12 day Kilimanjaro trekking and Zanzibar holiday

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be picked up by our driver and transferred to Mount Meru Hotel. Later on your guide will come to brief you about the trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear.

Leave Arusha and drive for about 90 minutes to Marangu Gate on the South east side of Kilimanjaro. Do the necessary paperwork at the park gate such as registrations. Begin hiking through rainforest from the park gate to Mandara Hut. Stop half way for lunch. A side trip to Maundi Crater (about 30 minutes away) is a good way to see the surroundings as well as views of Kenya and Northern Tanzania. Bathrooms are available with running water.

Elevation: 1830m to 2740m | Distance: 8 km | Hiking Time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Montane Forest

Wake to breakfast and pack for the next leg. Hike to Horombo Huts(3720m). You travel through lower heath land with small shrubs being the main vegetation. Stop half way for lunch. Views of Mawenzi are amazing. The summit of Kibo can be seen from Horombo Huts(3720m). Arrive Horombo Huts, unpack and prepare for dinner. Bathrooms are available with running water.

Elevation: 2715m to 3720m | Distance: 11.5 km | Hiking Time: 6-8 hours | Habitat: Heathland and moorland

We spend a second night at the Horombo Hut tonight, giving our bodies the chance to acclimatize to the altitude. This should make the next two days of hiking feel easier and give you a better chance of reaching the summit.

During the morning you can walk up the steep grassy slope to Mawenzi Hut for some great scenic views over towards Kibo. The rest of the day can be spent resting or taking some other short walks in the area. Your guides are on hand to provide advice and ideas based on how you are feeling.

We will wake up for breakfast as usual – or wake up early to capture an amazing sunrise. The first part of the day’s hike climbs through the dwindling heathland that blends into what can best be described as moonscape as we enter the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. When we stop for lunch, and later when crossing this surprisingly large saddle, take in the summit climb up to Kibo that we will be starting in just a few hours. Be careful to notice any signs of altitude sickness. There is no running water at the Kibo Huts.

Elevation: 3705m to 4730m | Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 6-8 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert

Wake at around midnight to a light breakfast, and then prepare for the summit ascent. This part of the hike is carried out during the early morning before dawn so that the climbers reach Uhuru Peak at around sunrise. Leave at about 1:00am and reach Gilman’s Point(5685m) at about 7:00am. The climbers are met with views of the crater from Gilman’s Point because it is on the Crater Rim. Another 2 hours of hiking brings the climber to Uhuru Peak, the summit. From there you will descend back to Kibo Hut 4720m, collect your things and cross the saddle again at Horombo Hut where you will spend the night. Enjoy dinner and get some well-deserved sleep.

Elevation: 4730m to 5895m to 3705m | Distance: 5.4 km up, 15 km down | Hiking Time: 13-16 hours | Habitat: Stone scree/ice-capped summit

A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Huts (8,900 ft). We then continue descending through the lovely lush forest on a good path to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at Marangu (6,000 ft), where we are transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for flight to Zanzibar

Prior to landing, you will notice that the crystal clear waters of the Zanzibar beaches truly exist. Our manager will welcome you from the airport and ready to transfer you to Z Hotel in Nungwi for dinner and overnight

Enjoy the rest of the two days at leisure with games and interacting with fellow travelers.

After breakfast at Z Hotel Nungwi, get ready to visit Baraka Aquarium to discover the rich marine life of Zanzibar. In the afternoon, enjoy lunch at any restaurant of your choice along the beach. Later in the early evening embark on a sunset cruise along the coast, enjoying picturesque views of the ocean and the sunset. Return to Z Hotel Nungwi for dinner and overnight stay.

Start your day with breakfast at Z Hotel Nungwi before departing for Safari Blue, a full-day excursion known for snorkeling, swimming, and a seafood lunch on a sandbank. Explore the beautiful marine environment and relax on the pristine beaches. Return to Z Hotel for your continuous schedule

Certainly! Here’s the adjusted Day 4 with lunch at Lookman Restaurant included:

**Day 4: Prison Island and Stone Town Tour**
After breakfast at Z Hotel Nungwi, head to Prison Island to see the giant tortoises and historical ruins. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and learn about the island’s intriguing past. Later, return to Stone Town for a guided tour through its cultural and historical sites, including the House of Wonders and the Old Fort.

For lunch, savor a delicious meal at Lookman Restaurant, known for its authentic Zanzibari cuisine and vibrant atmosphere. After lunch, continue exploring Stone Town, perhaps visiting the bustling markets or wandering through its narrow streets filled with fascinating architecture and local shops.

In the evening, return to Z Hotel Nungwi for dinner and overnight stay, reflecting on the day's discoveries and experiences.

Today is a day to unwind and enjoy the beach at Z Hotel Nungwi. Relax under the sun, swim in the turquoise waters, or indulge in hotel amenities such as spa treatments or beachside activities. Take in the serene atmosphere and savor the beauty of Zanzibar’s northern coast.

After breakfast at Z Hotel Nungwi, you may have some free time for last-minute activities or souvenir shopping. Check-out from the hotel and transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your departure flight, concluding your memorable holiday in Zanzibar.