Overview
We are the only company in the world who have an expedition leader and doctor on all Meru and Kilimanjaro expeditions while keeping group sizes sustainably small. Established in 2007, we offer high altitude trekking and mountaineering in some of the most breath-taking locations around the world.
Climbing Meru and Kilimanjaro
Meru (4,566m) makes an ideal high-altitude acclimatisation warm-up climb before tackling Kilimanjaro (5,896m), which is both Africa’s tallest mountain and the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
Our 16-day itinerary includes four days of trekking on the well-established Momella Route on Mount Meru, followed by seven days of trekking along the scenic Machame Trail to the peak of Kilimanjaro. This time-frame allows for excellent acclimatisation, increasing your chances of successfully summiting both of these stunning mountains.
Both Meru and Kilimanjaro are rich in biodiversity, offering ever changing landscapes. You’ll experience the excitement of spotting African wildlife such as giraffes and zebras in the low grasslands of Meru, trek through lush forests, and marvel at the striking alpine tundra with gorgeous views on both mountains. Finally, as the crowning achievement, you will ascend over scree and past glaciers to reach Kilimanjaro’s summit!
This fabulous combo-trek is suitable for people with a good level of fitness. You do not need mountaineering experience to either climb Meru or Kilimanjaro. We spend our last night before summiting Kilimanjaro in Kosovo Camp, as opposed to Barafu Camp, which is favoured by most other companies. This is a much quieter camp, and 120m higher in terms of altitude, cutting an hour off of our summit night!
Our Tanzanian expedition leader and expedition doctor work alongside our incredible team of Earth’s Edge guides and porters to deliver an unforgettable experience each and every day on the trail! The morning ritual of native song and dance gets the blood pumping in the early morning sunlight, motivating you on your journey!
You’ll have a free day at the end of your trip where you have the choice between getting some well-deserved R&R by the pool, or going on an optional one-day Safari in Tarangire National Park!
Want to learn more? You can watch our Kilimanjaro vlog here!
Meru and Kilimanjaro Expedition Costs & What’s Included
The total cost of climbing Meru and Kilimanjaro is highlighted above. You are required to pay a €399 deposit to secure your spot. A part-payment of €1000 is due six months prior to departure. You can pay the remaining balance by installments or in full. All fees must be paid three months prior to departure.
Your fees include the following:
- Return international flights from Dublin to Kilimanjaro
- Experienced expedition leader
- Experienced expedition doctor
- Experienced ranger on Meru
- Training Weekend
- Earth’s Edge team of guides and a full support team
- All accommodation
- All meals (except in Arusha where accommodation is based on B&B)
- A celebratory dinner at the end of the expedition
- All transport throughout the expedition
- National Park fees & local VAT
- All group gear consisting of first aid kits, mountaineering equipment, cooking equipment etc.
- Use of state-of-the-art tents and Thermarests
Joining from outside of Ireland?
You are more than welcome! Please select the ‘exclude flights’ option on the checkout. You can then book your own international flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). If you wish, we can arrange your airport transfers from the airport to our hotel in Arusha.
Read our Kilimanjaro blogs
Are you looking for more information about Meru and Kilimanjaro? We have lots of extra insight about our Kilimanjaro expeditions here. You can also watch our YouTube playlist here.
Itinerary
Day 2
Arrive in Tanzania
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Arrive in Tanzania. Transfer to the hotel in Arusha to relax for the rest of the day.
Day 3
Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut (2,514m) 5 hrs trekking
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After breakfast drive to Momella Gate and then hike through forest to Miriakamba Hut.
Day 4
Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut (3,570m) 4 hrs trekking
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A steep climb to Saddle Hut with an optional afternoon ascent of Little Meru (3,820 m).
Day 5
Saddle Hut to Socialiast Peak (4,566m) to Miriakamba Hut 9 hrs trekking
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A superb hike on a narrow ridge to the summit of Socialist Peak (4,566 m) with spectacular views at sunrise. Descend to Miriakamba Hut.
Day 6
Miriakamba Hut to Momella Gate to Arusha, 3 hrs trekking
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A short descent to Momella Gate and transfer to Arusha.
Day 7
Machame Gate (1,490m) to Machame Camp (2,980m) 7 hrs trekking
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Drive to Machame Gate. Trek through the forest to reach Machame Camp.
Day 9
Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3,950m), 7 hrs trekking
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See stunning views on the trek to Barranco Camp. We travel via Lava Tower (4630m).
Day 10
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,000m), 5 hrs trekking
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Trek through an alpine desert to reach the Karanga Valley. Set up camp.
Day 11
Karanga Camp to Kosovo Camp (4,800m), 5 hrs trekking
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Trek to Kosovo Camp. Rest and prepare for climbing to the summit tomorrow.
Day 12
Kosovo Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,896m) to Millennium Camp (3,832m), 14 hrs trekking
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Climb the summit of Kilimanjaro! Descend to Millennium Camp afterward.
Day 13
Millennium Camp to Arusha, 6 hrs trekking
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Trek to Mweka Gate, then drive back to Arusha. Relax by the pool and bar at the hotel for the rest of the day!
Facts
Meru (4,566 m) is the third-highest mountain in Tanzania. Like Kilimanjaro, it is also a dormant volcano - a horseshoe-shaped crater with a spectacularly narrow ridge and superb views. Inside the calder is a subsidiary peak called the Ash Cone (3,670 m) that last erupted 100 years ago.
Kilimanjaro is formed from three volcanoes: Shira, Mawenzi, and Kibo. Uhuru Peak, which marks the summit, is located on Kibo. It last erupted around 200 years ago. You will also pass Shira en route to the summit.
It is mandatory to climb Meru and Kilimanjaro with a licensed guide. In addition, you must use porters to carry your equipment on Kilimanjaro. This helps to sustain the local economy and allows local people to reap the rewards of tourism.
Best time to climb Meru and Kilimanjaro
Tanzania has two dry seasons and two wet seasons. From March through May, they see "long rains" and from November to mid-December they see "short rains". The dry season describes the times of year between these rains. While it can still rain during the dry season, it is statistically much drier. Therefore, January, February, and June through to October are the best times to climb these mountains.
What you need to climb Meru and Kilimanjaro
We have an extensive packing list on what you should bring with you when hiking Meru and Kilimanjaro. You can view this packing list here.
How to prepare to climb Meru and Kilimanjaro
We have classified Meru and Kilimanjaro as a level 5 expedition, for more information about our levels system click here. We expect participants to have a very good level of fitness. Although this is not a technical climb, it is very steep in places and you will be gaining height very quickly. The group moves at a comfortable pace and nobody is ever left behind. Nevertheless, it is your responsibility to contact us if you have any concerns regarding your level of fitness, health or ability to complete the trek. We strongly recommend that you read our information pack, which gives in detail on how you should prepare for climbing Meru and Kilimanjaro. You can read this document here.
Certified B-Corp
Earth's Edge is a certified B-Corp. In fact, we are the highest scoring B-Corp in Ireland. We are passionate about sustainable travel, bettering the lives of the people connected with the company and minimising our environmental impact.
Tree Planting
We plant 8 native trees in Nepal for each person that travels with us in partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects. If you would like to plant more, please contact info@earths-edge.com. Each extra tree costs €0.75 cents. Learn more about our tree planting here.
