Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro

A stunning combination climbing Meru and Kilimanjaro - Acclimatisation trek on Mount Meru - Trekking across the quiet Shira plateau route on Kilimanjaro - Game drive in the Arusha National Park

Starting with a trek to the summit of Mount Meru we acclimatise before moving on to climb Africa's highest mountain, Kilimanjaro. Flying in to Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania, gives us speedy access to the comfortable Momella Lodge, which lies beneath the striking rocky summit of Mount Meru (4566m / 14976ft). Our ascent of this dormant volcano involves a wonderful 4-day trek, leading through pleasant game-filled parkland and then bamboo forest and moorland, to the dramatic crater rim. Here, we can look across with a sense of anticipation to snow-capped Kilimanjaro, 70 kilometres/50 miles away to the east. Before transferring to Kilimanjaro, we go on a game drive in the Arusha National Park, an outstandingly beautiful nature reserve where we can expect to see elephant, buffalo, giraffe, antelope and numerous bird species. Having acclimatised on Meru, we will be in good shape to enjoy the ascent of Kilimanjaro, following the picturesque and relatively little-used Shira Route. Above the Baranco Hut, we join the Machame route and ascend directly to the 'Roof of Africa'.

We also offer 2 alternative treks to Kilimanjaro: a 9 day (8 days land only) ascent of Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route or a 17 day (15 days land only) trip climbing Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro. View website for details.

Trip Guide
Kilimanjaro is a big mountain and via the trekking route that we have chosen to undertake involves around 4000 metres of ascent in just 6 days. To make this a reasonable proposition, we have included the ascent of Mount Meru. Although this does help greatly with acclimatisation, it also adds around 2500 metres to the total height gain on the trip. As a further acclimatisation exercise during the Kilimanjaro ascent, we have included a rest day on the Shira Plateau at 3800 metres. Generally, there are excellent trails to follow, although on the upper parts (summit days) of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro we will have to negotiate some sections of loose scree and there will also be some snow and ice on the mountain's crater rim. The very long summit day on Kilimanjaro will provide a test for anyone, as much for the very long descent.

Kilimanjaro Porter Assistance Project
We also make every effort to look after our local crews, who are, of course, fundamental to the success of our Kilimanjaro holidays. KE works with the Kilimanjaro Porter Assistance Project and, in recognition of the quality of care we provide for our local staff, we are listed as a partner on the International Mountain Explorers Connection website.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1: Rendezvous at the group hotel. Complimentary airport transfers are provided. (Clients arriving earlier transfer to Arusha to wait for transfer). KE group package services begin with evening meal.

Day 2: First day of trek on Mount Meru, through grassland and then climbing gradually into the rainforest, takes us to our overnight stop at the Miriakamba Hut. Optional hike to crater floor.

Day 3: Trek through forest and high grassland to the Saddle Hut (3570m), on a wide col between the slopes of Meru and Little Meru. A short walk to the summit of Little Meru is rewarding for the views.

Day 4: Early start for the walk to Mount Meru's summit (4566m), with the aim of watching sunrise over Kilimanjaro and the African plains. We enjoy the sunshine before descending to Miriakamba Hut.

Day 5: Descend to the park gate and transfer to Momella Lodge in time for lunch. Afternoon game drive in the Arusha National Park.

Day 6: Drive to the Londorossi Gate on Kilimanjaro. We start walking late afternoon through plantation pine forest and heather moorland. Arrive at our camp at Miti Kubwa (Big Tree) late afternoon.

Day 7: Today, we trek across the attractive moorland of the Shira plateau, passing the Shira Hut and setting up camp about an hour beyond the hut. Camp (3800m).

Day 8: Walking across the high plateau, with the option to hike up to the Shira Needle en route, the moorland gives way to rocky alpine desert as we near the Baranco Hut (3950m) and our next camp close to the hut.

Day 9: A short day today, as we take the steep trail that crosses the Baranco Wall, then follow an undulating path on the south side of Uhuru Peak to our camp in the Karanga Valley (4000m). Time to rest and explore, with views of the Southern Icefield.

Day 10: A short day, but involving a steady climb across a rugged volcanic wilderness, with patches of vegetation, including giant lobelias. We overnight at a camp near the Barafu Hut (4600m), with Kibo rising above us to the north.

Day 11: An early start to climb to the crater rim at Stella Point. Following the crater rim we ascend to Uhuru Peak (5894m) to the highest point of all Africa. We descend to Mweka Camp (2950m).

Day 12: Descend through rainforest to the roadhead. Drive to the group hotel in Moshi (day room) where there will be time to wash.KE complimentary transfer to the airport, where KE group package services end.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

During this trip the group will spend two nights at the comfortable Momella Lodge beneath Mount Meru. At the end of the trip, the group will have the use of day rooms at the Hotel Impala Kilimanjaro in Arusha. Whilst on trek there will be a total of 9 nights camping.