$2,350
safaris & Itineraries
COMBO – MT. MERU AND KILIMANJARO
12 DAYS – 11 NIGHTS
MOUNT MERU-CLIMB
The best for acclimatization prior to Mount Kilimanjaro climbing; The Mountain is the third highest peak in Africa and is the second highest mountain in Tanzania at 4,568m. The mountain is located within Arusha National Park, Tanzania’s gem. This prime location gives trekkers the chance to spot some of wildlife that inhabits the area. The ascend is quite steep, the route to the summit passes over streams, through parkland, montane forest, a giant heather zone and moorland. The summit is reached by a narrow, barren ridge, which provides stunning views of the Ash Cone lying several thousand feet below in the crater.
DAY 1: ARUSHA TO MIRIAKAMBA HUT (2,514 M).
We start from Momela Gate (1,500 m) in late morning and begin our guided hike by a park ranger. Trekkers often spot buffalo, zebra, giraffe, monkeys, antelope, and often elephants along the route. We take lunch at, or near, the Fig Tree Arch, which is big enough to drive a car through! After lunch, the route continues through less dense forest, where there are an abundance of birds and monkeys. Dinner and overnight at Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m). (5-7 hours walking).
DAY 2: MIRIAKAMBA HUT (2,514 M) TO SADDLE HUT (3,570 M).
The hike from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a short day but a steep climb. The morning starts still in the forest, which slowly gives way to giant heather and groundsel as we zig-zag up the steep slopes. As we hike along the ridge we have our first views of the Meru Crater and the impressive Ash Cone. We reach the Saddle hut for hot lunch. The afternoon is free to relax and to enjoy the views of the mountain. The more energetic can make the short climb to the summit of Little Meru (3,820 m). (3-5 hours walking). Dinner and overnight at Saddle Hut (3,579).
DAY 3: SADDLE HUT (3,570 M) TO MIRIAKAMBA HUT (2,514 M).
We start early at around 2 a.m. to climb steeply to Rhino Point (3,800 m.). Then the path continues along a ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point to the summit of Socialist Peak (4,566 m) is an hour further on a steep path with magnificent views of Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro can normally be seen in the distance. However, the fascinating Meru Crater and its cliffs that make up the inner wall will probably capture most of your attention. We enjoy a short rest and brunch at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m, 10-12 hours walking). Dinner and overnight at Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m).
DAY 4: MIRIAKAMBA HUT (2,514 M) – HOTEL IN ARUSHA.
We take a fast descent through open grassland and mixed forest, with good chances of seeing wildlife. This trail has excellent views back towards the crater and over the plains of the National Park. Momela Gate is reached by late morning (2-3 hours walking). Once you reach the end of the climb you will be transferred to your hotel.
RONGAI ROUTE 5 DAY ITINERARY
begins at the northern side of Kilimanjaro. We walk through a true wilderness area towards the toothed Mawenzi Peak. The Rongai route ascent, and is favorite by those with little experience.
DAY 6: RONGAI ONE (2,600 M); 3-4 HOURS WALKING.
After completing the necessary registration formalities at Marangu National Park gate, we transfer by Land rover to Rongai. The climb begins from Nale Moru (1,950 m) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with a long ‘cape’ of white hair and a flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp, Rongai One, is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
DAY 7: KIKELEWA CAMPSITE (3,600 M); 6-7 HOURS WALKING.
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the ‘Second Cave’ (3,450 m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern icefields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Kikelewa campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecio near Kikelewa Caves (3,600 m).
DAY 8: MAWENZI TARN (4,330 M); 3-4 HOURS WALKING.
A short but steep climb is rewarded by superb all round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatisation. [3-4 hours walking]
DAY 9: KIBO CAMPSITE (4,700 M); 5-6 HOURS WALKING.
We cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4,700 m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early
Day 10: Horombo Hut (3.720); 11-15 hours walking.
We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. We plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685 m) we will rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4,700 m) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach Horombo Camp (3,720 m).
DAY 12: MARANGU GATE (1,830 M); 5-6 HOURS WALKING.
A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. We then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830 m). We will arrange a private transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) after your treks. Do feel free to e-mail us at any time to discuss your travel plans and get the accurate quotation.
Kilimanjaro Climb Includes:
- Hotel lodging the night before and the night after the climb (dinner and breakfast included) (double occupancy).
- Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents:
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides:
- Two nights hotel in Marangu
- All Park fees
- Rescue fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Arrival and Departure transfers
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs:
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food:
- Clean, purified drinking water:
- Private, portable chemical flush toilets:
- Crisis management and safety procedures:
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters:
- Summit Emergency Oxygen:
- Walking Poles
- Sleeping Mattress:
- Flying Doctor Service
Kilimanjaro Climb Excludes:
- Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not listed above
- Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)
- Tips and any items of personal nature.
