Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you'll be greeted by your dedicated guide and transferred to Arusha Coffee Lodge, a tranquil retreat set within a working coffee plantation. Unwind and prepare for your climb while enjoying the rustic elegance of your accommodations.
Accommodation: Arusha Coffee Lodge
Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Elevation: 1,640 meters (5,380 feet) to 2,835 meters (9,300 feet)
Distance: ~11 km (7 miles) | Hiking Time: 5–7 hours | Habitat: Rainforest
Your climb begins! After breakfast, travel to Machame Gate to complete registration formalities. Begin trekking through lush rainforest, marveling at the dense greenery and wildlife. Arrive at Machame Camp in the evening for dinner and rest.
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Elevation: 2,835 meters (9,300 feet) to 3,750 meters (12,300 feet)
Distance: ~5 km (3 miles) | Hiking Time: 4–6 hours | Habitat: Moorland
The day starts with a steep ascent through moorlands, offering panoramic views as you approach the expansive Shira Plateau. Camp by late afternoon, enjoying views of Kibo Peak.
Day 4: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 3,750 meters (12,300 feet) to 4,600 meters (15,100 feet) to 3,900 meters (12,800 feet)
Distance: ~10 km (6 miles) | Hiking Time: 6–8 hours | Habitat: Semi-desert
A key acclimatization day, you ascend to Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy aids acclimatization while providing unforgettable views of the Western Breach.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,900 meters (12,800 feet) to 4,200 meters (13,800 feet)
Distance: ~5 km (3 miles) | Hiking Time: 4–5 hours | Habitat: Alpine desert
Take on the iconic Barranco Wall, navigating its steep yet non-technical trail. The effort is rewarded with sweeping vistas before continuing to Karanga Camp.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 4,200 meters (13,800 feet) to 4,640 meters (15,200 feet)
Distance: ~4 km (2.5 miles) | Hiking Time: 3–4 hours | Habitat: Alpine desert
A short but demanding hike brings you to Barafu Camp. Use the afternoon to rest and prepare for your midnight summit push.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,640 meters (15,200 feet) to 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) to 3,080 meters (10,100 feet)
Distance: ~17 km (10.5 miles) | Hiking Time: 10–14 hours | Habitat: Arctic to alpine desert
Summit day begins at midnight, as you ascend under a starlit sky to reach Uhuru Peak by sunrise. Celebrate your achievement at Africa’s highest point before descending to Mweka Camp.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3,080 meters (10,100 feet) to 1,640 meters (5,380 feet)
Distance: ~10 km (6 miles) | Hiking Time: 3–4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest
Complete your trek with a descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Receive your summit certificate and transfer back to Arusha Coffee Lodge for a well-earned rest.
Days 9–12: Safari Experience
Day 9: Rest and Recovery in Arusha
Take a restorative day at Arusha Coffee Lodge. Tour the coffee plantation or indulge in a spa treatment to rejuvenate after your climb.
Accommodation: Arusha Coffee Lodge
Day 10: Tarangire National Park
Safari Set out for Tarangire National Park, renowned for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. En route, visit a traditional Maasai village to engage with the Maasai people and gain insights into their vibrant culture and traditions. Upon arrival in Tarangire, embark on an afternoon game drive to spot diverse wildlife, including lions, zebras, and giraffes.
Accommodation: Tarangire Treetops – Experience luxury in elevated treehouse-style rooms with panoramic views of the African bush.
Day 11: Ngorongoro Crater
Exploration Journey to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Descend into the crater for a game drive amidst a dense concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor, surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge – Perched on the crater's edge, offering opulent suites with breathtaking views.
Day 12: Flight to Zanzibar
Fly from Arusha to the enchanting island of Zanzibar. Upon arrival, transfer to Zawadi Hotel, an exclusive retreat overlooking the Indian Ocean. Spend the afternoon unwinding on the pristine beach or by the infinity pool.
Accommodation: Zawadi Hotel, Zanzibar – An intimate all-villa resort offering unparalleled luxury and seclusion.
Day 13: Stone Town and Spice Tour
Explore the historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, characterized by its winding alleys, bustling bazaars, and rich cultural tapestry. Visit the vibrant spice markets to learn about Zanzibar's role in the spice trade and the cultivation of aromatic spices like cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Accommodation: Zawadi Hotel, Zanzibar
Day 14: Beach Relaxation and Water Activities
Enjoy a day of leisure on Zanzibar's idyllic beaches. For the adventurous, optional snorkeling or diving excursions can be arranged to explore the vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life (may require an additional cost), Alternatively, indulge in a spa treatment or simply relax with a book by the turquoise waters.
Accommodation: Zawadi Hotel, Zanzibar
Day 15: Departure
Bid farewell to paradise as you transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward journey, carrying with you memories of Tanzania's peaks, plains, and pristine shores.
