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The Hut Trek – Mt. Meru & Kilimanjaro-Marangu Trekking

Tanzania Tanzania

Trekking Map

Trekkingrouten Kilimandscharo

The gently wild and technically demanding Mt. Meru (4,566 m) and the Marangu, one of the easy but strenuous routes to Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) await you on this varied trek.

We start the hike at Mt. Meru, the heart of the Arusha National Park. The fertile volcanic slopes rise above the surrounding savannah and are home to a jungle that is home to various wild animals, including almost 400 species of birds, as well as monkeys and leopards. The ascent to Mt. Meru is the technically more difficult part of this tour and also serves as a good acclimatization.
We continue on Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Its lush tropical rainforests, the magical heather and extensive moor landscapes merge into a peculiar high-alpine desert zone, finally ending with the snow and the breath taking glaciers of the summit region and make this route so fascinating.

This trek has been put together for those who prefer to stay in huts rather than tents. Altitude experience, sure-footedness and fitness are prerequisites for participation.

We warmly recommend booking a safari for at least two days on this trip. Tanzania should not be left without a short visit to the unique wildlife.

Trip Details

Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha – Briefing and welcome dinner
You will be met by our driver at Kilimanjaro Airport and then driven to your booked hotel in Arusha. The drive takes about an hour and with a little luck you will get a glimpse of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru. After checking in, your guide will give you a short briefing about your booked trip and then look through your equipment. You have the rest of the day at leisure. In the evening you will be invited by your guide to the welcome dinner. Overnight in the Ilboru Safari Lodge or similar category (D).

Day 2: Sightseeing tour in Arusha and preparation for the tour in the afternoon
On the second day in Arusha (1,400m) you will be able to relax a little from the long journey, prepare for the upcoming trekking tour and get a little insight into the exciting and rich culture of Tanzania. You will be picked up after breakfast for a half-day sightseeing tour. First experience the hustle and bustle of the local market in Arusha, and then be driven to the Art Gallery (Cultural Heritage Gallery), a unique cultural center on the outskirts of Arusha. Here you have enough time to look at handicrafts from all over Africa. If you are interested, there is also the opportunity to purchase handicrafts. In the afternoon, after an extensive exploration of the gallery, you will be driven back to the hotel and can relax for the rest of the day. Overnight at Hotel Ilboru Safari Lodge or similar category (B).

Day 3: Drive Arusha to Momella Gate (1,500 m), Trek to Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m) – 1 hour drive and approx. 4 hours hike
Early morning departure to Momella Gate of Arusha National Park (1,500 m). After the formalities for entering the park, we begin our hike, led by a park ranger, who will accompany us on our safety. The route runs through open grasslands and offers the chance to see buffalo, warthogs and other wildlife. The path continues as a steady ascent through an enchanting, dense, tropical mountain forest. We have lunch near a giant fig tree arch that will leave us in awe. Our hike continues through less dense forests, in which there are many birds and black and white colobus monkeys.
In the late afternoon, weather permitting, we can see towering cliffs and the Ash Cone. We reach the Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m), which lies in an idyllic grass clearing, in time to enjoy the last rays of the afternoon sun and a wonderful view over the surrounding plains towards Kilimanjaro. Overnight in the Miriakamba Hut (B|L|D).

Day 4: Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m) to Saddle Hut (3,550 m) – approx. 5 hours hike
Today it is worth getting up early to enjoy a dramatic sunrise with a view of Mount Kilimanjaro, the slopes of the Merus and the national park below.
After breakfast we follow the wooden steps along a steep path. Due to the difference in altitude, it will be noticeably cooler than the day before and walking will be easier. The clouds often hang low in the rainforest and create a changeable atmosphere in the lush vegetation. Around noon we reach the Saddle Hut. After a warm lunch and a short break, we climb Little Meru (3,820 m) to promote acclimatization, which will take about 1 to 2 hours. From here we enjoy a wonderful view of the Arusha National Park and Kilimanjaro, which is about 70 km from us. Back in the Saddle Hut we have a tasty dinner that was prepared by our cook before we re-tire to bed early (around 8 p.m.), as our wake-up call sounds shortly after mid-night. Overnight in the Saddle Hut (B|L|D).

Day 5: Saddle Hut (3,570 m), ascent to Socialist Peak (4,566 m) and back to Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) – 10 to 12 hours
We start early at around 2 a.m. and climb steeply to Rhino Point (3,800 m). From here the path becomes demanding and requires full concentration and sure-footedness. At sunrise we reach an undulating ridge of ash and rocks and we reach Cobra Point (4,350 m). The view is breathtaking: the cliffs of the crater rim, the ash cone protruding from the crater floor, Mount Kilimanjaro, which seems to float on the morning clouds, and when the weather is clear you can see westwards to the Rift Valley. The summit of ‘Socialist Peak’ (4,566 m) is an hour further on a good but steep path that can be slippery at times. After a couple of beautiful summit photos, we descend back to Saddle-Hut. The way to Rhino Point in the morning light on a narrow ridge will have a different charm than on the way there. After a hearty breakfast we climb back to the Miriakamba Hut. Overnight in the Miriakamba Hut (B|L|D).

Day 6: Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) – Hotel in Arusha – approx. 3 hrs. hike
We take the direct route through open grassland and mixed forest with a good chance of spotting wild animals. This trail offers excellent views back to the crater and across the plains of the national park. We should get to Momella Gate in the late morning. At the gate we will say goodbye to our great crew and will be driven back to Arusha. Overnight in Hotel Ilboru or similar category (B).

Day 7: Free day in Arusha – relaxation before the next summit
Today is the day for relaxation before the second part of the trekking tour continues to Kilimanjaro. You can relax by the swimming pool, do your laundry and prepare for the next adventure of the trip. Overnight in Hotel Ilboru or similar category (B).

Day 8: Arusha – Marangu Gate (1,860m) – Mandara Hut (2,700m) – 4 hrs. hike
Early in the morning we drive for about 3 hours to the Marangu Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park (1,840 m). While our guide is busy with the registration forms, we can watch our mountain team / crew prepare for the ascent and pack their bags. As soon as the registration is done and the team is prepared, our Kilimanjaro adventure through the dense rainforest begins. We may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the black and white colobus monkeys foraging in the lush vegetation. After about 4 hours of easy hike through the magnificent rainforest, we reach the beautifully situated Mandara Hut. After a well-deserved break, our guide takes us to the Maundi crater, where we can enjoy a magnificent view of the Kenyan interior. Overnight in Mandara Hut (B|L|D).

Day 9: Mandara Hut (2,700 m) to Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – approx. 6 hrs
The day begins with an early breakfast and shortly after leaving the Mandara Hut, we reach the tree line where the vegetation turns into heather bushes. We hike through a beautiful moor landscape through the hills with special flora until after about 6 hours the Horombo Hut comes into view at an altitude of about 3,700 m. From the huts we have a fantastic view of the Mawenzi, the second highest peak in the Kilimanjaro massif, of the Kibo peak and the wide plains below us. Kilimanjaro consists of three extinct conical volcanoes, Kibo (5,895 m), Mawenzi (5,148 m) and Shira (3,962 m). Overnight in Horombo Hut (B|L|D).

Day 10: Acclimatization day – to the Zebra Rocks (3,980 m) & back to the Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – approx. 4 hrs.
The purpose of an acclimatization day is to get our bodies used to high altitudes. Acclimatization shouldn’t be underestimated as it greatly improves our chances of reaching the summit. After a relaxed breakfast, we go on a 2 to 4-hour hike to the 3,980 m high zebra rocks. The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. A warm lunch awaits us on our return to the Horombo Hut. In the afternoon we can relax and recharge our batteries for the next day’s hike. Overnight in Horombo Hut (B|L|D).

Day 11: Horombo Hut (3,700 m) to Kibo Hut (4,700 m) – approx. 6 hrs.
Today’s stage is long and demanding, although there are no steep climbs. You will clearly feel the height and thus the thinning air today. The path leads past gigantic Scenicio Kilimajari plants, past the “last water point”, which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. We will have the Mawenzi and Kibo summits in view almost the whole long way. This almost vegetation-free plateau connects the summit of the Kibo with the Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut and should be reached in about 5 to 6 hours. After an invigorating lunch, we can relax a little, have dinner around 5:00 p.m. and go to sleep around 7:00 p.m. The ascent to the summit starts at midnight, so it is important that we recover well beforehand. Because the ascent to the summit is a little longer from this route, it is very im-portant that we eat and drink enough and recharge our batteries for the long day on the summit. Remember to have at least 3 liters of warm drinking water prepared by the crew. Overnight in the Kibo Hut (B|L|D).

Day 12: Kibo Hut (4,700 m) to Uhuru Summit (5,895 m) back to Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – 12 to 14 hours
Today is the “big day” of the summit stage. After a hot tea and light breakfast, we start in the middle of the night when the lava ash is still frozen and walking is easier. We start the long and arduous ascent to the summit in the dark, with our headlamp and under the light of the starry sky. Passing the 5,200 m high Hans Meyer Cave, it slowly but surely goes uphill. At sunrise we reach Gilman’s Point (5,715 m) on the crater rim. You have to expect strong winds on the further ascent. After about an hour we reach Stella Point (5,756 m). Another 1 to 2 hours ascent along the crater ridge lead us to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Here we see Kili-manjaro in all its glory and enjoy the 360 ° view over the landscape at sunrise. We are now on the “roof of Africa”! The comparatively easy but long descent is on the same route. The temperatures now change from minus degrees to high plus degrees. Remember to drink enough on the way back and to eat a snack now and then because your body has used up a lot of energy. At lunchtime we should arrive at the Kibo-Hut, where the porters and the cook are waiting for us with tasty dishes. After a warm meal and a well-deserved break of about 1 hour, we make our way back to the Horombo Hut (3,700 m). After dinner, most people go to bed early and enjoy a long, restful sleep. Overnight in the Horombo Hut (B|L|D).

Day 13: Horombo Hut (3,700 m) to Mandara Hut (2,700 m) – drive to Arusha – approx. 6 hrs. hike and 3 hrs. drive
The last stage leads through the heather and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2,700 m), where our last lunch awaits us on the mountain. Soon we are back in the lush tropical rainforest and after about 6 hours of trekking we are back at the Kilimanjaro National Park gate (1,860 m). After we have said goodbye to our mountain crew, we will be driven back to Arusha to our accommodation. End of the trek! Overnight at the Ilboru Safari Lodge or similar category (B|L).

Day 14: Departure Drive to Arusha-Kilimanjaro International Airport or connecting module Safari / Zanzibar
Free time until departure. Our driver will pick you up from the hotel according to your flight details and drive you to the airport (B).

We reserve the right to make changes to the program due to special events, force majeure or weather reasons.

Legends: B = breakfast | L = lunch | D = dinner

 

This trekking tour can also be booked for individual travelers at an additional cost or for your group at dates other than shown here.

German guided tour
English guided tour

Duration: 14 days
Costs: € 3.390 per person
Group size: min. 2 Persons (all the tour dates are guaranteed with a minimum group size of only two persons)
€ 150 for single room supplement (only for hotel accommodation, for hut and camping overnight stays during the trek single accommodation is not available).

What’s included

  • Transfer from and to the airport
  • All transfers in Tanzania by private vehicle
  • Accommodation and breakfast in Arusha
  • Professional, English speaking local mountain guide
  • Camping team (cook & porter)
  • Accommodation at huts, three meals and drinking water on the trekking tour
  • All national park fees
  • Welcome dinner

Not included

  • Sleeping bag
  • All flights
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks other than water
  • Visa fees (US $ 50)
  • Tips
  • Personal expenses
  • Personal travel insurance

Visa
To enter Tanzania, a passport that is valid for at least 6 months and a tourist visa are required. The visa for German citizens can be applied for three to four weeks before departure at the Tanzanian embassy (approx. 50 EUR plus postage). Alternatively, the visa is also available when entering Tanzania (50 USD, to be paid in cash on site). We recommend this option; it is less complicated and cheaper. An exit tax of USD 30 is required for international flights from Zanzibar (payable locally in cash).
These visa and passport regulations are valid for the EU countries and Switzerland. Other citizens would like to inquire at the respective country consulate.

Vaccinations
No compulsory vaccinations, in particular no yellow fever vaccination, are required for direct entry from Germany / Switzerland, Austria to the mainland of Tanzania and Zanzibar. This also applies when entering a yellow fever endemic area in transit; as long as the airport is not left during the stopover and the stay is less than 12 hours. However, you should be vaccinated against tetanus, hepatitis A, diphtheria and polio. Hepatitis B and typhoid vaccinations are recommended for long stays.
We recommend that you consult your doctor in good time. Further information can be found on the website of the Federal Foreign Office.

Insurance
A travel health insurance (with rescue costs) is essential for your own safety and a prerequisite for booking our trips. In the event of an accident in the mountains or on safari that requires a helicopter, the helicopter will not take off until full coverage of the costs has been clarified.
We strongly recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance. Flights at bargain prices in particular cannot usually be rebooked or cancelled free of charge. In Tanzania there could also be complications with the weather, your health, etc., which would force you to abandon your trip.
We asked ERGO Reiseversicherung to put together different service packages for you. You can book the right travel health insurance for you at https://www.reiseversicherung.de.

It should be noted that geoDiscovery Tours only recommends that its guests book travel insurance through ERGO and assumes no responsibility for the contractual content between the travel guest and the insurance provider. It is up to each guest to book their travel insurance through ERGO or another provider.

Standard of hotels and accommodations
In Tanzania, the hotels we have booked are good and correspond to mid-western standards. The sanitary facilities are clean and functional. The hotel kitchen is adapted to Western eating habits and the food is safe to enjoy. Sometimes there can be power cuts or sometimes no hot water is available. The hotel staff is generally very friendly and makes every effort to ensure the well-being of each guest. The hotels we have booked are as follows:

Arusha: Ilboru Safari Lodge, Mount Meru Game Lodge, Karama Lodge
Moshi / Kilimanjaro: Chanya Lodge, Weru Weru, Kaliwa Lodge, Salinero

Tour program
The travel program is optimally coordinated for all of the trips we recommend. However, it can happen that roads are closed or impassable without prior notice, that waiting times of several hours arise due to traffic jams or fuel shortages, that access to sites can be closed for various reasons, or other restrictions such as flight delays or even cancellations due to bad weather, strikes, Health of the participants, a pandemic or unfavourable conditions during trekking make the implementation of the travel program difficult or, in the worst case, impossible. However, our local guides are prepared for such situations and will endeavour to carry out all program points to your satisfaction. The inconvenience is usually limited. Nevertheless, it must be pointed out at this point that, for the reasons mentioned, program changes are possible at any time and are not the responsibility of the organizer. Any resulting costs are borne by the traveller. We ask for your understanding.

Flying in Tanzania
Domestic flights in Tanzania may be postponed for days due to limited airspace or weather conditions, or for technical or other reasons. Under these exceptional circumstances, our team will try – in cooperation with you – to relocate the tour to other regions or to organize road transport. The risk of delay and cancellation of these flights is borne by all participants.
In the event of a delay of several days, all participants are personally responsible for changing their flight home at least 48 hours in advance. We are of course happy to help you.

The domestic flights booked by us are:

  • Air Tanzania
  • Precision Air
  • Flightlink
  • Coastal Aviation
  • Auric air

Please note that our trips are not suitable for people with limited mobility.

Trip Details

  • Duration: 14 days
  • Holiday Type: Hut & Camping
  • Best trekking period: Jun/Jul/Aug/Sep/Dec/Jan/Feb
  • Difficulty: Demanding
  • Max Altitude: Uhuru Peak at 5.895 m
  • Group size: Min. 2 persons (all the tour dates are guaranteed with a minimum group size of onl two persons)
  • Tour guide: English speaking, trained Tanzanian mountain guide
  • Difficulty:
  • Fitness:
  • Price: 3.390,00 €
  • Single room supplement: 150,00 €
    (only for hotel accommodation, for hut and camping overnight stays during the trek single accommodation is not available)
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