What do you prefer to do first, climb Mount Kilimanjaro, do a safari, or a holiday at Zanzibar beach?

Climb Kilimanjaro first, then take a break and go on a Tanzania Safari, before relaxing on the Zanzibar beach. It does not take long; one month is plenty to cover practically all of Tanzania.

We recommend that you choose to climb Mount Kilimanjaro first, then do a safari, and finish with a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar. This is also the sequence most experienced travelers and tour operators recommend.

Check our Kilimanjaro and safari packages

Going on a Mountain Gorilla Trek in Uganda or Rwanda is also a fantastic adventure.

Check out Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar packages

Why Climb Kilimanjaro First?

It’s by far the most physically demanding of the three. You’ll be freshest at the beginning of your trip, with better energy, stronger legs, and higher motivation.
After 6–9 days of tough trekking, your body will be tired and in need of recovery — perfect timing for a more relaxed safari.
Doing the climb early avoids the risk of arriving at the mountain already fatigued from game drives or travel.

Then Safari (The Perfect Middle Activity)

After the climb, you’ll appreciate sitting in a vehicle watching wildlife instead of hiking 6–8 hours a day.
Many people say the safari feels like a reward after summiting.
Northern Tanzania safaris (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire) are conveniently located near Kilimanjaro.

Finally, Zanzibar Beach (The Best Recovery)

Nothing beats collapsing on white-sand beaches, swimming in turquoise water, and eating fresh seafood after the exertion of the mountain and bumpy game drives.
Zanzibar is the ideal wind-down: spa time, snorkeling, spice tours, or just doing nothing.