11 Days Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro Climb
Experience two of Tanzania’s greatest mountains in one carefully designed adventure. Begin with a 4-day ascent of Mount Meru (4,566 m), a striking volcanic peak set inside Arusha National Park, then continue to Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) via the highly regarded 7-day Machame Route. Climbing Meru first gives your body valuable time to adjust to altitude, which markedly improves the odds of standing on Uhuru Peak. Meru itself is far more than a warm-up. Its steep ridges, dramatic collapsed crater, changing vegetation belts, and frequent wildlife sightings—giraffe, buffalo, baboons and more—create a memorable and challenging trek that often feels more alpine than many routes on its taller neighbour. Clear-day views of Kilimanjaro rising in the distance add extra inspiration. The subsequent 7-day Machame itinerary (sometimes called the “Whiskey Route”) is widely considered the ideal balance of scenery, challenge and acclimatization. An extra night at Karanga Camp allows better recovery before the summit push, while the route itself showcases rainforest, open moorland, the famous Barranco Wall, and sweeping alpine desert views. Nights on Meru are spent in mountain huts; on Kilimanjaro you sleep in tents.
4-Day Mount Meru + 7-Day Kilimanjaro Combo Trek (Machame Route)
Day 1: Momella Gate (1,500 m) to Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m)
Transfer from your hotel to Arusha National Park. After registration and meeting your armed ranger and crew, hike through grassland and montane forest. Cross the Ngare Nanyuki River, pass Mayo Falls and the Arched Fig Tree, and watch for giraffe, buffalo, baboons, and other wildlife. Arrive at Miriakamba Hut after 4–6 hours (approx. 10–13 km, +1,000 m).
Overnight: Miriakamba Hut | Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 1 Trek Overview
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 6 km (4 miles)
Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) to Saddle Hut (3,570 m) + optional Little Meru (3,820 m)
Climb through dense forest with mosses and lichens, then steeper sections with wooden steps. Pause at Mgongo wa Tembo (Elephant Ridge) for superb crater views. The landscape shifts to heath and bushland before reaching Saddle Hut (3–5 hours, approx. 6–8 km, +1,055 m). After lunch and rest, an optional 1–1.5 hour round-trip to Little Meru provides extra acclimatization and views toward Kilimanjaro.
Overnight: Saddle Hut | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 Trek Overview
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Habitat: Heath
Day 3: Saddle Hut (3,570 m) to Socialist Peak (4,566 m) and back to Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m)
Pre-dawn start (around 2 a.m.) by headlamp. Climb to Rhino Point, then follow the narrow north ridge with short scrambling sections to the summit for sunrise. Enjoy dramatic views of the crater, Kilimanjaro, and the surrounding plains. Descend to Saddle Hut for lunch, then continue to Miriakamba Hut (total 10–14 hours, approx. 15–19 km).
Overnight: Miriakamba Hut | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Trek Overview
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 11 km (7 miles)
Habitat: Heath
Day 4: Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) to Momella Gate (1,500 m)
Descend via the northern route through forest and open plains, with further wildlife opportunities. Reach Momella Gate in 2–4 hours (approx. 10–13 km). Transfer to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for rest and preparation for Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 Trek Overview
Moir Hut to Lava Tower
Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 7 km (4 miles) to Lava Tower, 3 km (2 miles) to Barranco
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Kilimanjaro – 7 Days (Machame Route)
Day 5: Machame Gate (1,800 m) to Machame Camp (3,000 m)
Transfer to Machame Gate for registration. Trek through lush montane rainforest (possibly muddy and slippery). Arrive at Machame Camp after 5–7 hours (approx. 11 km, +1,200 m).
Overnight: Machame Camp (tent) | Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Trek Overview
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Machame Camp (3,000 m) to Shira Camp (3,840 m)
Leave the forest for heath and moorland. Ascend a steep rocky ridge onto the Shira Plateau with expanding views of Kibo. Reach Shira Camp after 4–6 hours (approx. 5 km, +840 m).
Overnight: Shira Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Trek Overview
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 4 km (2 miles)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 7: Shira Camp (3,840 m) to Lava Tower (4,600 m) to Barranco Camp (3,950 m)
Important acclimatization day: climb high to Lava Tower for lunch, then descend into the Barranco Valley beneath the imposing Barranco Wall (“climb high, sleep low”). 6–8 hours, approx. 10 km.
Overnight: Barranco Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Trek Overview
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 5 km (3 miles) ascent, 12 km (7 miles) descent
Habitat: Arctic (ascent), Rain Forest (descent)
Day 8: Barranco Camp (3,950 m) to Karanga Camp (4,040 m)
Scramble up the famous Barranco Wall, then traverse scenic ridges and the Karanga Valley. A shorter day that aids further acclimatization (4–5 hours, approx. 5 km).
Overnight: Karanga Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Trek Overview
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 9: Karanga Camp (4,040 m) to Barafu Camp (4,600 m)
Continue steadily through alpine desert to Barafu Camp, the final base before summit night. Rest early after 3–4 hours (approx. 4 km).
Overnight: Barafu Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Trek Overview
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 10: Barafu Camp (4,600 m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) and down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
Midnight departure for the summit. Ascend steep scree to Stella Point on the crater rim, then continue to Uhuru Peak for sunrise—the highest point in Africa. After celebrating, descend all the way to Mweka Camp (total 12–16 hours, approx. 17–20 km).
Overnight: Mweka Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Trek Overview
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 11: Mweka Camp (3,100 m) to Mweka Gate (1,600 m)
Final descent through rainforest to the gate (3–5 hours, approx. 10 km). Collect summit certificates, say goodbye to the mountain crew, and transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 Trek Overview
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Habitat: Rain Forest
Meru + Kilimanjaro Highlights and Tips
This carefully paced combination maximizes acclimatization through Meru and the extra day on the 7-day Machame Route, delivers outstanding scenery and wildlife, and offers two unforgettable African summit experiences in one journey.
Book Your Kilimanjaro Trek!