The Marangu Route + Mount Meru Trekking

Mount Meru
One of the best things about climbing Mount Meru is probably the chance of a phenomenal view of Mount Kilimanjaro. This probably defines Mount Meru in the local mountain mythology, and is the misfortune of a geographic feature that by any standards is a big mountain. At 14980 foot it compares neither in stature nor reputation to Kilimanjaro, and so is sharply overshadowed. However Mount Meru is a unique feature in its own right, and very much worth the effort to climb

Marangu Route
Affectionately known as the "Coca-Cola route", Marangu is by far the most popular route to the summit of Kilimanjaro. This could partly be as a result of the fact that the Marangu is the least expensive route, but more so, perhaps the fact that it is possible to do the Marangu route in 5 days, thereby getting to the summit one day earlier than on the Machame route. This is not always the best way due to a shorter acclimatisation period. The Marangu route does however offer you the option of spending an extra acclimatisation day on the mountain. This extends the route to a 6-day march, greatly increasing your chances of success. Hut accommodation on the Marangu route forms one of the main differences, compared to the other routes. It offers you the relative luxury of being able to sleep in huts along the entire route. Mineral water, soft drinks, chocolates and beers are also sold at all the camps on this route. All your equipment and supplies are portered and a cook prepares all your meals.

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro airport
On arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, met and assisted. Transfer to Mountain Village Hotel / Impala Hotel for an overnight rest on bed and breakfast in readiness for the next day's hit to Mount Meru, climbing and trekking.

Day 2: Arusha/Miriakamba Hut
Mt.Meru Park Gate - Mariakamba: 4-5 hours Drive from Arusha to the Mt. Meru park gate where you will be met by our game ranger and porters. Hike for the few hours to Mariakamba Hut at 8,500 ft. From here you may wish to take an evening walk on the slopes to view wildlife at one of the watering holes in the crater. Dinner and overnight rest at Mariakamba Hut, L,D

Day 3: Miriakamba Hut - Saddle Hut
Miriakamba - Saddle Hut: 3-4 hours
After breakfast hike to up to 11,500 ft to arrive at Saddle Hut. If time permits you can climb a little further on Mount Meru for a scenic view of the 'Roof of Africa', Mount Kilimanjaro. This will also be part of more acclimatization. Overnight at Saddle Hut, B, L, D

Day 4: Saddle Hut - Summit - Miriakamba Hut
Saddle Hut - Summit: 4-6 hours
An early rise to hike all the way to the summit before the afternoon clouds cover the summit. From the summit, descend back to the 11,500 ft Saddle Hut in time for lunch. After lunch, hike down to Miriakamba Hut for dinner and overnight, B,L,D.

Day 5: Miriakamba Hut - Moshi
Breakfast at the camp and a leisurely morning. Descend to the park gate and then transfer to Moshi and check into a comfortable hotel. Fortune Mountain resort

DAY 6 - Kilimanjaro Climb - Moshi to Mandara Hut.
Breakfast, ascend through the alpine meadow, and grassland and moorland to Horombo hut (12,000ft). Both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks can be viewed easily on the way. Dinner and an overnight stay at Horombo hut, B.L.D.

DAY 7 - Kilimanjaro Climb - Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut.
Breakfast, ascend through the alpine meadow, and grassland and moorland to Horombo hut (12,000ft). Both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks can be viewed easily on the way. Dinner and an overnight stay at Horombo hut, B.L.D.

DAY 8 - Kilimanjaro Climb - Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut.
Breakfast, further ascending to Kibo hut (15,000ft). The landscape becomes very stony and eroded. Spectacular mountain vegetation like giant cactus, groundswell and lobelia appear on the way. Dinner and an overnight stay at Kibo hut, B.L.D.

DAY 9 - Kilimanjaro Climb - Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak.
Wake up at midnight, and after a snack, proceed to the summit through Gilman’s point (18,640ft). It is about 5-6hours and 1-2 hours from Kibo hut to Gilman’s point and from Gilman’s point to Uhuru Peak (19,340ft) respectively. Thus reaching the peak in the early morning of the fifth day and start descending after picture taking on the top to Horombo hut for diner and an overnight after a short break at Kibo hut, B.L.D.

DAY 10 - Kilimanjaro Climb - Kibo Hut to Marangu Gate - Moshi
Breakfast, Descend from Horombo hut to Marangu gate. The waiting car will take you to Fortune Mountain Resort

Season: the best times are January to March and June to December.

Schedule for Safari programm for : 2009 starting in Kilimanjaro:

Price per Person starting in Kilimanjaro:

US$ 1,880,-	p/Person	2 People Travelling together
US$ 1,805,-	p/Person	4 People Travelling together
US$ 1,730,-	p/Person	6 People Travelling together
US$ 1,955,-	p/Person	1 Person Travelling alone

We also organize unforgettable African safari to Tanzania National parks and Zanzibar beach holidays .
Tanzania Safaris and Kilimajaro Testimonials

Cost Includes:

• All transport by private vehicle to and from the mount kilimanjaro
• Accommodation as detailed on the itinerary.
• Services of a private mountain guide, cook and adequate porters to carry both trip provisions and client’s private bags.
• National Park entrance, accommodation and camping fees.
• All food and catering equipment Breakfasts, lunches (packed when necessary) and evening meals prepared by our own cook. Special dietary requirements are catered for with prior arrangements at no extra cost.
• Certificate of Achievement /appreciation from us.
• Free storage of excess baggage not required on the mount kilimanjaro hike.
• Mount Meru Climb and Marangu route on Mt Kilimanjaro
• Fortune Mountain resort in Moshi and Mountain village hotel / Impala Hotel
• Airport Transfer

Cost excludes:

• Travel and personal accident insurance.
• Visa, passport, vaccinations, medicines.
• Personal Mountain equipment.
• Tips.
• Expenditure on alcoholic drinks, souvenirs and other personal items.
• Optional excursions not detailed in the itinerary.
• Additional optional accommodation added at the base hotel or extra days on the mount kilimanjaro added.
• Treated drinking water other than boiled.
• Extra costs incurred in case of own intentional change of itinerary while already on trek.

TIPPING:
Tipping is an accepted part of life in Tanzania, and you will be expected to tip to reward service. You will be briefed on arrival as to when and how much is appropriate, however, depending on the size of your group you should budget on a personal contribution of around $ 45 to $ 50 for your trek guides, cooks and porters on the trek.