Tanzania & Zanzibar

Kilimanjaro & Zanzibar: An Adventure from Summit to Sea

When

January-March | July-October

Price

From $15,250pp excl. flights
(based on 2 ppl sharing)

How long

12 nights ideal length

Challenge meets reward on this exhilarating private trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Experience 12 nights across two unique destinations as you hike Africa’s tallest mountain, then jet off to a tropical island paradise in Zanzibar. Our travel experts have pinpointed the ultimate off-the-beaten-track route, crossing diverse terrains along the Northern Circuit by day, and relaxing under the stars in a luxury private camp at night. By sidestepping the classic tourist route, you’ll be fully immersed in Tanzania’s untouched landscapes in almost total exclusivity. Once the hard work is over, we’ll whisk you across to Mnemba Island for some well-deserved relaxation by the Indian Ocean, as you soak up your achievement in style.

Make this itinerary yours

Each and every Black Tomato trip is tailored exactly to who you are and what you want to do So tell us about yourself and we’ll create something that’s entirely you.

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THE ARRIVAL

Touch down in either Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport. Welcoming you to Tanzania, our representative will drive you to Legendary Lodge, set amongst tropical gardens on a working coffee farm and inspiring views of Mount Meru. This marks the start of your epic adventure, but before all the action, let’s get you settled in for the night.

THE CLIMB

And so it begins. For the next eight days, you will be trekking along volcanic landscapes, reaching impressive valleys and ridges, moving onto alpine deserts and flourishing moorlands. The diversity in the journey as you walk between four to seven hours per day will leave you speechless, emerging from your tent each day with spectacular views. You’ll even have the opportunity to descend into a cave for a unique night of camping.

After an early breakfast, we’ll depart from Arusha and drive you to the trailhead at the Shira Plateau, quickly veering away from the tourist trail. Remaining between 12-14,000 ft for the first few days, we’ll ease you slowly into the trek to fully adjust to the altitude, as you gradually incline along the north side of the mountain. You’ll be facing Kenya and Amboseli National Park, providing opportunities to spot the wildlife in the grasslands below. By day six of the hike, you’ll witness the jagged rock spires of Mawenzi, the second-highest peak, then cross through the saddle of Mawenzi and Kibo Peak, eventually joining with the Marangu Route high on the mountain.

THE SUMMIT

A midnight wake-up call marks the beginning of the most challenging yet rewarding part of your expedition: summit day. Watch the landscapes merge into impressive glacier fields, as the seven-hour hike brings you to Gilman’s Point, at the rim of the snowy crater, then pushing on to Uhuru Peak, the iconic peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. Standing on top the world at 19,341 feet, you will have just triumphantly climbed the highest freestanding mountain in the world, so take your time to soak up the moment. Once ready, you’ll retrace your steps back down to camp for the night, then head back down the following day for a hearty lunch and good night’s rest at Legendary Lodge. Challenge complete.

THE BEACH

We’re sure that by now you’ll be more than ready to embrace those laid-back island vibes. This morning, you’ll fly to the secluded white sands and shimmering waters of Mnemba Island Lodge, an exclusive barefoot beach retreat nestled in the Zanzibar Archipelago. During your three-night stay, we can arrange thrilling water sports and scuba diving, or simply relax by the beach with a refreshing mojito in hand. When the sun goes down, the freshest daily catches are served up al fresco under the star-spangled sky: a perfect setting to wind down your remarkable African adventure with a monumental sense of achievement.

Where to rest your head

Legendary Lodge

Set amongst lush tropical gardens on a working coffee farm, Legendary Lodge's sweet scent alone is enough to give you a spring in your step.…
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Mnemba Island Lodge

The ultimate in barefoot luxury chic, Mnemba Island Lodge will transport you to your own private paradise island from the moment you arrive. Fringed by…
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