An EPIC 15-Day Mount Meru vs Machame Route Hike Challenge
Mount Meru is a shorter, less demanding, and less expensive trek than the Machame Route, often completed in 3-4 days, while the 6-7 day Machame Route is a more scenic and challenging path up Mount Kilimanjaro. The Machame Route is considered moderately difficult with steeper, more varied terrain, while Mount Meru is moderately challenging with a consistent, steep incline, especially on the final summit push. Meru is often used as an acclimatization climb for Kilimanjaro because of its lower altitude.
For individuals seeking the pinnacle of challenge, we offer our Kilimanjaro Expedition climb, which combines two difficult climbs of separate mountains. In order to acclimatise and get your legs in gear, you will begin with a three-day climb of Mount Meru in Kenya. Then, you will climb Kilimanjaro via the Machame route for seven days. As an added bonus, when we reach the summit at 5,895 meters, we will camp for the night inside Kilimanjaro’s glacier crater at 5,750 meters. This is an incredibly unique and unforgettable experience that no other trip we offer offers. Whether you’re an experienced climber seeking a new challenge or just starting out, our Expedition climb is one of a kind.
The Challenge
Reach the Roof of Africa in 11 days…
For those seeking a more challenging and expedition-style trekking experience, this Kilimanjaro climb is the way to go. In order to prepare for Kilimanjaro’s most direct ascent path—a route that very few have attempted—we will first spend four days climbing Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest mountain, which stands at 4,562 meters. After our last summit attempt at 5,790 meters, we spend the night at Crater Camp. Aspiring mountaineers with prior scrambling expertise, or those willing to challenge themselves to their limits, should prepare for this adventure climb by getting in shape.
- 15 day trip – 11 day trek
- Trekking 2 magnificent summits!
- Acclimatise on Mount Meru – 4,562m
- Then take on Mount Kilimanjaro
- Steep, quick, and quiet Umbwe Route
- Traverse the tough Western Breach
- Adventurous route to the Summit!
- Explore Kili’s Ash Pit and glaciers
- Camp in the Crater at 5,730m
A Complete 15 Day Mount Meru vs Machame Route Hike Challenge
Day 1-2; Arrive in Tanzania
We leave London and fly overnight to Tanzania. Upon landing at Kilimanjaro Airport, we will be transferred to our cosy accommodation in Arusha town, situated at the base of Mount Meru, for about an hour. We meet our local guides and enjoy lunch together after getting ready for the expedition. After lunch, you’ll have some free time to unwind before your AC leader, UK doctor, and head local guide give you a welcome briefing and go over your gear. Before turning in for the night, we’re having supper together tonight.
Day 3-6; Mt Meru Summit
We will depart from the hotel after breakfast and be transferred to Arusha National Park to start climbing Mount Meru, the second-highest mountain in Tanzania. Our anticipated arrival time is four to five hours of walking. Little Meru (3820m) is an optional acclimatisation climb that can be done after lunch. Climbing starts before the sun comes up. For six to eight hours, we systematically climb up rock slabs to the peak. For the final hour of your walk, you’ll have to scramble along a steep ridge that separates Meru’s crater from its inner walls. Views of Kilimanjaro and the ‘Ash Tray,’ the volcanic heart of the crater on Mount Meru, are just breathtaking. Afterwards, we make our way down to Mirikamba Hut for some much-needed rest. After your climb, you can relax and rejuvenate in a hotel in Moshi town, which is near to Kilimanjaro.
Day 7-9; Machame Camp – Barranco
Setting off from Machame gate, to the South East of the mountain, we set out from the foothills through beautiful flora. Our 1st night is spent sleeping at ‘Machame Camp’ (2,780m). The terrain shifts more into ‘Moorland’ the following day as we leisurely walk towards Shira Camp, adorned with distinctive plants and vegetation. Above the cloud line at 3,850 meters, on the Shira Plateau, is where we set up camp. Continuing onwards, we will pass Lava Tower and go beneath Kibo’s ice field en route to Barranco Camp, which is located at 3,972 meters, close below the notorious Barranco wall.
Day 10-12; Summit night & descent
On our way out of Barranco camp, we will ascend the Barranco wall by scrambling and then continue on to Karanga Camp, which is 3,995 meters tall. Following our lunch break, we embark on a six-hour trek from Karanga to Kosovo Camp, which is situated at 4,800 meters. Here we catch some rest before getting up at around 11 o’clock in the evening in order to be ready for our summit attempt.
Next up: the day we reach the peak of Kilimanjaro! We get up shortly before midnight and start our ascent after having a hot beverage and some food. Using only our torches, we will continue to climb the most difficult and challenging section of the trail for the next six hours. Stella Point, located on the rim of Kilimanjaro’s crater at 5,730 meters, and Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters, are both reached after a lengthy and difficult hike. Following our celebration at the peak, we will start our descent into Kibo Crater to set up camp for the night. Then, we will descend to Mweka Camp for our last night on the mountain.
Day 13-15; Moshi & Departure
We take a bus back to the hotel after our four to five-hour descent from Mweka Camp to the gate. After a quick nap and steamy shower, we can spend the afternoon lounging by the pool in preparation for our celebratory supper. Our return to the UK will be by overnight flight, so we’ll have the morning to ourselves the following day.
End of the 15-Day Mount Meru vs Machame Route Hike Challenge