Tanzania Group trip: 26th Jun- 12th Jul 2027. Kilimanjaro, Safari & Zanzibar
Tanzania
Kilimanjaro, Safari & Zanzibar
2027
Seventeen days across Tanzania’s most iconic landscapes — the roof of Africa, the Serengeti’s endless plains, and Zanzibar’s white sand — split into two trips so you can do the part that’s calling you, or all of it.
Two trips.
Choose your adventure.
A trip of a lifetime.
This isn’t a box-ticking tour where you’re rushed from bus to hotel to bus. This is a real Tanzania experience — a proper 7-day climb up the quiet, scenic Lemosho Route, a safari through the country’s richest parks, and time to properly unwind on Zanzibar’s beaches.
Last time, the biggest piece of feedback I got was that not everyone wants to climb a mountain to enjoy a trip like this — completely fair. So for 2027, I’ve split it into two trips, back to back: climb Kilimanjaro, do the safari and Zanzibar leg, or join me for both.
Small groups. Trusted local partners. No need to be an expert hiker or traveller — just a willingness to find out you’re more capable than you think.
Climb it, safari it,
or do both
Kilimanjaro
The 7-day Lemosho Route — quieter, more scenic, and the best acclimatization profile on the mountain. Fully supported by experienced local guides and porters, ending at Uhuru Peak, 5,895m.
- 7-day Lemosho climb + arrival night in Moshi
- Climbing fees, mountain crew & equipment included
- 16 spots
Safari & Zanzibar
Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and the Central Serengeti in luxury safari lodges and camps, then a chartered flight straight to Zanzibar for reef days and Stone Town.
- Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Serengeti game drives
- Chartered flight: Serengeti → Zanzibar
- 3 nights Sunset Kendwa + 1 night Stone Town
- 19 spots
The full itinerary
Welcome to Moshi
Touch down at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and meet your private airport transfer to La Mama Hotel in the Uru/Moshi area. Settle in, meet the group, and get an early night — the mountain starts tomorrow.
Lemosho Gate to Forest Camp
After breakfast, we transfer to Londorossi/Lemosho Gate for park registration, then begin the Lemosho Route on foot through montane rainforest to our first camp, Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp), around 2,650–2,895m. A gentle 3–5 hour walk to start finding your rhythm.
Forest to Shira Camp
We climb out of the rainforest and into heather and moorland on the wide, dramatic Shira Plateau, camping at approximately 3,500m. On a clear day, this is your first real view across to Kibo.
Shira to Barranco via Lava Tower
A key acclimatization day: we cross the Shira Plateau and climb toward Lava Tower (approx. 4,600m) before descending into the lush Barranco Valley to camp at around 3,900m. Classic “climb high, sleep low” pacing to help your body adjust.
Barranco to Karanga
Straight after breakfast we tackle the Barranco Wall — steep, but non-technical, no climbing gear required — before contouring on to Karanga Camp at around 3,995m. A deliberately shorter day to keep the body acclimatizing ahead of Barafu.
Karanga to Barafu
A short trek to Barafu Camp (approx. 4,640m), our high camp for the summit bid. Early dinner, gear check, and a short rest before the group departs for the summit, typically between 11pm and 1am.
Summit Night & Descent
The night we’ve been training for. A pre-dawn ascent via Stella Point to Uhuru Peak — 5,895m, the roof of Africa — timed for sunrise over the crater rim. It’s the hardest day of the climb: a long, often 12–16 hour push to the summit and back down to Mweka Camp for our final night on the mountain. There is nothing quite like it.
Climb Ends, Everyone to Arusha
Final descent to Mweka Gate for your park checkout and tip ceremony, then the road transfer to Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa in Arusha. Today’s also when the Safari & Zanzibar group flies in — so if you’re joining both trips, this is where the group grows and everyone’s together for the night.
Tarangire National Park
We head out for a full game drive through Tarangire, famous for its ancient baobab woodlands and some of the largest elephant herds in Tanzania, alongside giraffe, zebra, buffalo and excellent birdlife. Overnight at Lake Burunge Tented Camp.
Ngorongoro Crater
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day game drive with a picnic lunch on the crater floor — one of the highest densities of large mammals anywhere on earth, with a real shot at all of the Big Five. Overnight at Embalakai Authentic Camps, Ngorongoro.
Into the Central Serengeti
A full day of game viewing as we travel through the highlands and into the Serengeti National Park, with an afternoon game drive in the central Serengeti if timing allows. Overnight at Moyo Camp, Central Serengeti.
Full Day Central Serengeti
A full day of game driving through the Seronera / central Serengeti — some of the best predator country in Africa, with morning and afternoon drives. If you fancy seeing it all from above, an optional hot air balloon safari with a champagne breakfast can be arranged this morning for $575pp (not included — book direct, spaces limited). The flight out tomorrow allows 23kg of soft luggage per person.
Fly Serengeti to Zanzibar
Instead of the long drive back out, we take a chartered light-aircraft flight straight from the central Serengeti to Zanzibar — swapping dust for white sand in a couple of hours. Transfer to Sunset Kendwa Hotel for three nights, with the evening free.
Mnemba Island Snorkelling & Ocean Safari
Morning pickup with Diving Paradise Zanzibar for a snorkelling trip out to Mnemba Island and an ocean safari — some of the clearest water and best reef in Zanzibar. Equipment included, back at the hotel by the afternoon.
Beach Day at Kendwa
No scheduled touring — a full free day to swim, sleep, or explore the village at your own pace. Optional water sports and spa treatments are available at your own cost.
Kendwa to Stone Town
Check out and transfer to Stone Town, with luggage held securely while you explore. Choose from an optional guided walking tour (including a visit to the Freddie Mercury House — on me) or a spice tour, before we all sit down together for a hosted farewell dinner at a Stone Town restaurant to celebrate the trip.
Stone Town at Leisure & Departure
A final morning at leisure in Stone Town before your onward flight home — luggage storage available until you need to leave for the airport. Departures may be staggered depending on flight times.
What’s included
Not included
choose your trip
- Safari + Zanzibar, 3 – 12 July
- 19 spots available
- All inclusions as listed above, including Freddie Mercury House & farewell dinner
- Private room available: +€1,200 supplement
- Add Kilimanjaro on at checkout to do both
- 7-day Lemosho Route climb
- 16 spots available
- All inclusions as listed above
- No private room option on this trip
- Doing both? Add this on when you book Safari & Zanzibar
💌 Presale pricing is open now through Sunday 6th September. Prices increase to full rate from Monday 7th September.
📅 20% deposit — at time of booking · 📅 30% — 30 Oct · 📅 30% — 28 Feb · 📅 20% final payment — 30 Apr
Prefer a different schedule? Email me to arrange a custom payment plan, as long as the full balance is paid no later than 8 weeks before the tour begins.
Frequently asked questions
What is included in the price?
If you book Kilimanjaro, your trip includes the climb — mountain crew, meals on the mountain, camping set-up (tents & sleeping mats), and permits/fees. If you book Safari & Zanzibar, it includes the full safari and Zanzibar itinerary with transfers and meals as listed. Booking both gets you everything across both trips. Please refer to the “What’s included” section above for the full list.
Who’s leading the trip?
An experienced international IOTR leader will be with you for the Kilimanjaro climb, alongside the local mountain crew and guides every step of the way. Sari will be joining the trip in person and hosting the Safari & Zanzibar portion herself.
How fit do I need to be to climb Kilimanjaro?
Kilimanjaro is challenging — mainly because of the altitude and the long trekking days. You don’t need to be an elite athlete, but you do need a strong base of fitness and the ability to walk for hours across multiple days. A training plan will be provided to help you prepare properly.
How high is Kilimanjaro and will I feel the altitude?
Uhuru Peak is 5,895m. Most people feel altitude effects to some degree. This itinerary includes acclimatisation-focused days (including trekking higher and sleeping lower) and you’ll be monitored by experienced guides.
Where do we sleep on the mountain?
On Kilimanjaro, you’ll sleep in mountain tents at designated camps. Tents and sleeping mats are included. You’ll need to bring or rent a sleeping bag.
Do I need to carry all my own gear?
No — porters carry the bulk of the gear and shared equipment. You’ll trek with a daypack for personal essentials (water, snacks, layers, camera).
Can I join the Safari & Zanzibar trip without climbing?
Yes. The two trips are bookable separately — you’re very welcome to join just the Safari & Zanzibar leg from 3 July without ever setting foot on the mountain. If you’d like to do both, choose Safari & Zanzibar as your main booking and add Kilimanjaro on at checkout, and the €100 combo discount is applied automatically — no code needed.
Is a private room available?
Private rooms are available on the Safari & Zanzibar trip for a €1,200 supplement. Kilimanjaro is tented mountain camping, so a private room isn’t an option on that leg.
What’s the group size?
Both trips are intentionally kept small — capped at 16 guests on Kilimanjaro and 19 on Safari & Zanzibar — to keep things personal and well supported.
When does presale pricing end?
Presale pricing is available now through Sunday 6th September. From Monday 7th September, both trips move to full price.
What is the payment and deposit structure for this tour?
To secure your place, payments are made in instalments rather than one large upfront payment. The standard structure is:
- 20% deposit — at time of booking
- 30% payment — 30 Oct
- 30% payment — 28 Feb
- 20% final payment — 30 Apr
If you’d prefer a different payment schedule, email me to request a custom plan, as long as the full balance is paid no later than 8 weeks before the tour begins.
What is the cancellation policy for the tour?
We know plans can change, so we’ve kept our cancellation policy clear and fair. A non-refundable deposit of 20% is required at booking, and your final balance is due 8 weeks before departure. If you need to cancel:
- 16+ weeks before your trip: you’ll only lose your deposit
- 13–15 weeks before your trip: 50% of your trip cost is non-refundable
- 9–12 weeks before your trip: 75% of your trip cost is non-refundable
- Less than 8 weeks before your trip: no refund can be given
The deposit is non-refundable because planning, flight bookings and trip preparation begin immediately once your place is confirmed, often with upfront costs from the moment your booking is made — and it helps ensure everyone on the trip is committed.
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
Yes. Most travellers require a visa. Full details will be sent 45 days before departure.
Can dietary requirements be catered for?
Yes, whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, the lodges and restaurants we work with can accommodate dietary needs. Please let us know in advance so we can make arrangements.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes — travel insurance is required to protect you in case of illness, flight cancellations, or other unexpected events. Zanzibar also requires its own mandatory local travel insurance, purchased before arrival, on top of your regular policy.
Your Tanzania
adventure awaits
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