Project Description
Program Highlights
- Length: 10 days
- Itinerary category: Kilimanjaro trekking, Beach holiday
- Destination: Mt Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar
- Travel activity: Trekking, Walking Safari, Swimming and Snorkeling
- Major attractions: Africa’s highest mountain, Prison island, Indian ocean, Mnemba island, Nungwi beach
- Starting point: Arusha
- Ending point: Stone town
Program Details
Day 1: Moshi Town To Machame Gate (1640 m) To Machame Camp (2835 m)
Pickup from the hotel in Moshi and drive to Machame gate for registration formalities. Start walking through the attractive banana and coffee farms of Machame village. The path follows a ridge through dense mountain forest. Break for lunch at at ‘Halfway Clearing’, a small opening in the trees and proceed with the walk to reach Machame camp in the evening. Dinner and sleep at the camp.
Day 2: Machame Camp (2835 m) To Shira Camp (3850 m)
Climb up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as Picnic Rock. The path provides such excellent views of Kibo (one of Kilimanjaro’s peaks). Proceed walking to reach Shira Plateau for a lunch break. The trail leads on to Shira camp in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3: Shira Camp (3850m) To Lava Tower (4600m) To Barranco Camp (3900m)
The day is meant for acclimatization where you trek from the Shira plateau through “Garden of Senacious” to climb Lava tower. Get time to rest and have lunch while at the tower. Descend the tower and continue hiking to reach Barranco camp. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3900 m) To Karanga Camp (4000 m) To Barafu Camp (4600m)
Start climbing steeply up the Barranco wall, the 900 ft cliff. Pass through hills and valleys approaching the Karanga valley for a lunch break. Trek out of Karanga valley following the path which intersects with Mweka trail. Climb through the rocky section to reach Barafu camp. Have much rest and drink lots of water as preparing for the summit. It’s recommended to sleep very early by 19:00.
Day 5: Ascend To The Summit At Uhuru Peak (5895m)
Wake up around 23:00 for a cup of coffee and adding more warm clothes. Start climbing by midnight through the volcanic scree while approaching Stella point (5685 m). Reach at the summit at sunrise for spectacular view of glaciers. Take another round trip to finally reach Uhuru peak (the roof of Africa). Get time for photographs and some rest at the summit. Start descending to reach at Mweka hut in the evening for an overnight stay.
Day 6: Mweka Hut (3100 m) To Machame Gate
Hike through the rainforest to reach the final destination at Machame gate. Get awarded with certificates where golden certificates are given to hikers who reached Uhuru peak and green to those who reached Stella point. Show appreciation by tipping guides, cooks and porters. Get transferred to Arusha for much celebrating and hot shower.
Day 7: Transfer To Zanzibar
Check out the hotel and drive to the airport for a flight to Zanzibar. Pickup at the airport and drive to town where you will have lunch. Delivery of a short tour briefing by a guide and transfer to the booked hotel for check in. Dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 8: Mnemba Island Day Tour
Have breakfast and prepare for a 1:30 hour drive to Nungwi. Transfer by boat to Mnemba island. The island by nature is a breeding site for turtles who are spotted together with dolphins and whale sharks. Enjoy swimming snorkeling and diving to spot school of fish including striped snapper and surgeon fish. Sail on a traditional dhow while heading to Muyuni beach for an outdoor seafood lunch. Get time to enjoy stunning view of the ocean before sailing back to Nungwi. Return back to the hotel in town for dinner and sleep.
Day 9: Prison Island Tour and Transfer To Nungwi Beach
Transfer by boat to Prison island also known as Changuu island. Explore the beautiful island habituated by giant tortoises flanged by an amazing beach of reef centaur. Enjoy swimming or snorkeling getting you close to see variety of fish species including barracuda, longfin, rabbitfish, clown triggerfish, bannerfish. Break for lunch and head back to Stone town. Transfer to Nungwi beach for an overnight stay at the booked hotel.
Day 10: Beach Relaxation and Transfer To The Airport
Half day sea breezing in the beautiful ocean for ultimate relaxation of body and mind. Get a chance to enjoy swimming, snorkeling and diving in the satisfying waters. Break for lunch and return back to town. Drive to the airport to catch a flight back home.
