Climbing Mt. Meru - Trip Report

Majority of people think of Kilimanjaro when Tanzania is mentioned. But did you know that there are other climbing posibilities besides famous Kili?

Mount Meru, also volcanic mountain is the second tallest in Tanzania, no less beautiful and real hikers opt for it for less crowds on the way top not to stress the beautiful views.

If you are interested in Mt. Meru climb, below is the climb report from our client that recently made it to the top with Shadows of Africa.

Me and my boyfriend went on a trekking to the second highest mountain in Tanzania - Mt. Meru (4566 m). We decided for a 3 day trip and we had our own guide. 

We started at Mommela Gate (1500 m) and ascent to 2500 m. We walked for about 5 hours accompanied by other groups and an armed ranger (Mt. Meru lies inside the Arusha National Park area and there are buffalos and other wild animals). The nature is amazing, it is very green, there are streams and waterfalls. The first camp is named Miriakamba hut (2514 m). We were sleeping in one of the huts and had our own room because Mt. Meru is not as popular as Kilimanjaro and there were not many hikers. Second day we made another 1000 m ascent. Along the way there are some great views down into the crater and up to the summit. From Saddle hut (3570 m) we made a side trip to Little Meru (3820 m) in the afternoon. From Little Meru there is a great view to Kilimanjaro. First two days were not hard to walk but the third day was quite difficult. 

We started walking at 1 am and made it to the top in about 4 hours. It is a bit scary because you walk during the night with your headlight and there are some dangerous parts on the way. It was also very cold because the wind was blowing all the time. The way down is magnificent because you see a sun rise and Kilimanjaro in the background. We descended down to Mommela gate in the same day and we were really exhausted at the end.

 Our team was great, we had our own guide who adjusted his walk speed to us. We had 3 porters and our guide was also the cook. The trip was very well organized and kind. We recommend the trip to all who enjoy hiking and nature and are at least a bit physically prepared. We especially recommend to organize your trip with help from Shadows of Africa. 

You can see original review on Tripadvisor

Kilimanjaro New Year Climb

Celebrate First Day of New Year on The Summit of Kilimanjaro

Although climbing Kilimanjaro is possible all year around, New Year climb to Kilimanjaro is one of the most popular choices among enthusiastic hikers that visit Tanzania.

This expedition can last from 5 to 7 days, depending on the chosen route to the Roof of Africa. The 5895 m high Kilimanjaro has 6 official routes that differ with level of difficulty. 

The easiest, least complex and most common route is Marangu Route also often called Coca Cola Route.  Our Kilimanjaro climbing tour on Marangu Route lasts 8 days, you will start on day 2 and come back from the mountain on day 7. First and last day is reserved for transfers of your starting point.

The second route to Kilimanjaro that demands more effort and determination, yet more scenic than Marangu Route is Machame Route.

Read all about available routs to get the idea which route is most suitable for your mental and physical condition on our website:

Climbing Kilimanjaro Routes 

No matter which route you choose, all our Kilimanjaro climbing programs include one day for acclimatization in order to avoid attitude sickness.  

If you somehow can't make it for New Year Eve and would like that Kilimanjaro climb remains a truly memorable experience, we can arrange a Kilimanjaro climb during every Full Moon. Walking in the moonlight on the mountain is another unique way to approach the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is no joke and we take it seriously – all guides are licensed Kilimanjaro guides with years of guiding experience. 

If you choose to climb Kilimanjaro with us, all rates already include medical insurance for the time of tour with Flying Doctors Society of Africa - free air evacuation in case of a medical emergency.

 

This mountain is achievable but not to be underestimated!