First of all – May is a tricky month – and many of the hotels, particularly in Zanzibar are closed for the entire month. So...I have adjusted timing to work with a late May start that will flow into early June. I am most keen to use the services of Zara Tours who provide a great Kilimanjaro Trek and Safari combination package that is affordable…but still comfortable. The schedule *might* look something like this:
Day 1: (May 17th) Evening departure from Toronto via KLM
Day 2: (May 18th) Morning arrival in Amsterdam. Overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 3: (May 19th) Morning departure and evening arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport.
Days 4 - 10: (May 20th – 26th) Kilimanjaro climb via Machame Route, timed for a full moon on final ascent to the top.
Day 11: (May 27th) Manyara National Park with overnight in Springlands hotel.
Day 12: (May 28th) Serengeti National Park and Olduvai Gorge. Overnight at Zara Wildcamp (tented accommodations).
Day 13: (May 29th) Serengeti. Overnight at Zara Wildcamp.
Day 14: (May 30th) Ngorongoro Crater. Overnight Highview Hotel.
Day 15: (June 1st) Ngorongoro Crater and cultural village visit. Overnight at Springlands Hotel in Moshi.
Day 16: (June 2nd) Departure or continue on to Zanzibar.
***At this point, you could return home or stay on for a few, fun and relaxing days in Zanzibar.
The total for the above package would be approximately (based on 2 sharing):
Flight: $1326
Trek / Safari Package: $3140
Extra hotel night in Amsterdam and Moshi, airport transfers: $250
Total: $4716.
Outside of the costs above, there may be a few meals not included on the first and last day of the tour and any tips for the guides / porters on the trek. Everything is included on the trek (tents, food, porters to carry your pack etc) as well as game park fees and food / drinks on the safari portion. While it may seem like a big chunk of cash (and, no doubt, it absolutely is), this scenario is a very affordable one compared to some of the other packages available in the market. While this one is not a luxury tour - it is not a basic style, camping tour. Zara operates the hotels included in the package, which are more of the 3 star variety - clean, with private baths and in extraordinary locations - including two nights in a tented room in the bush (incredible!). Zara is a local operator and is one of the most highly regarded - particularly for the ethical treatment of the porters and guides they employ.
Also, keep in mind that the more participants, the more savings can be found. Plus - with the Victoria Day Holiday it will only require 9 vacation days.
I am still working out the details on the Zanzibar portion and will share further details in my next post.
