Kilimanjaro Join with Friends
- Trip Overview
- Trip Itinerary
What's included
- All meals included
- Entrance tickets to monuments and museums
- Lunch box
- Oxygen Cylinder
- Professionally guided tour
- Tips to guide and driver
- Tips to mountain crew
- Airport pick up and drop off
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Laundry Services
- Personal expenses
Meru 4 Days Machame 8 Days Itinerary
The Mount Meru 4 Days and Machame Route 8 Days Trek is an unforgettable 12-day Tanzania mountain adventure combining the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Mount Meru with the iconic ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The adventure begins with a four-day climb of Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest mountain, before continuing to Mount Kilimanjaro for an eight-day ascent via the scenic Machame Route. This combination offers an opportunity to experience two of Tanzania’s most remarkable mountains while enjoying diverse landscapes, high-altitude trekking and spectacular mountain views.
Mount Meru reaches approximately 4,566 metres (14,980 feet), while Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro stands at 5,895 metres (19,341 feet). The combination provides a challenging progression from one volcanic summit to another and is particularly attractive to trekkers looking for an extended Tanzanian mountain experience.
4 Days Mount Meru Trek
Route: Momella Gate → Miriakamba Hut → Saddle Hut → Socialist Peak → Miriakamba → Momella Gate
Located within Arusha National Park, Mount Meru is a spectacular volcanic mountain characterized by a dramatic crater, steep cliffs and a distinctive summit ridge.
The four-day Meru trek takes you through several different natural environments, beginning in lush forest before progressing toward open moorland and the high-altitude volcanic landscape.
Mount Meru is also situated in an area where wildlife can be encountered. The lower slopes may offer opportunities to see animals and birds associated with Arusha National Park. Because of the wildlife environment, trekking groups are accompanied by a park ranger where required.
The summit, known as Socialist Peak, reaches approximately 4,566 metres and provides impressive views into the crater and surrounding landscapes. On clear days, trekkers may also see Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.
8 Days Kilimanjaro – Machame Route
The 8-day Machame itinerary provides a gradual approach to Kilimanjaro. Standard Machame climbs use tents, and the route passes through rainforest, moorland, the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco, Karanga and Barafu before the summit and descent via Mweka.
After completing Mount Meru, the adventure continues to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.
The Machame Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the south and is renowned for its spectacular scenery and varied terrain. It passes through several ecological zones, creating a constantly changing mountain environment.
The eight-day program allows the climb to develop gradually, with time spent at different elevations before reaching the summit zone. The route features rainforest, heath and moorland, the Shira Plateau, volcanic terrain and the high alpine environment surrounding the summit.
The ultimate objective is Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, the highest point in Africa.
Landscapes and Ecological Zones
One of the greatest attractions of this adventure is the variety of landscapes encountered.
Mount Meru begins in a relatively lush environment, with forest and wildlife-rich surroundings. As elevation increases, the vegetation becomes shorter and the landscape more open, eventually leading into the rugged volcanic environment around the summit.
The Machame Route provides another remarkable transition. The trail progresses from tropical rainforest into heath and moorland, followed by the open Shira Plateau and increasingly barren alpine terrain.
At the highest elevations, the environment becomes cold, dry and rocky, with very limited vegetation.
Wildlife Experience
The Mount Meru section offers an additional wildlife dimension because the mountain lies within Arusha National Park.
Depending on conditions and location, trekkers may encounter wildlife such as giraffes, buffaloes, antelope, monkeys and a wide variety of birds.
Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, and visitors must maintain a safe distance from animals and follow the instructions of guides and park authorities.
The Kilimanjaro climb is primarily focused on the mountain environment, with wildlife becoming increasingly scarce as altitude increases.
Important Altitude Considerations
The combination of Meru followed by Kilimanjaro gives you additional time trekking at altitude, but it does not guarantee protection from altitude sickness. Altitude affects people differently.
The key principles are to walk slowly, stay hydrated, eat adequately, sleep as much as possible and immediately tell your guide about symptoms such as persistent headache, vomiting, severe dizziness, confusion, unusual breathlessness or significant deterioration.
The 8-day Machame schedule is deliberately more gradual than shorter versions, with several opportunities for acclimatization.
Why this itinerary works as one combined expedition
Mount Meru gives you an initial mountain experience before Kilimanjaro, including a summit at 4,566 m, hut-based nights and a substantial pre-dawn climb. You then transition to the longer Machame route, which progressively takes you from rainforest to high alpine terrain and ultimately to 5,895 m.
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- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
- Day 6
- Day 7
- Day 8
- Day 9
- Day 10
- Day 11
- Day 12
Momella Gate – Miriakamba Hut
Altitude: approximately 1,500 m → 2,514 m Hiking time: 4–6 hours Distance: approximately 10 km Accommodation: Miriakamba Hut Meals: Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, depart from Moshi or Arusha and drive to Momella Gate, the starting point of the Mount Meru trek.
After registration and meeting the mountain ranger, begin walking through the open grasslands and forest of Arusha National Park. Wildlife such as giraffes, buffalo, warthogs and various bird species may be encountered along the way.
The trail gradually enters montane forest before reaching Miriakamba Hut, situated at approximately 2,514 m. Enjoy dinner and rest overnight.
Miriakamba Hut – Saddle Hut
Altitude: 2,514 m → 3,570 m Hiking time: 3–5 hours Distance: approximately 6–8 km Accommodation: Saddle Hut Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, continue climbing through montane forest. The vegetation gradually changes as you gain altitude, with giant heather and moorland becoming more prominent.
Arrive at Saddle Hut, located between Mount Meru and Little Meru.
After lunch, an optional acclimatization hike can be made toward Little Meru, around 3,800 m. This short additional climb gives you an opportunity to gain more altitude and enjoy panoramic views before returning to Saddle Hut.
Saddle Hut – Socialist Peak – Miriakamba Hut
Altitude: 3,570 m → 4,566 m → 2,514 m Hiking time: approximately 10–12 hours Accommodation: Miriakamba Hut Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This is the summit day.
Wake around midnight and have a light snack or tea before beginning the climb in darkness. The trail ascends toward Rhino Point and follows the spectacular crater-rim ridge.
The higher section is rocky and exposed in places, requiring careful footing. Continue toward Socialist Peak, the summit of Mount Meru, reaching approximately 4,566 m around sunrise.
From the summit, weather permitting, you may have impressive views toward Mount Kilimanjaro, the surrounding landscape and the Meru crater.
After celebrating at the summit, descend to Saddle Hut for breakfast and then continue down to Miriakamba Hut. This is a long and demanding day, so an early night is recommended.
Miriakamba Hut – Momella Gate – Moshi/Arusha
Altitude: 2,514 m → approximately 1,500 m Hiking time: 2–3 hours Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
After breakfast, begin the final descent through the forest toward Momella Gate.
You may encounter more wildlife along the lower section of the trail. At the gate, complete the park formalities and transfer by vehicle to Moshi or Arusha.
Machame Gate – Machame Camp
Altitude: approximately 1,800 m → 3,000 m Hiking time: 5–7 hours Distance: approximately 11 km Accommodation: Machame Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, drive to Machame Gate for registration and preparation.
Begin trekking through the lush Kilimanjaro rainforest. The trail gradually climbs through dense vegetation, with the possibility of seeing monkeys and numerous bird species.
Continue at a steady pace until reaching Machame Camp, where the mountain crew will have prepared your tents.
Dinner and overnight at Machame Camp.
Machame Camp – Shira Camp
Altitude: approximately 3,000 m → 3,800 m Hiking time: 4–6 hours Distance: approximately 5 km Accommodation: Shira Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Leave the rainforest behind as the landscape changes to moorland and heath.
The trail becomes more open, providing increasingly impressive views across the surrounding landscape. Continue toward the Shira Plateau and Shira Camp.
The pace remains deliberately slow to allow your body to adjust to increasing altitude.
Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
Altitude: approximately 3,800 m → 4,630 m → 3,960 m Hiking time: 6–8 hours Accommodation: Barranco Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This is an important acclimatization day.
The trail crosses the Shira Plateau toward Lava Tower, reaching approximately 4,630 m. Spending time at higher altitude before descending to Barranco follows the principle of “climb high, sleep low.”
After Lava Tower, descend toward the spectacular Barranco Valley.
The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, with views of Kilimanjaro's volcanic formations and the surrounding valleys.
Arrive at Barranco Camp for dinner and overnight.
Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
Altitude: approximately 3,960 m → 4,000 m Hiking time: 4–5 hours Accommodation: Karanga Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, begin the famous ascent of the Barranco Wall.
The climb involves sections where you use your hands for balance, but it is generally a trekking route rather than technical rock climbing.
At the top of the wall, enjoy impressive views before continuing through alpine terrain toward Karanga Valley.
Arrive at Karanga Camp, have dinner and rest.
Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
Altitude: approximately 4,000 m → 4,673 m Hiking time: 3–5 hours Accommodation: Barafu Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The trail climbs steadily through high-altitude desert toward Barafu Camp, the principal base for the summit attempt.
This is a relatively short trekking day, allowing time to rest and prepare for the summit.
Your guide will normally provide a briefing about the summit schedule, clothing, equipment, hydration and pacing.
Have an early dinner and get as much sleep as possible before the midnight/early-morning summit attempt.
Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
Altitude: 4,673 m → 5,895 m → approximately 3,100 m Hiking time: approximately 12–15 hours Accommodation: Mweka Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This is the most challenging and important day of the trek.
Wake around midnight and begin the climb toward the summit. The trail ascends slowly over steep scree toward Stella Point, located on the crater rim.
Continue along the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m, the highest point in Africa.
After reaching the summit, spend a short time taking photographs and appreciating the views before beginning the descent.
Return toward Barafu, rest briefly, collect your equipment and continue descending toward Mweka Camp.
The descent provides welcome relief from the high altitude, although the total day is physically demanding.
Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi
Altitude: approximately 3,100 m → 1,640 m Hiking time: 3–5 hours Accommodation: Moshi hotel Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
After breakfast, begin the final descent through Kilimanjaro's lush lower forest.
Reach Mweka Gate, where you complete the final park procedures and receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate, subject to the applicable park requirements.
Meet your vehicle and transfer to Moshi.
Enjoy a well-earned shower, dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Departure day
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or continue with your onward Tanzania safari, Zanzibar holiday or other travel arrangements.
