara. For bird lovers, this view frequently presents a true spectacle. Thousands of flamingos, ibises and pelicans are regularly found on the shores of the lake. We were lucky and could, thanks to Michael’s binoculars, also observe a hippopotamus grazing from a distance. In any case we would recommend taking binoculars for a safari.

Later we reached the picnic area on a hill. From there we had a great view into the country and over the whole national park. Although Lake Manyara National Park is one of the smaller parks, it is home to an enormous variety of animal and plant species. Meanwhile it had become later afternoon. Like all national parks, Lake Manyara National Park closes at 6 pm for visitors. So we slowly made our way back to the park entrance, especially as we still had more than 10 km to go. Depending on the quality of the trails, the ride may take a little longer, especially during the rainy season. We also allowed for a bit more time in case some animals would cross our path. And that was a good thing to do.

Elephants!

About 15 minutes before reaching the park exit, we saw a small herd of elephants crossing a bridge in the mostly dry riverbed. Whoa! This was the first time we saw these pachyderms in the wild at close range. The joy on our part was correspondingly great. The elephants, however, seemed little impressed and followed their usual rhythm. We thus had the chance to observe these impressive animals calmly from the jeep. Only about five minutes later we stopped again. Elephants again! This time there were two that were measuring their powers. The experience and amazement of being able to see this from just a few meters away was simply great. Altogether wild animals can be observed quite well, if one gets to see them. However, it is important not to leave the vehicle, as most of them will shy away otherwise.

We felt the first day of our safari was a complete success and were thus returning to our campsite in the early evening already looking forward to the next days!

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Land in sight!

Hello Zanzibar! We finally reached the north of Zanzibar, the region around Nungwi. The beaches there are particularly beautiful and popular with tourists, the small village is well worth a visit. The north of Zanzibar is also excellent for diving. The Tides Lodge as well as Mawimbi Villa from the Tanzanian mainland offer tours to Zanzibar for one or more days. However, we had planned to leave Zanzibar by plane and to return to Europe. It is therefore important to get a stamp for your passport at the place of arrival when you enter Zanzibar, i.e. in this case in Nungwi. Tanzania and Zanzibar officially belong together, but the island still has its own president and partly its own jurisdiction.

We took a taxi from Nungwi to Stone Town. Stone Town is the old part of Zanzibar City, the capital of Zanzibar. For our first night we had planned a stay at Jafferji House. Located in the heart of the winding streets of Stone Town, this hotel has a very special charm with its oriental look and rooftop restaurant. The Emerson Spice Hotel is similar, and we also liked it very much. Finally, Stone Town offers a wide variety of accommodations that vary greatly in both amenities and price. The oriental charm of the Jafferji House is an indication of the island’s rich history. Zanzibar was temporarily ruled by the Portuguese, British and Oman and their sultans during the last centuries, which made the island a true melting pot.

Stone Town and Prison Island

Stone Town vividly tells the story of these past centuries, as well as that of slavery. We would therefore recommend every Zanzibar traveler to take at least one day to explore Prison Island and its giant turtles as well as Stone Town. Prison Island is a former prison island, although the buildings erected on the island were never used as a prison. At the time of the British colonial rule it was rather a place of recreation and excursion for the wealthy. Today there is a hotel and hundreds of turtles on the island, which serve as an attraction for tourists. We enjoyed our visit to Prison Island very much. As the crossing with one of the numerous boats takes approximately half an hour, we recommend planning a total of approximately three hours for the excursion. If you allow for a little more time, you can also go snorkeling.

We also did a guided tour through Stone Town, which we also liked very much. Stone Town is vibrant and rich in history. Accordingly, we undertook the tour with a trained and certified guide. There are also numerous “Beach Boys” that make you promises at a lower price. However, we would advise against this, as the quality of the tour is usually lower, and you may have to adjust to hidden costs. Together with our guide we visited the former palace, which the rulers of the island used in their time. We also discovered markets, historical monuments and learned about the sad history of slavery, to which Zanzibar contributed as a hotspot.

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Once arrived at the entrance to the Conservation Area, our driver registered us. The procedure is similar to any national park. A short time later we continued the journey. Dense fog hung between the trees of the highlands, so that the visibility was sometimes reduced to only a few meters. The temperature was about 15 degrees, which we found to be a pleasant change. After about half an hour the sky cleared up. We left the highlands and reached the foothills of the Serengeti.

Serengeti, here we come!

Serengeti means endless expanses and nature and wildlife as far as the eye can see. After less than an hour we reached the entrance of the Serengeti National Park. Now, at the latest, we became aware of the dimensions of the national park, which covers only part of the entire Serengeti area. Since the beginning of the 1980s it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site and covers an area of more than 14,000 square kilometers. This is about 17 times the size of the federal state of Berlin. Since the entrance to the Serengeti National Park was no more than a chic archway, after a quick photo we continued our drive through the meanwhile blazing midday sun. Along the way we saw different animal species, especially gazelles, giraffes as well as zebras and wildebeests. Only a few minutes later we finally reached the place where the usual registration took place. A good time for a lunch break.

Shortly after we started our game drive through the Serengeti National Park. The safari cars all have the very pleasant feature that you can open roof and look outside standing in the car. That’s what we did, driving slow-paced with the warm Serengeti wind blowing around our ears. During that drive we got to see predators for the first time. Hyenas are widespread in Tanzania, although quite shy. Nevertheless, we saw them every now and then during our journey. We also discovered a lion pride that had decided to rest on a big rock. We felt reminded of Disney’s Lion King and shared the joy with other safari cars that had also stopped.

An impressive ride despite the rainy season

Since we were on safari during the rainy season, there were only few tourists and we often had the chance for undisturbed wildlife watching. That was great! During the high season of July, August and December the number of tourists usually rises considerably. This can sometimes disturb the idea of adventure and the experience of watching wild animals. Although it is more likely to rain during low season, we would recommend you consider traveling during the months of April, May and November. Beside a few refreshing raindrops we had impressive views on thunderstorms that crossed the country in the distance. Moreover, the Serengeti, like the other national parks, is greener than during the dry season, which gives the country more charm and variety.

We continued our game drive through the national park for a few hours. We saw countless animals, once more elephants and even one of the rather shy cheetahs. Early in the evening we arrived at our accommodation for the night, the Serengeti Thorn Tree Camp, which is a tented lodge. It is located in the middle of the central Serengeti, on a small hill. Accordingly, we had great views of the Serengeti. Tented lodges are a combination of a campsite and a lodge. The tents you sleep in are more like a bungalow than classic tents. They are equipped with their own bathroom and beds, as can be found in lodges. Only their outward appearance points to a tent.

For us the evening and the night at Thorn Tree Camp were in any case a special experience. Close to the main tent, where you have dinner, there is a small fireplace, which invites you to linger at sunset. Since the whole area is not fenced, one has good chances to see animals day and night. Thus we frequently heard lions and hyenas also during the night. However, there is no reason to worry – the tents are stable and after sunset you only move outside the tents with a companion from the camp.

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There are two types of plantations, locally and governmentally owned ones. Local farmland differs significantly from state-owned plantations, the latter mainly used to grow monocultures. Both are nice to visit, we found especially the diversely grown crops in the locals’ plantations interesting to discover.

In the early afternoon we continued our journey towards Karafuu where we planned to spend the second night. Zanzibar is greener than mainland Tanzania, the climate is tropical. Consequently, we drove through lush green, small villages and plantations until we finally reached the coast. We spent the night at the Karafuu Beach Resort, a beautiful and spacious resort, which is especially popular with beach vacationers and package tourists.

We used the following day to discover the eastern part of the island, which is especially suitable for kitesurfing. The white sandy beaches and the turquoise blue water invite you to relax and swim. Especially the small village of Paje offers tourists a wide range of water sports activities, numerous accommodations and bars and restaurants as well as seemingly endless sandy beaches. The last night of our Zanzibar trip we finally spent at the Bluebay Beach Resort, which is also located on the eastern coast, but further north. The hotel is stylishly furnished and offers a rich buffet as well as regular evening events. We also felt very comfortable there and would recommend the hotel to everyone who longs for a relaxed beach holiday.

Departure, what else?

The morning drive to the airport passed quite quickly due to the size of the island and the location of the Blue Bay Beach Resort, so that we could still enjoy the rich breakfast. Even though we personally prefer smaller and more personal accommodations, larger lodges or hotels can be very suitable for relaxing. For those who can afford it, we would recommend visiting one of the beaches of Tanzania. During our first Tanzania trip and ascent of Kilimanjaro we did not do so but would have been happy about it after all.

We were particularly impressed by the tranquility of Tanzania’s coastline, which, in the style of Robinson Crusoe, offers visitors a very special opportunity to relax. With the Tides Lodge and the Mawimbi Villa we have had the opportunity to experience two excellent accommodations. Zanzibar is also great for relaxing and for various excursions. Should the trip serve the purpose of recreation, we would recommend in any case an organization in advance due to the hustle and bustle and the partly opaque offers on Zanzibar. Otherwise, the desired recreation can quickly become stressful.

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Already at half past five and after a short breakfast a driver picked us up. We had decided to do the tour with Serengeti Balloon Safaris. Together with two ladies, who had already been picked up from their accommodation, we set off for the nightly trip to the starting point of the balloon flight. During the drive we saw numerous animals and even a group of hippos crossing the road. Half an hour later, at the same time as the first rays of sunrise, we finally reached the landing site of the hot-air balloon. From there our flight over the Serengeti should start in less than an hour. Our pilot and the team were already busy setting up the balloon. We used the time to capture the impressive moments and the approaching sunrise over the Serengeti with our cameras.

It was now shortly after half past six when our pilot gave us last instructions for the flight. And then it happened:

Balloon flight over the Serengeti!

Which, in fact, started in horizontal position as the hot air balloon is only raised directly to the start. Shortly afterwards, the amazement began, and lasted pretty much for the entire flight. We flew for some time only about one meter above the ground. This low altitude flight allowed us to see the countless impalas at close range. From the following changing altitude we could marvel not only at the sun rising higher and higher, but also at giraffes, elephants and countless other animals. We shared this incomparable experience with only a few other passengers. During the high season, up to 16 participants can be accommodated in the gondola of a large balloon, while smaller gondolas can accommodate up to 12 people.

After a good hour flight over the Serengeti, which can last shorter or longer depending on the weather, we finally landed. After landing, our pilot told us about the tradition of a glass of champagne after each balloon flight and we enjoyed a bit of the sparkling liquid. Finally, we set off for a breakfast together. In the midst of the Serengeti, a richly laid table awaited us, which put a great end to this extremely impressive event.

Around ten o’clock in the morning we were finally back at Thorn Tree Camp, where we had spent the previous night. Together with our guide Michael we went on a last short game drive through the Serengeti before we left the national park. On our way back to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Ngorongoro Crater we saw again enormous herds of wildebeest and zebras. After about two hours we reached the entrance of the Ngorongoro National Park. The entrance is located at the crater rim, from where you have a fabulous view into the crater.

Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is the largest inactive volcanic crater in the world with an intact ecosystem. The Ngorongoro Crater was created by the collapse of a former volcanic mountain. The crater has a massive bottom of about 264 square kilometers with a depth of over 600 meters. It’s about three times the size of Paris. The descent into the crater was quite fast, so we had enough time to explore the crater. We had already seen some animals in the two previous national parks Lake Manyara and Serengeti. The large number of animals in the crater (up to 25,000 larger mammals) was nevertheless impressive. We also saw from a distance one of the rare rhinoceroses. The enormous and partly cloudy rock walls surrounding the crater give this national park a very special character.

Towards the end of the afternoon game drive we drove towards the crater wall to leave the national park. Once more, we could admire the impressive elephants of the park. Shortly before 6 pm we finally reached the exit of the Ngorongoro Crater National Park. The night we spent at Karatu Simba Lodge. The lodge is located in Karatu, near the small village of Mto Wa Mbu, in the middle of plantations and offers a beautiful view over the landscape.

Last but not least – Tarangire National Park

For the last day of our safari we had planned a game drive through Tarangire National Park. Like the days before we started quite early. After about an hour drive, we reached the park. The Tarangire National Park is one of Tanzania’s most famous national parks and is known for its diverse flora and fauna. It is also home to one of the largest elephant populations in the country. Accordingly, we also had the chance to see the pachyderms up close. In addition, we could watch lions and numerous other wild animals one last time. We were impressed by the numerous termite buildings, some of them meters high. These line the entire park, as well as the Baobab trees, some of which are centuries old. Baobab trees, also called monkey bread trees, are widespread in Africa and impress by their often meter-thick trunks as well as partly bizarre shape. Especially during the dry season their bark serves elephants as a source of water, which is why lower parts of tree trunks often have huge scratches.

In the afternoon we finally left Tarangire National Park and thus ended our safari through the national parks Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire. These are four great national parks that differ considerably, despite having a similar flora and fauna. Lake Manyara National Park, for example, impresses with its large lake and countless bird species. The Seregenti, on the other hand, is much drier and less densely overgrown. The Ngorongoro Crater captivates by its cloudy crater wall as well as an enormous number of animals on only a few square kilometers. The Tarangire National Park is home to one of the largest populations of animals and, thanks to its size, offers extensive and varied excursions.

Since the animal species are similar in all national parks, we strongly recommend enjoying the game drives and not stressing if you have not seen a particular animal in a park. The following day will again give the chance to do so. Like that, we had a great time on safari!

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Momella Gate, the adventure starts!

After another half hour drive, we reached Momella Gate, the starting point of every ascent of Mount Meru. Comparable to Kilimanjaro you are registered in the national park before the beginning of the hike. We bridged the waiting time during the last preparations with a relaxed lunch. Afterwards we started our hike to the Miriakamba Huts. We were accompanied by two other travel groups, which coincidentally started their hike at the same time, as well as an armed ranger. For some years now, the escort of an armed ranger has been compulsory, especially because of male buffalos that have been abandoned by their flock. These animals tend to be more aggressive than others and can represent a threat to people. Only from the Saddle Huts you continue without a ranger, as buffalos rarely climb up to this height.

Pure nature

Although we climbed Mount Meru during the rainy season, the weather was almost perfect during the whole hike. Consequently, our hike started with 26 degrees and sun. At the beginning of the hike one walks through bushy and wooded areas. The paths on which you move are well laid out and easy to walk. After about an hour of hiking we finally reached the Fig Tree Arch – an enormous tree overgrown with strangler figs. There we took our first longer break. We had already taken shorter drinking breaks before, because drinking enough is important for good health on the mountain and prevents altitude sickness. The following hike led us through partly densely wooded areas on clearly less well-trodden paths. The sounds of various animals and the ups and downs through the mountain rainforest made the hike an adventure. About one hour before reaching the Miriakamba Huts we took a last break in a clearing. From there we had an impressive view into the country and on Mount Kilimanjaro, which was just opposite and its peak well above the clouds.

First stage – done!

Around 5 p.m. we finally reached the Miriakamba Huts. These lie in the middle of mountain rain forest. From the vantage points of the camp, one has great views into the country. The huts are reminiscent of school trips – rooms with four bunk beds. The beds are equipped with simple mattresses and pillows. For hygienic reasons, we would recommend bringing at least a sleeping bag and a towel to wrap around the pillow for those who do not wish to take bed linen with them. Unlike in the camps at Kilimanjaro, there is electricity in the huts and the whole area, which we found pleasant. After our arrival we first had to “freshen up”! Our porters provided water for washing after arrival in the camp. In addition, there are sanitary facilities that are in much better overall condition and more modern than on Kilimanjaro. If you are looking for the heated pool, however, you still have to be patient until you return to your lodge…

Shortly after sunset around 7 p.m. we had dinner. Our cook prepared a variety of bread, rice, noodles and potatoes, as well as vegetables, fish and meat for each meal. If you have food intolerances, it is best to inform your guide about those before you start your journey. As with every hike to great heights, the oxygen saturation of the blood and the pulse are also measured at Mount Meru in the morning and evening. This is for your own safety, as it helps to detect signs of altitude sickness more easily. The risk of suffering from altitude sickness on Mount Meru, however, is significantly lower compared to Kilimanjaro. After dinner, we spent the remaining time before going to bed with packing and repacking for the following day. Around 9 p.m. it was time to turn off the lights and go to bed in order to start the new day well rested!

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After about three to four hours of hiking and several breaks we finally reached the Saddle Huts. As the name suggests, these are located in a saddle between Little Meru and Rhino Point at about 3,500 meters. There we ate lunch and rested from the hike. Afterwards we hiked up the Little Meru. Already after less than one hour we made it to the summit. The summit is at an altitude of 3,820 meters. The ascent is great for acclimatization and for taking photos. In the late afternoon, we returned to the Saddle Huts. We rested and had dinner early because the next day would start in the middle of the night.

Summit day!

We had our alarm clocks set at midnight. Then it was time to get up, get dressed and eat and drink as much as possible in order to walk through the night well strengthened. Equipped with walking sticks and headlamp we set off together with our guide George around one o’clock in the morning. The first stage was Rhino Point at 3,800 meters. The name comes from the 20th century and goes back to a rhinoceros, which found its last resting place there and whose bones can still be seen. The way leading there winds its way up the slopes of Mount Meru and through dense bushes. Although the temperature was low and close to zero, it was still a pleasant hike. In any case, we recommend wearing different layers of clothing to adapt easily to different temperatures, especially as it can get very windy and cold later.

After a short break at Rhino Point we continued our nocturnal hike. At first, we walked downhill for a bit, then parallel to the mountain along a rock surface and finally continuously uphill. The sky was clear, the air fresh but still pleasant at that time, and we started sweating more and more…! From about 4,000 meters above sea level, we noticed more and more the thinning air. We walked slower than before, breathing in and out deeper and taking regular breaks. Regular drinking and eating of small snacks, even if you are not really hungry, is extremely important. The second half of the hike is steeper than the first and leads along the ridge of Mount Meru’s crater up to Socialist Peak. Especially during this phase, we walked slowly, but steadily and with regular breaks up the mountain.

Light on the horizon

Around five o’clock in the morning we had left the ridge behind us and had a clear view to the east. The exhaustion was great and the motivation somewhat dampened when we noticed that we could see the summit but had to walk around it for more than half an hour to reach it. The view of Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro, was impressive and motivating at the same time. So we continued our hike up the mountain, over boulders towards the summit and sunrise. Around half past six in the morning we finally made it and reached Mount Meru’s summit, Socialist Peak! At 4,566 meters altitude, the summit of Mount Meru is the second highest in Tanzania and the fifth highest in Africa. The emotions were great, the views simply impressive. Thanks to a clear view over to Kilimanjaro we were able to see how the sun rose from behind the mountain and showed the former volcano in all its splendor.

After about 20 minutes on the summit, some rest, eating and drinking, we made our way back. Only at this point did we realize how steep some of the previous passages had been. Surefootedness is therefore recommended in any case! The way down from the summit back to the Saddle Huts seemed extremely long and exhausting (which it probably was…). But all efforts were rewarded with great views and a direct view of Mount Meru’s volcanic crater. After a good three hours hike, we finally came back to the Saddle Huts. There, we had enough time to relax and change clothes, because the temperature had reached a pleasant 15-20 degrees again. After an early lunch we finally made our way back to the Miriakamba Huts. The hike lasted only about two hours, so we could rest after arrival and played checkers with our team. The rest of the day was relaxed, and we went to bed early.

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Water’s calling!

Canoeing in Momella Lake is a popular addition to a climb of Mount Meru. Especially bird lovers get their money’s worth here. But as the way to the lake leads through the national park, one can also discover all kinds of other wild animals. We felt the trip was like a mini safari and would recommend it especially to those who do not plan a subsequent safari anyway. “Momella” is Swahili and means “wind”. And indeed, it was quite windy! Together with our two guides we discovered the lake and surrounding nature by canoe. We were the only tourists at that time, which gave the trip more charm. Beside buffalos we saw different bird species and even hippos. For safety reasons, however, we kept enough distance, but were able to hear the signals of the animals loudly and clearly. After about two hours of canoeing we returned to our jeep and made our way to our lodge in the late afternoon.

The ascent of Mount Meru and the stay in Arusha National Park was a great experience for us. Rarely before have we experienced such a varied fauna and flora and varied landscape in such a short time. We also perceived the ascent of the mountain as a great experience. However, a certain degree of fitness and stamina are highly recommended. Since we had already climbed Kilimanjaro a few years earlier, we also made some (un)conscious comparisons. All in all, there are great parallels between the ascent of Mount Meru and that of Kilimanjaro. However, the abundance of hikers, the flora and fauna as well as the landscape and views differ considerably. We ourselves found the experience at Mount Meru a bit more pleasant, unusual and in no case less impressive than the ascent of Kilimanjaro and would therefore recommend it to everyone traveling to Tanzania!

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Awesome. It was 7.32 in the morning and my alarm just rang – marking the day of departure into a great adventure with some unexpected twists.

What had started out with the rough idea of “we could do this” around 8 months earlier, had turned into a serious “research and planning phase” around 6 months ago, and finally become “today”.

Departure day to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro!

As for probably many of you, before going on a trip, I was revising my check-list multiple times that morning. Done! I ticked all the boxes – but that wasn’t all. I was also re-raising the question of “What were you thinking when arranging a trip that includes accommodation with a comfort level probably lower than the one in an average 10-dollar-per-night hostel somewhere in Southeast Asia?”.

Timo and I had decided for Machame Route to climb 5,895 m (19,341 ft) high Uhuru Peak. That is, the top of Kibo, the highest of Mount Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones. Uhuru Peak thus is Africa’s highest point, and Mount Kilimanjaro the world’s highest free-standing mountain. And if you opt for Machame Route, you opt for sleeping in tents for six nights in a row, with access only to basic facilities along the route.

What was I thinking? The honest answer is: I couldn’t even remember exactly what I had been thinking “back then”; back, when I decided for myself to climb to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Yet, I had the feeling there was much more to this adventure than possibly missing a bit of comfort for a couple of days. I was just about to find out how right I was with that assumption.

Takeoff…

It was around noon by the time I got to the international airport in Frankfurt. Timo was leaving from Berlin around the same time. We had planned to arrive simultaneously at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania (yes, Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania, and not in Kenya, which is a common assumption many people make). Thus, we decided to travel via Istanbul, which turned out to be a good hub to change planes. We flew all routes with Turkish Airlines. I had never traveled with them before. However, I was positively surprised about the service, standards and entertainment program they provided.

The flight from Istanbul to Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania took another seven hours. By the time we arrived it was already two o’clock in the morning local time, considering the 2h time difference to Germany. To our surprise we noticed: “Kilimanjaro International Airport” sounds way more impressive, than it actually is

…and landing!

Shortly after having landed we approached immigration. As there is no air con inside the airport building, we already had the chance to acclimatize to some mild 25 °C (77 °F) and moderately high humidity levels. Timo and I had chosen to get our visa on arrival. This costs 50 USD per person. The amount is the same we would have paid in the Tanzanian embassy in Berlin for a visa in advance. I would thus recommend to simply get your visa on the spot (unless your country of origin is blacklisted by Tanzanian authorities, which is highly unlikely). Best check your country’s foreign ministry webpage before departure. Alternatively, you can launch a simple Google request such as “Tanzania visa requirements”.

It didn’t take long to pass through immigration. Thus, Timo and I would soon know the answer to:

Would our guide Erasto really show up at the airport?

To understand why we would even raise that question let’s briefly go back to September 2016. That is, when my WhatsApp conversation with Erasto had begun.

Back then, Timo and I had received Erasto’s details through a friend of ours, who had done the climb up Mount Kilimanjaro with him earlier in 2016. We don’t mind trying out unconventional traveling and unconventional travel arrangements. Thus, Timo and I had decided to arrange the trip directly with Erasto instead of going through a travel agency.

Why we decided not to book our trip through a travel agency?

Because one of the most important ingredients for a great trip is a good guide. He is the one to arrange for everything on-site, and supporting you in your goal of reaching the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. And Erasto had been described to us as very competent and reliable. I agree, you could compromise on a couple of components on this type of trip, such as specific clothing or equipment you take for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. However, I would never compromise on my guide. As a nice side-effect of contacting Erasto directly, we could save on the service fees, which a travel agency usually raises. Our trip to climbing Kilimanjaro was thus cheaper compared to conventional agencies, without having planned that before or making any sacrifices.

And indeed..!

After having passed through immigration, our guide Erasto was already awaiting us with a name sign outside the airport building. Erasto was the one who arranged the entire trip for us on the spot, and he did an excellent job. The moment we landed in Tanzania he took care of us.

If you let a travel agency organize your trip, usually hotel staff or a travel agent would come to pick you up at the airport. In that case, your guide accompanies you solely during the hike and for final arrangements before kick-off. As Timo and I had been in direct contact with Erasto and did not involve a travel agency, we had the same point of contact for the entire trip. This proximity made a couple of things notably easier. Moreover, we got a much deeper insider’s perspective, which was great!

The last meters ahead

Erasto had arranged for transport. Our driver Chris drove us from the airport to our accommodation in Arusha. Arusha is a city of approximately 350,000 inhabitants around 45 minutes by car from the airport. Together with Moshi, it is one of the starting hubs for hikes in the Kilimanjaro National Park.

By the time we reached the outskirts of Arusha it was around 3 o’clock in the morning. Erasto had arranged for us to stay in Ambureni Coffee Lodge – a really nice place, located in the middle of banana plantations with a nice view over the country side. Our room was simply furnished but spacious and showed a nice style of local Tanzanian arts. Overall, Ambureni turned out to be a really nice place to stay. They provided delicious local and international meals, and the staff was welcoming and helpful. Moreover, their pool offered a good opportunity to get refreshed.

After one last briefing to discuss the days ahead, we finally concluded the first day of our adventure.

Our trip: Day 1 → Day 2 → Day 3 → Day 4-7 → Day 8 → Day 9-10 

The post The adventure begins – day of arrival to climb Mount Kilimanjaro appeared first on Jambo Kilimanjaro.