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Arusha
80km from Kilimanjaro National Park, Arusha us a bustling city and a major diplomatic hub with a population of over a million people. Its proximity to Kilimanjaro and a hop off point for day safaris to nearby Arusha National Park, plus longer tours to Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Ngorogoro and Serengeti National Parks makes it a very busy place. Agency staff offering safaris and Kilimanjaro climbs line the streets, as well do street vendors selling everything and anything from fruits and drinks to crafts to Kilimanjaro souvenirs! It can be a bit overwhelming at times, when every other person is asking you to buy something, but there are some nice places to stay and to eat in from budget to luxury. There is also a post office, an ATM machine, money changers and internet cafes in Arusha.
Moshi
Situated on the lower southern slopes of Kilimanjaro, Moshi is the closest town to Kilimanjaro National Park and to the beginning of most climbing routes. It is also home to the Chagga and Maasai tribes. With a population of around 150,000, it’s smaller than Arusha and much quieter, although there is still a lot of hustle and bustle with agencies and vendors, restaurants and cafes in the main town. Services in Moshi include an ATM, money changers, a post office and internet cafes. If you decide that you would like to extend your trip on a safari, most begin in Arusha, and so if we are staying in Moshi after your challenge, you will be picked up directly from the hotel by our tour company to begin your safari.
Mount Meru
A neighbouring peak to Kilimanjaro, Meru stands in Arusha National Park at an impressive 4566m. If climbing Kilimanjaro, on a clear day you should be afforded with fantastic views over to the active volcano which lies around 75km to the west of Kilimanjaro. You can climb Mount Meru, which on its own is a 3-5 day trip. Many people underestimate Meru, being lower than Kilimanjaro, but it is a challenging climb. Meru can also be incorporated into a climb of Kilimanjaro as an acclimatisation trek and if you are interested in conquering both mountains, we are soon to offer a 'Twin Peak Kili Challenge'.
Arusha National Park
As quoted in the Lonely Planet, “Although one of Tanzania’s smallest parks, it is one of its most beautiful and most topographically varied.” The main features of this park include: Ngurdoto crater, where herds of buffalo and warthog are dotted around. Serengeti Ndogo, a grass land to the west of the crater where zebra can be viewed. Momela lakes, home to some wonderful birdlife including thousands of pink flamingos. Mount Meru, the second highest mountain in Tanzania. You can also see the mighty Kilimanjaro in the distance and appreciate the scale of the challenge you have just completed. The following wildlife can also be seen during a visit to Arusha NP: Blue monkeys, colobus monkeys (if you didn’t see any on Kili!), zebras, giraffes, hippos, klipspringers (small antelope), buffaloes, elephants,leopards, spotted hyenas and numerous birdlife.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara sits on the boarder next to the Rift Valley where you can see the dramatic Great Rift escarpment. The main features of the lake include: Superb birdlife viewing, including around three million flamingos, pelicans, cormorants and storks to name just a few. Hippos can also be viewed wallowing in the lake and hot springs steam and bubble in the far south of the park. The following wildlife can also be seen during a visit to Lake Manyara: Giraffe, buffalo, wildebeest, elephants, klipspringers, impalas, zebras and baboons. Although a rare occurrence, you may even spot the elusive tree climbing lion!
Find out more about safari options to Lake Manyara >> Ngorogoro National Park
Ngorongoro is one of Africa’s best known wildlife viewing areas. The crater floor is stunning and inhabited by around 20,000–30,000 wild animals at a time. The main features of the crater are: Lake Magadi, attracting thousands of flamingos to its shallows. The plains, which offer fantastic viewing opportunities of the endangered black rhino, lions, buffaloes and tusked elephants as well as some of Africa’s other beautiful wildlife, which include: Zebras, Thomson’s gazelles, reedbucks, cheetah and spotted hyena. The animal inhabitants also share the crater with the Maasai people, and on a visit we can find out more about their way of life.
Find out more about safari options to Ngorongoro >> Serengeti National Park
The most popular National Park in the whole of Africa, the Serengeti is also a World Heritage Site and has a huge concentration of wildlife. Its main feature, and what it is most famous for is the migration of 1,500,000 white bearded wildebeests, 250,000 zebras and 300,000 Thompson gazelles that takes place each year between December and July. It is one of the most phenomenal spectacles you will ever see. Outside of migration season wildlife viewing is still in its abundance and between the months of June to October, the big match between predators vs. prey is in full swing offering some spectacular viewing opportunities. Lion prides, buffalo, groups of elephant and giraffe can be seen as well as leopards, cheetahs, jackels, spotted hyena, Grant’s gazelle to main just a few as well as over 500 species of birds.
Find out more about safari options to the Serengeti >> Zanzibar
Zanzibar is an archipelago of tropical islands in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Tanzania and just a short plane ride away from Kilimanjaro. Sometimes known also as the ‘Spice Islands’ for their production of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper, it’s the number one beach location in East Africa and not without good reason. Zanzibar and Pemba islands are perfect for those looking to relax within the soundings of white sands and turquoise waters. Here you can scuba dive, go deep sea fishing, take a relaxing boat around the islands or simply flop out on a sun lounger, chill out and catch up on some well deserved rest!
Find out more about Zanzibar options >>
