A dual header image, featuring on the left a distant view of Mount Meru rising behind a tree-lined foreground, during a sunrise, and on the right, a snowy path atop Mount Kilimanjaro with three hikers in the distance, with a view of a sea of clouds in the background.

Mount Meru & Kilimanjaro

Embark on an extraordinary adventure with this combined itinerary, tackling two of Tanzania's iconic peaks: Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro. Start your journey by summiting Mount Meru, with stunning views of Kilimanjaro in the distance, after which you can challenge yourself to the ultimate goal—reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak.

Starting Points:

Total Duration:

Hiking Distances:

Elevation Gain:

Facilities:

Momella Gate, an eastern entrance of Arusha National Park.

Machame Gate, a southern entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park.

11 days (6 nights on Mount Kilimanjaro & 3 nights on Mount Meru)

23 km (ascend), 23 km (descend) - Mount Meru

47,5 km (ascend), 20 km (descend) - Mount Kilimanjaro

3,066 m - Mount Meru

4,095 m - Mount Kilimanjaro

Private portable toilets and high quality Mess tents for camping routes.

Itinerary

Keep in mind that these itineraries are just examples and the first step in preparing yourself for your Stunning Kilimanjaro adventure.
We offer tailor-made Tours & Holidays that are fully customized, based on the hiking experience and preferences of our clients.

Arrival

After arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), your transfer will be awaiting you to drive you to your chosen accommodation in Arusha.
Meet during the day with your guide for a pre-climb briefing and gear check, to ensure that you are ready for the journey.
Have dinner, take your rest and prepare for your Mount Meru & Kilimanjaro adventure.

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Start your day by preparing you for your next mountain trekking, and meet up with your epert guide and head for Kilimanjaro National Park's southern entrance: Machame Gate (1,800 m).
After registrations and acquiring permits, you start your trekking by heading towards Machame Camp (2,835 m).
Raincoats are necessary on this day in particular, as you will be walking through rainforest, with opportunities for wildlife sightings.
Dinner and overnight awaits at Machame Camp and by the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will prepare everything necessary, set up tents and cook dinner for you.

Altitude: 1,800 m - 2,835 m

Hiking distance: 11 km

Hiking time: 5-6 hours

Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp

An early wake up, breakfast at Machame Camp (2,835 m), and a gradual trek upwards to Shira Cave Camp (3,750 m).
Physically speaking, the trekking is not very difficult, but you may feel the changes in altitude.
During this passage you will emerge from the rainforest and you'll be able to see the stunning views of the Shira Plateau, for the first time.

After lunch and a short rest you will go on an acclimatization hike in the direction of Lava Tower Camp with a 300-meter gain in altitude.
Back down at Shira Cave Camp (3,750 m) you will be served a hot dinner.

Altitude: 2,835 m - 3,750 m

Hiking distance: 5 km

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Altitude: 3,750 m - 4,120 m - 3,750 m

Hiking distance: 2 km

Hiking time: 1-2 hours

The Lava Tower

After breakfast you will leave Shira Cave Camp (3,750 m) and start your way to the key point of the route: Lava Tower (4,600 m).
It might be difficult, and you may feel some discomfort, but in order to successfully acclimate to the altitude you have to spend at least 1 to 2 hours here, so this is where lunch will be served.

Then you will descend to Barranco Camp (3,900 m), where dinner and overnight awaits.
Here you can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness.

Altitude: 3,750 m - 4,600 m

Hiking distance: 7 km

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Altitude: 4,600 m - 3.900 m

Hiking distance: 3 km

Hiking time: 2-3 hours

The Great Barranco Wall

In the morning, after an early breakfast, start summiting the Barranco Wall (4,202 m). Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour.
After the climb you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano and descend to Karangu Camp (3,995 m), where lunch awaits.

Then you will start an acclimatization climb in the direction of Barafu with the highest point at 4,270 m.
After this hike you will descend back to Karangu Camp (3,995 m) for dinner and overnight.

Altitude: 3,900 m - 4,202 m - 3,995 m

Hiking distance: 6 km

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Altitude: 3,995 m - 4,270 m - 3.995 m

Hiking distance: 2.5 km

Hiking time: 1-2 hours

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast at Karanga Camp (3,995 m), you begin your way to Barafu Summit Camp (4,673 m).
Barafu, meaning "ice" in Swahili, lives up to its name, with cold winds and freezing temperatures.
Your team will set up a camp for you ahead of time, including tents and sleeping bags, so you can relax.

After regaining strength, you have to complete an acclimatization hike towards the intermediate Kosovo Summit Camp with its highest point being 4,800 m and then back to Barafu Camp (4,673 m).
At the camp you will be served a hot dinner and you it is best to spend the remaing part of the day resting and sleeping before the upcoming night summiting.

Altitude: 3,995 m - 4,673 m

Hiking distance: 4 km

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Altitude: 4,673 m - 4,800 m - 4,673 m

Hiking distance: 2 km

Hiking time: 1-2 hours

Uhuru Peak (5,895m)

Departure from Barafu Camp (4,673 m) at night and start summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, ending up at Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa.
Upon summiting, you shall have an opportunity to walk on the nearby glacier.
Technically the climb is relatively simple; however, the most challenging part is the high altitude.
Celebrate your achievement and capture the stunning sunrise.

After a well-deserved rest back at Barafu Camp (4,673 m), you will spend the rest of the morning descending to Mweka Camp (3,100 m).
Descending goes a lot faster, but the trail can be steep and challenging, especially given the long morning of hiking.

Altitude: 4,673 m - 5,895 m

Hiking distance: 5 km

Hiking time: 6-7 hours

Altitude: 5,895 m - 4,673 m - 3,100 m

Hiking distance: 10 km

Hiking time: 6-7 hours (2 hours rest at Barafu Camp excluded)

Congratulations!

Descend, with satisfaction of reaching the summit, through lush rainforests to the park's exit: Mweka Gate (1,640 m).
There we will present you with your commemorative certificates and provide you a transfer back to your chosen hotel in Arusha for a relaxing shower, dinner and overnight.
Depending on your flight schedule or if you're going to add a Safari or a Zanzibar Beach holiday, this marks the end of your Mount Meru & Kilimanjaro adventure with us.

Altitude: 3,100 m - 1,640 m

Hiking distance: 10 km

Hiking time: 3-4 hours

Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut

Your journey begins with a drive from Arusha to Momella Gate (1,500 m), nestled within Arusha National Park.
Once permits are secured, the trek starts, taking you through open fields and green forests.
As you make your way upward, keep an eye out for animals like giraffes and buffaloes as well as a variety of birds.
Arriving at Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m), you’ll find simple facilities and stunning views of Mount Meru's crater, where you'll rest for the night..

Altitude: 1,500 m - 2,500 m

Hiking distance: 10 km

Hiking time: 5-7 hours

Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut

Start your day with breakfast at Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m) before continuing through lush forest.
The ascent becomes steeper as you near Elephant Ridge, which offers expansive views of the surrounding landscapes and distant Mount Kilimanjaro.
Arriving at Saddle Hut (3,500 m), you’ll have time to take a short acclimatization hike up Little Meru (3,820 m), where you’ll enjoy sweeping vistas before returning to Saddle Hut for a meal and some well-deserved rest.

Altitude: 2,500 m - 3,820 - 3,500 m

Hiking distance: 8 km

Hiking time: 3-5 hours

Socialist Peak (4,566 m)

Your summit push begins around midnight, aiming to arrive by sunrise.
This final stretch is steep and rocky, requiring focus in the darkness.
Upon reaching Socialist Peak (4,566 m), witness the sunrise over Kilimanjaro and stunning views of the landscapes below.

After soaking in the scenery, descend back to Saddle Hut (3,500 m) for a rest, then continue down to Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m) for your last night on the mountain.

Altitude: 3,500 m - 4,566 m

Hiking distance: 5 km

Hiking time: 5-7 hours

Altitude: 4,566 m - 3,500 m - 2,500 m

Hiking distance: 13 km

Hiking time: 4-6 hours

Congratulations!

After breakfast, embark on the final descent through the forest back to Momella Gate (1,500 m).
Enjoy the last sightings of wildlife and lush scenery as you complete your trek, with satisfaction of reaching the summit.
Upon arrival at the gate, you'll receive your summit certificate and a transfer back to your chosen hotel in Arusha for a relaxing shower, dinner and overnight, where you can prepare for the ultimate challenge.

Altitude: 2,500 m - 1,500 m

Hiking distance: 10 km

Hiking time: 2-4 hours

All entrance fees including government taxes.
All activities (unless indicated as optional).
All accommodations as mentioned in the itinerary.
A professional driver and mountain guide.
3 meals per day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Unlimited bottles of drinking water.
Transportation to and from the base of the mountain.
Pick-up and drop-off by airport.
Camping equipment.
Porter services.

International or domestic flights.
Tips (for your crew).
Visa (50 USD for Tanzania).
Medical and/or travel insurance.
Local SIM card.
Personal expenses and/or items, such as souvenirs.
Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees.
Alcoholic beverages or soft drinks.
Meals not specified as included.
Climbing gear (can be rented upon request).
Medical evacuation by helicopter.

Now it's Time to Tailor Your Adventure

Request a free consultation here.

Inquire

Mount Meru & Kilimanjaro

Itinerary

Arrival

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp

The Lava Tower

The Great Barranco Wall

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Uhuru Peak (5,895m)

Congratulations!

Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut

Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut

Socialist Peak (4,566 m)

Congratulations!

Now it's Time to Tailor Your Adventure

Where to Find Us

How to Contact Us

Useful Information