Tanzania · Route map
Summit, Wilds and Spice Coast
This active journey pairs a rapid Kilimanjaro climb with a wild safari and quiet Zanzibar sands. We have used a short route for Kilimanjaro to ensure you still get proper time on the beach.
- 1
Moshi
1 night
Pre-climb briefing and gear prep
- 2
Mount Kilimanjaro
5 nights
Machame Route trek to the roof of Africa
- 3
Tarangire National Park
2 nights
Unwind among massive elephant herds and baobabs
- 4
Stone Town
1 night
Atmospheric spice alleys and historic Swahili culture
- 5
Matemwe
4 nights
Wild, quiet beaches opposite Mnemba Atoll
- ✦5 stops · 13 nights
A sample from our journal — written by Waypora, kept as inspiration
Use this as a starting pointThe day-by-day
Arrival in the Foothills
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Flight · Morning · Kilimanjaro
Transfer to Moshi town
Transfer · Afternoon · Moshi
Drive from the airport to your base at the foot of Kilimanjaro.
Watch the clouds on the drive; on clear afternoons, the Kibo peak reveals itself fully.
Pre-climb briefing and gear check
Excursion · Afternoon · Moshi
Be completely honest with your guide about any gear you are missing; renting here is easy.
Overnight in Moshi
Accommodation · Evening · Moshi
The Kilimanjaro Climb Begins
Transfer to Marangu Gate
Transfer · Morning · Marangu
Drive from Moshi to the national park registration gate.
Trek through the montane rainforest
Excursion · Morning · Mount Kilimanjaro
Begin the trek climbing from Marangu Gate to Mandara Huts.
Walk 'pole pole'—slowly, slowly—from day one to let your body acclimatize properly.
Overnight at Mandara Huts
Accommodation · Evening · Mount Kilimanjaro
Into the Moorland
Trek to Horombo Huts
Excursion · Morning · Mount Kilimanjaro
Ascend through the giant lobelias and groundsel of the moorland zone.
Keep your camera handy for views of Mawenzi peak rising sharply on the horizon.
Overnight at Horombo Huts
Accommodation · Evening · Mount Kilimanjaro
Acclimatization at Horombo
Acclimatization hike to Zebra Rocks
Excursion · Morning · Mount Kilimanjaro
This hike is crucial for altitude adjustment; do not skip it even if you feel excellent.
Restful afternoon at Horombo
At leisure · Afternoon · Mount Kilimanjaro
Overnight at Horombo Huts
Accommodation · Evening · Mount Kilimanjaro
The Alpine Desert Crossing
Trek across the Saddle to Kibo
Excursion · Morning · Mount Kilimanjaro
Hike through the desolate, high-altitude alpine desert to the base of Kibo.
Drink water constantly today, even if the cold makes you feel less thirsty.
Overnight at Kibo Huts
Accommodation · Evening · Mount Kilimanjaro
Summit Night and Descent
Midnight summit climb to Uhuru Peak
Excursion · Morning · Mount Kilimanjaro
Reach the rooftop of Africa at sunrise, then descend.
Keep your headlamp batteries inside your jacket until the climb starts so they don't freeze.
Overnight at Horombo Huts
Accommodation · Evening · Mount Kilimanjaro
Back to the Rainforest
Final descent to Marangu Gate
Excursion · Morning · Marangu
Trail down through the forest to collect your summit certificates.
It is customary to tip your guiding and porter crew dynamic team at the gate.
Transfer to Tarangire National Park
Transfer · Afternoon · Tarangire
Drive from Kilimanjaro foothills to the home of elephants.
Overnight in Tarangire
Accommodation · Evening · Tarangire
Giants of Tarangire
Morning game drive past ancient baobabs
Excursion · Morning · Tarangire
Look high into the branches; Tarangire is famous for tree-climbing pythons.
Sundowner drive along the Tarangire River
Excursion · Afternoon · Tarangire
The river is a magnet for massive elephant herds in the dry season.
Overnight in Tarangire
Accommodation · Evening · Tarangire
To the Spice Island
Transfer to Arusha Airport
Transfer · Morning · Arusha
Fly from Arusha to Zanzibar
Flight · Afternoon · Zanzibar
Taxi to your Stone Town hotel
Transfer · Afternoon · Stone Town
Overnight in Stone Town
Accommodation · Evening · Stone Town
Sultans and Spice Trails
Historical walking tour of Stone Town
Excursion · Morning · Stone Town
Focus on the intricately carved Omani doors, which showcase the owner's status.
Transfer north to Matemwe
Transfer · Afternoon · Matemwe
Drive from the stone city to the quiet northeastern beaches.
Overnight in Matemwe
Accommodation · Evening · Matemwe
Mnemba Reef Exploration
Snorkel excursion to Mnemba Atoll
Excursion · Morning · Matemwe
Go early before the day-tripper boats from Nungwi arrive at the reef.
Afternoon relaxation on Matemwe beach
At leisure · Afternoon · Matemwe
Overnight in Matemwe
Accommodation · Evening · Matemwe
Village Walks and Low Tides
Guided walk through Matemwe village
Excursion · Morning · Matemwe
Respect local culture by dressing modestly, covering shoulders and knees inside the village.
Intertidal walk during low tide
Excursion · Afternoon · Matemwe
Local women harvest seaweed here; watch them work the shallow ocean plots.
Overnight in Matemwe
Accommodation · Evening · Matemwe
Serene Coastline Leisure
Unwind poolside with ocean views
At leisure · Morning · Matemwe
Traditional dhow sailing tour at sunset
Excursion · Afternoon · Matemwe
The hand-hewn wooden vessels offer the most authentic way to see the coastline.
Overnight in Matemwe
Accommodation · Evening · Matemwe
Departure from Zanzibar
Transfer to Zanzibar Airport
Transfer · Morning · Zanzibar
Drive from Matemwe to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.
Departure flight home
Flight · Afternoon · Zanzibar
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