What You Need to Know: This 8-day package costs from US$2,635 per person for two sharing at mid-range level (US$1,670 budget, US$4,915 luxury). It runs from Friday, February 5 to Friday, February 12, 2027: three nights in Moshi around the race on Sunday, February 7, a flight to Zanzibar on Monday, and four nights at Kendwa on the north-west coast, with a guided Stone Town and Prison Island day included. February is hot and mostly dry on Zanzibar. Race entry is not included: every runner registers in their own name on the official race website (US$80 for the full or half marathon, US$20 for the 5 km for international runners) before entries close at midnight on December 15, 2026.
Who Is the Kili Marathon and Zanzibar Holiday For?
For runners whose idea of recovery is the sea rather than a game drive or a mountain: you race on Sunday, and by Monday afternoon you are floating in the Indian Ocean. It also suits partners and friends who came to cheer and want a holiday of their own. If you would rather see wildlife, take the 10-day marathon and calving safari; for a summit, the 12-day marathon and Machame climb.
Kilimanjaro Marathon and Zanzibar Itinerary, Day by Day
Race first, beach second: three nights in Moshi for the race weekend, then a flight to the coast the morning after the race and four nights at Kendwa. Day by day:
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Day 1: Friday, February 5: arrival and your race number
We meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport for the drive of about an hour to Moshi, and later take you to the MoCU Stadium to collect your race number; bring your passport and entry reference.
Stay: B&B Hotel (budget), Lamama Hotel or Weru Weru River Lodge (mid-range), or Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel (luxury), or similar, three nights.
Airport pickupRace numberMoshi -
Day 2: Saturday, February 6: rest
An easy shake-out run in the cool of the morning, then feet up for the rest of the day. On a clear evening the snows of Kilimanjaro catch the last light above town.
RestMoshiBreakfast -
Day 3: Sunday, February 7: race day
Our driver drops you at the start, 6:30 am for the full marathon, 7:00 am for the half and 7:30 am for the 5 km, and collects you after the finish. The afternoon is for food, sleep and packing your beach bag.
RaceMoCU StadiumBreakfast -
Day 4: Monday, February 8: fly to Zanzibar
A transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for the scheduled flight to Zanzibar; times are confirmed when you book. On the island you are met and driven to Kendwa, on the north-west coast, where the beach faces the sunset and the sea is good for swimming at almost any tide.
Stay: Sunset Kendwa Hotel (budget), Kendwa Rocks or Nungwi Turaco Resort (mid-range), or Gold Zanzibar Resort (luxury), or similar, four nights with breakfast.
Flight to the coastKendwaBreakfast -
Day 5: Tuesday, February 9: a beach day
Nothing to do but swim, sleep and let your legs recover in warm salt water. Nungwi village, known for its dhow builders, is a short walk or ride along the coast.
Free dayKendwaBreakfast -
Day 6: Wednesday, February 10: Stone Town and Prison Island
A guided day in Stone Town, the old Swahili trading town: the Old Fort, the carved doors, Darajani market and Forodhani Gardens, with a boat out to Changuu, or Prison Island, to meet its Aldabra giant tortoises. Back at the beach for sunset.
Excursion includedStone Town, Prison IslandBreakfast -
Day 7: Thursday, February 11: beach, or the reef
A last free day. Stay on the sand, or add a snorkeling trip to the reefs of Mnemba Atoll, known for turtles, which we book with a trusted local boat operator.
Free dayKendwaBreakfast -
Day 8: Friday, February 12: departure
Transfer to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport near Stone Town for your flight home.
Airport transferZanzibarBreakfast
How Much Does the Kilimanjaro Marathon and Zanzibar Holiday Cost?
From US$2,635 per person for two sharing at mid-range level, US$1,670 at budget level and US$4,915 at luxury level, including the flight to Zanzibar and every transfer.
| Travelers | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | US$2,040 | US$3,650 | US$7,120 |
| 2 | US$1,670 | US$2,635 | US$4,915 |
| 3 | US$1,535 | US$2,465 | US$3,975 |
| 4 | US$1,585 | US$2,555 | US$4,835 |
| 5 | US$1,520 | US$2,465 | US$4,285 |
| 6 | US$1,555 | US$2,525 | US$4,805 |
Race entry is not included: every runner registers in their own name on the official race website (US$80 for the full or half marathon, US$20 for the 5 km for international runners) before entries close at midnight on December 15, 2026.
What the Kili Marathon and Zanzibar Package Includes
The price covers both halves of the trip and the flight between them:
- Airport pickup at Kilimanjaro, the transfer to the airport on Day 4, and transfers on Zanzibar to Kendwa and back to the airport
- Three nights in Moshi and four at Kendwa, with breakfast
- A driver for race-number collection and race morning
- The scheduled flight from Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar
- A guided Stone Town and Prison Island day
Not Included in the Marathon and Zanzibar Price
Pay these separately:
- Race entry, paid on the official race website
- International flights and visas (US$100 for US citizens)
- Tanzania's mandatory inbound travel insurance (US$44 per adult), which also covers Zanzibar, and your own travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners, the Prison Island conservation fee, snorkeling and other optional trips, drinks and tips
Extra Zanzibar Day Trips from Kendwa
Four beach nights leave room for one or two more outings if your legs are ready for them. These are the trips runners most often add, all bookable through us:
| Day trip | Price |
|---|---|
| Jozani Forest and its red colobus monkeys | US$105 per person |
| Sunset dhow cruise | US$105 per person |
| Boat trips such as Safari Blue | From about US$85 per person |
| Snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll | Quoted with your trip |
Children pay half on our Zanzibar excursions. If you only add one, the sunset dhow cruise is the gentlest on tired legs; Jozani involves a short, easy forest walk.
Tips for Kilimanjaro Marathon Runners Heading to Zanzibar
Going straight from a hot, hilly race to a tropical beach is a big change for your body. A few tips from our team:
- Sun and heat: Zanzibar is hot in February; after a race your body needs extra water and shade, so plan the beach for mornings and late afternoons.
- Light luggage: pack soft bags and check your airline's baggage allowance for the domestic flight.
- Stay longer: extra beach nights, or a night in Stone Town at the end, are easy to add.
- Race details: fees, number collection and the course are in our Kilimanjaro Marathon 2027 travel guide, and more beach ideas are on our Zanzibar holidays page.
How to Book the Kili Marathon and Zanzibar Holiday
Send your race distance, flight times, the number of runners and supporters and your hotel level through the form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com; we confirm the Zanzibar flight and the Kendwa hotel together. A 30% deposit confirms the booking, the balance is paid on arrival, and refunds follow our booking terms. Race entries are handled by the organizers and are not refundable.
Common Questions About the Kilimanjaro Marathon and Zanzibar Holiday
Is the flight to Zanzibar included?
Yes. The scheduled flight from Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar on the day after the race is in the price, with transfers at both ends.
Why Kendwa?
Kendwa, on the north-west coast, has swimming at most tides, which many Zanzibar beaches do not, and its beach faces the sunset.
Is the race entry included?
No. Each runner registers on the official race website (US$80 for the full or half marathon for international runners) before December 15, 2026.
Can we add a safari as well?
Yes. A short safari fits between the race and the beach; ask us, or see our 10-day marathon and calving safari.
Can supporters come along?
Yes. Partners and friends join at the same price per person.
Should You Book the 8-Day Kilimanjaro Marathon and Zanzibar Holiday?
Yes, if your idea of recovery is warm sea and sunsets rather than game drives or a mountain. You race on Sunday, fly to Zanzibar on Monday and spend four nights at Kendwa, with a day in Stone Town, from US$2,635 per person.
If you want wildlife as well, take the marathon and calving safari instead, or ask us to add a short safari before the beach. Register for the race before December 15, 2026, then send us your dates.