Ready for Your Ultimate Adventure & Beach Combo?
Conquer Kilimanjaro and unwind on Zanzibar's pristine beaches in one epic journey
Adventure & Beach Combo
Highlands & Island Dreams: 11-Day Kilimanjaro & Zanzibar Tour
- Dream Trails Expeditions
- 11 Day Adventure
- Summit & Beach Experience
From - $9700
Tour Overview
This 11-day/10-night standard tour combines the exhilaration of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Machame Route with a relaxing beach and cultural escape in Zanzibar. Start with a warm arrival in Arusha, followed by a 6-day trek to Kilimanjaro's Uhuru Peak (5,895m), renowned for its diverse ecosystems and high summit success rate. Then, unwind for three days on Zanzibar's white-sand beaches, with opportunities for snorkeling and exploring Stone Town. Conclude with a relaxed departure day in Arusha. Stay in comfortable mid-range lodges, tented camps, and beach resorts, with private transfers and expert guides for an authentic and affordable Tanzanian adventure.
- Duration: 11 days, 10 nights
- Destinations: Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro (Machame Route), Zanzibar
- Accommodation Type: Mid-range hotels, tented camps on Kilimanjaro, and beach resorts in Zanzibar
- Travel Style: Private, guided adventure and beach getaway
- Group Size: Private (2-8 guests recommended for cost efficiency and group dynamics)
- Transport: Private 4x4 vehicle for airport transfers, shared shuttle for Kilimanjaro transfers, private light aircraft for Zanzibar transfer
- Physical Rating: Moderate to high; Kilimanjaro trek requires good fitness, no technical climbing skills needed; Zanzibar is low-effort
🏔️ Mount Kilimanjaro
- Summit Uhuru Peak (5,895m) via the Machame Route
- Experience stunning rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert landscapes
- High success rate with proper acclimatization
🏝️ Zanzibar
- Relax on pristine beaches and snorkel in turquoise waters
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Stone Town for Swahili culture
- Experience the spice island's unique heritage
🌟 Quality Experience
- Comfortable mid-range accommodations throughout
- Expert certified Kilimanjaro guides and knowledgeable local guides in Zanzibar
- Optional cultural experiences with Chaga village visits and spice tours
- Scenic diversity from mountain ecosystems to coral reefs
🎒 Packing
- For Kilimanjaro: layered clothing (base layers, fleece, waterproof jacket), hiking boots, sleeping bag (rated to -10°C), trekking poles, and daypack
- For Zanzibar: swimwear, light clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, and modest attire for Stone Town (cover shoulders and knees)
- Laundry services available at lodges and resorts
💊 Health
- Consult a doctor for malaria prophylaxis (Zanzibar)
- Altitude sickness medication (e.g., Diamox for Kilimanjaro)
- Vaccinations (yellow fever may be required)
- Carry insect repellent and a basic first-aid kit
💪 Fitness
- Prepare for Kilimanjaro with cardio and strength training (hiking, stair climbing) 2-3 months prior
- No special preparation needed for Zanzibar
📸 Photography
- Use a camera with a zoom lens (200-400mm) for Kilimanjaro wildlife
- Drones are restricted in national parks and may require permits in Zanzibar
- Bring extra batteries for the trek
💰 Currency & Tipping
- US dollars widely accepted
- Carry small bills for tips ($10-$15/day for Kilimanjaro guides/porters, $5-$10/day for Zanzibar guides/resort staff)
📱 Connectivity
- Limited signal on Kilimanjaro
- Wi-Fi available at Arusha and Zanzibar accommodations
- Consider a local SIM for Zanzibar
🛂 Visa
- Obtain a Tanzanian e-Visa online at least 2 weeks prior at visa.go.tz
✈️ Flights
- Book international flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Recommended airlines: Qatar Airways, KLM, or Turkish Airlines
🏥 Insurance
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and medical evacuation
- AMREF Flying Doctor emergency evacuation included for Zanzibar portion
📄 Documents
- Carry a printed itinerary
- Passport valid for 6+ months
- Vaccination records
🧳 Luggage
- Soft-sided bags (max 15kg for Kilimanjaro, including porter-carried gear; max 15kg for Zanzibar flights)
- Equipment rentals (sleeping bags, poles) available in Arusha
🌞 Optimal Season
- June-October (dry season): Clearer skies and less rain on Kilimanjaro
- Low humidity in Zanzibar (25-30°C/77-86°F)
- July 2025 is ideal for dry trails and perfect beach weather
🌧️ Alternative Season
- January-February (short dry season): Fewer crowds on Kilimanjaro and pleasant Zanzibar conditions
⚠️ Season to Avoid
- April-May (long rainy season): Muddy trails on Kilimanjaro and potential rain in Zanzibar
✔️ What's Included
- Private airport transfers in a 4x4 vehicle
- Domestic flights (Arusha to Zanzibar, Zanzibar to Arusha)
- Accommodation in mid-range lodges, tented camps, and resorts (full-board basis)
- All meals, bottled water, and soft drinks
- Kilimanjaro trek with certified guides, porters, and cook (1 guide per 2 climbers, 3-4 porters per person)
- Snorkeling trip and Stone Town tour in Zanzibar
- Park and conservation fees for Kilimanjaro
- AMREF Flying Doctor emergency evacuation insurance (Zanzibar portion)
- Camping equipment (tents, mats, dining gear) on Kilimanjaro
- Wi-Fi at Arusha and Zanzibar accommodations
- Farewell gift
❌ What's Excluded
- International flights to/from JRO
- Tanzanian visa
- Optional activities (spice tour, dhow cruise)
- Alcoholic beverages and premium drinks
- Travel insurance (beyond AMREF for Zanzibar)
- Kilimanjaro gear rentals (e.g., sleeping bag, trekking poles)
- Tips for guides, porters, and resort staff
- Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs)
- Extended Zanzibar Stay: Add an extra night for more beach time or a visit to Jozani Forest for red colobus monkeys
- Kilimanjaro Add-Ons: Include an extra acclimatization day on the Machame Route for higher summit success
- Cultural Focus: Add Chaga village visits near Kilimanjaro or a prison island tour in Zanzibar
- Adventure Upgrade: Include scuba diving in Zanzibar or a hot-air balloon safari in the Serengeti (requires itinerary adjustment)
- Group Discounts: Larger groups (6-8) can reduce per-person costs by sharing transport and guides
🌟 Our Advantages
- Adventure and Relaxation: Combines the challenge of summiting Kilimanjaro with the serenity of Zanzibar's beaches for a balanced journey
- Affordable Comfort: Mid-range accommodations offer quality and value, ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking an authentic experience
- Expert Support: Certified Kilimanjaro guides ensure a safe climb, while Zanzibar guides provide cultural and marine insights
- Diverse Experiences: From Kilimanjaro's alpine heights to Zanzibar's coral reefs and historic streets, enjoy Tanzania's varied landscapes and heritage
- Cultural Depth: Optional Chaga and Swahili cultural experiences add authenticity to the adventure
- Seamless Logistics: Private transfers, flights, and included meals ensure a hassle-free trip
📩 Book at www.dreamtrailsexpeditions.com or contact us!
11-Day Kilimanjaro Climb & Zanzibar Beach Itinerary
01
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Kilimanjaro International Airport → Arusha
- Distance: 1-hour drive from JRO to Arusha (50km)
- Elevation: 1,400m | Habitat: Urban
- Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Private transfer in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle with guide briefing
- Rest and attend a pre-trek briefing with your Kilimanjaro guide
- Optional evening stroll in Arusha or visit to a local market
Overnight: Ilboru Safari Lodge (cozy mid-range lodge with en-suite rooms, pool, and lush gardens)
02
Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Arusha → Machame Gate → Machame Camp
- Elevation: 1,800m to 2,850m | Ascent: 1,050m
- Distance: 11km | Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- 1.5-hour shuttle transfer to Machame Gate (1,800m)
- Begin trek through rainforest to Machame Camp (2,850m)
- Enjoy porter-prepared meals and guide-led briefings
Overnight: Tented camp with sleeping mats and dining tent
03
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Machame Camp → Shira Camp
- Elevation: 2,850m to 3,750m | Ascent: 900m
- Distance: 5km | Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Trek to Shira Camp through moorland
- Acclimatization walk in the afternoon
Overnight: Tented camp
04
Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Shira Camp → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp
- Elevation: 3,750m to 3,900m (via 4,600m) | Net Ascent: 150m
- Distance: 10km | Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Trek to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower (4,600m) for acclimatization
- Stunning views of the Barranco Wall
Overnight: Barranco Camp (3,900m)
05
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp
- Elevation: 3,900m to 3,995m | Ascent: 95m
- Distance: 5km | Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Climb the Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp
- Short day for acclimatization
Overnight: Karanga Camp (3,995m)
06
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp
- Elevation: 3,995m to 4,673m | Ascent: 678m
- Distance: 4km | Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Trek to Barafu Camp, the base for summit day
- Early rest for midnight summit push
Overnight: Barafu Camp (4,673m)
07
Day 7: Summit Day - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp to Arusha
Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp → Arusha
- Elevation: 4,673m to 5,895m to 3,100m
- Distance: 12km ascent, 17km descent | Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
- Habitat: Arctic zone to rainforest
- Midnight summit attempt to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
- Descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
- Return to Arusha by shuttle (1.5-hour drive, 40km)
Overnight: Ilboru Safari Lodge in Arusha
08
Day 8: Arusha to Zanzibar
Arusha → Zanzibar
- Flight: 1.5 hours | Distance: 600km air distance
- Habitat: Coastal and marine environment
- Private light aircraft transfer from Arusha to Zanzibar International Airport
- Relax on the beach or by the pool
- Evening seafood dinner with Swahili flavors
Overnight: Zanzibar Serena Hotel (mid-range beachfront resort in Stone Town with en-suite rooms, pool, and ocean views)
09
Day 9: Zanzibar Exploration
Full Day in Zanzibar
- Marine and cultural experiences
- Optional: Additional water activities or relaxation
- Morning snorkeling trip to Mnemba Atoll, a marine reserve with vibrant coral reefs and fish
- Afternoon guided tour of Stone Town, visiting spice markets, the Old Fort, and Freddie Mercury's birthplace
Overnight: Zanzibar Serena Hotel
10
Day 10: Zanzibar Spice Experience
Full Day in Zanzibar
- Cultural and culinary experiences
- Optional: Water sports included at resort
- Morning spice plantation tour to learn about Zanzibar's spice trade
- Afternoon at leisure for beach relaxation or optional water sports (kayaking, paddleboarding)
Overnight: Zanzibar Serena Hotel
11
Day 11: Zanzibar to Arusha - Departure
Zanzibar → Arusha → Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Flight: 1.5 hours | Distance: 1-hour drive to JRO (50km)
- Private light aircraft transfer to Arusha
- Dayroom access at Ilboru Safari Lodge
- Optional Arusha activities like shopping at the Maasai Market or visiting the Cultural Heritage Centre
- Enjoy lodge amenities like the pool or garden
- Private transfer to JRO for departure
- Farewell gift (e.g., Zanzibari spice box or Maasai keychain)
End of Tour: Kilimanjaro International Airport
