The Hut Trek – Mt. Meru & Kilimanjaro Marangu Trekking

Detailed itinerary

• Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha – briefing and welcome dinner

  You will be met at Kilimanjaro Airport by our driver and then driven to your booked hotel in Arusha. The drive takes around one hour and, with a little luck, you may catch 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 go through your equipment. The rest of the day is at your leisure. In the evening you are invited to a welcome dinner by your guide. Overnight at the Mtoni River Lodge or an accommodation of equal category (D).

• Day 2: Sightseeing tour in Arusha and tour preparation in the afternoon

  On the second day in Arusha (1,400 m) you will be able to recover a little from the long journey, prepare for the upcoming trekking tour and get a small insight into the exciting and rich culture of Tanzania. After breakfast you will be picked up for a half-day sightseeing tour. First experience the colourful bustle of the local market in Arusha before being driven on to the Cultural Heritage Gallery, a unique cultural centre on the outskirts of Arusha. Here you will have enough time to browse handicrafts from across Africa. If you are interested, there is also the option to purchase crafts for a fee. In the afternoon, after a thorough exploration of the gallery, you will be driven back to the hotel and can relax for the rest of the day. Overnight at the Hotel Mtoni River Lodge or an accommodation of equal category (B).

• Day 3: Drive from Arusha to the Momella Gate (1,500 m), trek to Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m) – 1 hour of driving and approx. 4 hours of hiking

  Early-morning departure to the Momella Gate of Arusha National Park (1,500 m). After the park entry formalities we begin our hike, accompanied by a park ranger for our safety. The route leads through open grassland and offers the chance to see buffalo, warthogs and other wildlife. The trail continues as a steady ascent through an enchanting, dense tropical montane forest. We have lunch near a huge fig tree arch (Fig Tree Arch), which will fill us with admiration. Our walk then continues through less dense forests, home to 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 Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) in good time, set in an idyllic grassy clearing, where we can enjoy the last afternoon sun and a beautiful view across the surrounding plains towards Kilimanjaro. Overnight at Miriakamba Hut (B|L|D).

  

• Day 4: Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m) to Saddle Hut (3,550 m) – approx. 5 hours of hiking

  Today it is worth getting up early for sunrise to enjoy a dramatic dawn with views of Kilimanjaro, the slopes of Meru and the national park below us. After breakfast we follow the wooden steps along a steep path. Because of the difference in altitude it becomes noticeably cooler than the day before, and walking becomes easier. The clouds often hang low in the rainforest, creating a changeable atmosphere in the lush vegetation. Around midday we reach Saddle Hut. After a warm lunch and a short break, we climb Little Meru (3,820 m) to support our acclimatisation, which will take about 1 to 2 hours. From here we enjoy a magnificent view of Arusha National Park and Kilimanjaro, around 70 km away. Back at Saddle Hut we have a tasty dinner prepared by our cook before we retire early to bed (around 8:00 p.m.), since our wake-up call sounds shortly after midnight. Overnight at Saddle Hut (B|L|D).

• Day 5: Saddle Hut (3,570 m), summit ascent of 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 up to Rhino Point (3,800 m). From here the trail becomes demanding and requires full concentration and sure-footedness. At sunrise we reach an undulating ridge of ash and rock and arrive at Cobra Point (4,350 m). The view is breathtaking: the cliffs of the crater rim, the ash cone rising from the crater floor, Kilimanjaro seeming to float on the morning clouds and, in clear weather, views westwards as far as the Rift Valley. The summit of Socialist Peak (4,566 m) lies an hour further on a good but steep trail that can be slippery in places. After a few nice summit photos we head back to Saddle Hut. The descent to Rhino Point in the morning light along a narrow ridge has a different charm to the way up. After a hearty breakfast we continue down to Miriakamba Hut. Overnight at Miriakamba Hut (B|L|D).

  

• Day 6: Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) – hotel in Moshi – approx. 3 hours of hiking and approx. 2 hours of driving

  We take the direct route through open grassland and mixed forest with good chances of seeing wildlife. This trail offers an excellent view back to the crater and across the plains of the national park. We should reach the Momella Gate in the late morning. At the gate we say goodbye to our wonderful crew with singing and dancing, and are driven back to Moshi. Overnight at the Hotel Chanya Lodge or an accommodation of equal category (B).

• Day 7: Free day in Moshi – relaxation before the next summit

  Today is a rest day before we continue with the second part of the trekking tour on Kilimanjaro. You can relax by the swimming pool, do your laundry and prepare for the next adventure of the journey. Overnight at the Hotel Chanya Lodge or an accommodation of equal category (B).

• Day 8: Moshi – Marangu Gate (1,860 m) – Mandara Hut (2,700 m) – 4 hours of hiking and 1 hour of driving

  Early in the morning we drive for about 1 hour to the Marangu Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park (1,840 m). While our guide is busy with the registration formalities, we can watch our mountain team/the crew preparing for the ascent and packing the bags. Once registration is complete and the team is ready, our Kilimanjaro adventure begins through the dense rainforest. With a bit of luck we may even spot the black-and-white colobus monkeys foraging in the lush vegetation. After about 4 hours of easy hiking through the magnificent rainforest, we reach the beautifully located Mandara Hut. After a well-earned break, our guide takes us to the Maundi Crater, where we can enjoy a wonderful view of the Kenyan interior. Overnight at Mandara Hut (B|L|D).

  

• Day 9: Mandara Hut (2,700 m) to Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – approx. 6 hours

  The day begins with an early breakfast and, shortly after leaving Mandara Hut, we reach the tree line, where the vegetation turns into heath shrubs. Through a beautiful moorland landscape we hike across hills with distinctive flora until, after about 6 hours, Horombo Hut comes into view at an altitude of around 3,700 m. From the huts we have a fantastic view of Mawenzi, the second-highest peak in the Kilimanjaro massif, of the Kibo summit and of 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 at Horombo Hut (B|L|D).

• Day 10: Acclimatisation day – to the Zebra Rocks (3,980 m) & back to Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – approx. 4 hours

  The purpose of an acclimatisation day is to help our bodies get used to the higher altitudes. Acclimatisation should not be underestimated, as it significantly improves our chances of reaching the summit. After a relaxed breakfast we set off on a 2 to 4 hour hike to the Zebra Rocks at 3,980 m. The distinctive black-and-white stripes give the rock formation its name. On our return to Horombo Hut a warm lunch awaits us. In the afternoon we can relax and gather fresh energy for the hike the next day. Overnight at Horombo Hut (B|L|D).

• Day 11: Horombo Hut (3,700 m) to Kibo Hut (4,700 m) – approx. 6 hours

  Today’s stage is long and demanding, even though it has no steep ascents. You will clearly feel the altitude and the thinning air today. The trail leads past gigantic Senecio kilimanjari plants and the so-called “last water point”, followed by what is known as the “Saddle”. For almost the entire long route we have Mawenzi and the Kibo summit in view. This almost vegetation-free plateau connects the summit of Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is Kibo Hut, which should be reached in about 5 to 6 hours. After a hearty lunch we can relax a little, will have dinner early at around 5:00 p.m. and go to bed at around 7:00 p.m. The ascent to the summit begins as early as midnight, so it is important that we rest well beforehand. Since the summit ascent from this route is somewhat longer, it is very important that we eat and drink enough and gather plenty of energy for the long summit day. Remember to have your crew prepare at least 3 litres of warm drinking water for you. Overnight at Kibo Hut (B|L|D).

  

• Day 12: Kibo Hut (4,700 m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) and 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 a light breakfast we set off in the middle of the night, when the lava ash is still frozen and walking is easier. We begin the long and strenuous ascent to the summit in the dark, by the light of our headlamps and the stars. Passing the 5,200 m high Hans Meyer Cave, we climb slowly but steadily uphill. At sunrise we reach Gilman’s Point (5,715 m) at the crater rim. On the further ascent strong winds are to be expected. After about an hour we reach Stella Point (5,756 m). Another 1 to 2 hours of climbing along the crater rim lead us to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Here we see Kilimanjaro in all its glory and, at sunrise, enjoy the 360° view across the landscape. We are now standing on the “Roof of Africa”! The comparatively easy but long descent follows the same route. Temperatures now shift from below zero to high above. Remember to drink plenty on the way back too and to eat a snack from time to time, because your body has used a lot of energy. Around midday we should arrive at Kibo Hut, where the porters and the cook are waiting for us with tasty dishes. After a warm meal and a well-earned break of about 1 hour, we set off back to Horombo Hut (3,700 m). After dinner, most of us will go to bed early and enjoy a long and restful sleep. Overnight at Horombo Hut (B|L|D).

  

• Day 13: Horombo Hut (3,700 m) to Mandara Hut (2,700 m) – drive to Moshi – approx. 6 hours of hiking and 1 hour of driving

  The final stage leads through the heath and moorland zone to Mandara Hut (2,700 m), where our last lunch on the mountain awaits us. 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 saying goodbye to our mountain crew with songs of thanks, we are driven back to our accommodation in Arusha. End of the trekking tour! Overnight at Chanya Lodge (B|L).

• Day 14: Arusha–Kilimanjaro International Airport

  Free time until departure. Our driver will pick you up from the hotel according to your flight details and take you to the airport. – End of your impressive journey (B).

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

  Legend: B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner