This 7 Days Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari Zanzibar and Beach Holiday combines the thrill of conquering Africa's highest peak with the serenity of pristine Indian Ocean beaches. This extraordinary journey takes you from the snow-capped summit of Mount Kilimanjaro through Tanzania's world-renowned wildlife parks to the spice-scented shores of Zanzibar's coral paradise. Your expertly crafted itinerary seamlessly blends adrenaline-pumping mountain trekking with Big Five game viewing and concludes with blissful relaxation on powder-white beaches. This perfect fusion of adventure and leisure creates an unforgettable East African experience that showcases the diverse natural wonders of Tanzania.
Your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari Zanzibar expedition begins in the foothills of mighty Kilimanjaro, where ancient glaciers meet equatorial forests in a landscape known locally as "Mlima wa Kilima Njaro" (Mountain of the White Waters). The journey continues through the legendary Serengeti plains and Ngorongoro Crater, where millions of wildebeest thunder across endless savannas in nature's greatest spectacle. From the wildlife-rich highlands of northern Tanzania, your adventure transitions to the exotic spice islands of Zanzibar, where dhows sail turquoise waters and ancient Stone Town whispers tales of sultans and spice traders.
This comprehensive Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari Zanzibar experience is designed for adventurous travelers seeking both challenge and relaxation in one remarkable journey. Expert guides accompany you throughout, sharing their intimate knowledge of mountain ecosystems, wildlife behavior, and Swahili culture while ensuring your safety and comfort. The carefully selected accommodations range from mountain lodges with panoramic views to luxury beach resorts, providing the perfect base for each phase of your African odyssey.
Day 1: Pick Up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and Transfer to Marangu Gate
Day 2: Proceed to Mandara Hut via Kilimanjaro's Montane Forest
Day 3: Continue Ascent to Horombo Hut through Alpine Meadows
Day 4: Transfer to Serengeti National Park for Big Five Safari
Day 5: Proceed to Ngorongoro Crater for Wildlife Viewing
Day 6: Continue to Zanzibar for Stone Town Exploration
Day 7: Transfer to Beach Resort for Relaxation and Water Activities
Your epic Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari Zanzibar journey begins with pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport, followed by a scenic 1-hour drive through the vibrant town of Moshi to Marangu Gate at 1,860 meters elevation. This exciting Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari Zanzibar adventure commences with registration at the park headquarters before trekking through the lush montane forest known locally as "Msitu wa Mlimani" toward Mandara Hut. Your first day of the Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari Zanzibar experience covers approximately 8 kilometers over 4-5 hours, allowing acclimatization while spotting colobus monkeys and exotic bird species in the dense canopy before reaching your mountain lodge at 2,700 meters altitude.
Dawn breaks on your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari Zanzibar expedition as you proceed deeper into Kilimanjaro's diverse ecosystems, trekking from Mandara Hut through the heath and moorland zone toward Horombo Hut. This challenging phase of your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari Zanzibar adventure spans approximately 12 kilometers over 6-7 hours, ascending from 2,700 to 3,720 meters through landscapes known to locals as "Uwanda wa Juu" (High Plains). Your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari Zanzibar day offers spectacular views of Mawenzi Peak and the surrounding glacial valleys, with opportunities to spot endemic plant species like giant lobelias and senecios that thrive in this unique alpine environment.
Your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari Zanzibar journey continues with an early morning descent from Horombo Hut back to Marangu Gate, covering the same 20-kilometer route in reverse over approximately 6-7 hours. This concluding mountain phase of your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari Zanzibar adventure allows for final photography opportunities and reflection on your achievements while descending through the changing vegetation zones from alpine desert back to lush rainforest. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari Zanzibar experience transitions as you receive your climbing certificates before a 2-hour drive to Arusha, where you'll rest and prepare for the safari portion of your East African odyssey.
Today your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari Zanzibar adventure shifts from mountain peaks to wildlife plains with an early morning transfer to Serengeti National Park, approximately 335 kilometers from Arusha via the scenic Ngorongoro highlands. This wildlife phase of your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari Zanzibar expedition begins with game drives across the legendary Seronera Valley, known locally as "Siringet" (Endless Plains), where massive herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle roam freely. Your afternoon Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari Zanzibar experience focuses on tracking the Big Five through acacia woodlands and open grasslands, with expert guides sharing their knowledge of predator behavior and migration patterns in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari Zanzibar journey proceeds to the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, often called "Africa's Eden," with an early morning 2-hour drive covering approximately 145 kilometers from Serengeti. This spectacular day of your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari Zanzibar experience includes a full-day crater tour descending 610 meters into the world's largest inactive volcanic caldera, known to the Maasai as "Ngorongoro" (Gift of God). Your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari Zanzibar adventure reaches new heights as you explore this 260-square-kilometer natural amphitheater, home to over 25,000 large mammals including rare black rhinos, massive tusked elephants, and prides of lions against the backdrop of the dramatic crater walls.
Your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari Zanzibar adventure transitions from the African mainland to the exotic spice islands with a morning flight from Arusha to Zanzibar, covering approximately 560 kilometers in 1.5 hours over the Indian Ocean. This cultural phase of your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari Zanzibar journey begins with exploration of Stone Town, known locally as "Mji Mkongwe" (Old Town), a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with winding alleyways, ornate doorways, and bustling spice markets. Your afternoon Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari Zanzibar experience includes visits to the House of Wonders, Sultan's Palace, and the famous Forodhani Gardens, where dhows sail past coral reefs and the call to prayer echoes from ancient minarets.
The final day of your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari Zanzibar odyssey begins with transfer to a luxury beach resort on Zanzibar's pristine east coast, approximately 45 minutes from Stone Town through spice plantations and traditional villages. This perfect conclusion to your Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari Zanzibar experience offers relaxation on powder-white beaches at resorts like Breezes Beach Club or similar, where turquoise waters meet coral reefs in areas known locally as "Bahari ya Bara" (Ocean of the Mainland). Your final Kilimanjaro Safari and Safari Zanzibar day includes optional water activities such as snorkeling, diving, or dhow sailing, allowing you to unwind and reflect on your incredible journey from mountain summit to tropical paradise before your onward departure.