Routes: Mt Kenya(Sirimon – Chogoria Route) | Kilimanjaro – (Machame Route Route) | Mt. Meru 

This 21-day trek to Mount Kenya, Mount Meru, and Mount Kilimanjaro Mount Kenya dubbed “3 peaks, 3 weeks” is a combination of a 5-day Mount Kenya trek via the Sirimon- Chogoria route, a 6-day Mount Kilimanjaro trek via the Machame Route, and a 3-day Mount Meru trek. Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro are 3 of the highest mountains in Africa. Ranking them in the continent, Mount Kilimanjaro ranks first, Mount Kenya comes second and Mount Meru ranks as the fifth highest mountain in Africa. Mount Kenya is located in Kenya, Mount Meru is located in Arusha, Tanzania and Mount Kilimanjaro is located in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania near Moshi Town. These three mountains are among Africa’s highest with Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m) being higher than Mount Kenya (5,199m) and Mount Meru (4,565m). In that case, climbing Mount Kenya and Mount Meru would act as acclimatization climbs to warm up for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain and the world’s highest free-standing mountain. While Mount Kilimanjaro is Tanzania’s highest, Mount Kenya is Kenya’s highest, and Mount Meru, on the other hand, is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania, now imagine the adventure that comes with combining these 3 treks that offer amazing scenery, views and world-class bragging rights under their belts.

Your level of stamina, determination, mental and physical preparedness will be questioned as you seek to reach the summits of these three African giants.

Even though these three East African mountains are not technically demanding, you will need to be in good form to climb them, both physically and mentally.

Highlights

  • Enjoy a 21-day trekking trip to the summit of Mount Kenya, Mount Meru & Kilimanjaro.
  • Spend your nights in various camps/huts on both mountains.
  • Enjoy spectacular views from the three peaks’ summits.
  • Spot some wildlife and birds around the 3 mountains

How to get to Mount Kenya

To get to Mount Kenya, you have to fly into Kenya first through the International Airports that serve as Kenya’s entry points like the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and the Mombasa Moi International Airport in Mombasa. Many air companies fly into Kenya from all over the world e.g Virgin Atlantic, British Airways and Kenya Airways fly regular direct flights to Nairobi. There are other airlines that offer competitive prices for air tickets that make a stop from Qatar Airways, Ethiopian and Emirates.

Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta airport is a ½ hr drive away from the capital city of Kenya, Nairobi with a distance of about 16km.

How to get to Mount Kilimanjaro & Mount Meru

To get to Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, you have to get into Tanzania by flying into any of the major airports like the Kilimanjaro International Airport located between Arusha and Moshi, Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam or from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya then travel into Tanzania by road or by air. The best way however is flying into the Kilimanjaro International Airport which is the nearest International Airport to Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, and their nearest towns Moshi and Arusha respectively. Kilimanjaro International Airport is only 51km away from Mount Kilimanjaro and it would take you about 49 minutes to reach there by driving.

Best time to climb Mount Kenya 

Best times for climbing Mount Kenya from any of the trekking routes are January to March and June to October but it can be climbed year-round. The rainy seasons typically occur in April, May, and November. However, with the onset of climate change, they have been difficult to predict in recent years

Best time for Mount Kilimanjaro & Mount Meru

The best times of the year to climb either Mount Meru or Mount Kilimanjaro is during the months of December through to March, and June through to October. These are the dry months of the year and are suitable for mountain climbing. The months of  November and April / May,  are the rainy seasons, the weather is usually unpredictable during these months and the rains make the trails wet, muddy and are not enjoyable to climb the mountain but if at all you climb Mount Kilimanjaro during these seasons, be sure to bring along waterproof gear and gaiters.

Is the 21-Day Mount Kenya, Meru & Kilimanjaro Trek for me?

If you would like to enjoy a 3-week mountaineering adventure that features climbing Mount Kenya, Mount Meru, and Kilimanjaro, then this is the trip for you. This trip can be customised and is flexible enough to include a safari to either Kenya, Tanzania, or both or a beach holiday add-ons to Zanzibar or the Kenyan coast. We can also adjust the routes to include or reduce the number of days. Please contact us for more requirements.

When trekking both mountains, all you need is to follow your mountain guide’s advice while on the mountain and drink as much water as possible to combat altitude sickness. To climb Mount Kenya, Mount Meru, and Mount Kilimanjaro, you do not need to be superhuman fit, if you can comfortably walk for 6-8 hours a day with ease then you can climb either of the mountains. Remember, age is not a limiting factor, children as young as 10 and adults as old as 80 have climbed any of these mountains.

Mount Kenya Vs Mount Meru Vs Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, and Mount Kenya share many similarities as well as differences and offer spectacular views and a chance for unrivaled adventure. We are going to take a look at what makes these three mountains so similar and what makes them different, unique and quite the opposite of each other.


Geology: They are all isolated volcanic massifs that tower spectacularly above the clouds of the tropical East African landscape. Mount Kilimanjaro(5,895 m) is the highest of the three followed by Mount Kenya (5,199 m) then Mount Meru (4,565). Geologically they are extinct volcanoes.


Location: These 3 mountains are located in the East African region of the African continent although they are in two different countries, it is worth noting that these countries are neighbours that share the same border.  Mount Kenya is located approximately 16.5 kilometres (10 14 miles) south of the equator, about 150 km (90 mi) on the North-Eastern side of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. Mount Meru is located in Arusha and Mount Kilimanjaro is located near Moshi, in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania.

Height: Mount Kilimanjaro standing at an altitude of 5,895m above sea level is higher than Mount Kenya which stands at a height of 5,199m above sea level and Mount Meru which stands at 4,565m above sea level.


Duration: It takes about 4 to 8 days to climb Mount Kenya, depending on the route that you choose. A great trekking summit success chance depends on the number of days, the longer the better as it gives you extra days and enough time to acclimatize. Mount Kilimanjaro, on the other hand, would take you 5 to 9 days to climb. Mount Meru takes about 3,4 days to reach the summit and back.


Scenery: These three African mountains offer amazing scenery due to their varied vegetation and climatic zones. They are both located within national parks, hence they give you the possibility of wildlife and bird watching. Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya have terrain features that range from Craggy volcanic boulders, trickling creeks, crystal clear lakes, indigenous alpine flora, and summit glaciers. Watching sunrises from the peaks of any of these mountains is a view to behold. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Kenya and Mount Meru on a full moon is another sight to behold as you get to the summit through the help of the natural light of the moon.


Routes: Mount Kenya’s routes sum up to a total of eight routes, starting clockwise from the north they are the: Meru, Chogoria, Kamweti, Naro Moru, Burguret, Sirimon and Timau Routes.

The main routes leading to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro are the Machame Route, Rongai Route,  Lemosho Route, Marangu Route, Umbwe Route, Northern Circuit, Shira Route, Kilema Route used for biking, the dangerous and rarely used Western breach, and the Mweka Route which is popular for descending the mountain. Mount Meru can only be climbed using the Momella route.


Price: Climbing any of these three mountains depends mainly on the number of people in your group, and the number of days you will spend on the mountain among other factors. Mount Kenya and Mount Meru cost lesser than Mount Kilimanjaro because Mount Kilimanjaro is more popular and has more demand, and many factors play a major role in the price of the trekking package.


Accommodation: Most of the routes up these mountains depend largely on camping and accommodation is in the form of tents. There are exceptions though as some routes depend on huts/cabins as a way of accommodation. On Mount Meru, you will not be camping but sleep in dormitory-styled huts.


Difficulty and Technicality: These three mountains are not too different as they do not demand too much in terms of technical levels. Mount Kilimanjaro is walkable for most of the part. Mount Kenya, on the other hand, is a manageable trek, especially if you, choose Point Lenana as your summit point. Batian, the true summit of Mount Kenya, rises a little bit higher than Point Lenana at 5,199 meters (17,057 feet) and it offers rock and ice climbing that pushes even experienced mountaineers to the edge.


Crowds: Compared with Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, and Mount Kenya’s trails are more tranquil and quieter as it is not as popular as Mount  Kilimanjaro, especially during the less-popular wet seasons of March-June and October-December. Lesser traffic means less litter, noise, people at the summit, and competition for beds at the huts.

Day1

Arrival

Once you arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya, you will be received by the Tranquil Kilimanjaro staff and transferred to your hotel in Nairobi. Dinner and overnight at Comfort Inn Hotel or similar.

Day 2

Nairobi/Nanyuki

Drive from Nairobi at 09:00 hrs after breakfast to Nanyuki. A complimentary walking tour to familiarise yourself with the area around Mount Kilimanjaro along the equator. dinner and overnight at Simbas lodge.

Day 3

Sirimon gate to Judmaier camp

After early morning breakfast, take a 3-4 hour drive to Sirimon gate for a hike that traverses the rainforest zone on the base slopes of Mount Kenya with canopies of Pencil Cedar trees, Podocarpus trees, and the giant Hygenia trees. The beautiful Nelion and Batian peaks are visible from the Judmaier camp.

Day 4

Judmaier camp to Shiptons camp

After breakfast, you will resume trekking for a 6 to 8-hour hike crossing different valleys, there is a great view of the two craggy outlying Terere peak and Sendeo peak. This point is also a great view of Nanyuki town and a beautiful birds-eye view of the terrain below. Shipton’s camp has also an excellent setting with the north faces of Nelion peak and Batian peak.17kms

Day 5

Shipton’s camp to Point Lenana and then descend to Halls Tarns camp.

After morning breakfast take a 6 to 9-hour hike through some of the most spectacular stages on Mt Kenya.22kms

Day 6

Halls tarns camp (Mintos) to Chogoria gate

This hike takes a duration of about 4 – 6 hours. This area has spectacular views overlooking the Gorges valley with Lake Michaelson and Vivienne falls within sight, and across on the other side you can see Ithanguni peak, the flat heavily, forested Rotundu peaks and the Giant Flat — top Kilingo hill table. 18kms

Day 7

Chogoria gate to Chogoria town

Wake up to a hearty breakfast prepared by your mountain cook then proceed for about 6 – 8 hours, on dirt roads traversing a thick bamboo forest and tropical forest. The forest is really beautiful with chances of spotting wildlife and the rare, black and white Columbus monkeys. This day marks the end of the Mount Kenya trek as we drive back to Nairobi arriving late in the afternoon. 32kms.  Dinner and overnight at Boulevard hotel B/B.

Day 8

Rest

Spend the rest of your day at the hotel and at the swimming pool at the Boulevard Hotel.B/B

Day 8

Travel to Arusha

You can choose to board the Riverside shuttle bus or Impala shuttle bus or our private transfer from Nairobi at 0800 hrs and travel to Arusha through the Namanga border, arriving in Arusha at 1300hrs. Dinner and overnight at a hotel/lodge in Arusha.

Day 10

Arusha - Mount Meru Gate

After breakfast, drive from your hotel to Arusha National park gate, and participate in a game drive through the park on the way to begin climbing Mount Meru. Take a walking safari accompanied by a Park Ranger through a game-filled parkland up to Miriakamba hut, at 8,100ft.

Day 11

Miriakamba - Saddle hut

After a hearty breakfast prepared by your expedition cook, leave Miriakamba for Saddle hut, at 11,480ft traversing the forest. B.L.D.

Day 12

Summit Attempt - Mount Meru

Wake up at midnight, and after a cup of tea and some biscuits, make the final push to the summit of Mount Meru via the viewpoint at the edge of the crater rim. After a few moments at the peak taking pictures and admiring the sunrise,  descend to the gate, Tranquil Kilimanjaro crew will drive you back to your hotel or lodge in Arusha. B.L.

Day 13

Arusha - Moshi

Today you will not be in a rush, as you will take your time at the hotel or lodge in Arusha then, later on, drive from Arusha to Moshi, the closest town to Mount Kilimanjaro.B/B.

Day 14

Rest

You will use this day for resting at your hotel/lodge in Moshi as you prepare for your Mount Kilimanjaro climb and verify your equipment list for climbing Kilimanjaro. The tranquil Kilimanjaro crew will brief you on your itinerary for the next day. You can take a town tour to Moshi or just choose to relax at your hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel or lodge in Moshi.

Day 15

Machame Gate (1490m) – Machame camp (2980m)

Hiking time: 7 hours
Distance: About 18 km
Habitat: Montane forest
Transfer from your hotel in Moshi to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at Machame. From here, you trek through the lush green rainforest zone to Machame hut. Dinner and Overnight at the Machame Camp.

Day 16

Machame camp (2980m) – Shira camp (3840m)

Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: About 9 km
Habitat: Moorland
After early morning breakfast, leave the camp in the forest for the day’s trek. The trail follows a steep ridge traversing open ground of the moorland zone past a large gorge to reach Shira hut. Dinner and overnight at the camp
Day 17

Shira (3840m)-Lava Tower (4630m)-Barranco camp (3950m)

Hiking time: 7 hours
Distance: About 15 km
Habitat: Semi-desert
After early morning breakfast at your camp, trek eastwards and continue ascending through the dry landscape before dropping again to reach Barranco hut. This day is meant for acclimatization purposes. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.
Day 18

Barranco camp (3950m)- Barafu camp (4550m)

Hiking time: 7 hours
Distance: About 13 km
Habitat: Alpine desert
The trail makes a steep ascent to climb out of the Barranco valley and crosses the Karanga valley, then turns North to reach Barafu Hut. Overnight stay at the camp.
Day 19

SUMMIT ATTEMPT

Barafu camp (4550m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m)-Mweka (3100m)
Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak
7/8 hours to descend to Mweka
Distance: About 7 km’s ascent – 23 km’s descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
We wake up at midnight to make a summit attempt to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro with a trek to the crater rim at the Stella point just in time for sunrise, then proceed to Uhuru peak, the highest point in Africa. Afterward, a brief moment at the top of the mountain, descend to Gilman’s point and proceed the descent further down to Horombo hut. Dinner and overnight at the camp
Day 20

Descent

This is your last day and probably your last activity on Mount Kilimanjaro as we make a descent from the mountain to Mandara hut then to the gate where you are we will drive you back to your hotel in Moshi for dinner and overnight.
Day 21

Departure

This marks the end of your 3 week Mount Kenya, Mount Meru, and Mount Kilimanjaro trek. After breakfast board a shuttle bus from your hotel and proceed to Nairobi arriving late in the afternoon (6.30 PM) where you will head for the Airport. You might opt for Kilimanjaro International Airport or Nairobi Airport for departure. Whichever you choose we can arrange an airport transfer.

The cost for the 21 days ( 3 weeks) trek to Mount Kenya, Mount Meru & Mount Kilimanjaro includes and excludes the following items

Mount Kenya, Meru & Kilimanjaro Price includes

Guarantee price/guarantee trek on confirmation

Transfers from/to Kilimanjaro Airport.

All ground transport and transfers as per the itinerary

Full board accommodation whilst on the trek

Sirimon/Chogoria route on Mount Kenya and Marangu route on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meal plan as described, B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner

Accommodation on the mountain in huts as shown.

Bed and breakfast accommodation in Nairobi and Arusha

All park entrance fees to include government taxes

Service of an English speaking professional driver/guide

Transfer to and from the base of the mountains

Service of an English speaking professional guide, porters and skilled cook

Start and finish Nairobi

Treated water on the trek.

On completion, successful climb certificate/s

Mount Kenya acclimatisation overnight at Mountain Rock Lodge on the base of Mt Kenya to include a walk to Mau Mau caves

Chemical toilet on the mountain

Group maximum of 12 climbers for personalised service

Price Excludes

Laundry, tips, sleeping bags, climbing gear and drinks

International flights and taxes

Emergency Oxygen, available on request at $200 per group (MUST BE REQUESTED IN ADVANCE)

Passports and Visas

Traveler’s insurance and medical evacuation insurance

Items of personal nature and any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary

Can you see Kilimanjaro from Amboseli?

Yes, you can view Mount Kilimanjaro clearly at Amboseli National Park. Amboseli is situated in the South and South-East of Kenya, just like the Kilimanjaro Mountain which is at the border of Amboseli in Kenya and the Kilimanjaro region in Tanzania.

What is Kilimanjaro famous for?

Mount Kilimanjaro is most famous for being the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

Can you see Kilimanjaro from Kenya?

Yes, Though located in Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro can be best viewed from Kenya’s Amboseli national park or Loitoktok town which is located at the border of Kenya and Tanzania

Can you view Mount Kilimanjaro from the Serengeti?

No, Mount Kilimanjaro is not visible from the Serengeti National Park but you stand a better chance seeing it if you take a hot air balloon and use a telescope because Serengeti is 324 km away from Mount Kilimanjaro.

Can you see Kilimanjaro from Arusha?

Yes, from Arusha, Kilimanjaro is not very far away, if you stand on a high building or on top of Mount Meru you can Mount Kilimanjaro when the sky is clear.

Can you see Kilimanjaro from Moshi?

Yes, Mount Kilimanjaro is very visible everywhere around Moshi town. In fact, it is the first thing you notice when you enter Moshi as Moshi is the closest town to Mount Kilimanjaro.

Where is the best view of Kilimanjaro?

The answer to this can be arguable, to be honest. Most people claim that Amboseli National park in Kenya offers the best view while others say it is more beautiful from Moshi Town in  Tanzania.

How much does it cost to climb Mount Kenya?

Mount Kenya climbing costs depend on a few factors. These are the number of days you will spend on the mountain, the number of people in your group among other factors. Currently, the entrance fees into the Mount Kenya National Park are $150 per adult for a three-day itinerary, $220 per adult for four days or $300 per adult for 5 days. This includes the entrance fee plus camping fees. 

Can you climb Mount Kenya?

Yes, you can climb Mount Kenya with the help of guides and porters. There are designated routes to the summits of Mount Kenya and each route can be accessed by all types of people, from first-timers to experienced mountain climbers.

What animals live on Mount Kenya?

There are many wild animals roaming around Mount Kenya and the Mount Kenya national park. They include, elephants, bushbucks, buffaloes, duikers etc.

Can you see Mount Kenya from Nairobi?

At an altitude of about 17,057 feet and being the second-highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kenya can be seen from Nairobi, on a clear sky but from the top of a tall building in Nairobi which is about 85 miles away.

How hard is it to climb Mt Kenya?

By comparison, MtKenya is easier to climb than Kilimanjaro because it is lower and you get to spend much less time in the cold, thin-air zone.

How many days does it take to climb Mt Kenya?

It would take you between 4 to 8 days to climb Mount Kilimanjaro depending on the route that you choose and your mountain climbing expertise.


How high is Mount Kenya?

The Elevation of Mount Kilimanjaro is 5,199 m above sea level from the base of the mountain to the peak.

Does Mt Kenya have snow?

Due to the high altitudes, the peak of Mount Kenya which lies on the alpine zone is constantly covered with snow and ice. This is mainly because of the sub-zero temperatures at the top that can fall to as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius). 

How much higher is Mount Kilimanjaro than Mount Kenya?

Mount Kilimanjaro measuring 5,895 meters above sea level is about 695m higher than Mount Kenya, standing at 5,199 meters above the sea.
Mount kenya, Mount meru, kilimanjaro
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Stella Point
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