19 Days - Kilimanjaro - Savannah - Beach
Highlights
Discover the Best of Tanzania
Embark on an unforgettable journey that blends adventure, wildlife, and pure relaxation. From conquering Africa’s tallest peak to encountering the iconic animals of the Serengeti, and unwinding on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar – this trip showcases Tanzania in all its breathtaking diversity.
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the stunning Machame Route, where every step reveals changing landscapes and epic views. Then, dive into the heart of Tanzania’s wilderness on a thrilling safari across its most famous national parks, teeming with majestic wildlife.
As night falls, lose yourself under Africa’s endless starry sky, surrounded by the sounds of nature and the warmth of a campfire. Finally, bask in the tropical paradise of Zanzibar, where powdery white sands and turquoise waters offer the perfect way to relax and reflect on your incredible adventure.
Tanzania’s unique charm awaits you – experience it all on this truly spectacular journey.
Karibu! Welcome to Tanzania.
Welcome by our local tour guide. Transfer to the accomodation in the town of Moshi, which lies at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro.
In the afternoon, the preparation meeting for the trekking tour takes place with the mountain guide. If you still need equipment, you can hire it from our local office.
Enjoy the first views of Kili from the outdoor!
After breakfast we will be picked up from your accomodation. – Any luggage not required can be left safely at the guesthouse. –
We drive together with the mountain guide to the national park gate to Machame, where our mountain tour starts. The luggage will be distributed to the porters and you will be registered at the gate.
Today’s hiking stage is 9 kilometres from the Machame gate (1.800 m) to Machame Camp.
The trail begins on a disused forest road, which is nice and wide and pleasant to walk on. This ends after about an hour and the actual trail begins, which leads into the dense tropical mountain rainforest. The trees and branches are covered in dark green cushions of moss and long lichens hang down from them, giving them a very fairytale-like appearance in places.
After about half of the day’s stage, the going becomes more strenuous, the gradient steeper. It becomes wetter and more slippery, with trees and roots occasionally blocking the way. The mountain rainforest reaches up to around 2.700 metres.
At the last section, the forest thins out and the path continues into the heath and moorland zone.
We reach the first camp and can look forward to a delicious, freshly prepared dinner.
Walking time: approx. 6-7 hours
Hiking distance: approx. 9 km
Accommodation: Machame Camp
Meals: 1x breakfast, 1x lunch, 1x dinner
On today’s stage, we climb another 800 metres in altitude to Shira Camp. First a short descent, then a steep ascent, followed by a two-hour walk at a relatively constant altitude through moorland. After the ascent to the Shira Cathedral, you reach the Shira campsite on flat paths.
Shira Camp is one of the most fantastic camps on Kilimanjaro: the view of Shira and Kibo in the changing light of the moving sun is unforgettable.
Walking time: approx. 5-6 hours
Hiking distance: approx. 7 km
Accommodation: Shira Camp
Meals: 1x breakfast, 1x lunch, 1x dinner
Today’s stage leads to Barranco Camp. We follow the ‘walk high – sleep low’ principle and hike up to altitudes of 4500 metres, but spend the night at around 4000 metres. We circle part of the mighty Kibo peak on its southern side. The route runs at roughly the same altitude, which helps the body to adapt to the altitude. The landscape becomes more barren and numerous boulders characterise the surroundings. The trail leads past fascinating giant lobelia and man-high senecia. From Barranco Camp, in the dark and under a cloudless sky, you can see the lights of Moshi, 60 km away and around 3400 m below.
Walking time: approx. 6-7 hours.
Hiking distance: approx. 10 km
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Meals: 1x breakfast, 1x lunch, 1x dinner
Today we conquer the Barranco rock face, also known as the ‘Breakfast Wall’. A steep ascent takes us over the rocky ridge at around 4.300 metres. From the top you have a breathtaking view of the enormous dimensions of the Kibo Crater.
The trail continues uphill and downhill in an easterly direction to Karanga Camp, where we stop for lunch. This is the last opportunity to get water and we fill up our bottles and canisters.
The rest of the route has only one direction: steeply uphill. The vegetation becomes increasingly sparse, but we are rewarded with magnificent views of Mount Meru, Mawenzi and, of course, Kibo.
The path continues steadily uphill through an increasingly grey and stony landscape. The last overnight stay at high altitude is at Barafu Camp, which lies at an altitude of 4.600 metres.
Experience how the sun sets directly behind Mount Meru – a magnificent natural spectacle!
Walking time: approx. 7-8 hours
Hiking distance: approx. 13 km
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Meals: 1x breakfast, 1x lunch, 1x dinner
The last stage to the summit begins shortly after midnight. The most strenuous and at the same time most fascinating day lies ahead of you.
The trail leads over a seemingly endless, steep scree slope, the ground of which is still frozen, up to Stella Point (5.745 m) on the crater rim. The altitude takes your breath away and saps your strength. After the energy-sapping last 150 metres up to Uhuru Peak, we are rewarded with a fantastic panoramic view and the wonderful feeling of having reached the highest point in Africa. A special highlight for many mountain hikers! Congratulations!
The descent is via the Mweka Route. We complete the section back to Barafu Camp quite quickly, as the ground has now thawed. At Barafu Camp, the cook is already waiting for us with a warm lunch. We then continue our descent to Mweka Camp.
Walking time: approx. 10-13 hours
Hiking distance: approx. 19 km
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Meals: 1x breakfast, 1x lunch, 1x dinner
The last stage leads down a well-maintained path through the beautiful rainforest with birdsong and lush undergrowth. Arriving at Mweka Gate (1.700 m), we say goodbye to the accompanying team.
Transfer back to Moshi. Recover at the guesthouse from the exertions of the last few days and enjoy a soothing and long-awaited shower.
Walking time: approx. 3-4 hours.
Hiking distance: approx. 10 km
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: 1x breakfast
This day is at your leisure and no activities are planned. Recover from the strenuous mountain tour and take a leisurely approach to the day.
The more active can take an trip to a coffee plantation at the foothills of Kilimanjaro or a guided bike tour through the surroundings of Moshi (both at an extra charge).
Additional day on Kilimanjaro:
We also offer you the option of adding an extra day on the mountain when climbing Kilimanjaro, thus splitting the stage from Barranco to Barafu Camp into two stages.
The additional overnight stay is at Karanga Camp, the free day in Moshi is cancelled.
Let us know if you’re are interested.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: 1x breakfast
Off we go into the wilderness and into the realm of the animals! Today we start our safari through the national parks of northern Tanzania. Your safari guide will pick you up from your guesthouse in Moshi in the morning. Our first destination is either Lake Manyara National Park (November to March) or Tarangire National Park (June to October).
We go on a full day game drive.
Lake Manyara National Park lies at the foot of the Rift Valley Mountains with its 500 metre high, vertically sloping rift walls and the soda-filled Lake Manyara. Two thirds of the 35 kilometre long park is taken up by the lake. Depending on the season, huge flocks of tens of thousands of shimmering pink flamingos can be observed here – an incredible sight! Despite its small size, the park is home to a rich variety of botanical species and a remarkable wealth of wildlife. It is home to buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, elephants and hippos. Lake Manyara is also a bird paradise – over 400 species are represented here.
The Tarangire National Park is known for its large herds of elephants and impressive baobab trees. The Tarangire River, which carries water all year round, attracts countless animals and offers marvellous game viewing opportunities. The park has one of the highest elephant densities in Tanzania and herds of more than 30 animals are not uncommon. There are over 100 species of mammals such as giraffe, impala, lion, Cape buffalo, zebra, hartebeest, eland, dik-dik and kudu as well as over 500 species of bird, including the largest bird in the world, the Masai ostrich. The mighty baobab trees have a mystical effect and form a unique backdrop for an exciting day on safari.
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals: 1x breakfast, 1x packed lunch, 1x dinner
Off we go into the wilderness and into the realm of the animals! Today we start our safari through the national parks of northern Tanzania. Your safari guide will pick you up from your guesthouse in Moshi in the morning. Our first destination is either Lake Manyara National Park (November to March) or Tarangire National Park (June to October).
We go on a full day game drive.
Lake Manyara National Park lies at the foot of the Rift Valley Mountains with its 500 metre high, vertically sloping rift walls and the soda-filled Lake Manyara. Two thirds of the 35 kilometre long park is taken up by the lake. Depending on the season, huge flocks of tens of thousands of shimmering pink flamingos can be observed here – an incredible sight! Despite its small size, the park is home to a rich variety of botanical species and a remarkable wealth of wildlife. It is home to buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, elephants and hippos. Lake Manyara is also a bird paradise – over 400 species are represented here.
The Tarangire National Park is known for its large herds of elephants and impressive baobab trees. The Tarangire River, which carries water all year round, attracts countless animals and offers marvellous game viewing opportunities. The park has one of the highest elephant densities in Tanzania and herds of more than 30 animals are not uncommon. There are over 100 species of mammals such as giraffe, impala, lion, Cape buffalo, zebra, hartebeest, eland, dik-dik and kudu as well as over 500 species of bird, including the largest bird in the world, the Masai ostrich. The mighty baobab trees have a mystical effect and form a unique backdrop for an exciting day on safari.
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals: 1x breakfast, 1x packed lunch, 1x dinner
The safari continues to the world-famous Serengeti. Already on the way we can observe many wild animals in the wide plains and at the kopjes. Our accommodation is a cosy tented camp, which is located either in the southern Serengeti in the Ndutu area (December to March) or in the central Serengeti (June to November), depending on the season.
The advantage of our seasonal camp is that it ‘moves’ depending on the time of year and the location of the herds, so you can be sure that you are at the best starting point for great game viewing. The camp offers you an unrivalled closeness to nature with good food, friendly and personal service and all the comfort you need in the bush.
Pure safari feeling awaits you here – just as it should be: Authentic and close to nature!
From November to March, our camp is located in the Ndutu area and very close to the area where huge herds of wildebeest stay during these months and give birth to their offspring. Fantastic game viewing awaits you!
From June to November, the camp is located in the central Serengeti to provide easy access to all parts of the national park.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: 1x breakfast, 1x packed lunch, 1x dinner
On a full-day game drive, you will explore the breathtaking natural areas of the Serengeti National Park. A safari in the Serengeti is one of the most untamed wilderness experiences in Africa. The Serengeti is undoubtedly the most famous wildlife sanctuary in the world and is unrivalled in its natural beauty and astounding variety of wildlife. The Serengeti is known around the world for the great wildebeest migration – the greatest animal show on earth! The Serengeti has the largest concentration of plains game in Africa such as wildebeest, antelope, buffalo and zebra, which are regularly spotted in the vast plains of the Serengeti. Lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas are also ever present and regularly patrol the open savannah.
The central Serengeti is the Seronera area and this is a fantastic place to see the predators, especially the large prides of lion. Activity in this area explodes around the beginning of June as the migration makes its way to the fresh grasslands. The Western Corridor (western Serengeti) is another exclusive safari area and an excellent location for viewing the migration from June to July before they head north-east to the Mara River and the Masai Mara. The great wildebeest migration is estimated to include more than a million wildebeest and zebra and witnessing this magical event is one of the unforgettable moments of travelling in Africa! These large herds are on a never-ending journey through the diverse landscapes. The animals’ instincts are so strong that the herds defy even proud lions and do not shy away from the crocodile-infested Mara River. It is an incredible natural wonder!
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: 1x breakfast, 1x packed lunch, 1x dinner
In the morning, we start our exploration tour of the Ngorongoro Crater, which many call the 8th wonder of the world. It is unique due to the fact that it is home to its own ecosystem in a relatively small area. The crater has a diameter of 20 kilometres and is home to more than 25.000 large mammals and around 100 bird species. A steep track leads us down to the crater floor. Here we find forests, swamps, river courses and the soda-filled Magadi Lake. In addition to lions, wildebeests, zebras, buffaloes, elephants and gazelles, there is a very good chance of spotting the rare black rhino here. After the 6-hour crater tour, we leave this unique natural wonder and once again enjoy the unique view from the crater rim.
In the afternoon we travel back to Arusha.
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals: 1x breakfast, 1x packed lunch
In the morning, you will be picked up from the lodge and driven to Arusha airport. We say god-bye to the mainland of Tanzania and Karibu to Zanzibar island! You will take a one-hour flight to the spice island of Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean.
You will be met at the airport. You will go on a guided city tour of Stonetown. The historic centre of ‘Zanzibar City’ is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old town was restored with international funds and now shines again in its former splendour. It is home to the old dhow harbour with fish market, food bazaars along the Creek Road, craft shops and local shops, international hotels, restaurants and shops, palaces that exude the charm of ‘One Thousand and One Nights’, the Catholic Cathedral of St. Joseph and the Anglican UMCA Church, Hindu and Buddhist temples, 50 mosques, the Hammam and the Portuguese fortress. There is also the richly decorated ‘Old Ithnaasheri Dispensary’ built by the wealthy Indian merchant Tharia Topan in the 19th century.
The ‘stone town’ enchants visitors with its seemingly wild row of houses, many of which have very well-kept Swahili doors decorated with carvings. Life pulsates in the countless narrow alleyways, the smell of culinary specialities is everywhere and small shops sell a colourful mix of goods ranging from soap and spices to fabrics and jewellery. Afterwards, you will be transferred to the hotel, which is located in the centre of the old town.
Accommodation: Hotel in Stonetown
Meals: 1x breakfast
In the morning we go on a half-day trip to the spice world of Zanzibar!
Zanzibar is known as the spice island and the spice tour is an extremely interesting experience. The tour in one of the largest natural ‘botanical gardens’ in the world provides an insight into the lush tropical vegetation. See and smell fruits and spices that are only known in Europe as processed end products in jars and tins. The history of Zanzibar would be incomplete without cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, cardamom, pepper and the many other spices that the Sultans of Oman introduced to Zanzibar long ago. They can be admired and tasted in the many old spice plantations outside Stonetown’s city gates. The employees of the spice farms give a detailed description of the spices and herbs and their use.
Afterwards, it’s time to relax! We drive to your beach hotel.
Accommodation: Lodge at the beach
Meals: 1x breakfast
The spice island of Zanzibar – exotic, romantic, mysterious – offers you the perfect extension after an exhausting trekking tour and exciting safari. The former Eldorado of adventurers, explorers, traders and sailors attracts visitors with its unique cultural mix of African, Arabic, Indian and Persian influences. Kilometres of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters promise pure relaxation and recreation. Diving and snorkelling and sailing trips on a dhow are available.
Enjoy!
Meals: 3x breakfast
Depending on your departure time, you will be transferred to the airport. Now it’s time to say goodbye to Tanzania. Kwaheri!
Meals: 1x breakfast
PRICE INCLUSION
- Tanzania trekking & safari trip as per programme
- National park fees
- Mountain rescue fee (overland)
- Complete camping and cooking equipment (except sleeping bag)
- Game drives in all national parks
- Transport on safari in 4×4 vehicle (Landcruiser with pop-up roof and window seat for each guest)
- Domestic flight to Zanzibar
- Daytrips on Zanzibar as per programme
- English speaking licensed mountain guide, assistant mountain guide, porter and cook during the Kilimanjaro climb
- Experienced safari guide during the safari
- Airport Transfers
PRICE EXCLUSION
- International flights to/from Tanzania and Zanzibar
- Tanzania visa fees (obtainable on arrival or online before travel
- Meals and drinks not mentioned
- Zanzibar infrastructure tax (US$5/day/person – payable directly to the lodge)
- Gratuities and tipping
- Optional activities in Zanzibar (spice tours, dhow cruises, cooking classes, Jozani Forest visits) unless pre-booked and paid separately
- Travel insurance
- Hot-air balloon safari (unless pre-booked and paid separately)