Climbing at Kilimanjaro

The Mount Kilimanjaro is the Roof of Africa, and the highest freestanding mountain in the word, with an altitude of 5,895m. Every year thousands of people from different country come to Tanzania to climb the Kilimanjaro Mountain. For these we are here to offer you our guides, assistance and expertise to reach the top of the mountain. We experience and walk on Kilimanjaro every day… and you?

How you can reach the top of the mountain Kilimanjaro, the following below are the routes that can guide to reach that the top.

Marangu Route
(Coca-cola route)

The Marangu Route is one of the most popular routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro. This is the shortest route and can be climbed in just 5 days, but we suggest to spend few more days for acclimatization.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Marangu Route

Hiking Kilimanjaro following Marangu Route Known by many as the “Coca-cola route”, Marangu is by far the most popular route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. This is the shortest route and can be climbed in just 5 days, but extending this trekking to 6 days does greatly increase your chance of summiting successfully. The main difference compared to the other routes is the hut accommodations rather than the mobile tents. Our experienced team will answer any of your queries as they arise.

Day 1 - Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport
Pick up at Kilimanjaro airport and transfer to the hotel by private car.

Day 2 - Marangu Gate (1. 870 m.) to Mandara Hut (2.700 m.) HIKING TIME: APPROX 4-6 HOURS DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 8 KILOMETRES HABITAT: MONTAIN FOREST After breakfast your guides will come to collect you and you will drive 45 minutes from the lodge to Marangu village/gate. After registering at the gate you will begin by entering the rain forest. The misty forest will provide you with ample opportunity to sight some of Kilimanjaro’s animals. You will spend your first night at the Mandara hut, which is a group of wooden A-framed huts in a forest clearing. Each hut features 6-8 sleeping bunks with solar generated lighting. The total capacity of the camp is 60 climbers. Water is piped into the camp from springs above and there are flush toilets behind the main hut.

Day 3 - Mandara Hut (2.700m.) to Horombo Hut (3.720m.) HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATELY 6-8 HOURS DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 11.5 KILOMETERS HABITAT: MOORLAND From Mandara you will walk along the short stretch of forest, to the base of the Maundi Crater then emerge into the moorland. At this point you can decide to make a short, but recommended detour to scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater for your first really impressive view of the Kibo Crater. The open moorland provides you with time to see Kilimanjaro's most spectacular plants, our guides will point these out to you. After about 6 hours from here you reach the Horombo hut, where you will have hot washing water, a hearty meal and a good night’s rest.

Day 4 - Horombo Hut (3.720m.) - Acclimatization day HIKING TIME: OPTIONAL 4.5 HOURS ACTIVITY: OPTIONAL HIKE PAST ZEBRA ROCKS TO ASSIST WITH ACCLIMITISATION Horombo hut is a cluster of huts perched on a small plateau, with structures similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers! The atmosphere at this stop is exciting; you will meet many people from all around the world all trying to summit or who have already conquered the mighty mountain. This extra day and night is for additional acclimatisation. We offer an additional walk towards the Mawenzi hut, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1,5 hours down), to further assist with the process of acclimatisation. Your day will end with another delicious meal and an early night, enabling you to get enough rest.

Day 5 - Horombo Hut (3.720m.) to Kibo Hut (4.700m.) HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATLY 5-7 HOURS DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 10 KILOMETRES HABITAT: ALPINE DESERT After breakfast you continue to trek through the alpine desert habitat. From Horombo there are two trails to the "Saddle" (which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo). There is an upper route (right hand fork) and lower route (left hand fork) to choose from. The upper route (right hand fork) will be very familiar, as you will have climbed most of it the previous day towards Mawenzi hut. It is very stony and eroded. The recommended lower route (left hand fork) is much easier and nearly an hour shorter. From Kibo hut, the summit is only 1,195m above you and you will make your final ascent the same night. The team will help you to prepare your equipment and clothing for your summit attempt. You will go to bed at round at about 19h00 and try to get some precious rest and sleep.

Day 6 - Kibo Hut (4.700m.) to Uhuru Peak (5.895m.) to Horombo Hut (3.720m.) HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATELY 6-8 HOURS TO REACH UHURU PEAK AND ANOTHER 5-8 TO DESCEND TO HOROMBO DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 5.5 KILOMETRES ASCENT – AND A FURTHER 15 KILOMETRES DESCENT HABITAT: STONE SCREE AND ICE-CAPPED SUMMIT At about 23h30 you will be awoken to some tea and biscuits and will make a move into the night. You will head to Hans Meyer cave (5,150m). The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5,681m) on the crater rim. Many climbers find this walk the most mentally and physically challenging aspect of the climb. From Stella Point you will normally encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa and an achievement you will remember for the rest of your life. The walk back to Kibo hut from the summit, takes about 3 hours. Here you will have a well-earned but short rest and collect the rest of your gear, before heading down to Horombo hut. The route is not difficult and will take you down the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest. Here you will rest and feel proud of your achievement.

Day 7 - Horombo Hut (3.720m.) to Marangu Gate (1.870m.) HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATELY 6-8 HOURS DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 20 KILOMETRES HABITAT: FOREST After an early and well-deserved breakfast, you will continue a 6 hour descent passing Mandara hut, and down to the Marangu gate. Here you will receive your certificates; those climbers who reached Gillman’s point (5,681m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5,895m) receive gold certificates. You will be picked up and brought back to lodge for a warm welcome, a cold celebratory drink and a hearty meal.

Day 8 - Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport After breakfast transfer to Kilimanjaro airport by private car.

Machame Route
(Whiskey route)

Many people say this is the most beautiful route and your efforts will be rewarded by an impressive view from the top of Kilimanjaro which is not seen on the other routes. It’s the path for the most adventurous hikers.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Machame Route

Hiking Kilimanjaro following Machame Route Many say this is the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro, your efforts will be rewarded with a unique scenic splendour that is not seen on the other commonly traversed routes. This route is often referred to as the “Whiskey route" is better suited to the slightly more adventurous hiker. Unlike the Marangu route, in which you sleep in huts, you will sleep in tents on this route the Machame. However all your equipment and supplied will be carried up the mountain by our friendly porters and delicious meals will be made for you each day. Most climbers choose to use 6 days to climb (although an additional acclimatisation day can be included on request). Acclimatisation is the key to success with this mountain and on this route we climb high to the lava tower (4,630m) on day three and then come back down by nearly 700m to overnight, this helps you to acclimatise even better.

Day 1 - Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport Pick up at Kilimanjaro airport and transfer to the hotel by private car.

Day 2 - MACHAME GATE (3020M) to MACHAME CAMP (2850M) HIKING TIME: APPROX 5-6 HOURS DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 11 KILOMETRES HABITAT: MOUNTAIN FOREST After breakfast your guides will come to collect you and you will drive to Machame village/gate. After registering at the gate you will begin by entering the rain forest. Living up to its name, there is a strong possibility of rain in the forest, which will transform the trail into a very soggy, muddy and slippery experience. You will have a welcome packed lunch stop about half way and will reach the Machame camping area in the late afternoon. The crew will set everything out at your campsite and all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the great outdoors.

Day 3 - MACHAME CAMP (3020M) to SHIRA CAMP (3750M) HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATELY 4-5 HOURS DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 5 KILOMETERS HABITAT: MOORLAND After an early breakfast you will climb for an hour or so to the top of the forest and then for 2 hours at a gentler gradient through the moorland zone. After a short lunch and rest, you will continue up a rocky ridge onto the stunning Shira plateau, due west of Kibo, from which you will be able to see the breath-taking glaciers. After a short hike you will reach the Shira campsite at 3,840m. The climbing crew will provide you with a tasty meal and you will then have plenty of time to sit back and relax.

Day 4 - SHIRA (AT 3750M) to LAVA TOWER (AT 4.600M) to BARRANCO CAMP (AT 3.940M) HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATLEY 6-8 HOURS DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 10 KILOMETRES HABITAT: SEMI-DESERT The route now turns east into a semi desert and rocky landscape surrounding Lava Tower. After lunch you will climb a rocky scree path to the Lava Tower (4630m). This five hour walk will probably be your hardest day so far and some climbers may begin to feel the altitude. However our experienced team will coach you through the symptoms and provide you with all the advice and support you need. After lunch you descend again by almost 680m to the Barranco camping area, whilst it may seem illogical to be going down at this point, you will quickly appreciate its true acclimatisation benefit. This descent to Barranco camp takes about 2 hours and offers great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The camp is situated in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while you wait for the preparation of your dinner.

Day 5 - BARRANCO CAMP (3.980M) to KARANGA CAMP (3995M) HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATLY 4-5 HOURS DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 6 KILOMETRES HABITAT: ALPINE DESERT Your day begins by tackling the awesome obstacle of the Great Barranco Wall. Whilst initially an imposing site, its climb is invariably easier than anticipated. You will quickly appreciate how beautiful the mighty Kilimanjaro is when you reach the bottom of the Heim Glacier. You will then head down to the Karanga Valley. This is a short walking day, but we recommend doing a short acclimatisation hike to the scree below the glaciers in the afternoon.

Day 6 - KARANGA CAMP (3995M) to BARAFU CAMP (4.673M) HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATLY 2-3 HOURS DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 4 KILOMETRES HABITAT: ALPINE DESERT This next day is similarly a short hike (approx. 3-4hrs). You will make your way over the ridges and valleys, and join up with the Mweka route. After another hour or so, you reach Barafu (Swahili for Ice) Hut. This camp gives you a real experience of the icy elements. The camp is exposed to the ever-present gales the tents are pitched on a narrow, stony ridge. You will appreciate your warm and cosy sleeping bags on this night! The summit is now only a further 1,345m up and you will make the final ascent the same night. The team will help you to prepare your equipment and clothing for your summit attempt. You will go to bed at about 19h00 and try to get some precious rest and sleep.

Day 7 - BARAFU CAMP (4673M) to UHURU PEAK (5.895M) to MWEKA (3.083M) HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATELY 6-7 HOURS TO REACH UHURU PEAK AND ANOTHER 5-6 HOURS TO DESCEND TO MWEKA DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 6 KILOMETRES ASCENT – AND A FURTHER 11 KILOMETRES DESCENT HABITAT: STONE SCREE AND ICE-CAPPED SUMMIT At about 23h30 you will be awoken to some tea and biscuits and will make a move into the night. You will head in a north-westerly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. Many climbers find this 6-hour walk to Stella point the most mentally and physically challenging aspect of the climb. At Stella Point (5,685m) your efforts will be rewarded with a short rest and the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point you will normally encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa and achievement you will remember for the rest of your life. The walk back to Barafu from the summit, takes about 3 hours. Here you will have a well-earned but short rest and collect the rest of your gear, before heading down to Mweka hut (3,100m). The route is not difficult and will take you down the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest. Here you will rest and feel proud of your achievement.

Day 8 - MWEKA CAMP (3.083M) to MWEKA GATE (1.649M) HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATELY 3 HOURS DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 10 KILOMETRES HABITAT: FOREST After an early and well-deserved breakfast, it is a short 3-hour and scenic hike back to the Park gate where you will receive your certificates; those climbers who reached Stella Point (5,685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5,895m) receive gold certificates. You will be picked up and brought back to lodge for a warm welcome, a cold celebratory drink and a hearty meal.

Day 9 - Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport After breakfast transfer to Kilimanjaro airport by private car.

Lemosho Route

This is the less known, but it’s certainly one of most beautiful routes. The start is west of the other gates and passes through the Lemosho Glades, where you can spot some wild animals.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Lemosho Route

Hiking Kilimanjaro following Lemosho Route

This is one of the least well known yet beautiful routes up Kilimanjaro, your efforts will be rewarded with a unique scenic splendour that is not seen on the other commonly traversed routes. The start is west of the other gates, and you pass through the Lemosho Glades where you may view some of the game in this side of the park (Buffalo, elephants and some other big game animals.) It is not unusual for climbers to be accompanied by an armed ranger on the first day. By day 4, climbers join the Machame route.

Day 1 - Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport Pick up at Kilimanjaro airport and transfer to the hotel by private car.

Day 2 - LONDOROSSI GATE (2.100M) to MTI MKUBWA CAMP (2.820M) HIKING TIME: 3 HOURS DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 10 KILOMETRES HABITAT: MONTAIN FOREST After a hearty breakfast your guides will come to collect you and you will drive just over two hours from the lodge the Londorossi Park Gate. After registering at the gate you will enter the forest track using a 4WD vehicle to take you to Lemosho glades. Here you will have lunch then continue your walk to the Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite. The crew will set everything out at your campsite and all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the great outdoors.

Day 3 - MTI MKUBWA CAMP (2.820M) to SHIRA CAMP (3.500M) HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATELY 6.5 HOURS DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 8 KILOMETERS HABITAT: MOORLAND After an early breakfast you will climb for an hour or so to the top of the forest and then for 2 hours at a gentler gradient through the moorland zone. After a short lunch and rest, you will continue up a rocky ridge onto the stunning Shira plateau, due west of Kibo, from which you will be able to see the breath-taking glaciers. After a short hike you will reach the Shira campsite at 3,840m. The climbing crew will provide you with a tasty meal and you will then have plenty of time to sit back and relax.

Day 4 - OPTIONAL ACCLIMITISATION DAY HIKING TIME: A FEW HOURS AS A GENTLE STROLL AS DECIDED BY THE GROUP. HABITAT: PLATEAU

Day 5 - SHIRA (AT 3.500M) to LAVA TOWER (AT 4.600M) to BARRANCO CAMP (AT 3.900M) HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATLEY 5-7 HOURS DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 11 KILOMETRES HABITAT: SEMI-DESERT The route now turns east into a semi desert and rocky landscape surrounding Lava Tower. After lunch you will climb a rocky scree path to the Lava Tower (4630m). This five hour walk will probably be your hardest day so far and some climbers may begin to feel the altitude. However our experienced team will coach you through the symptoms and provide you with all the advice and support you need. After lunch you descend again by almost 680m to the Barranco camping area, whilst it may seem illogical to be going down at this point, you will quickly appreciate its true acclimatisation benefit. This descent to Barranco camp takes about 2 hours and offers great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The camp is situated in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while you wait for the preparation of your dinner.

Day 6 - KARANGA CAMP (3995M) to BARAFU CAMP (4.673M) HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATLY 2-3 HOURS DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 4 KILOMETRES HABITAT: ALPINE DESERT This next day is similarly a short hike (approx. 3-4hrs). You will make your way over the ridges and valleys, and join up with the Mweka route. After another hour or so, you reach Barafu (Swahili for Ice) Hut. This camp gives you a real experience of the icy elements. The camp is exposed to the ever-present gales the tents are pitched on a narrow, stony ridge. You will appreciate your warm and cosy sleeping bags on this night! The summit is now only a further 1,345m up and you will make the final ascent the same night. The team will help you to prepare your equipment and clothing for your summit attempt. You will go to bed at about 19h00 and try to get some precious rest and sleep.

Day 7 - BARAFU CAMP (4673M) to UHURU PEAK (5.895M) to MWEKA (3.083M) HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATELY 6-7 HOURS TO REACH UHURU PEAK AND ANOTHER 5-6 HOURS TO DESCEND TO MWEKA DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 6 KILOMETRES ASCENT – AND A FURTHER 11 KILOMETRES DESCENT HABITAT: STONE SCREE AND ICE-CAPPED SUMMIT At about 23h30 you will be awoken to some tea and biscuits and will make a move into the night. You will head in a north-westerly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. Many climbers find this 6-hour walk to Stella point the most mentally and physically challenging aspect of the climb. At Stella Point (5,685m) your efforts will be rewarded with a short rest and the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point you will normally encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa and achievement you will remember for the rest of your life. The walk back to Barafu from the summit, takes about 3 hours. Here you will have a well-earned but short rest and collect the rest of your gear, before heading down to Mweka hut (3,100m). The route is not difficult and will take you down the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest. Here you will rest and feel proud of your achievement.

Day 8 - MWEKA CAMP (3.083M) to MWEKA GATE (1.649M) HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATELY 3 HOURS DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 10 KILOMETRES HABITAT: FOREST After an early and well-deserved breakfast, it is a short 3-hour and scenic hike back to the Park gate where you will receive your certificates; those climbers who reached Stella Point (5,685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5,895m) receive gold certificates. You will be picked up and brought back to lodge for a warm welcome, a cold celebratory drink and a hearty meal.

Day 9 - Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport fast transfer to Kilimanjaro airport by private car.

Rongai Route

It is part of a coherent ecosystem some 35,000 sq. km in size. TThe Rongai route is the most coveted by the Trek lovers because it allows to get up and down from the opposite sides of Kilimanjaro. Along the way and at the campsite you will meet only a few other brave climbers.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Rongai Route

Hiking Kilimanjaro following Rongai Route

The Rongai route is the least well-travelled route on Kilimanjaro Mountain. It is on the northern side and whilst it is a long drive to starting point but you are rewarded by fantastic views and the like hood that you will be only climbers around. Our experienced team will prepare you delicious meals and be there to answer any of your queries as they arise

Day 1 - Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport Pick up at Kilimanjaro airport and transfer to the hotel by private car.

TDay 2 - RONGAI GATE (1.950M) to FIRST CAVES CAMP (2.620M) HIKING TIME: APPROX 3-4 HOURS DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 6.5 KILOMETRES HABITAT: MONTAIN FOREST After a hearty breakfast your guides will come to collect you and you will drive 45 minutes from the lodge to Marangu village/gate. After registering at the gate you will transfer (approximately 2 ½ hours) to the Rongai trailhead. Here you will begin your hike from the Nale Moru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then climbs gently through a forest. The trail is gentle and the countryside is beautiful. The first night's camp is at First Cave, at about 2,600 metres. There is a toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut. Water can be found just down the trail below First Cave.

Day 3 - FIRST CAVE (2.620M) to KIKELEWA (3.600M) HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATELY 6-8 HOURS DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 12 KILOMETERS HABITAT: MOORLAND The trail continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3450m) en-route, and reaching Kikelwa Cave at about 3600 metres. As the continues the views become more and more spectaculat. You will really begin to feel the awe of the mountain. You will overnight at 3rd Cave camp (Kikelewa Caves).

Day 4 - KIKELEWA CAVE (3.600M) to MAWENZI TARN CAMP (4.300M) HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATLY 3-4 HOURS DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 4 KILOMETERS HABITAT: MOORLANDS After breakfast you continue to trek, today the hike is short but steep as you climb up the grassy slopes. You are rewarded with splendid views of the wilderness. You will soon leave the vegetation behind as you move towards the Mawenzi Tarn. This is situated below the towering spokes of Mawenzi. Here you will relax and spend the afternoon acclimatising.

Day 5 - MAWENZI TARN CAMP (4.300M) to KIBO HUT (4.700M) HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATLY 8-10 HOURS DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 9 KILOMETERS HABITAT: ALPINE DESERT After breakfast you continue to trek, today you will cross the mighty saddle joining Mawenzi and Kibo. After about 4 hours you will reach the Kibo hut, where you will spend the rest of the day preparing for the final ascent. This will begin around midnight.

Day 6 - KIBO HUT (4.700M) to UHURU PEAK (5.895M) to HOROMBO HUT (3.720M) HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATELY 6-8 HOURS TO REACH UHURU PEAK AND ANOTHER 5-8 TO DESCEND TO HOROMBO DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 5.5 KILOMETRES ASCENT – AND A FURTHER 15 KILOMETRES DESCENT HABITAT: STONE SCREE AND ICE-CAPPED SUMMIT At about 23h30 you will be awoken to some tea and biscuits and will make a move into the night. You will head to Hans Meyer cave (5,150m). The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5,681m) on the crater rim. Many climbers find this walk the most mentally and physically challenging aspect of the climb. From Stella Point you will normally encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa and an achievement you will remember for the rest of your life. The walk back to Kibo hut from the summit, takes about 3 hours. Here you will have a well-earned but short rest and collect the rest of your gear, before heading down to Horombo hut. The route is not difficult and will take you down the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest. Here you will rest and feel proud of your achievement.

Day 7 - HOROMBO HUT (3,720M) to MARANGU GATE (1,870M) HIKING TIME: APPROXIMATELY 6-8 HOURS DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 20 KILOMETRES HABITAT: FOREST After an early and well-deserved breakfast, you will continue a 6 hour descent passing Mandara hut, and down to the Marangu gate. Here you will receive your certificates; those climbers who reached Gillman’s point (5,681m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5,895m) receive gold certificates. You will be picked up and brought back to lodge for a warm welcome, a cold celebratory drink and a hearty meal.

Day 8 - Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport After breakfast transfer to Kilimanjaro airport by private car.

Climbing Mount Meru

Mount Meru, which is located within the Arusha National Park, overlooking Arusha town, is the second highest mountain in Tanzania after Kilimanjaro. It is an exciting mountain to climb. There are numerous animals to see on the lower slopes and vegetation zones change as you ascend.

Parts of the climb along the saddle are very steep but the views of Kilimanjaro 80km to the northeast and of the cliff face from the summit down to Meru Crater are spectacular. One does not however need technical equipment for the climb.

Mount Meru is usually scaled in 3 days / 2 nights, but since descending from summit takes about 7 hours, some climbers opt for an extra night at Miriakamba Hut which will make it a 4-day / 3 nights climb. Overnight accommodation is in alpine huts on your way up and down.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Hiking Mount Meru

Day 1: Morning transfer to Momela Gate (1500m) to start the climb, 3 hours walk gets you to Mariakamba Hut. Afternoon explore the Meru Crater. Overnight at Mariakamba Hut.

Day 2: Climb to Saddle Hut which will take about three hours along the steep Saddle walls. Explore Little Meru (3820m), a 1 ½ hour climb in the afternoon. Overnight at Saddle Hut.

Day 3: Early morning ascend to the summit of Mount Meru (4566m) which will take up to 5 hours and then return to Mariakamba Hut for overnight OR descend to Momela Gate (7 hours).

Although Mt Meru is usually climbed from the western side at Olkokola, it can be climbed via Little Meru. The best time to climb the mountain is between October and February, although there may be some rain in November.