15 Days Tanzania Safari + Kilimanjaro + Zanzibar

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Tour Overview

This 15-day adventure, carefully crafted by Kiwoito Africa Safaris, offers the ultimate Tanzanian experience—combining the thrill of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro , an unforgettable Tanzania safari, and a relaxing getaway in Zanzibar.

Your journey begins with a 7-day Kilimanjaro trek via the Machame Route, known for its breathtaking landscapes and high success rate. After conquering Africa’s highest peak, explore wilderness on a 5-day safari across Northern Tanzania Park Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, where you’ll witness incredible wildlife, including lions, giraffes, elephants, and the Great Migration. A cultural visit to the Hadza bushmen at Lake Eyasi adds a unique touch to your safari.

Finally, unwind on Zanzibar’s white sandy beaches for 3 days, exploring Stone Town’s rich history, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and indulging in the island’s vibrant culture. This is the perfect blend of adventure, nature, and relaxation!

What to expect

Day by day

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport meet our representative & transfer to Planet Lodge in the suburb of Arusha town. Later our Kilimanjaro manager & your guide for Kilimanjaro will come for a detailed briefing & gear checking before leaving you to spend the rest of the day at the lodge, relaxing & getting prepared for your Kilimanjaro trekking on the next day.

Overnight at Planet Lodge or similar in Arusha. Dinner & breakfast included.

Destination
Arusha

Accommodation
Planet Lodge | Dinner

Day 2: Arusha – Machame Gate 1,490 m to Machame Camp 2,980 m

Trekking time: 5 to 7 hours

Distance: Approximately 11 kilometers

Habitat: Montane forest

Your Kilimanjaro combined safari tours starts after breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel in Arusha and drive to Machame Gate. The driving is about 2 hours via some villages & local farms of banana and coffee plantations here you will get a little glimpse of the livelihood of Tanzanians close to the Mountain. At the gate, you will do some park formalities including weighing luggage for porters to carry not to exceed 20 kg per porter. A valid permit will be issued to you showing 6 days of hiking through this route.

You will probably have lunch at the gate before the hiking. The trekking will start in the afternoon through the rainforest where you may expect rain, mud, and fog. During trekking, you will possibly hear many exciting birds singing in the overlapping canopy above, and you may spot some black and white colobus monkeys, and sykes monkeys as they move from trees to trees.

The route continues to the heathland and at the end of your first day at Machame camp (9,875 feet), the trekking of the day is 9 Km in 5 to 7 hours of walking. This area is located above the rainforest vegetation type, the hiking is long but moderately steep.

The porters and chef, who move very fast up the mountain, will reach the camp before you and set up your tents, boil drinking water, and prepare snacks for your arrival. After washing up, a hot dinner will be served before sleep. At this point of Kilimanjaro combined Safari Mountain temperatures may drop to freezing so be prepared.

Accommodation
Machame Camp | All meals included

Day 3: Machame Camp 2,980 m to Shira Camp 3,840 m

Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours

Distance: Approximately 9 kilometers

Habitat: Moorland

Kilimanjaro combined safari continues, after breakfast, the day starts through lovely heathland and afro-alpine moorland furnished with superb views of Kilimanjaro Peak. The route starts getting steeper as you pass through the Savannah with tall grasses, Giant Heather and Erica trees. Hike nearby large stones as you arrive at the moorland zone ruled by lobelia and senecia plants as well as volcanic rocks wrapped with beards and lichen, which safeguard wild alpine flowers and other plants that grow beneath them. You will spend the night at Shira Camp (12,615 feet), trekking on this day is 9 km in 5 to 6 hours of walking. Getting to the camp same procedures will follow as of the first day.

Overnight at Shira Camp. All meals included

Accommodation
Shira Camp | All meals included

Day 4: Shira Camp 3,840 to Lava Tower 4,630 m to Barranco Camp 3,950 m

Trekking time: 7 hours

Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers

Habitat: Semi-desert

Today you are getting closer to the peak as we get nearer to the Lava Tower. The trek becomes a bit tougher the path gets steeper as you approach the lava Tower, a volcanic plug over 300 feet tall which codes an exposed pass at 15,000 feet. You will have a packed lunch at this point while acclimatizing, here is where most climbers start feeling the effects of the high elevation which include shortness of breath & headache. After lunch & some rest, you will descend along the steep path from Lava Tower (4630 m) to Barranco Campsite at an altitude of (3950 m).

Lowering 680 m from Lava Tower to Barranco camp gives a huge advantage to hikers to allow their bodies to get used to the conditions of high elevation. Walking down to the camp takes about 2 hours. This camp is located in a valley below “The Breakfast Wall” Baranco Wall & the Breach. Same procedure of hot water to wash, possibly dinner while watching the sunset.

Accommodation
Barranco Camp | FB

Day 5: Barranco Camp 3,950 m to Barafu Camp 4,550 m

Trekking time: 7 hours

Distance: Approximately 13 kilometers

Habitat: Alpine desert

Mt Kilimanjaro safari tours continue with the great challenge of climbing the Barranco Wall, begin your day after breakfast, you may need 1 to 1.5 hours to go on top of the great Barranco Wall, advisable to early start to avoid traffic jams at the wall. You will be above the cloud so you will be able to spot the barren and rocky plateau just behind the wall attentively waiting for you this morning. The stunning three southern glaciers (Heim Glacier) and the beautiful view of Kibo Peak can be seen if the weather is clear on this day.

The trekking will be on gravel and sand paths along the rocky moors. Many times you will be passing through big stones, streams, grasses and many herbs. After 2 to 3 hours of polepole pace, you will reach the Karanga camp standing at an altitude of 4250 meters. When trekking up one hill after another you can be able to observe the other upcoming routes from the distance. This day hot lunch will be served at the camp, after lunch it will be a resting time may be walking around to enjoy the camp’s environment.

Overnight at Barafu Camp. All meals included.

Accommodation
Barafu Camp | FB

Day 6: Summit Day: Barafu Camp 4,550 m to Uhuru Peak 5,895 m to Mweka Camp 3,100 m

Trekking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 7-8 hours to descend to Mweka

Distance: Approximately 7-kilometre ascent and 23-kilometre descent

Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

The Night Summit! Your guide will wake you up before midnight for some snakes before setting off for your final push to the roof of Africa “The Uhuru Peak”. It is a very silent night when you and your guide pace into the cold trial. With a slow pace step-by-step “polepole” the route leads sharply up and over rocks to reach the rim of the crater. At this point many climbers feel that this is the most mentally and physically challenging part of their entire climb, it can take you 5 to 6 hours to reach “The Stella Point” which stands at an altitude of 5740 m, from there you have only about 150 meters to reach the actual summit.

As the sun gets up this morning, the first sun rays will accompany you towards Rebmann Glacier and further ahead to Hans Mayer Point.

The amazing play of lights across the ice formation will soon appear as the sunrise. You will then start to see the summit sign of Kilimanjaro Mountain in front of you. It is done! You have made it via the Machame route. Congratulations you have just conquered “The Roof of Africa” Kilimanjaro Mountain the highest point in Africa 5895 meters above sea level. The stunning view of the areas around the mountain is visible, you can proudly take some memorable and distinctive pictures of the summit.

If weather permits, you can take a short break before descending along the crater rim and further down to Stella Point and more down to Rebman Glacier. Proceed descending via the same route of ascent down to Barafu Camp, A Hot lunch will be served here,

After lunch you will continue further down to Mweka camp, as walking down along this trial you will observe how vegetation changes with altitude, and reach your camp late afternoon. This will be a long and tiring day for you, reaching the camp late afternoon, washing and spending the rest of the day relaxing and gathering some strength for the next day of your Kilimanjaro combined safari adventure.

Destination
Mweka Camp

Accommodation
Mweka Camp | All Meals

Day 7: Descend: Mweka Camp (3,100 m) to Mweka Gate (1,980 m) – Arusha

Trekking time: 3-4 hours

Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers

Habitat: Moorland & rainforest

Soon after a very good breakfast, “The celebration” dancing & singing will start, it will be time for a short speech & tipping and maybe a souvenir photo of the whole team before walking down to Mweka gate a distance of about 10 km. Walk through a well-established forest road and the second half of the way is mostly characterized by rain forest. Kilimanjaro combined safari tours, climbing session Machame route 6 days.

As per National Park rules & regulations, all hikers will sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Climbers who reach Stella Point at an alt. of (5685 m) receive green certificates for those who reach Uhuru Peak (5895 m) receive gold certificates (Big Diploma). After receiving the certificates, you will descend 3 km down to Mweka village this will take you about 1 hour.

You will have a hot lunch at the gate & meet your driver who is already there waiting for you and drive you back to Mvuli Hotel in Arusha. At the lodge, you will meet our safari manager for a short safari briefing. Spend the rest of the day at the lodge, and possibly have a good hot shower before dinner.

Destination
Arusha

Accommodation
Planet Lodge | dinner and breakfast

Day 8: Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park

Distance: 70 km

Non–game viewing time: 3 to 4 hrs.

This safari tour starts after breakfast, the first stop is at Arusha Town for any last-minute purchases before driving to Lake Manyara National Park. This beautiful & ever-green park is blessed with overlapping habitats ranging from Acacia woodlands, underground water forests, baobab-strewn cliffs, algae-streaked hot springs, swamps and the Lake.

All these attract a large number of animal species and many bird life. Lake Manyara is home to the largest number of baboons found nowhere in the world. The tree-climbing lion and the flocks of flamingos are among the unique features of this park. Afterwards, drive to Lake Eyasi & visit the Datoga tribe & the blacksmith. Later afternoon you can go for a sunset walk at Lakeshore before driving to Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge for dinner & overnight.

Overnight at Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge close to Lake Eyasi. All meals included

Destination
Lake Manyara National Park

Accommodation
Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge | dinner and breakfast

Day 9: Lake Eyasi – Serengeti National Park

Distance: 180 km

Non–game viewing time: 4 to 5 hrs.

On this day we take you for an early morning hunt with Bushmen including tuition on survival skills. Afterwards depart for Serengeti National Park, via the beautiful high-lying farmland of Karatu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and down to the heart of the wild Africa – the Serengeti National Park with its endless rolling plains.

Then to the central park area, known as the Seronera area, one of the richest wildlife habitats in the park, featuring the Seronera River, which provides a valuable water source to this area and therefore attracts wildlife well representative of most of the Serengeti’s species. Arrive in time for lunch and enjoy an afternoon game drive in the Serengeti National Park.

Dinner and overnight at Thorn Trees Camp Central Serengeti. All meals included.

Destination
Serengeti National Park

Accommodation
Thorn Trees Camp Central Serengeti | dinner and breakfast

Day 10: Full Day Serengeti National Park

Start early in the morning with the first sun rays at 06:30 carry a breakfast box & packed lunch. Early morning game drive allows you to see some nocturnal animals coming back from their long night of hunting, and others waking up ready to start the new day in Serengeti. You might find a group of lionesses organizing a morning ambush or eating along the road.

Break for breakfast in the bush and proceed with the game drive till lunchtime. Go back to your campsite before or during the sunset (depending on the season, if the wildebeest migration is packed in Serengeti then you will spend much time following the migration of herds).

Overnight at Thorn Trees Camp Central Serengeti. All meals included

Destination
Serengeti National Park

Accommodation
Thorn Trees Camp Central Serengeti | dinner and breakfast

Day 11: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater

Distance: 145 km

Non–game viewing time: 2 – 4 hrs.

On this day you can do another early morning game drive before departing for the Ngorongoro Conservation area and ascent 600 meters into the crater floor for game viewing. With a stable water supply & fodder, Ngorongoro Crater supports a large number of wildlife, which include herds of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, eland, Impala, Topi, warthog, hippo, and African elephants and many more.

Another interesting part of this picturesque caldera is the dense population of predators, which include lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs and the ever-mysterious leopard, which sometimes requires binoculars eye to spot. We will visit Lake Magadi, a large but shallow alkaline lake in the southwestern corner, which is one of the main features of the crater.

A large number of flamingos, hippos and many aquatic birds can usually be seen here. Late afternoon transfer to Eileen’s Trees Inn for dinner & overnight.

Destination
Ngorongoro Crater

Accommodation
Marera valley Lodge | Full board

Day 12: Ngorongoro – Cultural Tour – Arusha – Fly to Zanzibar

Distance: 210 km

Non–game viewing time: 3 – 4 hrs.

On your final day of safari, you’ll start early with a game drive in Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Africa’s densest population of wildlife. Keep an eye out for the Big Five—lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards—as you explore the vast caldera.

After the game drive, enjoy a picnic lunch before driving back to Arusha, where you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, our team will meet you and take you to your beach resort, where you’ll begin the Zanzibar beach extension, unwinding on the island’s pristine shores.

Meals Plan: Breakfast & Lunch Included

Day 13: Zanzibar Beach Resorts

These days are spent at the beach in Zanzibar where you can choose from the various water sports /activities on offer at the Diving Club on-site, or just soak it up at the resort Diving in Zanzibar can be arranged in advance or spontaneously at the resort.

Accomodation

Ocean Paradise Resort

Meal Plan

Dinner

Day 14 : Stone Town and Zanzibar Spice tour

On this day after breakfast, you check out of the beach resort and we drive to the Spice plantations of Zanzibar. At one of these legendary plantations of the spice island of Zanzibar, we get to explore the history of the plantations as well as learn more about the spices and fruits that were introduced to the island by explorers from the Arab world and some from Europe. We get to sample also a sumptuous lunch at the spice plantations to get a taste of local Swahili dishes. After this tour in the afternoon, we head to Stonetown for a tour of this ancient town that has been also declared a world heritage site by the United Nations body; UNESCO. We go down the narrow alleys and streets and get to see the cathedrals, the Old Fort, the House of Wonders and the Peoples Palace as well. It is an opportunity to buy some spices as well as some souvenirs. Overnight is at Tembo House Hotel in Stonetown.

Day 14 : Transfer to Zanzibar Airport - Departure.

Depending on your flight schedule and departure point you will be transferred to the Zanzibar Airport to take a flight back home. If you are flying out of Dar es Salaam or Nairobi, we will arrange a connection flight for you to catch your flight back home Marking the end of your 14 Days Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Beach

You can stay at upgraded standard luxury lodging on safari or cheaper midrange accommodations at Zanzibar.

The Safari and Zanzibar tour is fully flexible and customizable