Combo Safari

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro (Machame route) & Zanzibar Holiday

12 Days | 11 Nights

Safari Overview

Next Stop Tanzania offers an exciting 12-days adventure combining the thrill of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame route with the relaxation of a Zanzibar holiday. The journey begins with a 7-days trek up Kilimanjaro, starting with the challenging yet scenic Machame route, known for its stunning views and diverse landscapes. Experienced guides and a support team will accompany climbers, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey to the summit of Africa’s highest peak. 

After conquering Kilimanjaro, travellers will spend 5 days exploring the beautiful island of Zanzibar, where they can relax on pristine beaches, explore historic Stone Town and immerse themselves in the vibrant local culture. This combined package offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, making it ideal for those seeking a truly unforgettable East African experience

Full Itinerary

Arrival in Tanzania

Pick from Airport & transfer to your accommodation where you will Meet our guide who shall give a detailed brief about your adventure for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel/ Related Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)

Machame Gate – Machame Camp

A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold a quick briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park’s entrance: Machame Gate (1,800 m).

After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Machame Camp (3,010 m). The trekking route includes passage through the rainforest (where tropical showers are highly probable), so we recommend you take not only spare clothes but also your raincoats.

This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:

  • Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine
  • Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently)
  • Take a Diamox pill to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Most mountain climbers take Diamox in the morning, before they start their ascent, in order to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. We recommend you consult your doctor prior to the trip in case of potential allergies.

At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your waking breathing pattern, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. 

Taking altitude into account, you may, therefore, start feeling sick and have a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.

  • Change in Elevation: Machame Gate (1,800 m) to Machame Camp (3,010 m)

Hiking distance: 5 km

Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours

Machame camp to Shira camp

The second day for your adventure to the roof of Africa via the Machame route will starts in the morning with a breakfast and after star the hiking deep up to the Shira plateau where you will have your overnight. This is a short hiking day as you will have just an hour hiking after your lunch up to the Shira camp.

  • Walking through: The moorland, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge
  • Accompaniments: Mountain guide/guides, chef and porters
  • Time and distance: hiking of 4 to 5hrs a distance of 5km
  • What to see: Kibo peak, the Western breach the Shira Cathedra and the sunset
  • Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
  • Meal plans: Breakfast, Lunch & dinner

Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

After breakfast, you will leave Shira Camp (3,845 m) and start your way to the key point of the route: Lava Tower (4,630 m). This section of the route has a lot of ascents and descents that end in a camp at over 4,600 meters.

It might be difficult, and you may feel some discomfort, but in order to successfully acclimate to the altitude you have to spend at least 1-2 hours here, so this is where lunch will be.

Then you will descend to Barranco Camp (3,960 m). Here you can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness! The next day you will be climbing it, but don’t worry: it features a very simple hiking trail.

Note: If one or more participants feel sick, the group may refrain from passing the Lava Tower and adjust the route, following instead the road for porters. In this case, you will not reach an altitude of 4,630 meters, getting up only to a maximum of 4,400 meters.

Change in Elevation:

  • Shira Camp (3,845 m)
  • Lava Tower (4,630 m)
  • Barranco Camp (3,960 m)

Hiking distance: 11 km

Hiking time: 6 to 8 hours

Barranco Camp – Barafu Camp

Early wakeup, breakfast and the start of summiting Barranco Wall (we recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups). Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb, you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano.

Then you start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents during the route, but don’t worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp you will be offered a warm lunch. After a couple of hours, you will have to complete ascend to Barafu Camp (4,640 m) where you will be served a hot dinner. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before night summiting.

Change in Elevation:

  • Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
  • Barafu Camp (4,640 m)

Hiking distance: 11 km

Hiking time: 8 to 10 hours

Ascent to Uhuru Peak and descent to Millennium Camp

Departure from Barafu Camp (4,640 m) at night and the start of summiting Kilimanjaro: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Technically the climb is relatively simple; however, the most challenging part is the high altitude.

Each pair of climbers will get a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor your physical and mental conditions. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and after a 2-hour rest continue your descent to Millennium Camp (3,820 m).

Note: Don’t forget that 90% of all accidents occur during descent, including all broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.

Change in Elevation:

  • Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
  • Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)
  • Millennium Camp (3,820 m)

Hiking distance: 15 km

Hiking time: 8 to 12 hours

Descend from Millennium Camp – Mweka Gate to Zanzibar

The camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of the height and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park’s exit: Mweka Gate (1,650 m).

After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you a transfer back to the hotel.

Change in Elevation:

  • Millennium Camp (3,820 m)
  • Mweka Gate (1,650 m)

Hiking distance: 12 km

Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours

Depending on Flight Schedule transfer to Airport for a flight to Zanzibar for the next phase of your holiday. You will meet our Zanzibar local guide at the airport and taken to your accommodation nearly stone town, where you have a first nights. 

This well-established resort is ideal for families, with a large swimming pool, plenty of sunny and shady areas to relax and gardens leading on to the beach.

Accommodation: Tembo Hotel/ Related Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)

Zanzibar (Relaxed day)

After the exhilarating experience of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, unwind with a relaxing day at your hotel in Zanzibar. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and take in the stunning views of the Indian Ocean from your accommodation. 

Spend the day lounging by the pool or on the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Treat yourself to a spa treatment or a massage to soothe your muscles after the climb. This day of relaxation is the perfect way to rejuvenate before continuing your exploring Zanzibar.

Accommodation: Tembo Hotel/ Related Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)

Zanzibar (Stone Town tour & Swim with Sea turtles)

If you can tear yourself away from the beach and pool, our local guide shall take you for excursion in stone town if you fancy some sightseeing and last-minute souvenir shopping then enroute to the North of Island for swimming with sea turtles

Accommodation: Mizingani Sea Front/Related Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)

Zanzibar (Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank)

After breakfast our guide shall take you to Prison Island where you shall spend some hours to explore the area then enroute Nakupenda Sandbank for swimming and relaxation. The sea food lunch shall be served here (sandbank)

Accommodation: Mizingani Sea Front/Related Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)

Zanzibar (Jozan Forest & Spice Farm)

After breakfast drive to Jozan forest where you walk among the trees and listen and look out for colobus monkeys then enroute to Spice farm where you will realize why Zanzibar is a spice island.

Accommodation: Tembo hotel / Related Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)

Departure

Your holiday is drawing to an end. Depending on your flight schedule you will be driven back to the airport to check in for your homeward flight.

Includes

  • Airport Transfer (Pickup & Drop off)

  • Accommodation

  • Meals & Mineral water

  • Local flight Ticket to Zanzibar (One way)

  • Park fees,

  • Rescue fees

  • Guiding Fees

  • Wages for the mountain crew

  • 18% VAT

Excludes

  • International Flights

  • Tanzania visa

  • Items of a personal nature such as the Mountain Climbing equipment’s

  • Travel & Health insurance

  • Tips and gratitude

Book This Tour

Related Combo Safari Packages

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro (Marangu Route) & Tanzania Safari

Stay - 11 Days | 10 Nights

Combo Safari

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro (Marangu Route) & Zanzibar Holiday

Stay - 11 Days | 10 Nights

Combo Safari

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro (Machame route) & Zanzibar Holiday

Stay - 7 Days | 6 Nights

Combo Safari

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro (Machame Route) & Tanzania Safari

Stay - 12 Days | 11 Nights

Combo Safari

Mount Kilimanjaro (Lemosho Route) & Zanzibar Holiday

Stay - 12 Days | 11 Nights

Combo Safari

Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday

Stay - 7 Days | 6 Nights

Combo Safari