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I cannot praise the tour operator enough. After I made the initial enquiry on your site Peniel got in touch with me on a timely basis. Although I did receive answers to my enquiries from the other tour companies they were by far the most efficient and offered the best value for money.
All my questions were answered and Peniel told me things I never thought to ask. At our request they added on a few days in Zanzibar after the safari and that to was excellent.
Peniel was in Arusha to meet us when we arrived at the hotel and he explained everything we needed to know. He came to see us again when we got back from the safari to make sure everything went well and to explain the Zanzibar portion of the trip.
Our guide was also outstanding. During the entire safari his eyes were constantly on the landscaping looking for game for us to view. We saw all of the big five up close. We even saw 4 black rhinos thanks to Anton, and I understand they are hard to see. The safari that they offer is 30% cheaper than other tour companies. I was a little concerned that we may get a cut rate safari but that was not the case. The customer service, accommodation, food and our guide was first rate. All of us have no hesitation in recommending this tour operator.
We had a fabulous time. We had John as our driver guide and Benson as our cook... he is an amazing cook!
We saw Tarangire, Manyara and Serengeti national parks and the Ngorongoro conservation area. It was an amazing safari, John was an excellent guide, the car was an older version landcruiser, but very comfortable and suited to the safari as it had a pop up roof for photographing the animals and comfy seats.
The tent was great and the staff almost always managed to pack up and set up everything before we had a chance to help so we felt lazy but was nice to have it all done for us. We saw all the big 5 plus many other amazing animals and would definately recommend the company to others.
They have an office in Arusha and very competent customer service staff that went beyond duty to help us with going around Arusha to sort our money troubles when our bank had issues sending money from Australia.
Only suggested improvement was a bit more confidence from the guide in terms of engaging us, he had a great knowledge base but seemed shy in divulging the info, we had to ask a lot of questions. all in all a solid 8.5 out of 10! We had a great time with them.
Our safari was wonderful!, The Tangerine and the Ngorongoro parks were beautiful and we saw a lot of animals, although Lake Manyara was not so nice, may be because of the season we went, we couldn't see so many animals there.
John our driver was nice and knowledgeable. We also enjoyed the Octagon Lodge, the service was very good and the installation nice.
I booked a camping tour of Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro through the Africa Guide website for July 2011 for myself and son (age 14). The trip was at the end of several weeks of working in East Africa.
Peniel was incredibly helpful in designing an itinerary and schedule that worked for us, and in assisting us in obtaining local air transportation from Rwanda to our starting point in Arusha. Our driver, Anthony, was very friendly and knowledgeable about flora and fauna during our trip. In terms of animals, we were able to view the 'big 5' in addition to many, many others. We were pleasantly surprised that the package included our own camp guide and cook (Benson) who had delicious meals waiting for us upon arising and return to camp every evening.
We camped in a two man tent, and the addition of cots added significantly to the comfort.
Our guides were very attentive to our needs including, at our request, steering us to a more local craft area for curios and gifts rather than the more well-known, and over-priced, tourist traps in Arusha.
I have had a number of prior safari experiences ranging from tent camping (alone, with groups, and with my children) to high-end lodges (with spouse) in Uganda, South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania. Unlike other tours with other companies, the operator did not combine us with other groups in the vehicle, allowing for a completely personalized vacation. This added to the flexibility of timing and accommodations.
Overall, this experience ranks an excellent value that allows one to "rough it" but with some unexpected added creature comforts (cots, personal cook). I plan to recommend the operator to my colleagues who are considering safaris in Tanzania.
Everything concerning the accomodations, guides, transprortation and wildlife viewing exceeded our expectations.
Peniel was very professional and took care of all the details concerning the 5 day Safari. Geoffery, our guide, was an excellent travelling companion, wildlife finder, safety manager and teacher.
We strongly recommend using this tour operator for your once in a lifetime safari to Tanzania.
I would be delighted to offer a short review of our holiday experience.
From meeting us at the airport to our departure a fortnight later, Penel, from the tour company, Anton, our safari guide,and Meckson, ourKilimanjaro guide ,were kindness itself.
Nothing was too much trouble and everything ran like clockwork, even when we altered our plans!
The holiday was well organised, from planning our journey up Mt Kilimanjaro, through to which safari parks to visit and which hotels to stay at- all within our price range, I may add.
The whole holiday was a total delight, with of course the friendliness of the Tanzanian people & the beauty of the country all adding to the experience.
I can't recommend this operator highly enough & will certainly return to them when we plan our next holiday ( funds permitting).
Hope this brief paragraph conveys how much we enjoyed the whole experence,
We have just completed the most amazing holiday in Tanzania. The tour operator was fantastic and I would highly recommend them to any travellers to this area.
Peniel did an excellent job of booking all we required and spending time greeting us and making sure eveything was OK. Our driver guide for our safari Apollo was exceptional. He knew so much about the area and the animals and we saw everything! They offer you a very individualised trip suited to your needs and without having to join a group of strangers.As a small local company they value their clients and we were made to feel special.All the accomodation at the lodges was wonderful and we particularly enjoyed the small Manyara Octagon Lodge unique and friendly with excellent home cooked food.
The personnel were wonderful people to deal with, from booking, to the guide. Neema was a delight to work with as I made my reservations. She was patient and prompt with answers to any questions I had.
Huruma, my guide was very knowledgable and pleasant. He took the time to inform me on vegetation, birds, animals and history of the Sengetti and Ngorongoro. The food was good.... Ben (our cook) did a great job.
All went smoothly, from being picked up at the airport to the resrvations at the hotel (which they made for me). Everything was taken care of... Huruma made sure I was settled in at the hotel before he left for the evening.
I would recommend this operator for others to use as a tour operator.
Although I was nervous booking and transferring money overseas, to our pleasant surprise everything went according to plan, including the arrangement of pre and post safari accommodation at the Impala Hotel in Arusha.
We had a comfortable vehicle and our tent was great - a very good size and kept us dry through storms, night after night. Apollo was our guide/driver and was extremely knowledgeable and proficient. He had to do some very challenging four wheel driving owing to a lot of rain and got us through every time without a hitch (others were not so lucky!!).
We saw so much wildlife right up close and personnel, including the Big 5 - and he was so patient when we just wanted to spend ages watching nature at its best. Our cook Bereggi (sorry I have no idea how he spells it?) was excellent also, providing absolutely fabulous meals!! The two of them made a trip to remember!
Overall, it was an excellent 8 days which allowed us to see the best of what Tanzania can offer on safari.
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Itinerary
MOUNT KENYA CLIMBING: 5 DAYS SIRIMON ROUTE DOWN CHOGORIA
Distance: 90 km | Difficulty: Moderate | Start:-Nairobi/Finish:- Arusha
SUMMARY Much more scenic than Naromoru and it is on the dry side of mountain, which offers some of the finest walking. Climb up through forest into a wide ridge approach to the summit area. The route starts on the northwest side of the mountain near Nanyuki. Access is adequate and the bunkhouse facilities are the best on this side of the mountain
DAY 1: NAIROBI/SIRIMON/JUDMIER CAMP (OLD MOSES CAMP) 3-4 HRS, 9KM, 860M ASCENT Leave Nairobi at 8 am to Nanyuki town for lunch, taking about 4 hours. Proceed to Sirimon Gate, 1 hr, 2440m. From the gate follow the track as it winds uphill though the forest which becomes heath land after about 3 hrs. About 3½ hours from the gate the track veers right to Judmier Camp, 3300m for dinner and overnight, L, D
DAY 2: JUDMIER CAMP/SHIPTON CAMP 6-7HRS, 14KM, 900 M ASCENTS After breakfast, follow the track uphill, forking left at the junction. After one hour from Old Moses Camp, the track crosses Ontulili River. Go right contouring through the Moorland and crossing Liki North and continue uphill to Mackinders Valley from where there are panoramic views up the valley towards the main peaks. Dinner and overnight at Shipton Camp, 4200m, B,L,D
DAY 3: SHIPTON CAMP Spend the day acclimatizing. Walk to Kami Hut down to Hauseberg Lakes (Hauseberg Tarn and Nanyuki Tarn). Walk back to Shipton for dinner and overnight.
DAY 4: SHIPTONS/POINT LENANA/MOUNT MERU BANDAS (CHOGORIA GATE) 6 HRS, 14KM, 785M ASCENT Leave at 3am up a steep stony quarry that cuts through a cliff clearing visible part towards lower Hall Tarns arriving point Lenana at 6:30am, taking about 3hrs. After the sunrise, descend down to Mintos hut, 2hrs, for breakfast and further hrs down to Mount Meru Bandas, 2950m, for dinner and overnight, B, L, D
DAY 5: CHOGORIA BANDAS/CHOGORIA/NAIROBI After breakfast, set on morning journey to Chogoria (32km). 4WD vehicles are provided but during bad weather, climbers may have to walk some distance as vehicles may not reach the Bandas. From Chogoria transport is provided back to Nairobi, arriving late afternoon for you dinner and Overnight. BB
DAY 6: NAIROBI ARUSHA This morning you will depart on your private transfer from Nairobi through Arusha. You will exit Kenya and enter Tanzania at the Namanga border post. The drive today covers approximately 400 kilometres and should take about 6-7 hours to Arusha, arrival at 1400hrs. Lunch will be at Impala hotel. In the evening there is a briefing on the Kilimanjaro trek, You will be able to leave your normal traveling bag and any excess luggage at the Hotel in Arusha to be collected upon your return. Dinner and Overnight at Arusha.
KILIMANJARO CLIMBING
TRIP INFORMATION:
This is a Mountain Climbing; it is the opportunity to get on the roof top of Africa, 5895m above sea level. Mt.Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa located on the North East of Tanzania, covered by permanent snow. There are several routes to get up to the summit; common routes are MARANGU ROUTE AND MACHAME ROUTE. Huts are available along Marangu route, on Machame there are no huts instead camping sites with toilet facilities are available. Machame route most popular and one of the most scenic route on the mountains. All climbers sleep in tents (tents are included) and meals are served in a dinner tent or on a blanket outside. It is done over 6 days, so acclimatization is easier, and the success rate is fairly high. With the Machame/South Circuit route, you will circle halfway around the mountain with great views from all angles. This route is approximately 40 km versus 20 km on the Marangu route. Climbers descend down the Mweka trail and stay at the Mweka camp the final night on the mountain.
We recommend you to bring with you gears like; hiking boots, thick hiking socks, windproof/waterproof pants and jacket, heavy gloves, heavy winter jacket, water bottles, gaiters (covers top of boots and bottom of pants), smaller personal backpack, larger backpack for clothes, cold weather sleeping bags, safari style hat protecting face and neck from sun, headlamp style flashlight, camera of course, dried fruit and energy bars, sun block, malaria pills, water purification tablets, inflatable pillows, your regular clothes.
DAY 7: ARUSHA TO MACHAME GATE TO MACHAME CAMP
Elevation (m): 1830m to 3100m Elevation (ft): 6000ft to 10,200ft Distance: 18km Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Montane Forest
The drive from Arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about one and half hours. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.
DAY 8: MACHAME CAMP TO SHIRA CAMP
Elevation (m): 3100m to 3840m Elevation (ft): 10,200ft to 12,600ft Distance: 9km Walking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast at 0800hrs, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite.
DAY 9: SHIRA CAMP TO LAVA TOWER TO BARRANCO CAMP
Elevation (m): 3840m to 4630m to 3860m Elevation (ft): 12,600ft to 12,700ft Distance: 15 km Walking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Semi-desert
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4,876 meters. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3,860 meters. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
OPTIONAL DAY (7-DAYS TREK): BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP
Elevation (m): 3860m to 4200m Elevation (ft): 12,700ft to 13,800ft Distance: 7 km Hiking Time: 4 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast in your camp at 0800hrs, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite.
DAY 10: BARRANCO CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP
Elevation (m): 3860m to 4600m Elevation (ft): 12,700ft to 15,100ft Distance: 13km Hiking Time: 8 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast at 0800hrs, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall, through the Karanga Valley (lunch at 4200m), and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
DAY 11: BARAFU CAMP TO SUMMIT TO MWEKA HUT
Elevation (m): 4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m) Elevation (ft): 15,100ft to 19,300ft (and down to 10,200ft) Distance: 7km ascent / 23km descent Hiking Time:6- 8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (5685m), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
DAY 12: MWEKA CAMP TO ARUSHA Elevation (m): 3100m to 1830m Elevation (ft): 10,200ft to 6000ft Distance: 15 km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Forest
After breakfast at 0800hrs, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you to the Hotel in Arusha for dinner and overnight. HB
DAY 13: DEPARTURE This day you will be transferred from the hotel in Arusha town to Kilimanjaro international Airport to connect to your flight back home.
PRICE: US$ 2034 per person (2pax traveling)
Price Includes: - All park entry fees. - Transport to and from the mountain gate - Transfers from Nairobi Airport to the hotel - Accommodation on your first night on your arrival BB, and 2 accommdation at Impala Hotel, before the Kilimanjaro climbing and the night after climbing. HB - Service of an English speaking guide/potters - 3 mael a dady during the climbing. - Activities as per itinerary above.
Price Excludes: - International flights to/from your home. - Transfer to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport (book with us 60$ per transfer) - Items of personal nature. - Tips to guides/potters - Sleeping bags/matts - And all not mentioned in the itinerary above.
