11 Days Kilimanjaro & Zanzibar
Our 11-day “Another World” Tour offers a journey to Africa’s highest peak and the most stunning beaches. The adventure begins with a Kilimanjaro climb via the Machame Route, renowned for its breathtaking scenery and ideal climbing conditions. Witness panoramic views that encompass the vast expanse of ochre yellow sand covering the moorland regions, the lush emerald rainforests, and the gleaming fields, creating an unparalleled experience. Traverse ancient glaciated river valleys on the frosty southern slopes, adding to the uniqueness of the adventure.
Following this remarkable expedition, we transport you to the endless sandy white beaches of Zanzibar for the next four days. While there are numerous historical sites to explore, the Zanzibar beaches provide a heavenly setting where you can either bask in the sun’s rays or immerse yourself in the wealth of knowledge the area has to offer. The choice is entirely yours, ensuring a relaxing and enriching experience tailored to your preferences.
| Destination |
Kilimanjaro & Zanzibar
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Included |
- Camping & park fees
- Transport (4×4 Land Cruiser) with open roof
- Professional English/German speaking safari guide
- Chef cooker
- Tent & mattress
- bottle of water per day; tea and coffee with meals
|
| Excluded |
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa and passport fees
- Personal items
- Sleeping bag
- Increases in park fees where applicable
- Accommodation & meals in Arusha
- Tips for safari guide & chef
- Soda and Alcoholic beverages
- Extra activities
|
|
|
Details
On the 6-day Machame Route, our team will be by your side throughout the journey, allowing you the chance to meet them beforehand. The adventure begins in the morning as we head towards the Machame Gate, a drive of approximately 1.5 hours passing through coffee farms and local villages. Upon arrival at the gate, the necessary climb registration will take place while our porters and guides finalize their preparations. Our ultimate stop for the day is the Machame Camp.
The hike commences by navigating through the Kilimanjaro's moss-covered cloud forest, characterized by dense vegetation. As we progress, the forest gradually gives way to a remarkable transformation in the landscape. You'll witness the emergence of wildflowers, tall grasses, and heathers, marking a drastic shift in the surroundings. With a clear sky, the majestic Kibo Peak, our ultimate destination, becomes visible in the distance. Our dedicated porters and cooks will precede our arrival, ensuring the camp is set up and ready for your comfort upon reaching the site.
Today's hike on the 6-day Machame route is generally considered the easiest, although it involves multiple uphill sections. The trail is exposed, and on clear days, the sun's heat can be quite draining, so it's essential to carry an ample supply of drinking water. Throughout the trek, you'll have several opportunities to behold the magnificent forest canopies and the sweeping golden plains of the savannah below. The towering Kibo mountains and the jagged peaks of Mawenzi become increasingly visible on the horizon.
As the altitude increases, the vegetation undergoes a transformation – the trees diminish, making way for the distinctive high-altitude plants of Kilimanjaro, such as the Lobelia Deckenii and the Senecio Kilimanjari. After lunch, the trek will lead you to the Shira Plateau. In the past, when Kibo was an active volcano, the lava flowed into the Shira Crater and filled it. The day's hike concludes at the Shira Camp, providing an opportunity for relaxation and rest. Kibo lies to the west, while Mount Meru stands to the east, offering stunning vistas from the campsite.
This stage of the trek can be quite varied, with a mix of ascents and descents. Although the elevation gain is only 110 meters, by lunchtime, you will have ascended a challenging 690 meters, reaching an altitude of 4,530 meters. This day is crucial for acclimatization, so maintaining a steady pace is important. Starting with an eastward hike on the vast Shira Plateau, your first checkpoint is the junction for the Shira and Lemosho Routes. Continuing through the desolate landscape, the group will pause for lunch.
Post-lunch, the hike will lead to the day's maximum elevation point, followed by a rapid descent to the Barranco Camp. For faster hikers, there's an opportunity for an optional detour via the Lava Tower—a striking three hundred-foot lava formation extending from the mountainside. The Barranco Camp is revered as the most picturesque campsite on the 6-day Machame Route, offering stunning views and a remarkable setting for the evening's stay.
We will embark on the ultimate ascent to the cloud-shrouded Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The trail will be illuminated by your headlamp for the next six hours. The climb to the crater rim is the most physically demanding leg of the entire trek. The incline is steep until you reach Stella Point. The high altitude makes the trek from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak challenging and slow, lasting about an hour. Upon reaching Uhuru, take in the breathtaking scenery, capturing photos and marveling at the landscape.
Our journey continues toward the Mweka Camp, where countless spectacular views await from a new perspective, encompassing the mountains, craters, and glaciers. Hiking amidst the wispy clouds, their beauty will captivate you. Upon arriving at the Barafu Camp, we will pause for breakfast. Following breakfast, we'll spend the next three to five hours hiking to the Mweka Camp. As you spend your final night, you can stargaze and reflect on your incredible triumph.
After breakfast, we will commence the final stretch of our journey, trekking towards the Mweka Gate. As we journey through the enchanting cloud forest once more, please exercise caution as the descent path can be slippery. Upon reaching the gate, you can celebrate by purchasing Kilimanjaro beer for a toast. AfroKlan will transport you back to Arusha.
Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by our driver who will transfer you from the airport to Matemwe. Over the next few days, you can bask in the sun on the beach, enjoy various water activities, and explore excursions around the island. Please note that optional activities such as the Stone Town Historical Tour, Spice Tour, Prison Island Tour, and Water Sports are not included.
After savoring a delightful breakfast, our service will arrange transportation for your journey to Zanzibar International Airport, where you'll board your connecting flight.