The highlights of this trip are to:
– climb the famous Mount Kilimanjaro at a pace that facilitates acclimatization, on a track less travelled, and realize a mythical trail offering the best views of Africa
– soak up the unspoiled and peaceful tropical setting of one of the most beautiful beaches of the island of Zanzibar, allowing you to relax under the palm trees while enjoying a gentle sea breeze
– enjoy comfortable accommodation and the services of our expert partners in this region, who will offer ideal conditions both in terms of trekking, discovery of the region and security
– choose your ideal departure and return dates, without worrying about the constitution of a group as this holiday is available for a small group of two to four travellers
– appreciate the opportunity to tailor this itinerary to your wishes
An exceptional trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar!
Day 1: Arrival at Arusha
Arrive at Arusha – Kilimanjaro International Airport, meet and greet and transfer to Ilboru Safari Lodge for the night. Bed & Breakfast.
Day 2: Trek of Mount Kilimanjaro to Rongai 1 Caves Camp
Meet your guide at your hotel at 08:00, briefing and checking of your equipment to ensure that you are fully prepared for the coming week and the ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Transfer by road (4 hours) to the gates of Kilimanjaro National Park.
After the formalities and lunch, begin the trek at an altitude of 1,996 m.
Hike of 3 to 4 hours on trails through fields and mountain forests up to an altitude of about 2,800 m.
Mountain campsite accommodation, full board.
Day 3: Trek to Rongai 2 Caves Camp
Continuation of the ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro by the North track (or Rongai trail).
Hike of 4 to 5 hours on trails passing in heather moors and climbing to an altitude of about 3,450 m. Frequent stops allow you to examine the tropical plants and flowers that grow on the edges of the trail while admiring the Mawezi volcano in the background.
Mountain campsite accommodation, full board.
The northern approach, or Rongai, is a trail which counts significantly less hikers than the other trails. It preserves the sense of walking in a wild environment, crossing sometimes the almost lunar landscapes and beautiful forests, and offers lower gradients, which allows a smoother acclimatization to altitude and therefore better chances to reach the summit. You will walk without excess and will have the rest of the day to explore the area and acclimatize better. This route has no accommodation in huts or cabins and all nights are spent in mountain tents. Dinners are served in the mess tent.
Day 4: Trek to Kikelewa Caves Camp
Continuation of your climb and with a shorter hike (3 to 4 hours) partly away from the main trail to allow you to acclimatize better and thereby increase your chances of reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Arrival at the camp for a hot meal and afternoon dedicated to exploration of the landscape, its bizarre rock formations and caves.
Accommodation in mountain campsite at an altitude of about 3,600 m. Full board.
Day 5: Trek to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Continuation of your climb and hike of 5 to 7 hours to the “plateau zone” characterised by a moon-type, semi-desertic, landscape at an altitude of about 4,300 m. In good weather, this zone offers a beautiful view of the summit.
Mountain campsite accommodation, full board.
Day 6: Trek to Outward Bound Camp
Continuation of your climb with a rather easy hike of 5 to 7 hours to an altitude of about 4,700 m.
Crossing of the impressive “plateau zone” and early night to prepare for the long next day, which is the day of the climb to the summit.
Mountain campsite accommodation, full board.
Day 7: Trek to Uhuru Peak and then to Horombo Camp
Wake up at midnight and departure from the camp at 01:00. The goal is to reach the summit just before sunrise.
First hike of 5 to 6 hours from the camp to the edge of Crater or Gilman’s Point at 5,712 m and then a 1 to 2 hours hike to Uhuru Peak (which means “freedom” in Swahili) at 5,895 m above sea level.
The temperatures are generally between 0 and -10 ° C at the time of leaving the camp and they reach -10°C to -20°C just before sunrise. The slopes have steep gradients with rocks and boulders to climb before reaching Gilman’s Point where walking becomes easier all along the snow-covered crater.
After your activities at the summit, hike down (3 hours) to Kibo Hut for lunch and continuation of your descent (3 to 4 hours) in the afternoon to a camp at an altitude of about 3,100 m.
Mountain campsite accommodation, full board.
Day 8: Trek to Marangu Gate
Last day hike (5 to 6 hours) through moors and forests to reach the gates of the park where you will have lunch and get your Mount Kilimanjaro climbing certificate.
Transfer to Arusha. Accommodation at Ilboru Safari Lodge for the night, half board.
Day 9: From Arusha to the Island of Zanzibar
After your breakfast you will be transferred to Arusha Airport for a one hour and a half flight to the to the Island of Zanzibar where you will be greeted by a representative of the Pongwe Beach Hotel who will drive to you to the hotel.
Lunch at your hotel along the white sand beach.
Stay at Pongwe Beach Hotel. Half board & some activities included.
Day 10 to day 13: Island of Zanzibar
These days will be dedicated to resting and relaxing while enjoying the complementary sea-side activities (kayaking, mountain biking, snorkelling)
Stay at Pongwe Beach Hotel. Half board & some activities included.
Day 14: From the Island of Zanzibar to Arusha
Enjoy the beach and the facilities of the hotel until early afternoon when you will be driven to Zanzibar Airport for your flight to Arusha, from where you will transit to board your place to fly back to Europe.
Indicative price: from £ 5,850 / per person on the basis of 4 participants sharing two double or twin room/tent.
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
The final budget will be communicated after establishing a personalised quotation that will depend on the exchange rates at the time.
– Airport transfers at Arusha and in Zanzibar
– 2 nights at Ilboru Safari Lodge (2**/3***) or equivalent. One night with bed & breakfast only and one with half-board.
– 7 days / 6 nights trekking and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with private mountain campsite accommodation, full board.
– All Park Fees (subject to possible changes)
– 5 nights at Pongwe Beach Hotel in Zanzibar in “Garden View” rooms with en-suite bathrooms, toilettes and private veranda
– Activities such as kayaking or mountain biking at Pongwe Beach Hotel
– International flights to Arusha – Kilimanjaro International Airport and international return flight from Zanzibar
– Travel or Insurances (cancellation, repatriation, luggage, other risks and any additional insurance)
– Visas
– Meals not mentioned or mentioned as “free” in the itinerary
– Any extras of personal nature, tips, laundry and drinks not mentioned in the program, etc.
– Any options, extra activities or private services.
