12 Days Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro Climb

12 Days Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro Climb

 

12-Day Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro Climb

 

Experience the Ultimate Dual Adventure with Incredible Africa Adventures. Our 12-day Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro Climb offers a perfect combination of adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and an effective strategy for a successful summit. Begin your journey with a climb up Mount Meru, an excellent acclimatization trek, before tackling the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro via the renowned Machame Route, also known as the Whisky Route.

 

Mount Meru Climb (4 Days)

Standing at 4,566 meters, Mount Meru is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania and a stunning volcanic peak located in Arusha National Park. The climb takes 3 to 4 days and provides essential acclimatization for Kilimanjaro while offering incredible wildlife sightings along the lower trails. Early in the trek, you may encounter giraffes, zebras, and other animals grazing in the park’s lush surroundings. The ascent offers spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, dramatic landscapes, and a rewarding sense of achievement as you reach Meru’s summit.

 

Mount Kilimanjaro Climb – Machame Route (7 Days)

After conquering Mount Meru and a relaxing day in between, you’ll embark on the Machame Route, one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic and popular trails. Known for its breathtaking views and high success rate, the route allows climbers to enjoy diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts and dramatic glaciers.


Why Choose This Adventure?

This 12-day adventure combines the best of both worlds: the challenge of climbing two of Africa’s most iconic peaks and a well-planned acclimatization strategy for maximizing your summit success. Whether you’re an experienced mountaineer or a passionate adventurer, this itinerary is crafted to offer an unparalleled experience filled with awe-inspiring views, diverse terrains, and personal triumphs. Book your unforgettable climbing adventure with Incredible Africa Adventures and conquer two of Africa’s highest peaks!


Itinerary


ARRIVAL DAY: WELCOME TO TANZANIA
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our team will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. You will meet your experienced mountain guide for a full briefing on your upcoming Kilimanjaro trek and an equipment check to ensure you’re well-prepared. Any missing gear can be rented on this day, so you’re all set for the adventure of a lifetime.

 

DAY 1: Moshi/Arusha – Miriakamba Hut

Duration: 5-7 hours of hiking

After an early morning breakfast at your hotel in Moshi/Arusha, you will be picked up from your hotel and brought to the Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. At this time, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then begin your ascent in Arusha National Park. The first day of hiking is similar to a walking safari; you should expect to see giraffes, zebras, antelope, buffalo, and potentially elephants near the trail. Due to the high possibility of spotting wildlife, an armed ranger, hired through the National Park, is required to hike with our team for the duration of the hike. As you continue hiking, you will pass the Ngarenanyuki River and a beautiful waterfall at the base of Mt. Meru. Upon arriving to Miriakamba Hut (2500m), your chef will prepare a hot dinner and washing water for you. Enjoy the beautiful sunset and overnight.

 

DAY 2:Miriakamba Hut – Saddle Hut

Duration: 3-5 hours of hiking

After breakfast, you will start ascending up the steep trail along the ridge of the saddle. You may see various wildlife along the way! The trail has views of Mt. Meru Crater and the Ash Tray. When you arrive at camp, you have the option of hiking Little Mt. Meru (3820m) with your guide to further acclimate. You will be served an early dinner, so you can receive ample rest before your midnight summit attempt. Get to sleep by 1900.

 

DAY 3: Saddle Hut – Summit Attempt – Miriakamba Hut

Duration: 10-12 hours of hiking

Your guide will wake you at 00:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt at 1:30am. The trail starts off on a steep grade to Rhino Point (3800m) to Cobra Point (4350m). The last hour of the hike you will scamble on a rocky ridge between the crater and inner cliffs of Meru. You will reach the summit of Meru (4565m) at sunrise with spectacular views of Mt. Meru Ash Tray and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Enjoy your views then descend to Saddle Hut for a short break. You will then continue descending to Miriakamba Hut (2500m) for dinner and overnight.

 

DAY 4: Miriakamba Hut – Moshi

Duration: 2-3 hours of hiking

After a long rest and breakfast, we will begin our final descent to Momella gate. We will hike through forest and meadows where it is likely to spot wildlife. At the base of Mt. Meru, you will be greeted by our driver who will take you back to your hotel in Moshi.

 

DAY 5:  RELAX DAY

After a successfully Mount Meru summit, you will spend this day at your hotel to relax and stroll around or you can walk around in this small town of Moshi with view of the mountain Kilimanjaro is as good as it reveals. We will gather in the late afternoon for a Kilimanjaro climb briefing, but if you would like to continue with the climb after the Meru trip in this day we can customize it to fit your schedule.

 

DAY 6: MACHAME GATE – MACHAME CAMP| RAIN FOREST

Trekking Time: 4-6 hours | Distance: 9 km | Altitude Gain: 1210 m
A one-hour drive from Moshi lays the gate to the Machame route, where we complete park formalities, meet our crew of porters and start to climb! The first section of the route climbs steadily and involves real jungle-bashing through magnificent forest. This path is less well-trodden & often wet & muddy underfoot. We camp at Machame camp (3100m).

 

DAY 7: MACHAME CAMP – SHIRA CAMP| MOORLAND

Trekking Time: 4-6 hours | Distance: 9 km | Altitude Gain: 740 m 
The route continues on up through the forest until we are at the steep ascent on the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you will be able to see Mt. Meru rising high above Arusha town. We camp at Shira caves (3840m). 


DAY 8: SHIRA CAMP – LAVA TOWER – BARRANCO CAMP| SEMI DESERT

Trekking Time: 6-7 hours | Distance: 15 km | Altitude Gain: 60 m 
Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and finally reach camp at Barranco camp (3900 m). The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600 m), but we have followed the mountaineering code of  walk high, sleep low to avoid altitude sickness by aiding our bodies in acclimatization.


DAY 9: BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP| ALPINE DESERT

Trekking Time: 5-7 hours | Distance: 5 km | Altitude Gain: 100 m
We start the day by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up what has been termed the Breakfast Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It is a climb over rocks, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga Valley (4000 m) for overnight. 

DAY 10: HIKE KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP| ALPINE DESERT

Trekking Time: 2-4 hours | Distance: 4 km | Altitude Gain: 600 m 
The day is characterized by a short hike on terrain formed by scree. We walk through arid and desolate land towards Barafu camp (4600m).

DAY 11: BARAFU CAMP – SUMMIT| GLACIERS

Trekking Time: 6-8 hours | Distance: 7 km| Altitude Gain: 1296m (Ascent)

Trekking Time: 6-8 hours | Distance: 12 km | Altitude Loss: 2896m (Descent)
We avoid walking too long in the heat of the sun today by starting around midnight, walking steeply upwards to the Summit glaciers. You will be climbing scree for 5 to 6 hours but you gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5750 m) as the first rays of the sun emerge. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hours walk takes us to our goal, the summit of Uhuru (5896 m), the highest point; Uhuru means freedom in Swahili. 

 

We begin the descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope back to Barafu camp for breakfast and a rest before finally heading down to Millenium Camp (3000 m) for a well-earned rest. On our descent we have fabulous views of the plains and Mawenzi peak. 
 

DAY 12: MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – MOSHI| RAIN FOREST

Trekking Time: 4-5 hours | Distance: 10 km | Altitude Loss: 1360 m
A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate (1640 m), where we complete park formalities, are met by our vehicles, receive your certificate of ascent courtesy of the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority and drive back to your hotel to Moshi.

 

DEPARTURE DAY

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight schedule you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.

 

Wildlife Safari tour, Zanzibar trip and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.


Group price


$4000 per person when 1 person travels alone

$3500 per person when 2 – 4 persons travel together

$3200 per person when 5 – 7 persons travel together

$2800 per person when 8 – 15 persons travel together

 

For a more accurate estimate, it's best to contact us directly and discuss your specific requirements and budget. We can provide you with a detailed quote based on your itinerary, group size, and preferred level of comfort.


What is included


Airport Transfers: Hassle-free transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport and your accommodation in Moshi for a seamless start and finish.

 

Comfortable Accommodation: Two nights in Moshi—one night before your climb and one night after—designed for rest and relaxation.

 

Transportation: Reliable transport to and from the Kilimanjaro National Park gate, ensuring timely access to the trail.

 

All Necessary Fees: Coverage of Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees, camping fees, and rescue fees for your peace of mind.

 

High-Quality Gear:

   >Four-Season Mountain Tents: Durable and weatherproof tents to keep you safe and comfortable in all conditions.

   >Double-Layered Sleeping Mats: Extra comfort and insulation for restful nights on the mountain.


Professional Support Team: Knowledgeable and experienced mountain guides, a skilled cook, and hardworking porters to support your journey.

 

Daily Hot Meals: Nutritious, freshly prepared hot meals served three times daily to keep you energized.(We are happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions or requests.)

 

Clean Drinking Water: Unlimited supply of treated and filtered water to keep you hydrated throughout your climb.

 

Hot Water for Washing: Daily provision of hot water for washing, ensuring you stay refreshed during your adventure.

 

Ethical Treatment of Crew: We prioritize the fair treatment and proper payment of our guides, cooks, and porters, ensuring a motivated and supportive team.

 

Enhanced Safety Measures:

    >Portable oxygen tanks and an oximeter to monitor your health and oxygen levels during the climb.

   >A fully equipped emergency first-aid kit for any unexpected situations.


Private Toilet Facilities: Enjoy a portable flush toilet with its own privacy tent for added convenience on the mountain.


What is not included


Meals and Drinks at Hotel: Lunches, dinners, and beverages at your hotel before and after the climb are not covered.

 

Travel Insurance: We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking.

 

Flights: International and domestic flights to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport are not included.

 

Laundry Services: Laundry facilities are available at your hotel but are not included in the package.

 

Personal Items and Toiletries: Make sure to bring your own personal essentials, including toiletries and other comfort items.

 

Tips for Guides, Porters, and Cook: While tipping is not mandatory, it’s a valued tradition to show appreciation for your team’s hard work and dedication, and so highly recommended. 


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