Your 12 Days Zanzibar & Kilimanjaro Climbing journey starts with an Arusha welcome, continues with six nights on Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Machame Route, then lands you in Zanzibar for a well-earned beach finish. You move from crisp alpine air to warm ocean breezes without fuss.
You focus on steady steps, sunrise views, and simple wins like hot tea at 4,600 meters. We handle permits, porters, tents, route pacing, and the timing that makes summit night feel achievable. After the climb, you trade boots for sandals and let the Indian Ocean untie every muscle.
Day 1: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha check in
Arrive at KIA. Our team welcomes you, assists with bags, and transfers you to your Arusha hotel. You meet your mountain guide for a concise briefing and gear check. If you need rental items, we sort them before dinner.
After the encounter with first impressions and kit prep, you shall embark on an early night. Lay out layers, charge batteries, and set two alarms. Tomorrow you step onto Africa’s highest mountain.
Lodging, Arusha
Day 2: Arusha to Machame Gate, hike to Machame Camp
Drive to Machame Gate for registrations and weigh ins. Start hiking through lush montane forest with colobus monkeys in the canopy. The trail climbs steadily to Machame Camp.
After the encounter with green tunnels and steady switchbacks, you shall embark on your first camp routine. Change into warm layers, sip soup, and watch mist drift through the trees. Sleep comes easier than you expect.
Lodging, Kilimanjaro
Camping on the Machame Route, four season tents with full mountain crew support
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Leave the forest for heather and moorland. Giant heathers and volcanic outcrops shape the path. Views open toward Shira Plateau, a wide, otherworldly shelf of ancient lava.
After the encounter with big skies and your first long views of Kibo, you shall embark on a slow afternoon. Stretch calves, refill water, and walk a short acclimatization loop near camp. Sunset here feels like a reward for every step.
Lodging, Kilimanjaro
Camping on the Machame Route, four season tents with full mountain crew support
Day 4: Shira Camp to Lava Tower, down to Barranco Camp
Climb gradually toward Lava Tower at about 4,600 meters for a high lunch. You breathe slower and drink more. Then descend to Barranco Camp. This up then down day teaches your body to adapt.
After the encounter with thin air and the relief of descending, you shall embark on a gentle recovery. Warm drink in hand, you watch clouds slide along the Great Barranco Wall. Confidence grows. Appetite returns. Sleep feels deserved.
Lodging, Kilimanjaro
Camping on the Machame Route, four season tents with full mountain crew support
Day 5: Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp
Tackle the Barranco Wall in careful, hands-on steps. It looks dramatic, then turns playful and safe with your guide’s pace. Traverse valleys and ridges to Karanga Camp, your crucial acclimatization stop.
After the encounter with the wall and steady traverses, you shall embark on a relaxed afternoon. Practice your summit layers, test headlamps, and take a short acclimatization walk. Eat well. Tomorrow sets up summit night.
Lodging, Kilimanjaro
Camping on the Machame Route, four season tents with full mountain crew support
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, summit prep
Climb to Barafu, the high camp perched on a rocky ridge. You arrive early to rest. Guides brief you on summit timing, simple layering, and the slow rhythm that gets you there.
After the encounter with wind and views that run forever, you shall embark on pure preparation. Lay out gear in order, sip soups, and try to sleep before midnight. Nerves are normal. Your team is ready.
Lodging, Kilimanjaro
Camping on the Machame Route, four season tents with full mountain crew support
Day 7: Summit to Uhuru Peak, descend to Mweka Camp
Wake around midnight. Begin a patient zigzag to Stella Point, then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, 5,895 meters. Sunrise turns the world gold. Photos, a breath, and pride. Descend to Barafu for hot brunch, then continue down to Mweka Camp where air feels generous.
After the encounter with the roof of Africa and a long descent, you shall embark on the best nap of the week. Celebrate quietly with your crew. Knees will talk. Hearts will too.
Lodging, Kilimanjaro
Camping on the Machame Route, four season tents with full mountain crew support
Day 8: Mweka Gate exit, fly to Zanzibar, beach check in
Hike down to Mweka Gate for certificates and goodbyes. Drive to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport and board your flight to Zanzibar. Land, take a short drive to your beach hotel, and walk barefoot into the water. The shift from alpine to ocean feels immediate.
After the encounter with warm tide and easier breathing, you shall embark on a gentle evening. Order something fresh off the grill and let the sea handle the soundtrack.
Lodging, Zanzibar Coast
Day 9: Full beach day, spa or Mnemba snorkel
Choose your recovery. Book a massage, float in calm water, or take a boat to Mnemba side reefs for effortless snorkeling. We match timing to tides so nothing feels rushed.
After the encounter with salt and sun, you shall embark on the laziest afternoon of the trip. Hammock, nap, repeat. Dinner tastes better when you did exactly enough.
Lodging, Zanzibar Coast
Day 10: North Coast switch, Kendwa sunset
After breakfast, transfer to the north. Take a short drive to your beach hotel in Nungwi or Kendwa. Settle in, swim, and let the lagoon set your pace. If you want a light activity, add a short boat toward Mnemba side shallows for an easy snorkel.
After the encounter with warm water and soft sand, you shall embark on a calm evening. Kendwa’s wide beach handles sunset like a stage. Pick grilled octopus or a light curry and sit long enough to watch the stars arrive.
Lodging, Northern Zanzibar
Day 11: Mnemba reef morning, beach afternoon
Take a morning boat to Mnemba side reefs. You shall slip into calm water above bright coral, with schools of reef fish and the occasional turtle. Your captain times the outing to tides and visibility. Return for lunch, then rest while the light turns gold.
After the encounter with bright fish and gentle drifts, you shall embark on a lazy afternoon. Read in a hammock, nap, then take a slow beach walk before dinner. Keep tomorrow light for the safari switch.
Lodging, Northern Zanzibar
Day 12: Last swim, fly home
Swim once more, pack the boots under soft cotton, and check out. Transfer to the airport for your international flight. You carry two souvenirs, summit dust on your gaiters and fine sand in your bag. Both tell the story without a word.
After the encounter with farewells and final photos, you shall embark on your journey home with one clear thought. You did something big, then you rested well.
Which route do you use and why six nights on the mountain?
We use the Machame Route with six nights because it balances scenery, acclimatization, and success rates. The extra acclimatization steps at Lava Tower and Karanga improve summit odds.
How hard is summit night and how do you pace it?
Summit night is demanding. You move slowly, one steady step, and break every 50 to 70 minutes. Guides manage rhythm, hydration, and simple nutrition so you keep going safely.
What altitude issues should you expect and how do you manage them?
Normal effects include breathlessness and mild headache. We follow climb high, sleep low tactics, monitor oxygen saturation, and adjust pace. If symptoms escalate, we descend. Your safety comes first.
What do you carry and what do porters carry?
You carry a small daypack with water, snacks, layers, and your camera. Porters carry tents, food, and your duffel, limited to regulated weights. Pack light and use soft sided bags.
What should you pack for mountain and beach together?
On mountain: layered synthetics or merino, warm hat, gloves, headlamp, trekking poles, a 4 season sleeping bag, and sturdy boots. On beach: swimwear, light cotton, sandals, reef safe sunscreen, and a light cover up. We provide a detailed list after booking.
Can you switch the beach area or add Stone Town?
Yes. Keep the same lodging pairs and add a Stone Town night at Tembo House or Maru Maru before flying home, or move your beach base to Paje if you prefer kite surfing. We adjust transfers and timing accordingly.
Stay in Zanzibar, relax on sugar-white beaches, then fly to Serengeti or Nyerere for big cats, returning to sunset dhows and spice markets; you enjoy safari action with beach downtime with the experts.
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