MT. KILIMANJARO, TANZANIA SAFARI & ZANZIBAR VACATION

Overview, Itinerary

9 days Lemosho Route
Overview:

This journey takes you from the summit of Africa to the heart of the wild and ends on the shores of the Indian Ocean. You’ll climb Mt. Kilimanjaro through changing landscapes rainforest, alpine desert, and glacier! until you reach Uhuru Peak. After the mountain, you’ll head into the bush for a classic safari! lions, elephants, endless plains, and golden sunsets. Then you’ll fly to Zanzibar, where white beaches, spice farms, and Swahili culture offer rest and reflection. It’s a full-circle experience challenge, wonder, and peace.

Details:

MT. KILIMANJARO ITINERARY :

Arrival Day
Upon arrival at JRO International Airport, you’ll be met by our team and transferred to your hotel. Once at the hotel, you’ll settle in, freshen up, and take time to relax. Whether you choose to rest in your room, enjoy the garden, or sip something cold on the terrace, this is your moment to unwind. The evening is quiet and easy—dinner is served.

Orientation and Gear check Day
After breakfast, you’ll meet your mountain guide for a full orientation. This is your chance to go through the climb step by step routes, safety, altitude, and what to expect each day. Your gear will be checked carefully to make sure everything fits, works, and is ready for the mountain. Once everything is set, we’ll take you on a relaxed tour of Moshi town. You’ll walk through local markets, see how people live and work, and enjoy the rhythm of daily life. It’s a gentle way to connect with the culture before the climb begins. You’ll return to the hotel in the late afternoon for dinner and rest ready for the day ahead.

Day 1: MOSHI – MTI MKUBWA (Big Tree)
10,600 ft / 2,972 m • 7.2 miles / 11 km • 3–4 hours
The adventure begins on the western slopes of Kilimanjaro at Londerossi Gate. Entering the lush Lemosho Glades, we trek through a vibrant montane forest where towering trees dominate the landscape. Colorful Hartlaub’s Turacos flash through the canopy, and the distant calls of Colobus monkeys echo overhead.
Our expert guides help us identify the diverse flora and fauna, bringing the forest to life with stories and scientific insight. After an invigorating few hours, we arrive at our first camp, nestled deep in the rainforest under the towering trees of Mti Mkubwa.

Day 2: MTI MKUBWA – SHIRA PLATEAU
12,480 ft / 3,804 m • 3.1 miles / 5 km • 7–8 hours
After breakfast, we leave the rainforest behind and climb steadily into a new ecosystem. The path winds upward toward the Shira Plateau, a vast caldera formed by the collapse of one of Kilimanjaro’s early volcanic cones.
We break for lunch, then continue climbing the ridge toward the caldera’s edge. The landscape opens into sweeping heath and moorland, and we catch our first sight of Kibo Peak standing proudly in the distance.

Day 3: SHIRA PLATEAU – MOIR CAMP
13,650 ft / 4,160 m • 6.2 miles / 10 km • 7–8 hours
Fuelled by a hearty breakfast, we cross the dramatic Shira Plateau, one of the most expansive and scenic sections of the trek. Around midday, we rest at Fisher Camp for a warm lunch before continuing.
The final stretch takes us into a deep gorge, flanked by the remnants of a massive lava flow. Moir Camp awaits, tucked away in a hidden valley with dramatic views and a feeling of solitude.

Day 4: MOIR CAMP – BARRANCO CAMP
12,950 ft / 3,950 m • 6.2 miles / 9.9 km • 6–7 hours
We begin with a climb into the Alpine zone, ascending toward the imposing Lava Tower at 15,200 ft. This key acclimatization stop gives us time to rest and adjust to the thinner air while enjoying lunch beneath the towering volcanic formation.
From there, we descend 2,000 feet into the Barranco Valley. The trail winds through a landscape dominated by towering Giant Senecios and Lobelias—plants found only at these altitudes. Camp is set at the base of the mighty Barranco Wall, a challenge that awaits us tomorrow.

Day 5: BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP
13,200 ft / 4,033 m • 3.6 miles / 5.8 km • 4–5 hours
The day begins with a scramble up the legendary Barranco Wall, a thrilling test of agility and focus. As we ascend, panoramic views of the valley below and Kibo Peak above inspire us onward.
After descending into the Karanga Valley, we tackle a final uphill push to reach Karanga Camp. The sense of accomplishment is palpable as we rest beneath the looming presence of the summit.

Day 6: KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU HIGH CAMP
15,790 ft / 4,813 m • 2.6 miles / 4.18 km • 5 hours
Today we ascend steadily over rocky, windswept terrain toward Barafu High Camp. The thinning air challenges our pace, requiring frequent breaks and careful movement.
Barafu, meaning "ice" in Swahili, lives up to its name with its cold and exposed location. Yet the atmosphere buzzes with anticipation. As evening falls, the summit looms closer than ever.

Day 7: BARAFU – UHURU PEAK – BARAFU
Summit: 19,341 ft / 5,895 m • 2.55 miles / 4.1 km (ascent) • 6–7 hours
Before dawn, we begin the most demanding leg of the journey. The steep, switchback trail takes us slowly upward, lit only by headlamps and stars. Reaching the crater rim as the sun rises is unforgettable, with Mawenzi Peak behind us and glaciers glowing ahead.
The final hour to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa—is a triumph of determination. After savoring the summit moment, we descend back to Barafu Camp for a well-earned rest.

Day 8: BARAFU CAMP – MILLENNIUM CAMP
12,590 ft / 3,837 m • 6.3 miles / 10.1 km • 5–6 hours
The descent begins in earnest. We move rapidly down through loose scree, muscles working hard after days of climbing.
Stopping for lunch at Barafu, we continue downward to reach Millennium Camp, located among forested slopes. The air feels thicker, the temperature warmer, and the sense of accomplishment overwhelming as we prepare for our final descent.

Day 9: MILLENNIUM CAMP – MOSHI
Mweka Gate: 5,500 ft / 1,676 m • 7.5 miles / 12 km • 6 hours
The last stretch takes us through lush montane forest, teeming once again with birdsong and green canopy. Upon arrival at Mweka Gate, we sign out and officially complete our trek.
A short drive returns us to Moshi, where a hot shower and cold drink await. In the evening, we gather to celebrate our incredible journey—a once-in-a-lifetime experience reaching the roof of Africa.





WILDLIFE SAFARI:

Day 1: TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK

Early in the morning, you will meet your safari driver at the hotel. After a short briefing, begin your journey to Tarangire National Park for a full-day game drive. The park is famous for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and seasonal swamps that attract a wide variety of wildlife. You’ll explore the park’s diverse landscapes and spot animals such as lions, giraffes, zebras, and countless bird species. In the late afternoon, drive to Karatu and check in at Bougainvillea Lodge. Enjoy a warm dinner and leisure time to relax after a rewarding day in the bush.


Day 2: KARATU TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast at the lodge, you’ll begin your drive toward Serengeti National Park. You’ll carry a packed lunch box for the journey. The drive itself is part of the adventure, with game viewing opportunities along the way as you pass through the Ngorongoro highlands and into the vast plains of Serengeti. Expect to see wildlife even before reaching the park gate. Continue with a game drive en route until evening, then proceed to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.


Day 3: SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, set out for a full-day game drive in the Serengeti. The day is dedicated to exploring the endless plains and tracking the movements of wildlife. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Migration or encounter predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Your guide will help you navigate the park’s rich ecosystems and share insights about animal behavior and the land’s history. In the evening, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.


Day 4: SERENGETI TO NGORONGORO

After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in Serengeti as you make your way toward Ngorongoro. This is your last chance to soak in the beauty of Serengeti’s wildlife and landscapes. Later in the day, drive to Ngorongoro and arrive at your camp in time for dinner and overnight. The journey offers changing scenery—from open plains to highland forests—as you approach the crater rim.


Day 4: NGORONGORO CRATER

After an early breakfast, depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You’ll descend into the crater with picnic lunches for a full-day game drive. The crater is one of the most spectacular wildlife destinations in Africa, home to giant-tusked elephants, rare black rhinos, and the iconic black-maned lions. You’ll explore the Lerai Acacia Forest and the open crater floor, watching for hippos, buffalo, and flamingos around the lake. In the late afternoon, ascend the crater rim through lush montane forest and begin your drive back to Arusha. Arrive in the evening for dinner and overnight at your hotel.





ZANZIBAR EXCURSION:

Day 1: ARRIVAL

Arrive Zanzibar airport and transfer to Tembo house hotel for check-in and overnight.


Day 2: FULL DAY IN ZANZIBAR

Mnemba island One of the amazing and wonderful places to visit in Zanzibar, because there are many things to see around Mnemba island. So, you’ll be picked up at 7:00am to Muyuni Beach, you will take a boat to find the dolphins for swimming with them and then we sail back nearby Mnemba island for snorkelling with beautiful fish and getting pictures with beautiful view of Mnemba island after that you will be going to get a lunch on the beach after that we drive again to the hotel.


Day 3: EXPLORE ZANZIBAR

Spice Tour & Salaam cave A tour starts for visiting spice farm where you will be going to get a knowledge about spice plantation in the spice farm, so our tour guide will explain how to plant spice, how to harvest and how to use spice. After getting a knowledge about spice you are going to see the boy who climb a coconut tree and the one who gives you some present for our memories. After that you will get a lunch in the farm with shopping for the spice then we drive again to salaam cave for swimming with sea turtle then we back to the hotel.


Day 4: DEPARTURE

Pick up from Tembo house hotel and transfer to the airport for departure.


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