Posts in category: Mountain Trekking

Overviews:

Mt. Meru which is Tanzania’s second highest mountain standing tall at 4,566m. It is located in Arusha National Park and offers some of the most spectacular scenery and wildlife diversity of any mountain in Tanzania. Mt. Meru is a challenging trek due to its steepness, but is a great way to acclimattize before attempting Mt. Kilimanjaro. Climbers are accompanied by an armed ranger due to the abundance of wildlife on the lower slopes. Mt. Meru also has some historical significance to it whereby some have suggested that it was the resting place of Noah’s Ark when it came to rest after the biblical flood receded. Mt. Meru is a great trekking option for those who want to take on a climbing challenge and get the sense of being out in the wild, but are not quite ready to tackle Mt. Kilimanjaro.

 Trekking itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania at Kilimanjaro International Airport

On your arrival, you will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to a hotel in Arusha town; where you will meet a mountain guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gears. The missing gears can be hired on this day or on the next morning before leaving for Meru.

Hotel in Arusha: bed and breakfast included.

Day 2: Momella gate (1500m) to Miriakamba Hut (2500m)

You will depart the hotel at 0800hrs and head to the Momella gate which is the starting point of the trek. The drive to the gate is roughly an hour and a half. After the registration you will start your trek accompanied by an armed ranger. Along the route you will catch spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the Momella lakes. You will encounter animals such as cape buffaloes, giraffes, warthogs and bushbucks, to name a few. Your trek will end up at Miriakamba Hut where you will be spending the night.

Distance covered: 6km / 3.5miles

Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Day 3: Miriakamba Hut (2500m) to Saddle Hut (3500m)

Today’s trek takes you through the steep path along the ridge of the saddle. Amazing views of the Meru crater, the ash cone and little Meru can be seen along the way. While trekking through the forest keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and the attractive wild flowers. Common animals include buffaloes and the black and white Colobus monkey. Your trek will end up at Saddle hut where you will be spending the night. After resting at the camp you will set off on an hour acclimatization trek to little Meru (3810m) then head back down to Saddle hut.

Distance covered: 6.5km / 4miles

Approx. time taken: 3 – 4 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Overviews:

Mt. Meru which is Tanzania’s second highest mountain standing tall at 4,566m. It is located in Arusha National Park and offers some of the most spectacular scenery and wildlife diversity of any mountain in Tanzania. Mt. Meru is a challenging trek due to its steepness, but is a great way to acclimattize before attempting Mt. Kilimanjaro. Climbers are accompanied by an armed ranger due to the abundance of wildlife on the lower slopes. Mt. Meru also has some historical significance to it whereby some have suggested that it was the resting place of Noah’s Ark when it came to rest after the biblical flood receded. Mt. Meru is a great trekking option for those who want to take on a climbing challenge and get the sense of being out in the wild, but are not quite ready to tackle Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Trekking itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania at Kilimanjaro International Airport

On your arrival, you will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to a hotel in Arusha town; where you will meet a mountain guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gears. The missing gears can be hired on this day or on the next morning before leaving for Meru.

Hotel in Arusha: bed and breakfast included.

 Day 2: Momella gate (1500m) to Miriakamba Hut (2500m)

You will depart the hotel at 0800hrs and head to the Momella gate which is the starting point of the trek. The drive to the gate is roughly an hour and a half. After the registration you will start your trek accompanied by an armed ranger. Along the route you will catch spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the Momella lakes. You will encounter animals such as cape buffaloes, giraffes, warthogs and bushbucks, to name a few. Your trek will end up at Miriakamba Hut where you will be spending the night.

Distance covered: 6km / 3.5miles

Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Overviews:

The Kilimanjaro climb 8 days lemosho is the best for acclimatization. The remote is less used and beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau.
The minimum duration for the Lemosho route is 6 days, however we strongly recommend hiking the route in 8 days. The additional 8th day will give your body more time to acclimatize, reducing the effects of altitude sickness and give you more time to rest before attempting the summit

Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Londorossi Gate, Hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (3-hour drive). From here 4WD vehicle leads will pick you to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: LD
Budget Lodging: Mti Mkubwa Camp

Day 2: Hike Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge then gently downwards to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.
Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3500m/11,500ft
Distance: 8km/5miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Shira 1 Camp.

Day 3: Hike Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of hikes are available on the Plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day.
Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 8km/5miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Shira 2 Camp

Day 4: Hike Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp

From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elevation 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction, which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation, as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 8km/5miles
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Barranco Camp.

Day 5: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp.

After breakfast, we will leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and to the junction, which connects the Mweka Trail.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3miles
Hiking Time: 34 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Karanga Valley Camp

Day 6: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We continue up to the Barafu Camp. South Circuit will be completed, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Barafu Camp.

Day 7: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp

Very early in the morning, we will continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will have a short rest and rewarded most magnificent sunrise ever seen. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit (Uhuru Peak) highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro.
From the summit we begin to descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3miles up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Mweka Camp.

Day 8: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi

After breakfast we continue to descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
A vehicle will pick you at Mweka Gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha/Moshi (about 30 minutes).
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: B

Overviews:

If Marangu is the “Coca Cola” route, then the Machame Route is the “Whiskey” route. It is the second most popular and one of the most scenic routes on the mountain. It is done over 6 days, so acclimatization is easier, and the success rate is fairly high. It is for physically fit people with some hiking experience. Descent is down the Mweka trail staying at the Mweka or Millennium camp the final night on the mountain.

Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Machame Gate, Hike to Machame Camp.

Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain

We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft

Distance: 11km/7miles

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat; Montane Forest

Meals; LD

After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky

Day 2; Machame Camp to Shira Camp

After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on ascending path, crossing the valley path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.

Elevation; 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12600ft

Distance; 5km/3miles

Walking time; 4-5 hours

Habitat; moorland

Meals; BLD

Day 3; Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

From Shira plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the ‘’Sharks Tooth’ elevation 4650m/15250ft. shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you will end the day around the same elevation, as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Elevation; 3850m/12600ft to 4000m/13000ft

Distance; 10km/6miles

Walking time; 5-6 hours

Habitat; semi desert

Meals; BLD

Day 4; Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep up the Barranco Wall, through the Karanga Valley to the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp with views of the summit in the distance.

Elevation; 4000m/13000ft to 4700m/15350ft

Distance; 9km/6miles

Walking time; 6-8hours

Habitat; Alpine desert

Meals; BLD

Day 5; Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp

Very early in the morning, we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy stone scree towards Stella point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise ever seen. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro.

From the summit we will descend down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

Elevation; 4700m/15350ft to 5895 to 19340ft

Down to 3090m/10150ft

Distance; km/3miles up to 13km/8miles down

Hiking time; 5-7hours up/5-6 hours down

Habitat; Stone scree and ice –capped summit

Meals; BLD

Day 6; Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi

After breakfast we continue to descend down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

Our vehicles will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes).

Elevation; 3090m/10150ft to 1680m/5500ft

Distance; 10km/6miles

Hiking time; 3-4 hours

Habitat; forest

Meals; B

Overviews:

Marangu – or “Coca-Cola” – route is rightfully popular amongst Kilimanjaro climbers. It is unique in that it provides extra comfort with its permanent huts. Fabulous vistas of Kilimanjaro Mawenzi and Kibo peaks are an added advantage of Coca-Cola Route! Marangu Route offers 6 and 5-day itineraries, the latter being the way to go for experienced trekkers. The 6 days Marangu Route itinerary with its longer acclimatization is preferable if this is to be your first climb. Those who climb Kilimanjaro on Marangu can look forward to a trek that covers the distance of 64 km (40 miles) with comfortable conditions resulting in a 92% success rate for the longer program.

Day 1 Kilimanjaro National Park to Mandara Hut

After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro national park gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the climb. Walk through Rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.

Elevation; 1860m/6100ft to 2700/8875ft

Distance; 8km/5miles

Hiking time; 3-4 hours

Habitat; Montane forest

Meals; LD

Day 2; Hike Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

You leave the glades of the rain forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to Horombo encampment. Views of the Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin feel the affects of the altitude.

Elevation; 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12200ft

Distance; 12km/7.5miles

Hiking time; 5-6hours

Habitat; health land

Meals; BLD

Day 3; Hike Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of the Kilimanjaro between the peaks of the Kibo and Mawenzi vegetation begins with upper health land but then disappear into ‘’moonscape’’. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.

Elevation; 3700m/12200ft to 4700m/15500ft

Distance; 9km/5.5miles

Hiking time; 5-6 hours

Habitat; Alpine Desert

Meals; BLD

Day 4; Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning, commence the climb to the summit on the steep and heavy snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim, and then we will ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on the Horombo encampment.

The begging of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly ‘’pole pole’’ and optimistic attitude will get you there!

Elevation; 4700m/15500ft to 5895m/19340ft

Down to 3700m/12200ft

Distance; 6km/4miles up/15km/miles down

Hiking time; 6-8 hours up/15km/9miles down

Habitat; alpine desert

Meals; BLD

Day 5; Hike Horombo Hut to Mandara Hut

After breakfast, a descent takes us down through Moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National park gate at Marangu. At lower elevation it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help.

Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hr drive).

Elevation; 3700m/12200ft to 1700m/5500ft

Distance; 20km/12.5miles

Hiking time; 4-5 hours

Habitat; Forest

Meals; B