12 Day Kilimanjaro & Zanzibar: Unforgettable Tanzania Adventure (Camping)

Day 1

Moshi, Tanzania

Arrive at your leisure. Join us for a welcome meeting to meet your guide and fellow travelers and learn more about your exciting adventure. Consider joining the group for a delicious local meal afterwards. Don’t forget to check for the official meeting time and location.

Accommodation: Stella Maris Lodge or similar
Included Highlights: Welcome Meeting on Arriva Day

Day 2

Moshi – Machame Camp, Tanzania

Embark on a scenic hike through the lush, forested slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro, ascending towards Machame Camp. Be prepared for potentially muddy conditions, especially if it rains. Enjoy the beauty of the rainforest zone as you begin your ascent of this iconic mountain.

Register at Machame Gate and begin your trek through the lush rainforest slopes. Watch for playful black & white colobus monkeys and exotic birds! This scenic first day offers a gradual climb and ends at Machame Camp, nestled above the rainforest canopy. Prepare for breathtaking views and unforgettable encounters!

Accommodation: Machame Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Distance: ± 11km
Travelling Time: ± 5 – 7 hours

Day 3

Machame Camp – Shira 2 Camp, Tanzania

Hike through Kilimanjaro’s diverse landscapes! Traverse lower alpine moorland, transitioning from lush rainforests. Witness the awe-inspiring Kibo Peak, Africa’s highest summit, gaining spectacular altitude as you reach Shira 2 Camp. Prepare to be captivated by Kilimanjaro’s breathtaking beauty!

Ascend from Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp! Tackle a steeper climb, emerging from the rainforest onto a scenic ridge. Take a well-deserved break before continuing towards Shira Cathedral, a dramatic rock formation. Witness the majestic Kibo Peak emerge as you reach the Shira Plateau, your base for the night.

Accommodation: Shira Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Distance: ± 5 km
Travelling Time: ± 5 – 6 hours

Day 4

Shira 2 Camp – Barranco Camp, Tanzania

Challenge yourself on the trek to Barranco Camp! Ascend through dramatic landscapes, reaching the iconic Lava Tower (4,600m) for panoramic views of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. Descend into the Great Barranco Valley, surrounded by awe-inspiring glaciers. This diverse terrain prepares you for Kilimanjaro’s majesty and rewards you with breathtaking scenery.

Ascend Kilimanjaro’s dramatic slopes! Tackle a challenging climb through rocky terrain, reaching the iconic Lava Tower (4600m). Embrace the local wisdom of “pole pole” (slowly, slowly) as you adjust to the altitude. Reward yourself with breathtaking panoramic views of the Western Breach and Breach Wall before continuing your Kilimanjaro adventure.

Descend from the Lava Tower, entering the dramatic Great Barranco Valley (2133ft drop!). Hike for about 2 hours, acclimatizing to the altitude and soaking in the awe-inspiring views of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. Reach your scenic base for the night, Barranco Camp, surrounded by majestic glaciers and the mighty Kibo massif. This challenging yet rewarding trek prepares you for Kilimanjaro’s next chapter!

Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower, Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Distance: ± 10 km
Travelling Time: ± 6 hours

Day 5

Barranco Camp –  Barafu Camp, Tanzania

Challenge yourself on the ascent of the Great Barranco Wall! Navigate the eastern face, traversing below the awe-inspiring Helm Glacier. This dramatic climb will test your endurance but reward you with breathtaking panoramas. Prepare for tomorrow’s summit push from your base camp!

Witness the grandeur of the Great Barranco Wall from your camp. Then, conquer its eastern face on a challenging, yet rewarding climb. Traverse below the majestic Helm Glacier, soaking in panoramic vistas. This ascent prepares you for tomorrow’s summit push. Reach Barafu Camp, a high-altitude haven on a narrow, rocky ridge. Prepare your gear for the early morning ascent – headlamps, poles, and thermal wear will be essential for your Kilimanjaro summit attempt!

Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
Distance: ± 9 km
Travelling Time: ± 8 – 9 hours

Day 6

Barafu Camp – Mweka Camp, Tanzania

Embark on the ultimate Kilimanjaro challenge: a pre-dawn hike to the summit via Stella Point! This mentally and physically demanding ascent is the culmination of your trek. Witness a breathtaking sunrise from the “Roof of Africa,” experiencing unparalleled views and a sense of accomplishment that will stay with you forever. Descend to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.

Rise to the challenge on Kilimanjaro’s summit night! A wake-up call at 11 pm sets the stage for your pre-dawn trek to Stella Point (5756m). Witness a spectacular sunrise, the reward for your perseverance, from the “Roof of Africa.” Traverse challenging scree slopes and glaciers, taking in the awe-inspiring scenery. Reach Stella Point and prepare for the final push to the summit!

A gradual one-hour trek along snow-covered slopes leads you to Uhuru Peak (5895m), Africa’s highest point. Frigid temperatures (down to -23°C) test your resolve, but the summit beckons! Celebrate your incredible achievement at the pinnacle and witness a breathtaking sunrise from the “Roof of Africa.” This unforgettable memory, a testament to your perseverance and rewarded by awe-inspiring beauty, will stay with you forever!

Descend from Uhuru Peak, savoring the memories of your incredible accomplishment. Retrace your steps via the challenging scree slopes and moorland, returning to Barafu Camp for a well-deserved rest. Enjoy a celebratory atmosphere with your fellow trekkers before continuing the descent through diverse terrain. Reach Mweka Camp in the late afternoon, ready to unwind and reflect on your unforgettable Kilimanjaro adventure!

Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Barafu Camp to Stella Point, Stella Point to Summit, Summit to Mweka Camp
Distance: ± 4 km (Barafu Camp to Stella Point), 1 km (Stella Point to Summit), 12km Summit to Mweka Camp
Travelling Time: ± 13½ hours

Day 7

Mweka Camp – Moshi, Tanzania

Descend through the lush, forested slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro, returning to Moshi. Celebrate your incredible achievement with the mamas of the Moshi Women’s Cooperative at a special climbing ceremony. Enjoy a well-deserved rest, shower, and a celebratory drink to commemorate your successful ascent of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Later, receive a warm welcome and congratulations from the mamas, who will present you with a gift and a certificate in recognition of your accomplishment.

Indulge in relaxation with an optional aromatherapy massage at the Lala Salama Spa & Beauty, which partners with the Moshi Women’s Cooperative. You can pre-book this relaxing experience during checkout or by contacting your travel agent.

Accommodation: Stella Maris Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlights: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, Moshi Women’s Cooperative Visit
Optional Activities: Lalasalama Spa & Beauty Aromatherapy Massage
Distance: ± 10 km
Travelling Time: ± 5½ hours

Day 8

Moshi – Stone Town, Zanzibar

Your Kilimanjaro adventure culminates in relaxation on the beautiful island of Zanzibar. After a scenic flight, you’ll arrive in Stone Town, the historic center of Zanzibar. Here, you can enjoy an orientation walk with your tour guide or opt for a longer exploration of the town. The longer tour includes visits to the Old Slave Market and the Palace Museum (entrance fees not included).

Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its narrow winding streets, coral stone buildings, and Swahili influences. It’s a fascinating place to wander around and soak up the atmosphere. In the afternoon, you’ll have some free time to relax at your hotel or explore Stone Town on your own.

Accommodation: Spice Palace Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlight: Plane from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Stone Town (1½ hours), Stone Town Orientation Walk
Optional Activity: Christ Church Cathedral & Old Slave Market (5USD per person), Sultan’s Palace Museum (3USD per person), Stone Town Walking Tour (20-40USD person)
Route: Moshi – Kilimanjaro International Airport – Stone Town
Distance: 40km
Travelling Time: 1 hour

Day 9

Beach day, Zanzibar

Today we will explore Zanzibar’s eastern beaches with its magnificent turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. You will also get the chance to immerse yourself in a world of fragrant spices! Explore a guided tour where you’ll discover a bounty of delights like cloves, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, breadfruit, jackfruit, vanilla, and lemongrass, all while learning about their fascinating uses. However, it’s important to acknowledge the dark side of Zanzibar’s history. These very spice plantations fueled the island’s infamous slave trade, which began in the 1840s.

Accommodation: Spice Island Hotel and Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlight: Spice Plantation Guided Tour
Optional Activities: Swimming
Route: Stone Town – Jambiani
Distance:  60km
Travelling Time: 1½ hours

Day 10 - 11

Beach Day, Zanzibar

After conquering Kilimanjaro and exploring the historic Stone Town, Zanzibar offers the perfect paradise to unwind. Spend your free days lounging on the beach, soaking up the sun on the white sand and turquoise waters. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can explore the underwater world by snorkeling or embark on a tour to discover more of Zanzibar’s hidden gems. This idyllic island escape is the perfect way to relax and reflect on your incredible Kilimanjaro achievement.

Accommodation: Spice Island Hotel and Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Scuba Diving 130 USD per person, Swahili Cultural Tour 70 – 200 USD per person, Snorkeling, 40 USD per person, Jozani Forest Tour 35 – 150 USD per person, Swimming

Day 12

Stone Town, Zanzibar

Your Zanzibar relaxation comes to an end with a morning group transfer from the beach. After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred back to Stone Town for your departure. Allow ample time for your onward travel, booking no earlier than 2:30 pm. Please speak to your travel consultant if you wish to extend your stay on Zanzibar.

Meals: Breakfast
Route: Jambiani – Stone Town
Distance: 60km
Travelling Time: 1½ hours

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.