18 Days Kilimanjaro-Safari & Zanzibar

Day 2: Mt Kilimanjaro: Moshi – Machame Camp

In the morning we will proceed to the Machame Gate – the forty five minute drive ventures through the fertile pastures of coffee farms and vibrant, local villages. We will register at the gate whilst the porters ensure everything is in order. You will have an opportunity to acquaint yourself with the various crew members that will accompany you on the journey to Africa’s rooftop, Uhuru Peak. The final destination for the day is the Machame Camp, the porters and cooks will advance at a quick pace to ensure the camp is organised when you arrive. Huge roots encroach themselves in the ground, twisting through the moist floors. The foliage of Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest is thick and lush, forming an arch of mystical ember wrapped in green. The clouds clasp through the cracks in the canopies. The forest will begin to fade and the environment will shift to tall grasses, heathers and bursting wildflowers. If the skies are clear, the stunning Kibo Peak will loom over you as you hike.

Day 3: Mt Kilimanjaro: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Today’s hike is believed to be the easiest on the Machame Route but there are numerous uphill sections. On a clear day the sun can assist in exhausting you as you travel along the exposed trail, so we recommend you travel with plenty of drinking water. The landscape features the immense plains of the evergreen forests bellow. The piercing crown of the Mawenzi peaks and the stunning view of Kibo tower above. As you gain altitude, the scenery will begin to transform into a moorland and the trees will be replaced with the immense lobelias. A lunch break will occur before we reach the Shira Plateau – a product of the volcano eruption that stuffed the Shira Crater full of lava. We will proceed to the Shira Camp where you will relax for the rest of the day. The picturesque Mount Meru lies in the eastern region.

Day 4: Mt Kilimanjaro: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

The Kilimanjaro’s majestic presence begins to amplify as we advance to the Lava Tower. The intensity of the trek increases on the steep trail to the Lava Tower, a transcending three hundred foot tall volcanic plug that juts out of the ground. In the afternoon we will traverse on the steep path that leads to the Great Barranco Valley. The scenery at the Barranco Camp is unparalleled – the campsite is encompassed by the infamous Kibo Massif and the breathtakingly steep valley walls. Icicles crystalize against any surface and reflect the sunshine above. Ethereal plants such as the enormous lobelia and contrasting groundsels embellish the grounds. We will gradually ascend to the campsite where an appetising meal awaits (12,950 feet / 5-6 hours of walking). This day and the following day are vital acclimatisation days.

Day 5: Mt Kilimanjaro: Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley Camp

The trek will begin with a descent into the eerie Gorge, followed by a climb up its eastern wall where we will marvel at the ice wafting from the pure white sky above. Each flake swirling and dancing, before falling on top of the frosted ice fields of Kilimanjaro. We will continue to hike through the barren landscape until we reach the Karanga Valley campsite (13,900 feet / 4-5 hours of walking). A delicious dinner will be served and you can observe the cluster of stars above.

Day 6: Mt Kilimanjaro: Karanga Valley Camp to Barafu Camp

We will venture along the gradual hill of the Karanga Valley and cross the lava ridge to get to the Barafu Camp (15,200 feet / 6-7 hours of walking).The temperature will dip as we near the campsite which is set on a small, uncovered region of a ridge. At this point the vegetation has practically diminished but the stunning view of the bronzed Kibo and the Mawenzi Peak is complimented the gleaming, azure glacier. We suggest that you attempt to fall asleep as soon as possible because the final ascent to the summit begins at midnight.

Day 7: Mt Kilimanjaro: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

Shortly after midnight we will embark on the demanding trek to the summit (12-17 hours of trekking). We will journey amid the ancient Rebmann and Tarzel glaciers until we reach the rim at Stella Point. Before dawn, there is a high possibility of experiencing temperatures that reach just below freezing (-23°C to 10°C). Disembarking on the glorious floors of Uhuru will summon sensations of victory and the compensation of the strenuous hike is unearthly (6-7 hours of hiking). A gleaming ocean of brilliance soars beneath you and the glaciers are swaddled in a veil of delicate white clouds. Black rock is speckled onto the horizon and the sun corrodes strokes of gold within the frost. You will have an opportunity to take photos and marvel at the luminosity before we descend to Barafu Camp – we will have a break there. We will descend to the Mweka Camp (9,840 feet / 3-4 hours of walking on the descent) where an enticing meal awaits. The last night on the mountain can be spent admiring the stars or simply taking a well-deserved nap in your cosy sleeping bag.

Day 8: Mt Kilimanjaro: Mweka Camp to Park Gate

Our final descent to the park gate will last approximately 3-4 hours and after exchanging farewells with your crew, we will proceed to Moshi.

Day 9: Safari: Moshi to Lake Manyara National Park

The second part of your Kilimanjaro Safari Zanzibar experience will commence after you have enjoyed an appetising breakfast. Nestled at the rusty-gold core of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park encompasses outstanding landscapes. The wildlife features buffalo, elephants, giraffe, impalas and hippos. Countless habitats including the lush rainforest, the alkaline waters of the lake and the bush veld support the highly diverse ecosystem.

Day 10: Safari: Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park

We will proceed to Serengeti National Park – Tanzania's original and most frequented game reserve. The Serengeti is renowned for the annual wildebeest migration and immense wildlife population. We will enjoy a picnic lunch on one of the kopjes (rock outcropping) and continue to explore the park. Migration of the herds and the time of year are two factors that influence the availability of the wildlife but you can anticipate encountering wildebeest, lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, baboons, hippos, rhinos, antelopes and many birds and other species.

Day 11: Safari: Serengeti National Park

We will embark on an exhilarating early morning game drive through the vast plains of the Serengeti. The savannah is an active playground for predators in the early hours, you may encounter a pack of lions mauling the final scraps of their kill whilst vultures circle for the trifle prey. The shadows of the trees are drenched in colour as the brilliant orange begins to pour out of the sun on the horizon. A tasty picnic lunch will be served during the game drive.

Day 12: Safari: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

We finish our time in Serengeti with another morning game drive before we proceed to Ngorongoro Crater. Overnight at the rim of the Crater with a stunning view into the caldera and on the sunset.

Day 13: Safari: Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha

We will have an early departure to ensure that we arrive at the Ngorongoro Crater promptly. Africa’s Garden of Eden’ boasts dense vegetation and an exceedingly high concentration of wildlife as well as picturesque sceneries. The elevated structure encourages the animals to refrain from migrating in and out of the crater which means there is a high possibility of spotting every member of ‘The Big 5’. The powerful group comprises of buffalo, lions, rhinos, elephants and leopards. You can expect to see other wildlife including zebra, antelopes, jackals, flamingos, hippos, wildebeest and jackals. A picnic lunch will be served during the game drive. After our lunch we depart for Arusha for overnight.

Days 14: Arusha - Zanzibar: Kendwa

After breakfast you depart for Kilimanjaro airport. You will fly to Zanzibar and a driver will transport you from the Airport to Kendwa – where Zanzibar’s finest beaches await you.

Days 15-16: Zanzibar: Kendwa

It’s not often that you come across a utopian beach. The sea ebbs lightly and appears tranquil in its sapphire gown. The soft, white sand feels as if it has draped in wispy candy floss and in the distance, streams of pulsing light flood the surface with a golden haze. You can relax and enjoy the beaches of Zanzibar whilst the sound of the calm ocean lingers. There is a wide variety of water activities on offer including snorkelling, scuba diving and boat trips.

Day 17: Zanzibar: Spice Tour & Zanzibar Town

We will journey to Stone Town and if you have opted to do the renowned Spice Tour (optional – not included), we will take a stimulating detour. Our team has devised a specialized Spice Tour that covers a broader theme. Spices are the central focal point but we will also discover the organically grown herbs as well as their customary uses in homeopathic medicine, cosmetics and cooking – you will return home with more than just your suitcase. There is an extravagant lunch after the tour where you can sample the flavoursome spices and exotic fruits in traditional dishes. In the afternoon we will embark on our Historical Stone Town Tour (optional – not included). The tour teleports through years of history in the extraordinary town by visiting the infamous House of Wonders, the Arab Fort, the Palace Museum (People’s Palace) and other monumental sites. The bustling market captures the true essence of life Zanzibar, meander through winding passages, sample some more exotic cuisine and study the intricately engraved, studded doors.

Day 18: Zanzibar: Zanzibar Town to connecting flight

You can decide whether you want to depart to the airport for your flight back home or lengthen your trip.