12 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb (Marangu Route) & Zanzibar Relaxation
Africa's greatest challenge followed by its most beautiful island — Kilimanjaro via the classic Marangu Route then 4 days of Zanzibar ocean relaxation.
About this Safari
The Marangu Route is Kilimanjaro's most established and historic path, following a well-marked trail through dense rainforest, open moorland, and stark alpine desert to Uhuru Peak. Hut accommodations at each camp provide a more sheltered experience compared to camping routes, making it popular with climbers who want reliable shelter. After a 6-day summit bid, a flight to Zanzibar delivers you to paradise — four days of Safari Blue ocean adventures by traditional dhow, Jozani Forest Red Colobus monkey encounters, Nakupenda Sandbank snorkeling, and the historic UNESCO Stone Town. This itinerary delivers the ultimate contrast: the world's tallest free-standing mountain followed by tropical island bliss.
A 12-day adventure combining Mount Kilimanjaro climbing via the Marangu Route with a relaxing beach escape in Zanzibar. The Marangu Route — nicknamed the Coca-Cola Route — offers hut accommodation throughout the climb, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more comfortable mountain experience. After summiting Uhuru Peak, reward yourself with Zanzibar's white beaches, dolphin swims, and island adventures.
Highlights
- ✦All transfers (airport and inter-park)
- ✦Professional English-speaking guide
- ✦Private 4x4 safari vehicle
- ✦All national park and conservation area fees
Meals & Dining
Where You'll Stay
Photo Gallery
What's Included
- All transfers (airport and inter-park)
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle
- All national park and conservation area fees
- Accommodation as specified
- All meals and drinking water
- Professional mountain guides, porters, and cook
- Guide, porter and cook salaries and park fees
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Emergency oxygen cylinder
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off during Zanzibar activities
Not Included
- International flights, visa fees, and travel insurance
- Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, souvenirs)
- Tips for guides and lodge/camp staff (optional)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Kilimanjaro → Marangu Gate → Uhuru Peak 5,895m → Marangu Gate → Fly to Zanzibar (4 nights) → Departure
Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport
Airport pickup and transfer to hotel. Equipment check, briefing, and rest before the climb.
Activities
- • Airport pickup
- • Hotel check-in
- • Equipment check
- • Briefing
- • Dinner
Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park gate. Register and begin trekking through lush rainforest to Mandara Hut. Spot Colobus monkeys and exotic birds along the trail. Distance: 8km. Hiking time: 3–4 hours.
Activities
- • Drive to Marangu Gate
- • Registration at park gate
- • Rainforest trek
- • Colobus monkey spotting
- • Arrive at Mandara Hut
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Trek through heathland with stunning views of Mawenzi peak. The views of Kibo summit begin to dominate the skyline. Look for giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the altitude. Distance: 12km. Hiking time: 5–6 hours.
Activities
- • Breakfast at Mandara
- • Heathland trek
- • Mawenzi peak views
- • Giant lobelia and groundsel spotting
- • Arrive at Horombo Hut
Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
A crucial acclimatization day at Horombo Hut with a short hike to higher elevation. This rest day significantly increases your summit success rate by allowing your body to adjust to the altitude.
Activities
- • Short acclimatization hike to higher ground
- • Rest at Horombo Hut
- • Scenic moorland viewpoints
- • Medical check by guide
- • Relaxation and preparation
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Pass the last water point and cross the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Trek through the stark alpine desert to Kibo Hut. Rest early and prepare for the midnight summit push. Distance: 9km. Hiking time: 5–6 hours.
Activities
- • Cross the Kilimanjaro saddle
- • Alpine desert landscape
- • Final water point
- • Arrive at Kibo Hut
- • Summit preparation and early rest
Summit Day — Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 AM), commence the climb to the summit. Ascend steep scree or snow to Gilman's Point on the crater rim. Continue to Uhuru Peak — the highest point in Africa — for an unforgettable sunrise. Descend all the way back to Horombo Hut for well-earned rest.
Activities
- • Midnight summit push
- • Gilman's Point on crater rim
- • Uhuru Peak (5,895m) summit
- • Sunrise from the Roof of Africa
- • Full descent to Horombo Hut
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Descend through the rainforest to Marangu Gate. Receive your official summit certificate and celebrate with the mountain crew before departure. Distance: 20km. Hiking time: 4–5 hours.
Activities
- • Rainforest descent
- • Official summit certificate ceremony
- • Mountain crew celebration
- • Transfer to hotel
Transfer to Zanzibar
Morning breakfast then transfer to the airport for your 90-minute flight to Zanzibar. Our driver meets you at Zanzibar Airport for the transfer to your beach hotel. Check in and enjoy your first taste of paradise.
Activities
- • Airport transfer
- • Flight to Zanzibar (90 minutes)
- • Hotel check-in
- • Beach relaxation and recovery
Safari Blue Full Day Ocean Adventure
Full-day ocean adventure by traditional dhow. Snorkel crystal-clear waters, explore pristine sandbanks, and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on the beach. Return by late afternoon.
Activities
- • Traditional dhow sailing
- • Sandbank exploration
- • Coral reef snorkeling
- • Fresh seafood beach lunch
- • Sunset return
Jozani Forest and Salaam Turtles Aquarium
Morning pickup for a walking tour of Jozani Forest to encounter the rare Red Colobus monkey and mongoose in their natural habitat. Then visit the Salaam Turtles Aquarium marine conservation project.
Activities
- • Jozani Forest walking tour
- • Red Colobus monkey encounter
- • Mongoose spotting
- • Salaam Turtles Aquarium visit
Nakupenda Sandbank, Prison Island and Stone Town
Morning boat trip to Nakupenda Sandbank, then Prison Island to see the famous giant Aldabra tortoises. Finish with a guided walking tour through Stone Town's UNESCO-listed historic center and carved-door alleys.
Activities
- • Nakupenda Sandbank boat trip
- • Prison Island giant tortoise encounter
- • Stone Town walking tour
- • Historic carved-door architecture
- • UNESCO heritage exploration
Departure from Zanzibar
Final breakfast, hotel checkout, and transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your departure flight. Thank you for 12 extraordinary days in Tanzania.
Activities
- • Final breakfast
- • Hotel checkout
- • Airport transfer
- • Departure
Starting from
$3,945
per person