After days of cold, altitude and effort, the warm Indian Ocean is the perfect reward. Here is how to make the most of it.
Getting from the mountain to the beach
Most climbers finish at the gate, return to their hotel in Moshi or Arusha, and fly to Zanzibar the next day. Flights run from Kilimanjaro or Arusha, usually with a connection, and take around two to three hours in total. We arrange the transfers so you step off the plane and into a private vehicle.
How long to stay
Three to five nights is a good minimum. Your body has worked hard, and rest matters more than sightseeing for the first days. If you can stay a week, you can add Stone Town and a few gentle activities.
Choosing where to stay
A quiet beachfront hotel with a pool and spa is ideal. The north coast has the calmest swimming at all tides, while the east coast has wide beaches but dramatic tides. A hotel with good food and plenty of shade will help you recover.
What to do first
- Sleep, hydrate and eat well.
- Take a massage or spa treatment for tired legs.
- Swim gently and walk on the sand.
- Add a sunset dhow cruise or a snorkeling trip once you feel ready.
A note on timing
Keep a buffer between the end of your trip and your flight home. If you are traveling after a safari as well, ask us about a combined plan so the order and flights make sense.