Climbing Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro is a challenging yet rewarding experience. Mount Meru, located in Tanzania, is Africa’s fifth-highest peak with breathtaking views and diverse wildlife. The climb, which typically takes four days, serves as an excellent acclimatization for Mount Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro, also in Tanzania, is Africa’s highest peak and one of the world’s Seven Summits. The climb, which can take between five to nine days depending on the route, is non-technical, making it accessible to fit individuals with no mountaineering experience. Both climbs offer stunning views and a sense of accomplishment.

Climbing Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro itinerary

Climbing Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro typically involves a 12 to 14-day itinerary. The journey begins with a 3 to 4-day climb of Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak, which serves as an excellent acclimatization climb for Mount Kilimanjaro. After descending Mount Meru, climbers rest for a day before embarking on the 7 to 9-day climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. The itinerary includes various routes like the Machame or Lemosho route, with the final ascent usually starting at midnight to reach the summit by sunrise. The journey is physically demanding but does not require technical climbing skills.

Climbing Mount Meru And Kilimanjaro Difficulty Comparison

Climbing Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro presents a significant challenge due to their high altitudes, unpredictable weather, and physically demanding terrains. Mount Meru, standing at 4,562 meters, is often used as an acclimatization climb for Kilimanjaro, but it is a tough climb in its own right, with steep slopes and a challenging summit day. Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa at 5,895 meters, is a longer and more strenuous climb, with altitude sickness being a common issue among climbers. Despite being a non-technical climb, the high altitude, low temperature, and occasional high winds make it a difficult and dangerous endeavor.

Climbing Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro Climbing routes

Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro are two of the most popular climbing destinations in Tanzania. Mount Meru, standing at 4,562 meters, is often used as a warm-up trek for Kilimanjaro due to its challenging terrain and altitude acclimatization. The climb usually takes 3-4 days and the Momella route is the only one available. Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa at 5,895 meters, offers several routes for climbers, including Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, Northern Circuit, and Umbwe. Each route varies in difficulty, scenery, and duration, ranging from 5 to 9 days.

8-Day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

This non-technical Kilimanjaro camping route is relatively new and one of the most popular routes currently chosen for ascending Kilimanjaro because of its beauty, views, and route profile. The trip begins in the isolated west Kilimanjaro area, through the forest reserve, and is often much quieter due to its remote starting point. The path approaches the Kibo cone through the Shira Plateau, finally connecting the southern circuit and passing the small “scrambling” (using your hands and legs) segment at the Barranco wall, which genuinely gives you that mountain climbing sense without any special equipment or experience.

7 Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route

This non-technical Kilimanjaro camping route is one of the most popular and is sometimes referred to as the ‘whisky’ route due to its popularity and strength. Machame begins in the southwest mountain rainforest and includes steep and difficult walks on the southern circuit that are ideally planned for acclimatization with natural elements that take you high and low. Although this is a non-technical route, there is a small “scrambling” (hands and legs) part at the Barranco wall that gives you the impression of mountain climbing without the need for special equipment or experience.

7 Or 6 Day Kilimanjaro Rongai Route

This non-technical Kilimanjaro camping path is the only one that begins on the mountain’s northern side. Rongai climbs the main Kilimanjaro (Kibo) cone from the northeast, where it is normally drier (helping to avoid rain), and descends through the Marangu path in the southeast. Though we consider this route to be less physically challenging than others (no climbing sections as on the southern circuit routes), short treks do not provide opportunities for acclimatization, and the easier walk may catch up with you at higher altitudes.

6 Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

The only non-technical Kilimanjaro route with permanent mountain huts at each overnight stop. Marangu, often known as the ‘Coca-Cola’ route due to its historical popularity, is no longer the preferred choice of modern trekkers who prefer longer camping-based routes. Marangu approaches the Kibo cone from the southeast, ascending and descending along the same trail that has been improved to make it more climber-friendly. This is an excellent option for inexperienced hikers who want to avoid camping.

4-Day Mount Meru Climb

Tanzania’s second and African continent’s fourth highest mountain rises 4566m or 14980ft above the ground in Arusha National Park, just east of the Kilimanjaro region. Mt Meru is a great warm-up (acclimatization) trek for a Kilimanjaro climb. It offers an exciting first day through the park forest (almost like a walking safari) with an armed ranger (shared with other groups) before taking you on the dry alpine zones up to the scree-filled peak. On a clear day, views of Kilimanjaro in the distance can be viewed, as well as a spectacular look down into the Meru crater.

 Climbing Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro scenery

Climbing Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro offers an exhilarating and breathtaking experience. Mount Meru, located in Tanzania, is Africa’s fifth-highest peak with dramatic views of volcanic cones and craters. At the same time, the ascent provides climbers with stunning vistas of wildlife in the Arusha National Park. On the other hand, Mount Kilimanjaro, also in Tanzania, is Africa’s highest peak and offers diverse scenery, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts and arctic conditions near the summit. The climb is a test of endurance but rewards climbers with panoramic views of the African plains.

The cost of climbing Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro

Climbing Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro can be quite costly due to the various expenses involved. The cost includes park fees, guide and porter fees, accommodation, food, and transportation. For Mount Meru, the total cost can range from $800 to $1200 per person for a 3-4 day climb. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is more expensive, with costs ranging from $2000 to $4000 per person for a 5-9 day climb. These prices can vary depending on the tour operator, the route chosen, and the level of comfort and service provided.