Daily Itinerary – Kilimanjaro Walk & Mount Meru Climb

Kilimanjaro Walk & Mount Meru Climb Overview

This trek covers 7 – 22 kilometers per day on mountain trails at elevations between 1,400 and 2,200 meters. The hiking is strenuous, with steep trails that can be slippery when wet. Expect challenging hikes due to the many ridges and valleys, but your guide will maintain a slow and steady pace suitable for your group. Trekking poles are strongly recommended.

Overnights are spent in comfortable camps with spacious walk-in tents (for 1-2 people or families). Enjoy locally-inspired meals served in a dining tent, prepared by our expert mountain cooks.

Itinerary Summary

Kilimanjaro Walk

• Day 1: Arrival – Marangu, Kilimanjaro
• Day 2: Marangu to Kidia (13.6mi / 22km)
• Day 3: Kidia to Tema (5.6mi / 9km)
• Day 4: Tema to Wondo (4.3mi / 7km)
• Day 5: Wondo to Mweka (4.9mi / 8km)
• Day 6: Rest day – West Kilimanjaro (Simba Farm Lodge)

Mount Meru Climb

• Day 7: Momella Gate (4,970’ / 1515m) to Miriakamba Huts (8,250’ / 2515m) (8.3mi / 13.5km)
• Day 8: Miriakamba Huts to Saddle Huts (11,710’ / 3570m) + Little Meru Hike (6.5mi / 10.4km)
• Day 9: Saddle Huts to Meru Summit (14,980’ / 4460m) to Momella Gate (18.6mi / 30km)
• Day 10: Arusha – Departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival – Marangu Villages

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where we pick you up and transfer you to Marangu Hotel at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro (1,800m).

Overnight: Marangu Hotel
Meals: D
Drive Time: 2 hours

Day 2: Marangu to Kidia

A long but easy hiking day to start the adventure, with multiple viewpoints overlooking Moshi Town and Mount Kilimanjaro. Camp at Fumyuhu School, high on a ridge.

Overnight: Fumyuhu School Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Hiking Distance: 13.6mi / 22km

Day 3: Kidia to Tema

Pass through colorful mountain villages, coffee farms, and rivers for a refreshing break. Visit Kidia village, the first European settlement in the Kilimanjaro region, and explore historical Catholic and Lutheran churches.

Overnight: Tema School Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Hiking Distance: 5.6mi / 9km

Day 4: Tema to Wondo

Hike through a dramatic landscape of high ridges and deep valleys, all covered in tropical rainforest. Watch for blue monkeys in the trees. Pass an ingenious hydro-powered electrical system and enjoy the scent of eucalyptus trees, marking the border of Kilimanjaro National Park.

Overnight: Kilimanjaro View Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Hiking Distance: 4.3mi / 7km

Day 5: Wondo to Mweka

Cross villages and dense forest, using wooden bridges and stepping stones over rivers. Follow traditional irrigation channels used by local farmers for over 100 years. Hike along Rau River Valley to a high waterfall before reaching camp.

Overnight: Sungu School Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Hiking Distance: 4.9mi / 8km

Day 6: Rest Day – West Kilimanjaro

Transfer to Simba Farm Lodge, located in West Kilimanjaro. Relax, explore the farm, and enjoy a spectacular sunset behind Mount Meru.

Overnight: Simba Farm Lodge
Meals: B, L, D

Day 7: Meru Climb – Momella Gate to Miriakamba Huts

Start the Mount Meru Climb at Momella Gate (1515m). Hike through forested slopes, passing the arched fig tree and Maio Falls picnic site. Look for dik-dik, baboons, and giraffes along the trail.

Overnight: Miriakamba Huts
Meals: B, L, D
Hiking Distance: 8.3mi / 13.5km

Day 8: Miriakamba Huts to Saddle Huts (+ Little Meru Hike)

Ascend through grasslands and forests where elephants may be spotted. At Mgongo wa Tembo (Elephant’s Back), enjoy panoramic views. Afternoon acclimatization hike to Little Meru (3,820m).

Overnight: Saddle Huts
Meals: B, L, D
Hiking Distance: 6.5mi / 10.4km

Day 9: Saddle Huts to Meru Summit & Descent to Momella Gate

Start the summit ascent before dawn, reaching Meru Peak (4,460m) at sunrise. Enjoy views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks on Kilimanjaro. Descend via Miriakamba Huts back to Momella Gate. Transfer to Arusha (Kibo Palace Hotel or Rivertrees Country Inn).

Overnight: The African Tulip Hotel or Rivertrees Country Inn
Meals: B, L, D
Hiking Distance: 18.6mi / 30km

Day 10: Arusha – Departure

For those in Arusha Town, explore the bustling commercial capital of Northern Tanzania. For those in Arusha Village, enjoy a peaceful countryside setting. Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for departure.

Meals: B

Inclusions

✔️ All accommodations (lodging & camping)
✔️ All meals as indicated (B, L, D)
✔️ Bottled or filtered water, coffee, teas, and cocoa
✔️ Services of an expert hiking guide and camp crew
✔️ Use of all camping equipment (excluding sleeping bag & pad)
✔️ Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport, Moshi, or Arusha

Exclusions

❌ Tips & gratuities for guides, crew, or staff
❌ Cold drinks & alcohol
❌ Extra accommodations & meals due to airline changes or inability to complete the climb
❌ Pre-trip expenses (immunizations, travel insurance, passports, visas)
❌ International airfare & airport departure taxes
❌ Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)

Disclaimer

Trip prices are based on Rocky Africa Experience costs at the time of booking. Rocky Africa Experience reserves the right to adjust trip prices due to:

• Inflation, fuel, labor, or material costs
• Exchange rate fluctuations
• Increased park fees (TANAPA), hotel/lodge rates, airline fares, or other service provider costs

Should these changes occur, additional payment may be required from the client.