13-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Trek and Zanzibar Beach Holiday
Kilimanjaro & Zanzibar Combo

• Drive Time: Short drive to the Machame trailhead.
• Highlight: Hiking through the lush montane forest to your first camp.

A short drive brings you to the Machame trailhead (~5,380 ft). After checking in with the park rangers, you will begin your hike up through the montane forest, a winding, mossy jungle path that leads you to Machame Hut camp.

• Hiking: 5-7 hours
• Overnight Altitude: ~9,350 ft
• Accommodation: Machame Hut Camp
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Drive Time: None.
• Highlight: Spectacular views of Kibo Peak as you hike through the moorlands.

After breakfast, your hike continues, taking you out of the forest and into the moorlands. The trail is scenic, and you will take your time to soak in the views, which include spectacular panoramas of Kibo peak. The landscape changes as you ascend, offering a new perspective of the mountain's grandeur.

• Hiking: 4-6 hours
• Overnight Altitude: ~12,500 ft
• Accommodation: Shira Plateau Camp
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Drive Time: None.
• Highlight: Acclimatization hike to Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Valley.

Today is a long but important day for acclimatization. You'll climb high but sleep low. The trek includes an acclimatization hike to Lava Tower (~15,190 ft) for lunch, a striking volcanic rock formation. Afterward, you will descend to the beautiful Barranco Valley. The scenery is amazing today, passing through different ecological zones of the mountain. For those with extra energy, and if weather permits, there is a chance to scramble up Lava Tower.

• Hiking: 6-8 hours
• Overnight Altitude: ~13,044 ft
• Accommodation: Barranco Camp
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Drive Time: None.
• Highlight: Climbing the Great Barranco Wall.

Today, you’ll continue to acclimatize, allowing your body to adjust to the higher altitudes in preparation for the upcoming summit push. The day starts with a challenging but exhilarating climb up the steep Barranco Wall. After reaching the top, you'll traverse several ridges and valleys before arriving at Karanga camp. There will likely be time for an acclimatization hike in the afternoon.

• Hiking: 4-5 hours
• Overnight Altitude: ~13,106 ft
• Accommodation: Karanga Camp
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Drive Time: None.
• Highlight: Arriving at the final camp before your summit attempt.

The trek continues as you complete your circuit of the mountain. The trail has some ups and downs along the ridges and valleys before you arrive at Barafu Camp, your final stop before the summit. You will have an early supper and try to get a few hours of sleep before your summit ascent begins around midnight.

• Hiking: 3-4 hours
• Overnight Altitude: ~15,331 ft
• Accommodation: Barafu Camp
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Drive Time: None.
• Highlight: Reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro!

You will begin your summit push around midnight, using headlamps to light your way. The slow and steady ascent leads you to Stella Point, and then onward to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa (~19,341 ft). The altitude makes this a demanding climb, and you will need to dress warmly for the cold. After celebrating with photos at the summit, you will begin the long descent to Mweka Camp.

• Hiking: 6-7 hours ascent to the summit, then 6-9 hours of descent.
• Summit: ~19,341 ft
• Overnight Altitude: ~10,500 ft
• Accommodation: Mweka Camp
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Drive Time: Approximately 45-60 minutes from Mweka Gate to Moshi.
• Highlight: A celebratory dinner after successfully completing the trek.

The final day of trekking takes you on a descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Here, you will have lunch and say goodbye to your incredible mountain crew before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. A drive back to Moshi awaits, where you can enjoy a hot shower and a well-deserved celebratory dinner.

• Hiking: 3-5 hours
• Accommodation: Nguchiro Palace Hotel
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Drive Time: Approximately 45-60 minutes to JRO, then a 1.5-hour flight.
• Highlight: Relaxing at a historic hotel in Stone Town.

Enjoy a relaxing morning at the hotel before being transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), you will be transferred to the Tembo House Hotel in Stone Town. After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to unwind and enjoy the historic atmosphere of your hotel.

• Accommodation: Tembo House Hotel

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

• Drive Time: None, walking tour.
• Highlight: Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site and learning about spices.

Today is dedicated to exploring the captivating culture and history of Zanzibar. You will embark on a guided walking tour of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its winding alleys, carved wooden doors, and bustling markets. In the afternoon, you’ll take a fascinating spice tour, visiting a local plantation to learn about and sample the various spices that have made Zanzibar famous throughout history.

• Accommodation: Tembo House Hotel

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

• Drive Time: A short drive to the port, followed by a boat ride.
• Highlight: Sunbathing on a pristine sandbank and visiting historic Prison Island.

Today, you'll enjoy a full-day excursion to two of Zanzibar's most enchanting islands. A boat will take you to Prison Island, home to giant Aldabra tortoises and the historic ruins of an old prison. Afterward, you will sail to the breathtaking Nakupenda Island, a stunning sandbank in the middle of the ocean. Here, you will have a delicious seafood BBQ lunch, relax on the white sand, and swim in the crystal-clear turquoise waters.

• Accommodation: Tembo House Hotel
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Drive Time: None.
• Highlight: A final day to relax and enjoy the coastal charm of Zanzibar.

Spend your last full day in Tanzania at your leisure. The Tembo House Hotel provides a perfect base to relax by the pool, or you can choose to do some last-minute souvenir shopping in Stone Town, visit a local beach, or simply soak in the final moments of your island escape. A farewell dinner will be the perfect end to an incredible journey.

• Accommodation: Tembo House Hotel
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

• Drive Time: Approximately 20-30 minutes to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ).
• Highlight: Saying goodbye to Tanzania.

After enjoying your last breakfast in Tanzania, your driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) for your international departure flight. You leave with cherished memories of conquering Africa's highest peak and the serene beauty of Zanzibar.

• Accommodation: None
• Meals Included: Breakfast