10 Days of Kilimanjaro hiking and Zanzibar beach holiday
10 Days of Kilimanjaro hiking and Zanzibar beach holiday: Embark on a remarkable journey starting with a transfer to Moshi, the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. Trekking through lush forests and rugged terrain, each day presents new challenges and breathtaking vistas. From Machame Camp to the summit push at Uhuru Peak, the adventure is both exhilarating and rewarding. Descending, transition to the tranquil shores of Nungwi Beach in Zanzibar, where relaxation awaits. Explore Stone Town’s historic charm and spice farms’ aromatic allure. Visit Prison Island’s interesting past and enjoy endless beach relaxation. Depart with cherished memories of conquering Kilimanjaro and unwinding in Zanzibar’s paradise, a journey that lingers in the heart.
Detailed 10 Days of Kilimanjaro & Zanzibar Beach holiday
Day 1: Transfer to Moshi
10 Days of Kilimanjaro hiking and Zanzibar beach holiday: Your adventure begins with a welcome at the airport and an immediate transfer to the town of Moshi. Located in the footstools of Mount Kilimanjaro, Moshi is the perfect starting point for your journey. You’ll check into your hotel and have some time to explore the town, meet your guides, and prepare for the trek ahead. Get a good night’s rest, as tomorrow marks the start of your climb.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Wake up early and enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading through Machame route to the Machame Gate. Here, you’ll begin your trek through the lush rainforest. The path winds its way up through towering trees and dense vegetation, offering occasional glimpses of Kilimanjaro. After several hours of hiking, you’ll reach Machame Camp, where you’ll rest and have lunch. After a short break, continue your ascent to Shira Camp. As you climb higher, the vegetation thins, and you enter the moorland zone. Shira Camp offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the peak of Kilimanjaro.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
After breakfast at Shira Camp, you’ll start your trek towards Lava Tower. The trail gradually ascends, taking you through diverse terrain, including rocky outcrops and alpine desert. Reaching Lava Tower at 4,600 meters is a significant achievement, and you’ll take a break here to acclimatize. Afterwards, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp, which sits at a lower altitude. This descent helps your body adjust to the altitude, improving your chances of a successful summit. Barranco Camp is known for its picturesque location, surrounded by giant senecio plants and the imposing Barranco Wall.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
Today’s trek begins with a challenging climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable rock face. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Karanga Valley below. The trail continues through the alpine desert, crossing valleys and ridges until you reach Barafu Camp. This is your base camp for the summit attempt, and you’ll spend the afternoon resting and preparing your gear for the early morning climb. Try to get some sleep, as you’ll be starting your summit push around midnight.
Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
Around midnight, you’ll begin the final ascent to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The trail is steep and challenging, but your guides will keep a steady pace, and you’ll make frequent stops to rest and hydrate. As you climb, the stars above and the headlamps of fellow climbers create the way in the dark, dim atmosphere. After several hours, you’ll reach Stella Point on the crater rim, just in time for the sunrise. From here, it’s a short but tough hike to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Take time to celebrate and take photos before beginning your descent. You’ll return to Barafu Camp for a brief rest and then continue down to Mweka Camp, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Transfer to Arusha
Enjoy your final breakfast on the mountain before descending through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Here, you’ll receive your summit certificates and say goodbye to your guides and porters. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to Arusha, where you’ll check into your hotel and enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Day 7: Fly to Zanzibar, Stone Town Tour, and Transfer to Nungwi Beach
After breakfast, you’ll catch a flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, you’ll embark on a guided tour of Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar. Explore the narrow streets, bustling markets, and beautiful architecture, and learn about the island’s rich history. After the tour, you’ll transfer to Nungwi Beach, known for its white sand and crystal-clear waters. Check into your beach resort and relax
Day 8: Visit the Spice Farms and Return to Nungwi Beach for Relaxation
Today, you’ll visit one of Zanzibar’s famous spice farms. Learn about the cultivation and uses of various spices, and enjoy the vibrant scents and flavors. After the tour, return to Nungwi Beach for a day of relaxation. Swim in the warm Indian Ocean, lounge on the beach, or indulge in a spa treatment.
Day 9: Visit Prison Island and Full-Day Beach Relaxation
In the morning, take a boat trip to Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island. Discover its history as a former slave prison and quarantine station, and visit the giant tortoises that inhabit the island. After your visit, return to Nungwi Beach for another day of leisure. Enjoy the sun, sea, and sand, and perhaps take part in some water sports or a sunset dhow cruise.
Day 10: Departure
After breakfast, it’s time to pack your bags and say goodbye to Zanzibar. You’ll transfer to the airport for your departure flight, taking with you unforgettable memories of your Kilimanjaro climb and Zanzibar beach holiday.