12-DAY ITINERARY
KILIMANJARO (MACHAME ROUTE) & ZANZIBAR
"Kilimanjaro summit, White sand Beaches in Zanzibar."
Machame is known as the “Whiskey” route, the Machame route is now the most popular route on the mountain. Compared with Marangu, the days on Machame are longer and the walks are steeper. The Machame route is better suited for more adventurous folks and those with some hiking or backpacking experience. The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, although seven days is recommended.
Day 1: Arrive Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town where you will meet the company representative and your trip guide who will brief you and cross check all important travel documents.
Day 2: Machame Gate (1790m) to Machame Camp (3010m)
One hour’s drive from Moshi to Machame gate, where we complete park formalities, meet our crew of porters and start to climb! The first section of the route climbs steadily and passes through magnificent, dense rainforest. This path is less well-trodden so it can get somewhat overgrown in places and it is often wet and muddy underfoot.
Day 3: Machame Camp (3010m) to Shira Camp (3845m)
Our route continues on up through the forest until we reach the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you will be able to see Mt Meru rising high above Arusha town in the distance.
Day 4: Shira Cave (3845m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)
Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and finally reach camp. The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600m), but we have followed the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to aid your body’s acclimatization to altitude.
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3960m) to Karanga Camp (3963m)
Our day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley. From here we have a steep climb up from Karanga valley to our night’s camp at Karanga camp, set at 3963m. For those feeling strong we will go for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night.
Day 6: Karanga Camp (3963) to Barafu Camp (4640m)
After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp, we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up at between 11pm and 12pm to start the climb to the summit.
Day 7: Barafu Camp (4640m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m)
We start off at around midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking.
Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.
Day 8: Trek Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)
A gentle trek takes us down through the rain forest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome hot shower.
Day 9: Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for Zanzibar - Stone Town
Arrive in Zanzibar and be warmly greeted by your driver. Transfer to your hotel in the heart of Stone Town, where you’ll enjoy a comfortable night’s rest with bed and breakfast.
Day 10: Stone Town Exploration – Transfer to East Coast Zanzibar
Start your day with a hearty breakfast, preparing for a captivating journey into Stone Town’s rich history and vibrant culture. Delight in a delectable lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the authentic flavors of the island. In the afternoon, depart for your East Coast Zanzibar hotel, where you’ll unwind and enjoy half-board accommodations.
Seize the day for ultimate relaxation on the pristine shores of the East Coast. Indulge in included meals while being immersed in the breathtaking beauty of the Indian Ocean.
Day 11: East Coast Zanzibar
Embrace another day of pure tranquility, basking in the sun and savoring sumptuous meals.
Day 12: Spice Farm Adventure and Departure
After a delightful breakfast, embark on Spice Farm Tour, where you’ll unearth the aromatic treasures that define Zanzibar. Enjoy a guided tour of the farm and savor a mouthwatering lunch infused with the island’s vibrant spices. In the afternoon, bid farewell to this idyllic paradise as you head to the airport for your international flight, leaving Zanzibar with cherished memories.
FAQ
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• Airport pick up and drop-off per group
• 2 nights at a hotel bed & breakfast plus celebration dinner
• Professional guides & dedicated crew
• Transfers to and from the mountain
• All Meals as per daily itinerary
• Activities as per the itinerary
• National Park Fees
• Purified drinking water
• Dry bag to protect your duffel bag
• Oxygen bottles for emergency
• Portable chemical toilet
• Mountain tents plus standard sleeping mattress
• Official Summit Certificate
• Personal travel insurance
• Tanzania entry visa
• Tips for the support team
• Sleeping bags and other personal gear
• Rental gear
• Lunch and dinner at the hotel
• Drinks and snacks
• Additional airport or gate transfers
• Extra nights at the hotels
• Expenses of a personal nature (souvenirs, etc.)