52-year old Klaus and 54-year old Bernhard had already achieved much in their lives. But something had been on their bucket list for a long time: to climb the highest mountain in Africa and forego any kind of luxury in the process. Together, they made this wish come true.
They are a bit tired. But they have resolved to take things slowly. So a little rest, a short hike. After being picked up at Kilimanjaro International Airport by the Twende Tanzania Safari guide, they went to the hotel for a shower, then took a stroll in Arusha and went to bed early. A little comfort before and after the hike to Kilimanjaro can’t hurt. They made themselves comfortable in the Arusha Serena hotel.
On the second day they rode their bikes on roads as straight as an arrow, often with a view of Mount Meru, the “little sister” of Kilimanjaro. There was nothing ordinary about seeing monkeys and colourful, strange birds in the evening.
Now it was on. Bernhard felt fit and rested. But Klaus hadn’t yet really broken in his shoes yet. Will that be all right, and no blisters? At the Horombo Hut they enjoyed a decent dinner and cast a concerned glance at Kilimanjaro: it was enveloped in clouds.
Now things got a bit rough. Klaus was limping at the end of the six-hour tour. And Bernhard was also facing a minor crisis. They had a thousand metres of altitude behind them. It wasn’t a difficult route. Still, how would they be able to handle the last stage the day after tomorrow, at almost 3500 metres? But the weather cleared up and the peak shone majestically in the evening sun.
There was a surprise about halfway across the plateau between Kibo and Mawenzi. They caught up with a small group that spoke Swiss German. And Klaus actually met an old schoolmate. After a brief negotiation, they all decided to continue together. At the Kibo Hut everyone was dog tired, but things still got quite merry.
The fourth day of climbing was the longest. They started very early, just after midnight. No one talked very much. The sunrise was almost mystical. Then, after many hours, they came to the first snow fields. It grew noticeably colder. It was a strange feeling to be in the middle of Africa in thick down jackets and walking around on frozen snow. At the Horombo Hut everyone was gasping but overjoyed to be there. Simply indescribable.
The descent was strange. A long day started with a kind of euphoria. Klaus and Bernhard were hopping around and had to keep hugging each other with joy. Then, at lunch, Klaus’ pain became unbearable. Large blisters had developed. It took some time—and some shoes borrowed from a group member—before Klaus was finally more-or-less able to walk again. Late after sundown they fell into the car seats of the jeep. And just as deliriously they found their beds back in the hotel.
Nothing other than rest was scheduled for this day. There was also nothing else they were capable of. They enjoyed the sun, the pool, some careful doctoring (medical attention was available through Twende Safari) and a generous dinner.
Now Bernhard and Klaus were really looking forward to a car trip, even though it would take almost five hours. There was so much to experience, with a brief stop at a Maasai village and a truly easy walk to where they could see hippos, giraffes and even lions.
One of the most impressive trips was the drive to the Ngorongoro Crater. Klaus and Bernhard didn’t want to take another step on foot. That could be arranged only up to a certain extent. They still got what they were looking for. With lots of landscape and animal photos on their USB cards and with more-or-less healed feet, they were on their way back to Arusha and home to Switzerland.
Kontakt
Godfrey Mosses Rodenhausen.
Your personal travel planner. For over ten years I have been showing individuals, couples, families and small groups the natural beauty of Tanzania.
Report travel experience
As a family of four, we travelled to Tanzania from July 7 to August 1. We had already travelled throughout Namibia four years earlier, at that time on our own with an all-terrain vehicle and tent. Then someone recommended that we visit Tanzania with the TWENDE TANZANIA travel specialists. After hesitating a while as to whether we should take a guided tour, we contacted Godfrey Mosses of TWENDE
After our first conversation, we knew we had made the right decision. Thanks to his keen eye for the essentials and expertise, we were able to put together a wonderful itinerary for our three and a half weeks
The first two weeks (Arusha NP, Lake Manyara NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti NP and Tarangire NP) we were accompanied by Vincent, an outstanding guide, who shared his inexhaustible knowledge of botany, zoology, geography and social aspects with us. He was a wonderful, considerate guide who taught us a great deal about the country. Without exception, we spent our nights in elegant safari lodges or tented camps.
We took a plane to the Selous Game Reserve, in the south of the country, and spent five days there. At the Rufiji River Camp, we had a choice of exploring on foot, by boat or by car.
Afterwards we spent five relaxing days on the island of Zanzibar and got to know a completely different part of Tanzania. Self-organised excursions on a dhow, a visit to a spice plantation and an outing to Stone Town rounded out the trip.
We can recommend TWENDE without reservation …
…and can imagine taking another trip in about four years, when our son is 16 years old, including climbing Kilimanjaro and visiting the Gombe Stream national park…
In touch with African culture
“I will always have fond memories of my safari with my friend Fridolin Diener (to the right in photo). The Tanzania tour was simply breathtaking. Thanks to Twende Tanzania we got in touch with the “African Spirit” despite the relatively short duration of the trip, and we were delighted with what we experienced.
Our skilled and entertaining driver kept us well informed during the journey, allowing us to experience the fantastic geography and wildlife, as well as life in the modern city, with even more understanding. Getting in contact with the natives made it possible for us to feel, for a few moments, like more than just visitors from a completely different world.”
Southeast Tanzania far away from other tourists
“Dar Es Salaam – Selous Game Reserve – Mafia Island – Kilwa World Heritage. We experienced the southeast of Tanzania far away from most other tourists. After some very interesting days in Dar, sightseeing on bicycles, the fish market and many other markets, we spent four days in the Rufiji River Camp. The boat safaris with lots of hippos, crocodiles and birds were indescribably beautiful. Ras Mbisi Lodge on Mafia Island is an insider’s tip for those who like it a bit secluded. There you can go kayaking, snorkelling on a coral reef, sailing and hiking through the mangrove forest to see the flying foxes, the largest bat species. The grand finale was two days in Kilwa (Kimbilio Lodge), where the many impressive ruins of former rulers presented an occasion to explain the long history of the east coast of Africa. Godfrey Mosses had selected and arranged for all domestic flights, transport and lodges for us. Everything went very smoothly. Asante sana Godfrey! Kwaheri Tanzania! Tutaonana!”
True wonders of nature
“In the autumn of 2009, I was in Tanzania along with my then-girlfriend, now my wife. Godfrey Mosses organised the trip absolutely perfectly via his Twende Tanzania. We not only got to experience true wonders of nature, but also some extraordinary contacts with several native tribes.
It was a journey the likes of which Evelyne and I will never forget. It’s very possible that we’ll go on a safari like this again.”
Completely satisfied
“I was on an extended journey through Uganda to Dar Es Salaam with my wife. We were completely satisfied. Twende Tanzania organised everything perfectly.
Our memories of the safaris in the Serengeti, at Ngorongoro and in the Tarangire National Park will last a lifetime. Simply wonderful
An unforgettable honeymoon safari
It was our first time with my husband in Tanzania and we were so well taken care of by Twende. This holiday was such an amazing experience for us in terms of nature and coming so close to the animals in their natural environment. We learnt so much about the animals and the culture thanks to Vincent our guide at Twende. We still talk about this holiday all the time today and would highly recommend anyone booking a Safari to organise it with Twende! 5. März 2018
An unforgettable vacation!
We’re still exhilarated from so many emotions experienced during this fantastic vacation.
You and your team perfectly organised and planned the journey. We can’t complain of a single thing.
Moses, our driver, was also perfect. We felt comfortable and safe at all times.
His knowledge is vast and he was sensitive to all our needs with the children.
The accommodations were all absolutely perfect and fabulous in terms of location and facilities. Everyone was very friendly and pleasant. The service was very good in all the lodges.
Thank you very much for the dinner on the last evening as well, another special moment.
So, overall, it was an unforgettable vacation for all of us. Twende made all the difference. April 16, 2018
Many thanks from all of us
