Meru and Kilimanjaro Rongai6 Combo

Ilboru Safari Lodge is located at the base of the majestic Mt. Meru, on the outskirts of Arusha. An oasis after the bustle of the nearby city, this family property is run by a Dutch Tanzania couple, both of whom have been working in the hotel industry for many years. It is a budget lodge, but well-kept, with comfortable rooms and good food. Accommodation is in rondavels in the traditional African-style, with two self-contained rooms to each cottage. All rooms have a private balcony overlooking the gardens and swimming pool. Ilboru is booked on a half-board basis.

This evening there will be a climb briefing covering kit, camping arrangements, and what to expect on the mountain in terms of climate and altitude, as well as tomorrow’s transfer times. This is a good chance to ask any questions about the coming climb, particularly any concerns you may have about kit.

Arusha National Park is an often-overlooked safari park situated just outside the city. Though a popular spot for day safaris, Arusha NP is perhaps more popular as a trekking destination, containing as it does one of Africa’s tallest and most dramatic peaks – Mt. Meru.

The slopes, summit, and ash cone of Mt. Meru, as well as the Momella Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, and the lush highland forests that blanket its lower slopes, are all situated within the boundaries of Arusha National Park. Game viewing around the Momella Lakes is at a laid-back and quiet pace, and while passing through the forest many visitors stop to search for troops of colobus monkeys playing in the canopy. You may spy them through the trees as you drive through the park en route to your destination.

After reaching the park gate and completing the necessary formalities, we commence our trek through rainforest to our first camp at Miriakamba Hut (2,600m). The forest is rich in bird and animal life – the beautiful bushbuck can often be glimpsed in the glades between the ancient cedar trees, while black and white colobus monkeys clamber among the branches. Expect around 5-6 hours walking at a steady pace today.

This afternoon, you have the option of climbing Little Meru to help with acclimatisation (and to enjoy the marvelous views!)

Stop for photos and time to enjoy the view from the summit, then descend back down to Saddle Hut for a rest and early lunch. From Saddle Hut, continue down to Miriakamba Hut for dinner & overnight (allow approx. 3 hours for this section of the walk).

Kilimanjaro Mountain Lodge is tucked deep in the lush green banana and coffee plantations of Kyalla Village in Marangu West, right on the slopes of Kilimanjaro.

This is a mountaineers’ hotel with essential facilities for Kili trekkers: warm rooms with showers, good food and a small swimming pool.

The climb begins from the village of Nale Moru (1,950m), starting on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest (the dry forest of Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes is quite different to the lush rainforest on Kilimanjaro’s wetter southern foothills).

The track soon starts to climb, consistently but gently, through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey (distinguishable by their long ‘cape’ of white hair and flowing white tail). The forest begins to thin out as we approach our camp, First Cave, at the edge of the moorland zone (2,650m), where you’ll be greeted with dramatic views over the Kenyan plains. [3-4 hours walking]

After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a less-trodden path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi.

Kikelewa Camp (3,675m) is in a sheltered valley of giant senecios and ragworts, near the Kikelewa Caves. [6-7 hours walking]

The vegetation becomes increasingly sparse as we approach the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatisation. [3-4 hours walking]

The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins early tomorrow morning! [5-6 hours walking]

We aim to reach Gilman’s in time to watch the sunrise over Mawenzi. After a short rest and a chance to admire the view, those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy much of Kilimanjaro’s summit area.

The descent to Kibo (4,700m) is surprisingly fast after the long ascent climb. After some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach our final campsite at Horombo (3,720m). [11-15 hours walking; 5kms ascent/15kms descent; 1,195m height gain/2,195m descent]

We then continue descending through rainforest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830m). [5-6 hours walking]

From the gate we drive back to Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort for a well-earned hot shower, dinner and rest!

If flying out this evening, we can arrange for a day room and lunch at Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort (lunch to own account).