11 Days Mount Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar Experience
Duration
11 Days
Max People
10
Tour Type
Beach Holiday And climbing
Zanzibar
This 11-day adventure combines a full 7-day Machame Route climb on Mount Kilimanjaro with a relaxing Zanzibar beach holiday. Summit Africa’s highest peak, then unwind by the Indian Ocean. Enjoy guided hikes, scenic landscapes, cultural tours in Stone Town, and a visit to Zanzibar’s famous spice farms.
- Trek to the top of Africa on the scenic Machame Route of Kilimanjaro.
- Experience changing landscapes from rainforest to alpine desert on your mountain journey.
- Reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters and celebrate your Kilimanjaro summit success.
- Rest and relax on the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar after the mountain climb.
- Explore Stone Town’s culture and history on a guided walking tour with your guide.
- Visit a spice farm in Zanzibar and learn about local herbs, spices, and flavors.
Arrival Day: Welcome to Tanzania
When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our team will meet you and take you to your hotel in Moshi. You will have time to rest and relax before the big adventure. In the evening, your guide will meet you for a full briefing. He will check your gear and help you prepare for the next day.
Accommodation:
Client-selected: Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury hotel in Moshi
Dinner: Served at the hotel or a local restaurant
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
After breakfast, we drive to Machame Gate. It’s about a 45-minute ride through villages and green farmland. At the gate, we register and meet the full mountain team. Then we begin our hike through the thick rainforest. The path is often muddy and can be slippery, so trekking poles help. After 5–6 hours, we reach Machame Camp for the night.
- Elevation: 1,830m to 3,050m
- Distance: 11 km / 7 mi
- Time: 5–6 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Today, we leave the rainforest and climb into the moorland zone. The trail becomes steeper and rockier. You’ll cross a river gorge and pass beautiful valleys with clear views of Kibo Peak. After a 4–5 hour hike, we reach Shira Camp on a wide plateau where we spend the night under a star-filled sky.
- Elevation: 3,050m to 3,850m
- Distance: 5 km / 3 mi
- Time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
This is a big day for acclimatization. We hike higher to Lava Tower, a tall volcanic rock at 4,600m. After lunch here, we descend slowly to Barranco Camp. The landscape is drier and more open. You end the day at nearly the same height you started, but your body gains valuable altitude experience.
- Elevation: 3,850m → 4,600m → 4,000m
- Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
- Time: 5–6 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Today starts with a fun challenge — climbing the Barranco Wall. You may use your hands in some parts, but the guides will help. Once at the top, the views are incredible. After crossing rocky valleys, we arrive at Karanga Camp. The hike is short, giving you more rest for the summit days ahead.
- Elevation: 4,000m to 4,050m
- Distance: 5 km / 3 mi
- Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
The climb continues through dry, open alpine desert with few plants. We hike steadily uphill to Barafu Camp. From here, you’ll see the summit clearly. After an early dinner, it’s time to rest and sleep. You’ll wake around midnight for the most important part — the summit climb.
- Elevation: 4,050m to 4,700m
- Distance: 4 km / 2 mi
- Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Barafu to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
At midnight, we begin our summit climb. The trail is steep and rocky. You walk slowly through the cold night, reaching Stella Point before sunrise. After a short rest, we hike to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa. After taking pictures, we go back to Barafu for lunch, then descend to Mweka Camp.
- Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m, then down to 3,090m
- Distance: 5 km up / 13 km down
- Time: 5–7 hrs up / 5–6 hrs down
- Habitat: Arctic to Moorland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate & Departure
After breakfast, we walk the final trail through the rainforest. The descent takes about 3–4 hours. The path is green and full of birds and monkeys. At Mweka Gate, you will get your summit certificate. From there, we drive you back to Moshi for rest or transfer you directly to the airport.
- Elevation: 3,090m to 1,680m
- Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
- Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Meals: Breakfast
Drive back to Moshi for lunch. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport and take a flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, check into your beach hotel and relax after your exciting mountain adventure.
Day 8: Relaxation Day in Zanzibar
Enjoy a peaceful day to rest and recover by the beach. Take a swim, walk along the shore, or book a massage. This is your time to slow down and enjoy the warm breeze and ocean views. Have your meals at the hotel or nearby beach restaurants.
Accommodation:
Zanzibar beach hotel (Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury)
Day 9: Stone Town and Spice Tour
After breakfast, take a guided tour to explore Stone Town, a historical area with narrow streets, markets, and old buildings. Then, visit a spice farm to learn about Zanzibar’s famous spices like cloves and vanilla. Enjoy a tasty Swahili-style lunch before returning to the hotel to relax or enjoy the beach.
Accommodation:
Zanzibar beach hotel (Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury)
Day 10: Optional Activities and Beach Leisure
Spend the day your way. You can relax on the beach or join optional activities. Try snorkelling, go on a dhow sailing trip, or visit nearby islands. If you like water adventures, this is your day to enjoy them. Or simply take it slow and enjoy your last full day in paradise.
Accommodation:
Zanzibar beach hotel (Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury)
Day 11: Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a quiet morning at your hotel. Depending on your flight time, you may take a final walk along the beach or relax by the pool. Later, your driver will transfer you to Zanzibar International Airport for your journey home. Your tour ends with warm memories of mountain and beach.
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar
- All ground transport during the tour
- Domestic flight from Moshi to Zanzibar
- 7-day Kilimanjaro trek via Machame Route
- All park fees, camping equipment, and rescue fees
- Professional mountain guides, porters, and cooks
- All meals during the Kilimanjaro climb
- Hotel accommodation in Moshi and Zanzibar (Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury)
- All meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Stone Town tour and spice farm visit
- Bottled drinking water during trekking and tours
- English-speaking tour guides
- International flights to and from Tanzania
- Tanzania tourist visa and travel insurance
- Tips for mountain crew, guides, and hotel staff
- Personal hiking gear (sleeping bags, trekking poles, etc.)
- Extra meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional activities in Zanzibar (snorkeling, diving, dhow cruise)
- Personal expenses like laundry, souvenirs, or phone calls
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