Climb Mount Kilimanjaro and escape to Zanzibar and explore virgin powdery white sand beaches!
Spend 6 days | 5 Nights climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via Umbwe Route. Umbwe Route is arguably the least frequented on Kilimanjaro. Starting at the tropical rainforest it runs along Machame Route, joining it at Barranco Camp (3800m). The shortest of the routes, Umbwe - with its steep climb and short acclimatization periods - is amongst the most taxing on Kilimanjaro, while still showing off the beauties of the mountain terrain with its different habitat zones and panoramic views. While the camps along Umbwe Route to Uhuru Peak are well suited to acclimatization, this is still one of the more challenging ways to climb Kilimanjaro 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.
Previous climbing experience is, therefore, highly recommended for climbers contemplating taking Umbwe Route on the way to the highest point in Africa. Drive from Moshi to the Umbwe Gate (about 1 hour). Commence the climb through the rain forest with packed lunch on route. Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast included (FB).
Budget Lodging: Umbwe Cave Camp
Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast (FB)
Elevation: 1660m/5450ft to 2850m/9350ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
After breakfast, we leave the glades of the forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorland to Barranco Camp. Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast included (FB).
Budget Lodging: Barranco Camp
Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast (FB)
Elevation: 2850m/9350ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast included (FB).
Budget Lodging: Karanga Camp
Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast (FB)
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We continue up to the Barafu Camp. 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. Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast included (FB).
Budget Lodging: Barafu Camp
Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast (FB)
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. 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 you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain. Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast included (FB).
Budget Lodging: Mweka Camp
Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast (FB)
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
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: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
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
