5 Days Best Kilimanjaro Safari and Zanzibar Beach Vacation
This 5 Days Best Kilimanjaro Safari and Zanzibar Beach Vacation offers an extraordinary combination of mountain adventure and tropical paradise in northern Tanzania. This carefully designed Kilimanjaro Safari and Zanzibar Beach Vacation takes you from the majestic slopes of Africa's highest peak to the pristine white sand beaches of the Indian Ocean. Your journey begins with an exhilarating short climb on Mount Kilimanjaro, known locally as "Kilima Njaro" (White Mountain), followed by relaxation on Zanzibar's stunning coastline.
This unique Kilimanjaro Safari and Zanzibar Beach Vacation seamlessly blends the thrill of high-altitude trekking with the tranquility of tropical island living. From the montane forests of Kilimanjaro National Park to the spice-scented streets of Stone Town, this adventure showcases Tanzania's incredible diversity. The contrast between snow-capped peaks and turquoise waters makes this Kilimanjaro Safari and Zanzibar Beach Vacation an unforgettable experience for adventurous travelers.
Your Kilimanjaro Safari and Zanzibar Beach Vacation concludes with days of pure relaxation on Zanzibar's world-renowned beaches, where crystal-clear waters and coral reefs await. This perfect combination allows you to challenge yourself physically on Kilimanjaro before unwinding in tropical luxury on the Spice Island. Whether snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll or watching spectacular sunsets from a traditional dhow, this Kilimanjaro Safari and Zanzibar Beach Vacation creates lasting memories of Tanzania's natural wonders.
Tour highlights
Day 1: Pick Up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and Transfer to Machame Gate
Day 2: Proceed with Kilimanjaro Short Climb to Shira Plateau
Day 3: Continue Kilimanjaro Trek and Transfer to Moshi Town
Day 4: Transfer to Zanzibar via Dar es Salaam and Stone Town Exploration
Day 5: Continue Zanzibar Beach Vacation with Nungwi Beach and Spice Tour
Price Includes:
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees and climbing permits
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport in custom 4x4 vehicles and mountain transfers
- Bottled water during trek and beach activities
- Full board accommodation (mountain huts and beach resort)
- Professional English-speaking Mountain guide and driver-guide
- Porter services and mountain equipment
- Stone Town guided tour and spice plantation visit
- All mentioned activities (excluding optional experiences)
Price Excludes:
- Tanzania Visa (where applicable)
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional activities (diving, dolphin tours, extended dhow cruises)
- Laundry services
- Travel and climbing insurance
- Beverages beyond provided water
- Tips for guides, porters, and hotel staff
Itinary in details
- Day1Pick Up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and Transfer to Machame Gate
Your Kilimanjaro Safari and Zanzibar Beach Vacation begins with pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport, followed by a 1.5-hour drive (approximately 65km) to Machame Gate at 1,800 meters elevation on the southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. This exciting Kilimanjaro Safari and Zanzibar Beach Vacation adventure starts with registration at the gate and final preparations before beginning your trek through the lush montane rainforest known locally as "Msitu wa Mlimani" (Mountain Forest). Your first day of this Kilimanjaro Safari and Zanzibar Beach Vacation includes a 5–6-hour hike covering 11 kilometers through diverse vegetation zones, ascending to Machame Hut at 3,000 meters where you'll spend the night surrounded by the mystical atmosphere of Africa's highest peak.
- Day2Proceed with Kilimanjaro Short Climb to Shira Plateau
Continue your Kilimanjaro Safari and Zanzibar Beach Vacation with an early morning ascent from Machame Hut, trekking 5 kilometers over 4-5 hours through the moorland zone to reach Shira Camp at 3,840 meters elevation. This challenging portion of your Kilimanjaro Safari and Zanzibar Beach Vacation offers spectacular views of the Shira Plateau, an ancient volcanic caldera spanning 13 kilometers across and providing panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. As you progress on this Kilimanjaro Safari and Zanzibar Beach Vacation journey, witness the dramatic transition from forest to alpine desert while acclimatizing to the thinner air at this significant altitude above the clouds.
- Day3Continue Kilimanjaro Trek and Transfer to Moshi Town
Today's Kilimanjaro Safari and Zanzibar Beach Vacation includes descent from Shira Camp via the Mweka Route, taking approximately 6-7 hours to cover 15 kilometers down to Mweka Gate at 1,640 meters through varied ecological zones. Following successful completion of your mountain adventure, this Kilimanjaro Safari and Zanzibar Beach Vacation continues with transfer to Moshi town, located 45 kilometers away and taking approximately 1 hour by vehicle. Your evening on this memorable Kilimanjaro Safari and Zanzibar Beach Vacation includes celebration of your climbing achievement, overnight rest in comfortable accommodation, and preparation for the next phase of your Tanzanian adventure in the historic Spice Island.
- Day4Transfer to Zanzibar via Dar es Salaam and Stone Town Exploration
Your Kilimanjaro Safari and Zanzibar Beach Vacation transitions today with an early morning 1-hour flight from Kilimanjaro Airport to Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, followed by a 20-minute connecting flight to Zanzibar's Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. This cultural phase of your Kilimanjaro Safari and Zanzibar Beach Vacation begins with a guided exploration of Stone Town (Mji Mkongwe), the UNESCO World Heritage site featuring narrow winding streets, ornate Arabic architecture, and centuries-old spice markets located in the heart of Zanzibar City. Your afternoon Kilimanjaro Safari and Zanzibar Beach Vacation experience includes visits to the House of Wonders, Freddie Mercury's birthplace, and the vibrant Darajani Market before transfer to your beachfront resort for sunset views over the Indian Ocean.
- Day5Continue Zanzibar Beach Vacation with Nungwi Beach and Spice Tour
The final day of your Kilimanjaro Safari and Zanzibar Beach Vacation features transfer to the northern coast (45 minutes’ drive covering 60 kilometers) to reach Nungwi Beach, renowned for its powdery white coral sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. This relaxing conclusion to your Kilimanjaro Safari and Zanzibar Beach Vacation includes a morning spice tour through rural plantations where you'll discover cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves that earned Zanzibar its nickname "Unguja la Viungo" (Island of Spices). Your Kilimanjaro Safari and Zanzibar Beach Vacation ends with optional activities including dolphin watching at Kizimkazi (45 minutes south), snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve, or a romantic sunset dhow cruise before your evening departure or extended stay on this tropical paradise.