11 Days Christmas and New Year Kilimanjaro Zanzibar Midrange Holiday

Hiking Time: Approximately 5–7 Hours

Trekking Distance: Approximately 11 km

Altitude: Approximately 1,800–2,835 m 

 Attractions: Rainforest and Mountain Trails

Begin your festive adventure with breakfast in Moshi before meeting the mountain team and travelling to Machame Gate. Registration and final preparations mark the start of a holiday far removed from the usual seasonal routine. Enter the rainforest with your guide and enjoy the steady rhythm of walking, with breaks for lunch, rest and photographs along the way. The day offers an opportunity to leave everyday distractions behind and focus on the experience ahead. Arrive at Machame Camp and settle into your tent before dinner. Your guide introduces tomorrow’s route as your first evening on Kilimanjaro draws to a close.

Destination:

Machame Gate To Machame Camp

Overnight:

Machame Campsite

  public camp site

Meals & Drinks:

Lunch, Dinner

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Hiking Time: Approximately 4–6 Hours 

 Trekking Distance: Approximately 5 km

Altitude: Approximately 2,835–3,750 m 

 Attractions: Moorland and Shira Plateau Views

After breakfast, continue uphill as the rainforest gives way to heather and open mountain scenery. The changing landscape brings a sense of discovery to your festive escape, with wider views appearing whenever the weather clears. Follow your guide carefully across rocky sections and take time to appreciate the surroundings rather than rushing towards camp. Reach Shira Cave Camp and enjoy an afternoon of rest and preparation. A warm meal, good company and a remarkable setting offer their own kind of celebration. As the evening becomes cooler, put on your warmer layers and rest before tomorrow’s longer walk.

Destination:

Machame Camp To Shira Cave

Overnight:

Shira Cave Campsite

  public camp site

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Hiking Time: Approximately 6–8 Hours 

Trekking Distance: Approximately 10 km 

 Altitude: Approximately 3,750 m to 4,630 m, Then Down to 3,900 m 

 Attractions: Lava Tower and Barranco Valley

Walk towards Lava Tower through exposed terrain that reveals the mountain’s dramatic character. Move slowly and keep your guide informed about your condition, allowing the day to unfold in manageable stages. The landscape offers a memorable setting for reflection, whether you are looking back on the year or enjoying the simple pleasure of being present somewhere extraordinary. After the Lava Tower area, descend towards Barranco Valley and arrive at camp beneath the impressive wall. Enjoy dinner and prepare for the next stage before resting. Today adds another meaningful experience to a festive holiday shaped by discovery and personal effort.

Destination:

Shira Cave To Lava Tower To Barranco Camp

Overnight:

Barranco Campsite

  public camp site

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Hiking Time: Approximately 4–5 Hours

Trekking Distance: Approximately 5 km

Altitude: Approximately 3,900–3,995 m 

 Attractions: Barranco Wall and Karanga Valley

Begin with breakfast before following your guide up the Barranco Wall. Take the rocky sections carefully, using your hands for balance where needed and concentrating on steady progress. Continue across high ridges and valleys towards Karanga Camp, pausing for breaks and views along the route. Your seven-day itinerary includes a separate overnight stop here, providing a quieter afternoon before the approach to Barafu. Enjoy your meal and use the time to rest, organise your equipment and appreciate the company of those travelling with you. The day offers a reminder that memorable celebrations can come from simple moments in remarkable surroundings.

Destination:

Barranco Camp To Karanga Camp

Overnight:

Karanga Campsite

  public camp site

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 Hiking Time: Approximately 3–4 Hours 

 Trekking Distance: Approximately 4 km

Altitude: Approximately 3,995–4,673 m 

 Attractions: Alpine Desert and Summit Approach

After breakfast, leave Karanga and climb steadily towards Barafu Camp through increasingly bare and exposed terrain. The shorter distance allows time for preparation at camp, but the altitude still requires patient pacing and attention to your condition. On arrival, enjoy your meal and organise summit clothing, headlamps and essential equipment. Your guide explains the overnight plan and answers questions before you settle down to rest. The anticipation of the summit adds a special feeling to your festive journey, while decisions remain guided by the weather and individual wellbeing. Keep the remainder of the day quiet and conserve your energy.

Destination:

Karanga Camp To Barafu Camp

Overnight:

Barafu Campsite

  public camp site

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 Hiking Time: Approximately 12–16 Hours Overall 

 Trekking Distance: Approximately 17–19 km

Altitude: Approximately 4,673 m to 5,895 m, Then Down to 3,100 m 

 Attractions: Stella Point and Uhuru Peak

Your summit attempt begins during the night, with careful steps carrying you gradually towards Stella Point. Follow your guide at a steady pace and communicate openly throughout the demanding ascent. If your condition and the weather allow, continue to Uhuru Peak for a brief moment that may become one of your most treasured memories of the festive season. Celebrate the effort behind the journey while remembering that the descent remains an important part of the day. Return to Barafu for rest and refreshments before continuing to Mweka Camp. Enjoy your final mountain dinner with gratitude for the experiences shared along the way.

Destination:

Barafu Camp To Uhuru Peak To Mweka Camp

Overnight:

Mweka Campsite

  public camp site

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 Hiking Time: Approximately 3–4 Hours 

 Trekking Distance: Approximately 10 km

Altitude: Approximately 3,100–1,640 m

Attractions: Forest Descent and Mountain Farewell

Enjoy breakfast before descending through the forest towards Mweka Gate. Take care on muddy or uneven sections and appreciate the gradual return of warmer air and greener surroundings. Complete the exit formalities, thank your mountain team and transfer to your hotel in Moshi. The afternoon is free for a shower, rest and time to enjoy the comfort of hotel accommodation. Spend the evening recalling your favourite moments or simply relaxing after the climb. Tomorrow’s flight brings a change of setting as your Christmas and New Year holiday continues to Zanzibar.

Destination:

Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate

Overnight:

Panama Garden Resort

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Transport: Road Transfers and Domestic Flight |

Attractions: Island Arrival and Coastal Relaxation

Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight to Zanzibar, exchanging mountain landscapes for an island stay. Your driver meets you on arrival and takes you to your midrange hotel, where you can settle into a gentler rhythm. Keep the rest of the day unhurried, with time to rest, enjoy the surroundings or take a gentle walk. If a festive celebration falls during your stay, the arrangements follow the details confirmed in your quotation. Otherwise, enjoy a relaxed island evening after the climb and travel, with cultural visits and marine experiences still ahead.

Destination:

Kilimanjaro Airport

Overnight:

Tembo House Hotel

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Transport: Private Transfers and Guided Walking

Attractions: Historic Streets, Local Culture and Spice Plants

Discover Zanzibar’s cultural character on a guided visit to Stone Town and a spice farm. Walk through winding lanes, noticing carved doors, historic buildings and everyday activity as your guide introduces the stories behind the surroundings. Continue to a spice farm, where familiar scents become more memorable when you see the plants that produce them. Seasonal availability shapes the spices and fruits encountered during the visit. Return to your hotel after a varied day of discovery. The evening remains free for relaxation or any festive meal or hotel programme specifically confirmed as part of your booking.

Destination:

Stone Town Zanzibar

Overnight:

Tembo House Hotel

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Transport: Road Transfer and Boat Excursion 

 Attractions: Giant Tortoises, Island History and Sandbank Scenery

Begin your boat excursion with a visit to Prison Island, learning about its history and observing the giant tortoises respectfully. Continue towards Nakupenda Sandbank when tides and weather allow, enjoying open views and the chance to slow down. Relax on the sand, take photographs or swim where conditions are suitable, appreciating a festive-season experience shaped by the ocean rather than a busy schedule. Your boat team may adjust the order of the visits around the tides. Return to your midrange hotel with time to enjoy the evening and any celebrations arranged in your confirmed programme.

Destination:

Prison Island

Overnight:

Tembo House Hotel

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Transport: Road Transfer and Boat Excursion 

 Attractions: Reef Fish, Coral Scenery and Indian Ocean Views

Travel to the northeastern coast for a snorkelling excursion around Mnemba, bringing a colourful marine experience to your final scheduled day. After the safety briefing, the boat team selects suitable sites and helps you prepare for your time in the water. Enjoy observing reef fish and coral scenery according to your comfort, swimming ability and the conditions. The excursion explores the surrounding waters and does not include landing on Mnemba’s private island. Return to your hotel and reflect on a festive journey that has combined effort, discovery and relaxation. Your onward transfer follows the departure arrangements confirmed in your quotation.

Destination:

Mnemba

Overnight:

Tembo House Hotel

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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