10 days of adventure: Kilimanjaro, Marangu and a beach escape in Zanzibar

After breakfast at the Mandara Hut, you resume your ascent towards Horombo Hut, traversing increasingly open vegetation. The rainforest gradually gives way to high-altitude moorland, composed of giant heather and lobelia. This day offers magnificent panoramas of the slopes of Kilimanjaro and, on a clear day, an impressive first glimpse of Mawenzi Peak. The pace is intentionally slow to allow for proper acclimatization to the altitude. You will arrive at Horombo Hut (3,720 m) in the afternoon, where you can rest, enjoy the scenery, and prepare for the next stages of the climb.

After breakfast, you'll depart Horombo Hut for a significant stage of the ascent to Kibo Hut. The trail traverses the vast desert plateau known as "The Saddle," situated between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. The landscape becomes increasingly rocky and arid, offering a true high-mountain experience. This day allows for a gradual immersion in the high-altitude environment, with a slow and steady pace to aid acclimatization. Along the way, you'll admire the contrasts between the volcanic slopes and the vast desert expanses. Arrival at Kibo Hut (4,703 m) is expected in the afternoon. You'll then enjoy some rest, a hot dinner, and a briefing with your guide to prepare for the summit ascent planned for the night.

This day marks the culmination of your adventure on the roof of Africa. You'll be woken around midnight for hot tea and a light snack before beginning the final ascent under a starry sky. The climb is slow and steady towards Gilman's Point, on the crater rim. The cold and altitude make the effort more strenuous, but your guide will ensure a pace suited to everyone. At dawn, you'll continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa, where you can admire the sunrise over the Tanzanian glaciers and plains. After this unforgettable moment and souvenir photos, you'll begin the descent to Kibo Hut for a short break, then continue to Horombo Hut for a well-deserved night's rest. This is a demanding day, but it offers a unique experience and immense pride in having reached the summit of Kilimanjaro.

After an early breakfast at the refuge, you begin the final descent to the Marangu Gate. The downhill walk again traverses moorland and forests, with panoramas that change with altitude and the air becoming progressively richer in oxygen—a welcome relief after the exertion of the summit. At the Marangu Gate, you'll complete exit formalities and receive your official climbing certificates. Afterward, a comfortable transfer by vehicle takes you to the Summit Lodge in Moshi for a day dedicated to recovery. Enjoy a hot shower, a hearty lunch, relaxation areas, and a restful night. You can also book a restorative massage, a short cultural walk in the village, or simply relax in the garden. Your guide will monitor your physical condition and provide recovery advice. This day is ideal for resting your muscles, rehydrating, and celebrating your achievement.

After breakfast at the lodge, transfer to the airport for your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, you will be met by your local driver and then driven to the east coast of the island, towards Pongwe Beach, renowned for its white sand and turquoise waters. Check in to your hotel, the Shaba Hotel , located right next to the beach. The rest of the day is free to relax after climbing Kilimanjaro: swimming, walking on the beach, or relaxing in the shade of the palm trees. This first day in Zanzibar is ideal for recovering physically while enjoying a peaceful and exotic tropical setting.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, you will be met by our driver and taken to your hotel near the beautiful Pongwe Beach. This day is dedicated to relaxation after your Kilimanjaro adventure. You can enjoy the white sand beach, swim in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, or simply relax in the shade of the palm trees. The peaceful coastal atmosphere is ideal for physical recovery while experiencing the tropical ambiance of Zanzibar. At the end of the day, you can admire a stunning sunset before enjoying dinner at the hotel.

After breakfast, depart for a morning of cultural and natural discovery. Enjoy a guided tour of a spice farm where you'll learn about the cultivation, harvesting, and culinary and medicinal uses of cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, pepper, and other spices. Tastings and cooking demonstrations will allow you to experience local flavors firsthand. Next, transfer to Jozani Forest , a natural sanctuary on the island, famous for the rare Zanzibari red colobus monkey . Stroll along the trails and walkway above the mangroves, observing the wildlife (colobus monkeys, small monkeys, birds) and listening to the guide explain the ecosystem and conservation efforts. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon for relaxation and beach time.

After breakfast, depart for a guided tour of Stone Town , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will discover the narrow, bustling streets of the old town, a testament to Zanzibar's Swahili, Arab, Indian, and European history. The program includes visits to key sites: Freddie Mercury's House , the Old Fort , the House of Wonders , the Sultan's Palace , Darajani Market , and ancient carved gates. Your guide will explain the history of the spice and slave trades, as well as local traditions. Enjoy free time for handicraft shopping and personal exploration before returning to the hotel in the afternoon for relaxation on the beach.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy your last moments in Zanzibar according to your flight schedule (free time for a short walk, relaxation, or souvenir shopping). Then, transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your return flight. This marks the end of a magnificent stay, combining adventure on the roof of Africa with relaxation on the beaches of the Indian Ocean.