Mountain + Beach
Kilimanjaro & Zanzibar
Summit at 5,895m. Then unwind on Zanzibar white sand beaches. The classic Tanzania two-part trip — mountain and ocean — from one operator with 48 years of Arusha experience.
Since 1978
Family-owned, Arusha-based
90–95%
Lemosho summit success rate
One booking
Mountain + beach, same operator
90 min
Flight from Kili to Zanzibar
Why combine
Two environments. One trip.
Summit High, Then Decompress
After reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895m, your body needs recovery time. Zanzibar is the ideal antidote — warm ocean, soft sand, excellent food, no agenda. The physical contrast with the mountain makes the beach feel even more restorative.
One Operator, One Booking
We run Kilimanjaro climbs and Tanzania safaris. When you add Zanzibar, we handle all three legs from a single Arusha base — no agency handoffs, no separate bookings, no coordination stress. One briefing, one contact, one invoice.
Logistically Simple
Fly from Kilimanjaro Airport to Zanzibar in 90 minutes. Your post-summit descent ends in Arusha, you fly direct to Zanzibar that afternoon, and you are on the beach by evening. No backtracking, no long drives.
Complete Tanzania Story
Mountain, savanna, and Indian Ocean. Few destinations deliver three such different environments in one trip. Kilimanjaro gives you the summit. The safari (if added) gives you wildlife. Zanzibar gives you the ocean. Together they make the full Tanzania arc.
The mountain
Choose Your Kili Route
All routes end at Uhuru Peak. The difference is in the scenery, the pace, and the summit success rate. We recommend Lemosho for first-time climbers.
7 Days
Machame Route
Most popular — scenic, good acclimatisation
Success: 85–90%
8 Days
Lemosho Route
Highest summit success rate — recommended for first-timers
Success: 90–95%
9 Days
Northern Circuit
Most exclusive — few groups, 360-degree summit views
Success: 92–97%
6 Days
Marangu Route
Hut accommodation — popular with older travellers
Success: 70–80%
The beach
Which Zanzibar Beach?
Zanzibar's beaches differ significantly by coast. Here is the honest breakdown for post-Kilimanjaro recovery.
Nungwi
Most developed, always swimmable
Best for: First-time Zanzibar visitors, families
Tides: Minimal tidal variation — swim any time of day
Typical rate: $125–$416/night
Kendwa
Quieter version of Nungwi, same tide advantage
Best for: Couples, travellers wanting less crowds
Tides: Minimal tidal variation
Typical rate: $104–$364/night
Paje
Kite surfing capital, dramatic tides
Best for: Active travellers, kite surfers, backpackers
Tides: Low tide retreats 500m — swim at high tide only
Typical rate: $83–$260/night
Matemwe
Remote, authentic fishing village feel
Best for: Tranquility seekers, divers
Tides: Dramatic tides — check schedule
Typical rate: $104–$312/night
Not sure which beach suits you? Ask us during the briefing — we know each property and will match you to the right beach based on your pace and preferences.
Sample itinerary
10 Days: Kilimanjaro + Zanzibar
The classic combination. Seven days on the mountain, three nights on the beach. Total duration: 10 days.
Day 1
Arusha
Arrival. Briefing with your mountain guide. Overnight hotel.
Day 2
Lemosho Gate → Shira Camp
Start the climb. Forest zone through the Shira Plateau. Camp at 3,800m.
Day 3
Shira Camp → Barranco Camp
Cross the Barranco Wall — the most dramatic section. Camp at 3,900m.
Day 4
Barranco → Karanga
Acclimatisation day. Views of Kibo summit. Karanga Camp at 4,000m.
Day 5
Karanga → Barafu
Short day to Barafu Camp (4,600m). Early dinner and sleep by 7pm.
Day 6
Summit Day
Midnight start. Uhuru Peak (5,895m) by sunrise. Descend to Millar Farm camp.
Day 7
Millar Farm → Arusha
Final descent to Mweke Gate. Return to Arusha. Overnight hotel. Rest.
Day 8
Fly to Zanzibar
Morning flight Arusha to Zanzibar (90 min). Transfer to Nungwi. Beach hotel by 2pm.
Day 9
Zanzibar — Stone Town
Explore Stone Town UNESCO old town. Spice market, House of Wonders, Forodhani Gardens dinner.
Day 10
Zanzibar Beach
Full beach day. Snorkelling, dhow cruise, or spa. Afternoon at leisure. Evening departure transfer.
Starting from
$3,328 per person
Based on 2 travellers. Includes Kili park fees, mountain accommodation, flights, Zanzibar hotel. Excludes international flights, tips, visa.
Want to add a safari between the mountain and the beach? Most clients do. A 3-day Serengeti leg between Kili and Zanzibar adds $832–$1,248 per person. Ask us about the full itinerary.
Request Full Itinerary →Packing list
What to Bring
Mountain Gear
- ✓4-season sleeping bag (rated to -15°C)
- ✓Down jacket for summit night (-10°C to -20°C)
- ✓Hiking boots (well-worn, waterproofed)
- ✓Trekking poles (essential for descent)
- ✓Headlamp + spare batteries
- ✓Sunscreen SPF 50+, lip balm, wide-brim hat
Beach Packing
- ✓Swimsuit, rash guard for snorkelling
- ✓Flip flops / sandals
- ✓Light layers for evenings
- ✓Snorkel gear (or rent on-site)
- ✓Waterproof phone pouch
- ✓Light cotton clothing, no special safari colours needed
Documents & Health
- ✓Passport (6+ months validity)
- ✓Tanzania visa (e-visa or $52 on arrival)
- ✓Yellow fever certificate (if arriving from endemic country)
- ✓Travel insurance with altitude and evacuation cover
- ✓Diamox (consult your doctor before departure)
- ✓Malaria prophylaxis for Zanzibar (low risk but present)
Questions
Common Questions
Should I add Zanzibar before or after climbing Kilimanjaro?
After — almost universally. The mountain is the physically demanding part of the trip. Adding Zanzibar at the end gives you a well-earned reward to look forward to during the harder days on the mountain. After the descent, your body will appreciate the warmth, comfort, and slower pace of the beach. You will arrive in Zanzibar feeling like you have earned it.
How many days do I need on Zanzibar after Kilimanjaro?
Minimum 3 nights (2 full beach days). This is the bare minimum to justify the flight and start to decompress. Recommended: 4–5 nights. Most clients who add 3 nights wish they had added one more. If your schedule allows, 5–7 nights on Zanzibar is the sweet spot — enough time to explore Stone Town, do a snorkelling trip, and properly reset after the mountain.
What is the best time of year for Kilimanjaro + Zanzibar?
June–October is the best combined window. Kilimanjaro is in the dry season (clear skies, no rain on the mountain), and Zanzibar has warm, dry weather with minimal rain. The Great Migration is also active in the Serengeti if you are adding a safari leg. January–February is also excellent: good mountain conditions and calving season in the southern Serengeti.
Can I add both a safari and Zanzibar to my Kilimanjaro climb?
Yes — and it is the most complete Tanzania trip. The typical sequence: Kilimanjaro (7–9 days) → Serengeti/Ngorongoro safari (3–5 days) → Zanzibar beach (4–5 nights). Total: 14–19 days. This delivers the full Tanzania arc: the summit, the wildlife, and the ocean. Discuss the itinerary with us and we will build a pace that works for your timeframe.
How much does a Kilimanjaro + Zanzibar combo cost?
A 10-day Kilimanjaro + Zanzibar combo (7-day Machame climb + 3 nights Zanzibar) starts from $3,328 per person based on 2 travellers. This includes park fees, all mountain accommodation, meals on the mountain, flights to Zanzibar, beach hotel, and airport transfers. Adding a safari leg in between (3–5 days) adds $832–$1,560 per person.
How do I get from Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar?
A direct flight from Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) to Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) takes 90 minutes. Airlines include Precision Air, Coastal Aviation, and Auric Air. Your post-climb overnight is in Arusha; the next morning you fly to Zanzibar and arrive at your beach hotel by early afternoon. Total journey: approximately 4 hours door to beach.
Do I need a separate visa for Zanzibar?
No. Zanzibar is part of Tanzania. Your Tanzania tourist visa covers both the mainland and the islands. No additional paperwork or fees are required for Zanzibar.
Ready to Climb Then Beach?
WhatsApp Kassim with your preferred dates and the number of travellers. We will send a specific itinerary with route options, beach choices, and exact pricing within 24 hours.