The Perfect Kilimanjaro-Serengeti-Zanzibar Itinerary & Costs

A Complete Kilimanjaro, Serengeti And Zanzibar Itinerary

Day 1: Moshi

Arrive at any time.

Day 2: Moshi/Machame camp

Ascend the lower gradients of Mt Kilimanjaro to Machame Camp.

The majority of the day is devoted to the stunning and intriguing, forested slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro, predominantly classified as rainforest zone.

Contingent upon the weather, the trail may be damp and potentially muddy in the event of precipitation.

Machame Gate to Machame CampMachame Gate – Machame camp 5h-7h 11km

Commence at the Machame Gate, where the group will register and commence the walk. The inclines of Mt. Kilimanjaro constitute a rainforest zone, resulting in routes that may be damp and muddy. Be vigilant for black-and-white colobus monkeys and strange avian species. On the initial day of hiking, the group traverses an extensive distance with a gentle incline. Conclude the day in the Machame Campsite situated above the rainforest.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 3: Machame camp/Shira 2 Camp

Trek through the lower alpine moorland to Shira 2 camp and admire the breathtaking vistas of Kibo Peak.

Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp Machame camp – Shira 2 Camp 5h-6h 5km

Commence with a steep incline leading to the forest’s periphery. Ascend the precipitous ridge and pause for a respite. Prior to arriving at camp, proceed to Shira Cathedral and appreciate the panoramic view of the Alps.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp/Barranco Camp

Trek to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower. Appreciate the magnificent vista of the Western Breach and the Breach Wall.

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower 3h-4h 7km
Ascend gradually through the rugged landscape to the Lava Tower (4600m, 15,092 feet) from the Shira 2 Camp. The path grows progressively more arduous and steep. Some hikers may experience weakness or dyspnoea due to altitude, therefore go gradually—“pole pole,” as expressed in Swahili—to mitigate the effects.

Lava Tower to Barranco Camp Lava Tower – Barranco Camp 1h30m-2h 3km
Descend 650 meters (2133 feet) from the Lava Tower to the Great Barranco Valley. Ascend for around two hours to arrive to the valley, acclimatise to the altitude, and appreciate the vistas of the Western Breach and Breach Wall en route. Arrive in Barranco Camp and appreciate the stunning scenery as a reward for the day’s arduous trek. The Breach Wall encircles the Camp on three sides, offering a stunning vista of hanging glaciers and the Kibo massif.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 5: Barranco Camp/Barafu Camp

Observe the Great Barranco Wall and ascend the eastern face, traversing beneath the Helm Glacier.

Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp Barranco Camp – Barafu Camp 8h-9h 9km
Observe the vista of the Great Barranco Wall from the campsite, then prepare to ascend the eastern wall. The path features a gradual ascent that traverses beneath the Helm Glacier and intersects with the Mweka route during the descent. Rest at the Barafu camp, situated on a narrow, rocky ridge devoid of windbreaks. Prepare equipment such as headlamps, hiking poles, and thermal clothes for the early morning commencement the following day.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 6: Barafu Camp/Mweka Camp

Ascend to the Summit via Stella Point during the nocturnal hours. Observe the dawn prior to descending to Mweka Camp.

The journey from Barafu Camp to the summit is the most arduous and protracted day of the entire expedition, both psychologically and physically. Notwithstanding the challenge, the recollection of summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro will endure perpetually.

Barafu Camp to Stella Point Barafu Camp – Stella Point 6h 4km
The wake-up call today is at 11 PM to arrive at Stella Point (5756 m, 18,885 ft) in time for the breathtaking sunrise vista, contingent upon weather conditions. Indulge in a snack and a warm beverage while preparing for the ascent in the darkness up the northwest scree. Proceed cautiously, as the terrain is rugged and challenging; navigate between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers prior to reaching Stella Point.

Stella Point to Summit Stella Point – Uhuru 1h-1h30m 1km
Commence the one-hour, slow hike to Uhuru Peak (5895m, 19341 ft) over the snow-laden path. Temperatures at the summit may vary from -23° C (-9° F) in the morning to slightly below freezing at night. Finally reach the summit! Inhale deeply and commemorate a triumphant ascent.

Summit to Mweka Camp Uhuru – Mweka Camp 4h-6h 12km
Commence the descend from the peak to the Barafu camp, where the group will assemble their belongings and have a brief respite. The descent will follow the identical rocky and scree pathway as the ascent, traversing through moorland and forested areas. Arrive at Mweka hut in the late afternoon.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 7: Mweka Camp/Moshi

Proceed with the descent via the wooded, lower inclines towards Moshi. Attend the climbing ceremony with the mothers of the Moshi Women’s Cooperative, a project supported by G.

Arrive in Moshi in the afternoon. It is time to unwind, bathe, and commemorate with a beverage. Salutations to ascending Mt. Kilimanjaro! Prior to supper, you will be greeted and commended on your ascent by the matriarchs of the Moshi Women’s Cooperative, an initiative endorsed by Kabira Safaris Africa. They will bestow upon you a gift and a certificate to commemorate your endeavours on the mountain.

Select the option to pre-book the Lala Salama Spa & Beauty Aromatherapy Massage, in collaboration with the Moshi Women’s Cooperative, by including it on your checkout page, or seek assistance from your GCO or travel agent.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate 4h-5h 10km
Descend to the Mweka Gate. Appreciate the reduced elevation and the vista of the wooded inclines of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The pathway may be treacherous due to mud, so exercise caution. From the Mweka Gate, you will proceed into Mweka village for lunch, typically a muddy one-hour trek. Upon arriving in Moshi in the afternoon, either rest or choose to take a well-deserved shower and enjoy a congratulatory drink.

Optional Activities – Day 7

Lalasalama Spa & Beauty Aromatherapy Massage Moshi
Desire to alleviate painful muscles through a soothing massage? Lalasalama Spa & Beauty has partnered with The Moshi Women’s Cooperative, an initiative endorsed by Kabira Safaris Africa, which offers business education to local women. Experience a 30-minute massage from the Moshi Mamas at your accommodation following your ascent to the summit of Africa!

Day 8: Moshi/Arusha

On the way to Arusha, partake in a scheduled visit to the Kabira Safaris Africa-supported Moshi Women’s Cooperative. Acquire any final supplies in Arusha.

Visit the scenic town of Arusha. Stop at the Moshi Women’s Cooperative to discover the offerings of this initiative. Engage with the women, gain insights into their lives, and choose to acquire keepsakes.

In the evening, you may encounter fellow Kabira Safaris Africa passengers arriving from Kenya or commencing the safari segment of their Tanzania journey. Verify the specifics on the time and venue of the welcoming meeting, generally scheduled for 18:00.

Day 9: Arusha/Mto wa Mbu

Engage with the Mto wa Mbu community during a guided cultural excursion and a traditional meal with a local family. Embark on a wildlife safari excursion in Lake Manyara National Park.

Visit Mto wa Mbu and engage in a cultural walk to gain insights into the local way of life. Encounter the women who conduct the rural town’s tours and have a delectable homemade traditional meal.

Observe wildlife in the afternoon along the primary road that traverses the verdant, temperate forests of Lake Manyara National Park, densely populated with ficus trees and adorned with bromeliads.

This region is exceptionally beautiful, with the western wall of the Rift Valley escarpment serving as a magnificent background. Seek the extraordinary avifauna, arboreal lions, elephants, giraffes, and hippopotamuses.

Day 10: Mto wa Mbu/Serengeti National Park

Experience a wildlife safari drive on the way to the central Serengeti.

Traverse the Ngorongoro Conservation Area en route to Serengeti National Park. While travelling, observe the immense expanse of this region and identify the diverse array of wildlife and avian species as you go across this acacia-dominated savanna.

Day 11: Serengeti National Park

Awaken early for an extensive wildlife safari excursion in the Serengeti. Partake in a picnic lunch in the wilderness and persist in the pursuit of the “big five” while appreciating the expanse of the Serengeti grasslands.

Optional Activities – Day 11

Serengeti Balloon Safari
Ascend in a hot-air balloon to observe the fauna and landscape of the Serengeti, a perspective exclusive to avian creatures. Indulge in a champagne brunch and maintain your photographic dexterity, as you will be utilising it extensively throughout your hour aloft.

Day 12: Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro

Embark on a morning wildlife safari drive as you leave the Serengeti, followed by animal observation in the Ngorongoro Crater, culminating in a breathtaking view of the crater from your tent on its rim.

The abundant pasture and permanent water on the Crater floor sustain a resident population of over 20,000 to 25,000 big mammals.

Day 13: Ngorongoro/Arusha

Visit an authentic Maasai village, then return to Arusha for the night.

Day 14: Arusha

A free day to explore Arusha, or relax at the lodge.

Day 15: Arusha/Stone Town

Travel to the picturesque island of Zanzibar and proceed to the hotel. Participate in an orientation stroll with your CEO in the historic Stone Town, with the option to extend the trip or to explore independently.

Proceed to the airport for a brief yet picturesque journey to this island haven. Arrive in Stone Town in time for lunch and an introductory walk. If you choose to extend your tour of Stone Town, you will visit the Old Slave Market and Palace Museum; admission to these sites is optional and must be purchased on-site.

Optional Activities – Day 15

Day 16: Beach day in Zanzibar

Attend a guided tour at a nearby spice plantation. Proceed to the pristine white-sand beaches and azure waters of Zanzibar’s exquisite coastline.

Optional Activities – Day 16

Swimming
Grab your bathing suit and go for a refreshing swim.

Days 17–18: Beach day in Zanzibar

Enjoy free time to lounge on the beach, snorkel, or tour the island.

Optional Activities – Days 17–18

Swahili Cultural Tour:
Spend a few hours immersing yourself in the local culture to understand the life of a Zanzibarian. Accompany a guide through a rural village to observe aspects of daily life, engage with the men of the community as they weave palm fronds for thatch roofs, choose to participate in a game of Bao, a favoured pastime in Zanzibar, and appreciate a traditional dance performance.

Jozani Forest Tour:
A visit to Jozani Forest, renowned for its red colobus monkeys, is a highlight of every trip to Zanzibar. Traverse the nature paths accompanied by a guide who will elucidate the remarkable flora and animals in your vicinity.

Scuba Diving:
Embark on a boat to Mnemba, a little island encircled by a circular reef teeming with vibrant coral and diverse aquatic life. Don your gear and appreciate the exceptional clarity provided by the turquoise seas of this area. With fortune, you may observe the bottlenose dolphins that frequent this region.

Snorkelling:
Experience a day of snorkelling under the guidance of a seasoned snorkel instructor at one of Zanzibar’s most renowned reefs near Mnemba Island. Lifejackets, abbreviated wetsuits, and buoyancy aids are accessible. The price is contingent upon the pick-up location.

Day 19: Stone Town

Morning group transfer from the beach. Depart Stone Town upon arrival in the late morning.