Climb Mount Kilimanjaro and escape to Zanzibar and explore virgin powdery white sand beaches!
Spend 6 days | 5 Nights climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via Machame Route. The Machame Route is also known as the “Whiskey” route, given its reputation for being a tough climb, in contrast to the easier Marangu Route, which is known as the “Coca-Cola” route. Unlike the gradual incline and hut accomodations found on the Marangu Route, the climbers on Machame hike steeper trails, for longer distances, while sleeping in tents. The Machame Route is the most popular path. It is the route of choice for many people because it provides impressive views and a variety of habitats. About 50% of all climbers, and most seasoned climbers, choose the Machame Route then escape to Zanzibar Island and explore long stretches of virgin powdery white sand beaches. This itinerary also allows you to spend 4 Days | 3 Nights at The Sands Beach Resort which is located in the South Coast of Zanzibar where you will have the chance to discover the best activities in Zanzibar Island including the Zanzibar Spice Tour, Stone Town City Tour and the Prison Island Boat Trip. You can start on any date you request. We can also help to arrange flights and speed boats in and out of Zanzibar.
Depending on your budget and requirements, the itinerary can be altered to make use of a different standard of accommodation.
Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), there will be a pick up private transfer waiting to Stella Maris hotel in Moshi. All airport transfers are the part of the package, no extra fee is required. We will gather in the evening for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check.
Drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp. Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast included (FB).
Budget Lodging: Machame Camp
Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast (FB)
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite. Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast included (FB).
Budget Lodging: Shira Camp
Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast (FB)
Elevation: 3000m to 3840m, 10,200ft to 12,600ft
Distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth”. Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4876m / 15,997 ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3860m / 12,664 ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day. Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast included (FB).
Budget Lodging: Barranco Camp
Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast (FB)
Elevation: 3800m to 4630m to 3986m, 15,000ft to 13,700ft
Distance: 11km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall, through the Karanga Valley (lunch at 4200m / 13,779 ft), and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position. Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast included (FB).
Budget Lodging: Barafu Camp
Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast (FB)
Elevation: Elevation: 3900m to 4600m, 13,007ft to 15,295ft
Distance: 9km
Hiking Time: 8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Very early in the morning (midnight 12:00am), we continue our way to the summit. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (5685m / 18,652 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you will encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, we have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast included (FB).
Budget Lodging: Mweka Camp
Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast (FB)
Elevation: 4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m) 15,100ft to 19,300ft (and down to 10,200ft)
Distance: 5km ascent / 12km descent
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours ascent / 3 hours descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka gate to drive you back to Stella Maris hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast included (FB).
Accommodation: Stella Maris hotel
Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast (FB)
Elevation: 3100m to 1830m, 10,200ft to 6000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Morning after breakfast drive to Kilimanjaro International Airport where you will take your flight to Zanzibar Island. On arrival you will be Met and greet by our guide and driver at Zanzibar Airport. Our representative would be holding a name card for you for easy identification and transfer to the The Sands Beach Resort (Located in South East Coast of Zanzibar Island). Dinner and Breakfast included (HB).
MEAL PLAN: Dinner and Bed & Breakfast (HB)
ACCOMMODATION: The Sands Beach Resort or similar accommodation
Morning after breakfast pick-up from The Sands Beach Resort for the Zanzibar Spice Tour on this tour you will see and taste the tropical fruits, spices plantation or plots in the island. A variety of spices plants used as ornament, medicines, flowers, fruits and another interesting flora can be seen during spice tour and if you will have a time, you will visit Kidichi bath built in 1850 by the first Sultan for his wife Sheharzad (Grand daughter of Fateh Ali Shah of Persia).
After Spice Tour we'll head to Stone Town one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Cultural Arts Centre of East Africa. You will have the Stone Town City Tour takes around the historical culture and architectural important town of Zanzibar with a century history. It includes a visit to former slave market site, now stands as Anglican church built in 1871, town market, visit the Zanzibar Memorial Museum, House of Wonder built in 1883 (Beit-Al-Ajab), Old Arab Fort, Palace Museum, Old Indian dispensary (Cultural Center).
After the Lunch, you will have a trip to Prison Island Boat Trip,Visit Lloyd Mathew's Architecture built in 1893 and the Island is a home of Aldabra Giant Tortoises. Flanged by an amazing beach of reef sanctuary, the island is ideal for swimming, snorkeling and beach relaxation. After tours, you will be dropped off at The Sands Beach Resort for overnight (HB).
MEAL PLAN: Dinner and Bed & Breakfast (HB)
ACCOMMODATION: The Sands Beach Resort or similar accommodation
Day leisure or swims and play at the beach in front of the hotel, enjoying the beach or flexible to arrange any other activities. Dinner and Breakfast included (HB).
MEAL PLAN: Dinner and Bed & Breakfast (HB)
ACCOMMODATION: The Sands Beach Resort or similar accommodation
Breakfast at the Hotel – Swims or Some leisure with the Hotel till the time for the transfer to the Airport/Seaport for the departure transfer (Depends on the flight departure timing).
2 Nights Accommodation in Stella Maris hotel
4 Nights Accommodation in Budget Camp
3 Nights Accommodation in The Sands Beach Resort
Services of a professional English speaking safari guide
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
All Park entrance fee
Flight fares if that is part of your Itinerary
All meals while on the Mountain
Transfers from Airport and return
Fair and ethical treatment of porters
Rescue fees in mountain
Huts and Park ranger fees
Hot water for washing every day
Clean, purified drinking water
Management and safety procedures
Fair and ethical treatment of porters
Water proof tents tent on climb, Mess tent and crew tents
Hot water for washing every day
All meals while on the Mountain
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Salaries to the guides, cooks and porters
All Excursions + Entrance fees shown in the package
Experienced Professional Tour guides for Zanzibar Activities
Pick up and drop off from your hotel in private car
All Excursions shown in the package
Bottled water during the tour
All taxes, fuel surcharges and service fees included
Medical Insurance
International Flights
Visa
Airport Taxes
Expenses of a personal Nature
