Climb the famous Kilimanjaro mountain and visit Mount Meru
Kilimanjaro is undeniably one of the most popular mountains in the world! It is one of the ‘7 summits’ as it is the tallest mountain in Africa (5,895m), and also the tallest freestanding mountain in the world (4,900m prominence from its base).
On this trek you will your climb up Kilimanjaro with an ascent of Mt Meru – the 5th tallest mountain in Africa (4,566m). The ascent up Mt Meru is deemed by many to be an amazing experience in itself, with incredible views and beautiful trails to be enjoyed.
Limited places available for a group of 16.
Inclusions:
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Internal Transfers
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Accommodation throughout – Hotel, Huts & Camping
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All food whilst on the trek
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Trekking & Park Permits
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Trekking Staff
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LMG Trek Manager
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Team t-shirt
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Medical Kit and Portable Altitude Chamber carried on the expedition
Exclusions
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International Flights from your destination country
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Personal Trekking Insurance – To cover trekking to 5,895m. This is mandatory to join us on a trip.
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Tips for the trekking team (Roughly $300)
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All meals outside off the mountain
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Tanzania Entry Visa £50
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Souvenirs
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Additional food and beverages
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Personal trekking kit (Boots,rucksacks etc)
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Services and Accommodation not included in the planned itinerary.
Your trip
Days 2-4 will be spent completing Mt Meru, during which the accommodation is mountain huts. On Day 2 we head from the Marangu gate (1,500m ASL) into the acacia forest on the southern route. On the way there is every chance you will see a wide range of wildlife, from Elephants, Wildebeest, Giraffes and Zebras through to various primates and a wide range of bird species. After a picnic lunch, the trek continues to the well known ‘Fig Tree Arch’, and soon after we reach the Miriakamba Hut (2,500m ASL) where we’ll spend the night, duration of 4-5 Hours.
Day 3 will see you leave the rainforest environment for moorland. The trails are steep, but this aids progress getting up the peak at least. After a couple of hours trekking we reach a great viewpoint known as Mgongo Wa Tembo (3,200m ASL) where we take a good rest. By midday Saddle Hut (3,550m ASL) is reached. The afternoon will see us push the height a little higher as we hike to the top of Little Meru (3,820m ASL) which will aid our acclimatisation, and provide some fantastic views of the National Park, and Kilimanjaro itself. We return back to Saddle Hut and spend our last night on Meru. Duration 3-4 Hours
Day 4 is a big day, and will be the first test of your fitness and resolve. A 2am departure from Saddle Hut sees us first head for Rhino Point (3,821 ASL), after which the trail gets more challenging. After 4-5 Hours we’ll finally reach Socialist Peak, the true summit of Mt Meru. If we’re lucky we’ll be able to witness the sun rising beyond Kilimanjaro. From the summit we descend the same route back to Saddle Hut, and then after a short break we continue down to the Momella Gate. This day could be anywhere from 11 to 15 hours long. From the gate we will be transferred to our hotel for the night where we can grab some much needed rest.
Day 5 is a complete rest day to enable you to prepare for Phase 2 of the expedition Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route
Day 6 will start by us being transported to the Machame Gate. Once through the entry point we trek for between 5-7 hours to the Machame Camp (3,026m ASL)
Throughout Day 7 we leave the rainforest behind and ascend steeply onto the Shira Plateau. Looking back we’ll be able to see our previous objective of Mt Meru rising above Arusha Town. We spend the night at the Shira Cave Camp (3,840m ASL). This day involves 5-7 hours hiking.
The character of the trek is changed on day 8 as the terrain becomes far more desolate. We climb high, passing the Lava Tower and crossing the last part of the Western Breach. Much of the day is spent walking above 4,500m, By the time we get to Baranco Camp you’ll be sleeping just below 4,000m ASL. This day involves 6-8 hours walking.
Day 9 is all about getting set for the summit bid that occurs on day 10. The day involves steep trails across scree up to Barafu Camp, as well as the amazing Barranco Wall, one of the highlights of the trip. The Barranco wall is a steeper section that at times requires very easy scrambling to make safe passage. There is an element of exposure at times but the guiding team will be there to support you through it. (4,673m ASL). You’ll get an early dinner and then it’s time to rest ahead of the big day. This day has 8-10 hours hiking.
Day 10 begins at midnight. The summit attempt starts steeply and you’ll climb to the crater rim over the course of 4-5 hours. As sun breaks the horizon you will hopefully be at Stella Point (5,739m ASL). The effort is rewarded with fantastic views, particularly of the ice cliffs within the crater, and also the jagged Mawenzi Peak. Another hour of hiking will get you to the true summit of Kilimanjaro, known as Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
From the summit we’ll first return to Stella Point, and then turn down the scree to Barafu Camp for breakfast. After this break, the hiking continues as we continue our descent down to Millenium Camp (3,800 ASL). This day can take anywhere between 8-12 hours, and involves roughly 1200m ascent, and 2000m descent!
Day 11 is the final day on the trail, and thankfully after 8 days of hiking a relatively gentle one. We re-enter the rainforest and head back to the Mweka Gate over the course of 5-7 hours. We are met by our transfers and taken back to the hotel in Moshi where we can shower and celebrate the expedition.
Day 12 is the final day of the trip and we’ll get you transferred back to the airport in time for your departure.
