13 Days Private Kilimanjaro Machame and Midrange Zanzibar Tour

After breakfast in Moshi, our team transfers you to Machame Gate, where we complete registration and introduce your mountain crew. Our guide checks your daypack and explains the walk before leading you into the rainforest. The trail climbs through tall trees and thick vegetation, with muddy sections possible after rain. We stop for lunch and regular breaks, giving you time to settle into a comfortable walking rhythm. On arrival at Machame Camp, our crew helps you settle into your tent before serving dinner. Our guide then discusses the next day and checks how you feel after your first climb.

Mountain details: Distance: approximately 11 km; hiking time: 5–7 hours; altitude: approximately 1,800 m to 2,835 m; terrain: rainforest and uphill forest paths; attractions: tall trees, moss-covered branches, and forest scenery; accommodation: mountain tent.

Destination:

Machame Gate To Machame Camp

Overnight:

Machame Campsite

  public camp site

Meals & Drinks:

Lunch, Dinner

❮ ❯

We begin after breakfast, following a steeper trail that gradually leaves the rainforest behind. As the trees become smaller, the landscape opens into heather and moorland, offering wider views across the slopes below. Our guide leads you carefully over rocky steps and allows short breaks where the path provides comfortable resting places. We continue towards Shira Cave Camp, where our crew prepares food while you rest and organise your warm clothing. If the weather and your energy allow, we take a short walk near camp to enjoy the surroundings. Dinner is served early, leaving time to rest before tomorrow’s longer stage.

Mountain details: Distance: approximately 5 km; hiking time: 4–6 hours; altitude: approximately 2,835 m to 3,750 m; terrain: rocky steps and moorland; attractions: Shira Plateau, heather vegetation, and Kibo views; accommodation: mountain tent.

Destination:

Machame Camp To Shira Cave

Overnight:

Shira Cave Campsite

  public camp site

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

❮ ❯

After breakfast, we follow the trail across open ground towards Lava Tower, moving slowly as the elevation increases. Vegetation becomes sparse, and the surrounding landscape changes into bare slopes and scattered volcanic rocks. Our guide keeps the pace steady and checks your comfort during breaks along the way. We stop for food near Lava Tower when conditions permit before beginning the descent towards Barranco Valley. This section brings a welcome change of scenery, with giant groundsels appearing beside the trail. At Barranco Camp, our crew prepares a warm meal while you rest beneath the steep slopes of the Barranco Wall.

Mountain details: Distance: approximately 10 km; hiking time: 6–8 hours; altitude: approximately 3,750 m to 4,600 m at Lava Tower, then down to 3,960 m; terrain: rocky uplands and valley descent; attractions: Lava Tower, giant groundsels, and Barranco Valley; accommodation: mountain tent.

Destination:

Shira Cave To Lava Tower To Barranco Camp

Overnight:

Barranco Campsite

  public camp site

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

❮ ❯

Our morning begins with breakfast and a briefing about the Barranco Wall, the main challenge of today’s walk. We guide you through its rocky sections carefully, using hands for balance where necessary and allowing time to find secure footing. After reaching the upper slopes, we pause to enjoy the views and recover before continuing. The trail then crosses a series of ridges and valleys, with a final descent into Karanga Valley followed by another uphill section. We reach Karanga Camp with time for lunch and a restful afternoon. Our guide reviews your progress before dinner and explains the approach to Barafu.

Mountain details: Distance: approximately 5 km; hiking time: 4–5 hours; altitude: approximately 3,960 m to 4,035 m, with additional climbing and descending; terrain: rocky scrambling and valley paths; attractions: Barranco Wall and Karanga Valley; accommodation: mountain tent.

Destination:

Barranco Camp To Karanga Camp

Overnight:

Karanga Campsite

  public camp site

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

❮ ❯

After breakfast, we leave Karanga and continue uphill through dry, exposed terrain towards Barafu Camp. The distance is shorter than on previous days, but the elevation makes a slow and steady pace important. Our guide allows regular pauses as we cross rocky slopes with little vegetation. On arrival, our crew serves a meal while you settle into your tent and prepare for the summit attempt. We check your headlamp, warm layers, gloves, water, and other essential equipment before explaining the overnight climb. An early dinner is followed by rest, with a late-night wake-up arranged according to the conditions and your progress.

Mountain details: Distance: approximately 4 km; hiking time: 3–5 hours; altitude: approximately 4,035 m to 4,673 m; terrain: alpine desert and exposed rocky slopes; attractions: Mawenzi views and the upper mountain landscape; accommodation: mountain tent.

Destination:

Karanga Camp To Barafu Camp

Overnight:

Barafu Campsite

  public camp site

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

❮ ❯

We wake you during the night for a warm drink and a light snack before beginning the summit attempt by headlamp. Our guide leads a slow climb over loose stones towards Stella Point, adjusting breaks to the cold and your condition. If conditions and your strength allow, we continue along the summit ridge to Uhuru Peak for a brief stop and photographs. We then descend carefully to Barafu, where food and a rest break help you recover before the next section. The journey continues down to Mweka Camp through changing mountain scenery. Our crew serves dinner after this demanding day, leaving the evening free for rest.

Mountain details: Distance: approximately 17–19 km; hiking time: 12–16 hours overall; altitude: approximately 4,673 m to 5,895 m, then down to 3,100 m; terrain: scree, summit ridge, and prolonged descent; attractions: Stella Point and Uhuru Peak if reached; accommodation: mountain tent.

Destination:

Barafu Camp To Uhuru Peak To Mweka Camp

Overnight:

Mweka Campsite

  public camp site

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

❮ ❯

After breakfast, we begin the final descent through the rainforest towards Mweka Gate. The warmer air and thicker vegetation provide a clear change from the exposed slopes above, although the trail still requires care on damp sections. Our guide keeps the pace controlled and allows breaks for tired legs. At the gate, we complete the park formalities and arrange certificates according to the highest point reached. There is time to thank your mountain crew before our vehicle transfers you to Moshi. At your hotel, a shower, fresh clothes, and a comfortable bed provide welcome relief before the Zanzibar part of your holiday.

Mountain details: Distance: approximately 10 km; hiking time: 3–4 hours; altitude: approximately 3,100 m to 1,640 m; terrain: descending rainforest paths; attractions: forest vegetation and lower mountain scenery; accommodation: Moshi hotel.

Destination:

Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate

Overnight:

Panama Garden Resort

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

❮ ❯

Morning: After breakfast, we arrange your private transfer from Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport according to the confirmed flight schedule. Our team coordinates the travel arrangements so you can leave the mountain section behind without unnecessary rushing. Afternoon: On arrival in Zanzibar, our representative welcomes you and transfers you privately to your midrange hotel. After check-in, there is time to unpack, enjoy a meal, and rest after the journey. If arrival time allows, take a gentle beach walk or relax beside the ocean. Evening: Enjoy a quiet first night on the island, with tomorrow’s arrangements explained before you settle in.

Morning: Our private guide introduces Stone Town through its narrow lanes, carved wooden doors, and historic buildings. We walk at a comfortable pace, stopping to explain the town’s trading history and the different communities that shaped its streets. Midday: A lunch break provides time to rest before continuing to selected sites within the agreed programme. These may include the Old Fort area, Darajani Market, and the former slave market site. Afternoon: We finish near the waterfront, allowing time for photographs and a final look around before returning to your midrange hotel. The evening remains free for dinner and relaxation.

Attractions: Historic streets, carved doors, Darajani Market, Old Fort, former slave market site, and waterfront views.

Morning: We arrange your private boat outing to Prison Island, where our guide introduces its history and the giant tortoise sanctuary. There is time to explore the accessible paths, take photographs, and enjoy views back towards Stone Town. Midday: We continue to Nakupenda Sandbank when the tide and sea conditions allow, with lunch arranged during the excursion. Enjoy the beach, relax beside the water, or swim where conditions are suitable. Afternoon: After an unhurried break, we return to the mainland and transfer you to your hotel. The order of the island and sandbank visits may change to suit the tide.

Attractions: Giant tortoises, historic island buildings, Nakupenda Sandbank, and coastal boat views.

Morning: Our guide takes you to a spice farm, where familiar kitchen ingredients become easier to appreciate when seen growing. We introduce cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, and other plants through a guided walk with opportunities to smell selected spices. Midday: After the farm visit, we allow time for lunch before continuing towards Jozani Forest. Afternoon: A guided nature walk introduces the forest environment as we look for Zanzibar red colobus monkeys from a respectful distance. We also explore the mangrove boardwalk where conditions allow before returning to your midrange hotel. The evening is free to rest after a varied day.

Attractions: Spice plants, seasonal tropical fruit, red colobus monkeys, forest trails, and mangroves.

Morning: We transfer you to the departure beach for a private boat outing to suitable snorkelling areas around Mnemba. Our boat team explains the equipment and helps you prepare before entering the water. Midday: Enjoy guided snorkelling sessions with breaks on the boat, exploring coral reef scenery and looking for tropical fish. We select the locations according to visibility, currents, and sea conditions rather than following a fixed sequence. Afternoon: After the outing, we transfer you back to your midrange hotel for a restful afternoon. The excursion takes place in the surrounding waters and does not include landing on Mnemba Island.

Attractions: Coral reef scenery, tropical fish, clear coastal waters, and views towards Mnemba.

Destination:

Mnemba

Overnight:

Zanzibar Queen Hotel

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

❮ ❯

Morning: Enjoy breakfast without an early departure and take the day at your own pace. After the mountain climb and island excursions, this free day gives you time to enjoy your hotel and its surroundings. Afternoon: Relax with a book, take a gentle beach walk, or swim when local conditions allow. If your chosen hotel has a pool, this offers another place to unwind without travelling elsewhere. Optional treatments or additional activities can be arranged separately. Evening: Enjoy a relaxed final evening at your midrange hotel, with any onward transfer arranged according to your confirmed travel plans.

Attractions: Beach scenery, Indian Ocean views, and relaxed coastal life.

Destination:

Mnemba

Overnight:

Zanzibar Queen Hotel

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

❮ ❯