Day 1
Arrival & Briefing
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be transferred to your accommodation where your guide will meet you for a full briefing and equipment check.
Overnight Kili Villa, Superior Villa – full board (www.kilivilla.com)
Day 2
Kili Villa to Momella Gate (1,580m/5,180 ft) to Miriakamba Hut (2,500m/8,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 920m/3,020ft
In the morning you will be transferred to Arusha National Park to register before setting off with your guide and ranger, required because there is an abundance of wildlife in the forests! Walking through the grasslands towards the acacia forest on the southern route, you may spot giraffe and buffalo. After roughly 2 hours you will reach the Maio Falls, where you can enjoy a break, then continue through ‘fig tree arch’. After approximately 4-5 hours of trekking, you will reach a spectacular viewpoint, before heading on to the huts.
Overnight Miriakamba Hut
Day 3
Miriakamba Hut (2,500m/8,200ft) to Saddle Hut (3,550m/11,650ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,050m/3,450ft
Continue your trek along a steep track reaching “Mgongo wa Tembo” (elephant back) after approximately 2 hours. Low lying clouds often shroud the rainforest in mist, creating a moody atmosphere. Take in the scenery before heading to Saddle Hut. The vegetation changes from rainforest to heather and moorland. After lunch you may choose to hike Little Meru (3,820m), taking approximately 1½ hours. This is great for acclimatisation and, weather permitting, will reward you with fantastic views over Arusha National Park and Kilimanjaro. A warm meal and early night await you back at the huts.
Overnight Saddle Hut
Day 4
Saddle Hut (3,550m/11,650ft) to Socialist Peak (4,562m/14,968ft) then descending to Miriakamba Hut (2,500m/8,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,012m/3,318ft
Elevation Loss: 2,062m/6,768ft
You will be awakened around midnight to start your final ascent. Headlamps light your way as you follow the trail through bush to Rhino Point (3,821m) where the path becomes more challenging. Occasionally some scrambling will be required. Following the crater rim, you will walk on frozen volcanic ash and rocks before reaching the summit after approximately 4 to 5 hours. Enjoy breathtaking views of sun rise behind Kilimanjaro and look deep into Mount Meru’s crater. Start your descent via the same route to Saddle Hut where you can recuperate with hot soup and tea. Once rested, continue to Miriakamba Hut.
Please note, the summit stage contains a few easy but unsecured scrambling passages. A good head for heights and sure-footedness are necessary. In adverse weather conditions the park ranger may call off the summit attempt.
Overnight Miriakamba Hut
Day 5
Miriakamba Hut (2,500m/8,200ft) to Momella Gate (1,580m/5,180 ft)
Elevation Loss: 920m/3,020ft
After breakfast start your final stretch on Meru, via the ‘northern route’ to Momella Gate. On this 2 to 3-hour trek you may once again be lucky enough to see giraffes, buffalo and elephants, as well as black and white Colobus monkeys. Arriving at the gate, say farewell to your hiking crew and travel to your accommodation to rest for the night.
Overnight Kili Villa, Superior Villa – full board (www.kilivilla.com)
Day 6
Departure
Today you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport in time for your flight, or if you’ve decided to extend your Tanzanian adventure, begin the next part of your journey!
