Tanzania, July 2011

Join us and summit Mt. Killimanjaro, at 19,345 feet the highest peak in Africa, and visit the once-dominant, now fast disappearing glacier fields before they become a historical memory. Then, following our 7-day mountain adventure, travel with Roadmonkey’s small-group expedition team to semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar, off Tanzania’s Indian Ocean coastline, to complete our 4-day volunteer project.

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We should come home from adventures, and perils, and discoveries every day with new experience and character ~ Henry David Theoreau

expedition route & itinerary

For 7 days, we will climb Kilimanjaro’s rugged and scenic Machame Route, through rain forest, moorland, high-desert moonscapes and lush valleys with giant fauna. This expedition's special treat is that it take through the truly awesome (and we don't use that word casually) Western Breach, to the crater of the extinct volcano that formed Mt. Kilimanjaro. This is an entirely non-technical climb, and very few other climbers, if any, as we take on this challenging and stunning route. If you’re in good physical condition, you can do it! After summiting, we return to Moshi, the market town at the base of the mountain, for a celebratory dinner and a full rest day.

After recuperating in Moshi, we take a short flight to Zanzibar—a tropical-weather island whose history, spice markets and exotic name have inspired a thousand eponymous bars and restaurants across the Western world. For 4 days, in cooperation with our Zanzibar-based non-profit partner, we’ll build a fruit and vegetable farm for local primary-school students.

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our volunteer project

Following our summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, we’ll spend 4 days on Zanzibar, completing a custom-designed project with a Zanzibar-based non-profit organzation, such as Zayedesa, Zanzibar Action Project or Art in Zanzibar. This adventure philanthropy project may involve building a revenue-generating fruit and vegetable farm to benefit a local school and its students. At the end of Day 4, our team, working with local community members, will have built a small but sustainable, positive-impact farm for students in need.

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expedition cost & timeframe

The cost of this adventure philanthropy expedition is $5,195USD, which includes all lodging, airport pickups, the domestic flight from Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar, all but one or two meals, all ground transportation and the development and coordination of a 4-day, hands-on volunteer project that you will complete with other expedition members. The cost does not include international airfare and visas and a meal or two while you’re on free time in Moshi or on Zanzibar.

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lodging & food

Lodging in Moshi, upon arrival in Tanzania and immediately after descending Mt. Kilimanjaro, will be a private room at a superior hotel. During our volunteer project on Zanzibar, rooms at a clean & comfortable hotel may be single or shared with another person of the same gender, depending on room availability. During our 7 days on the mountain, you’ll be sharing a tent (provided) with another expedition member.

Maintaining your energy is vital, and you will eat very well on this expedition! While climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, all meals are prepared by a professional cook. Vegetarian and other specialized meals are available. On the mountain, we have a chance to sample Tanzania’s national dish: Ugali. In Moshi, both traditional local and Western-style food is widely available. On Zanzibar, fresh tropical fruits and seafood are abundant, as are vegetarian, grain (pasta) and meat dishes.

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when to arrive & depart

You should plan to arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) no later than Saturday, July 16, to begin the Kilimanjaro trek the following day. The expedition concludes on Saturday, July 30, on Zanzibar. Departures from the island to Dar es Salaam or Nairobi—the transfer points for international flights—can begin as early as that afternoon. If you’re interested in taking a 3-day, big-game safari following the conclusion of this expedition, please let us know!

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