Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1: Rendezvous at the group. KE Land Only services begin with the evening meal.
Day 2: We start the day with an interesting drive around to the village of Rongai on the north side of Kili. Then, after meeting our trek crew, we trek through farmland and forest to our first camp (2600m) on the edge of moorland zone, where we can enjoy views across the Kenyan plains.
Day 3: A longer day, with nearly 1000 metres of height gain. We trek to Kikelewa Caves, stopping off for lunch at the 'Second Cave' in sight of Kibo peak and the ice fields on the crater rim. Our camp is at an elevation of 3550 metres.
Day 4: A shorter walk today, crossing grassy slopes with expansive views, to reach Mawenzi Tarn (4300m) which is spectacularly located beneath the rocky summits of Mawenzi Peak.
Day 5: A rest and acclimatisation day at the camp beside Mawenzi Tarn. To aid acclimatisation, we will hike up the slopes of Mawenzi Peak, at least as far as 4500 metres. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at Mawenzi Tarn.
Day 6: Today, we trek across the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, to reach our camping place beside the Kibo Hut (4750m) directly beneath the Kibo crater wall.
Day 7: A very early start, for the long hike across to the crater rim at Gilman's Point, followed by the traverse to the mountain's summit at Uhuru Peak (5894m). After admiring the views, we make the long descent via the Marangu Route to the camp at Horombo (3720m).
Day 8: Our final day of trekking takes us through the rich vegetation of Kili's lower slopes, as we descend to the Marangu Gate. We then transfer to Arusha, where we check in at a hotel.
Day 9: We take a morning flight from Kilimanjaro to the island of Unguja, the main island of the Zanzibar Archipelago. On arrival, we meet a KE representative who will arrange the transfer to our hotel which is situated amongst lush tropical gardens on a headland overlooking Kiwengwa Beach.
Day 10: A day at leisure. Stroll on the beautiful fine white sands of Kiwengwa Beach or amongst the coconut palms of this relaxed coastal strip. Optional activities, such as SCUBA diving, boat trips, biking and excursions, can be booked directly with the hotel. We spend a second night at the hotel.
Day 11: A second full day on Zanzibar. The hotel can easily arrange an excursion to the historical capital which is variously known as Zanzibar Town or Stone Town. A final night at our Zanzibar hotel.
Day 12: After breakfast at the hotel, the morning is free, followed by a transfer to Zanzibar Airport, to take the flight to Dar es Salaam. KE Land Only services end on arrival at Dar es Salaam Airport.
Altitude
This holiday involves going to very high altitude. During the course of your trip you will be spending at least one night above 4000 metres and/or trekking to 5000 metres or above. This is not something that you should worry about; the human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of altitudes, but it is important that we follow some simple rules in order to acclimatise successfully. Before coming on this holiday you should read the advice on trekking at high altitude.
