Imagine a 25-day tour to trek Mount Meru, climb Mount Kilimanjaro (the highest mountain in Africa), and a safari to the best parks on the northern circuit of Tanzania. Talk of killing all birds with one stone. To break it down, this long safari of over 3 weeks is composed of 4 days Mount Meru trek, followed by a nice 7 day Rongai Route challenge and eventually a 7 days safari to Tarangire national park, Lake Manyara National park, the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, and of course the legendary Serengeti National Park.

4 Days Mount Meru + 7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro + 7 Days Safari

This Mount Meru – Kilimanjaro trek combo with a safari add-on can be customized to your desired number of days by changing the routes to hiking Mount Kilimanjaro. You can also choose to extend your safari or even make it shorter to accommodate your duration in Tanzania. It is a great adventure to experience the best of Tanzania especially if you opt for a Zanzibar add-on or an extension to see the Gorillas of Rwanda, Victoria Waterfalls, or a trip to Uganda for gorilla trekking tours.

25 Days Mount Meru Trek, Mount Kilimanjaro Climb & Safari Combo

  • Day 1: Arrival – Arusha
  • Day 2: Momella Gate – Mariakamba Hut
  • Day 3: Mariakamba Hut – Saddle Hut
  • Day 4: SaddleHut-Little Meru-Saddle
  • Day 5: Saddle Hut – Summit – Mariakamba
  • Day 6: Mariakamba Hut – Momela Gate
  • Day 7: At leisure around Arusha
  • Day 8: Arusha
  • Day 9: Arusha – Rongai
  • Day 10: Simba Campsite – Caves Camp
  • Day 11: Caves Camp2-Kikelelwa Camp
  • Day 12: Kikelelwa– Mawenzi Tarn Camp
  • Day 13: Tarn Hut to Kibo
  • Day 14: Kibo Hut – Summit – Horombo
  • Day 15: Horombo/ Mandara
  • Day 16: Horombo/Marangu Gate/Arusha
  • Day 17: Arusha
  • Day 18: Arusha to Tarangire
  • Day 19: Tarangire to Lake Manyara
  • Day 20: Lake Manyara to Lake Eyasi
  • Day 21: Lake Eyasi-Ngorongoro-Serengeti
  • Day 22: Central Serengeti, Seronera to North Serengeti, Kogatende
  • Day 23: Mara River, North Serengeti
  • Day 24: Serengeti Lobo to Lake Victoria
  • Day 25: To airport/Arusha
Day1

Arrival - Arusha

When you arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport, our Tranquil Kilimanjaro driver will meet you and transport you to your accommodation in Arusha Town. On the same day, you’ll meet your guide for a Mount Meru climb briefing, where you’ll double-check your climbing gear and make plans for any items you might have forgotten. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Arusha.

Day 2

Momella Gate - Mariakamba Hut

After breakfast, you will be greeted by your guide and taken 45 minutes from Arusha town to the entry gate of Arusha National Park. After completing the registration process, you will begin going towards Mariakamba Hut. Lunch will be served in the form of a picnic. Mariakamba Hut (overnight) (2500m) Walking time: 8-10 hours

Day 3

Mariakamba Hut – Saddle Hut

You begin trekking towards Saddle Hut after your early morning breakfast. This section is steeper than the previous day and marks the start of the actual trekking. Your guide and Park Ranger will keep an eye on you to make sure you stay on track. Saddle Hut, Saddle Hut, Saddle Hut, Saddle Hut, Sa (3500m) Walking time: 4-6 hours, 10 kilometers

Day 4

SaddleHut-Little Meru-Saddle

Today is a leisure/relaxation day. You’ll spend an additional day in Saddle Hut to acclimate and take in the spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. You’ll have to climb a short distance to Little Meru (3820m), where you’ll see your route to Big Meru’s summit. Saddle Hut, Saddle Hut, Saddle Hut, Saddle Hut, Sa (3500m) Walking time: 2 hours

Day 5

Saddle Hut – Summit – Mariakamba

Before beginning the hike to Big Meru summit, get up about midnight and drink a cup of tea. Return to Saddle Hut for a delicious breakfast after ascending to the peak (4566m) through steep trails. After that, you’ll relax for a few hours in the hut before walking down to Mariakamba Hut for your final night’s stay. Overnight:

Day 6

Mariakamba Hut - Momela Gate

Walk down to Momela Gate from the camp. Depending on your physical condition after your climb, you can also arrange with your guide for the Rescue Vehicle to carry you down to the gate. When you get at the gate, your driver will meet you and transport you back to Raha Lodge – 1 Night.

Day 7

At leisure around Arusha

The chance to wander around Arusha, possibly visiting the Masai Market or the Cultural Heritage Centre, and sampling the city’s stores and eateries. Arusha also has the National Natural History Museum, or you may simply relax at your hotel. 2 Nights in Arusha

Day 8

Arusha

In preparation for your Mount Kilimanjaro climb – Rongai route, meet your guide for a briefing and to double-check your kit. Arusha, Tanzania

Day 9

Arusha - Rongai

After breakfast, you’ll meet up with some of your crew mates and head to Marangu Gate. Following registration, you will go to Rongai gate, which is about a 5-hour journey from Marangu. Today’s walk will take you through farmland and then into the rainforest at a slow pace. Time spent walking — 5 hours Simba Camp – Rongai (2830m)

Day 10

Simba Campsite – Caves Camp

Second Caves may be reached by climbing through the heather. Mawenzi will be seen if the weather is clear; it will be a breathtaking sight. Stop to admire the fascinating heather-zone flowers and plants that grow alongside the route. Walking time: 4-5 hours
2nd Caves Camp (3450m)

Day 11

Caves Camp2-Kikelelwa Camp

Today will be a short hike to help you acclimate. A side route travels through the moorland and onto Mawenzi’s sharply climbing slopes, diverging from the main trail (Mawenzi peak). You’ll be welcomed into camp with a delicious meal and the opportunity to explore the surrounding area of strange vegetation and rock formations. Kikelelwa Caves Camp  (3650m)

Day 12

Kikelelwa– Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Trek from the moorland to the harsh highland desert in the direction of Mawenzi, using routes that aren’t overrun with visitors. From the Tarn Campsite, you’ll get a spectacular view across the saddle to Kibo, your final destination. Walking time: 5-7 hours
Mawenzi Tarn Camp is located in Mawenzi, Tanzania (4315m)

Day 13

Tarn Hut to Kibo

Today’s trek will take you across the vast saddle that separates Mawenzi and Kibo. The crossing is remarkable, and the scenery is breathtaking. Prepare all of your things for the upcoming night, and come early to get some rest. Walking time: 5-7 hours
Kibo Camp is located at a height of 10,200 feet (3110 meters).

Day 14

Kibo Hut – Summit – Horombo

You are awakened around 12 a.m. and leave the camp about 1 a.m. You hike from your camp to the crater rim (Gillman’s Point – 18,750ft5712m) and then to Uhuru Peak. Temperatures will range from 0 to -10°C when you travel at 1 a.m., and from 4 to 6 a.m. (just before sunrise), you may visit Horombo Camp (15,585ft/4750m).

Day 15

Horombo/ Mandara

This will be your final night on the mountain, and you will travel from Horombo Camp to Mandara Hut for the night. Mandara Hut (3700m/11,950ft) Walking time: 5-6 hours
Mandara Hut (3700m/11,950ft)

Day 16

Horombo/Marangu Gate/Arusha

This is the last day of your ascent. This last descent would take 5-6 hours if you spent overnight in Horombo. An overnight stay at Mandara Hut cuts your walking time in half, to 3-4 hours. You will be given a congratulation certificate for conquring the roof of Africa when you get at Marangu Gate. Overnight and dinner at Green View Lodge

Day 17

Arusha

Relaxation in or around Arusha before safari.
Green View Lodge

Day 18

Arusha to Tarangire

At 08.30 a.m., depart from your Arusha hotel and travel for about 90 minutes to Tarangire National Park. Elephants in enormous herds cluster along the Tarangire River, making this park known as the “home of elephants.” Leopards, lions,  are among the other wildlife that may be seen. Dinner and overnight Lilac Tented Camp.

Day 19

Tarangire to Lake Manyara

A full day at Lake Manyara National Park, which is known for its lush vegetation, diverse bird life, and tree-climbing lions, hippos, and baboons. Early morning game drive followed by a picnic lunch. Return to Lilac tented camp in the afternoon. Dinner and an overnight stay
Dinner & Overnight at Lilac Tented Camp, a unique camping experience.

Day 20

Lake Manyara to Lake Eyasi

The mangola village or Eyasi is about a 2-hour drive away. It’s a somewhat alkaline lake that stretches southwest for roughly 50 kilometers (31 miles). The Crater Highlands dominate the horizon to the northeast, stretching as far as the eye can reach, and the Serengeti plains to the north.
Dinner & Overnight at Nyika Campsite

Day 21

Lake Eyasi-Ngorongoro-Serengeti

We embark from Lake Eyasi for the Ngorongoro Crater after breakfast. There’s a good chance you’ll see all five of the big cats in one day: lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo, and leopard. Lunch will be served at the crater floor picnic area. Later, travel straight to Serengeti by ascending the crater. Nyani campground and dinner

Day 22

Central Serengeti, Seronera to North Serengeti, Kogatende

We embark from Lake Eyasi for the Ngorongoro Crater after breakfast. There’s a good chance you’ll see all five of the big cats in one day: lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo, and leopard. Lunch will be served at the crater floor picnic area. Later, travel straight to Serengeti by ascending the crater. Nyani Campsite for dinner and overnight.

Day 23

Mara River, North Serengeti

Early in the morning, embark with lunch boxes for a full game drive along the Mara River, which is famed for the wildebeest migration. Crocodiles will feast on the wildebeest as they cross the Mara River on their way to Masai Mara Game Reserve. You’ll see a lot of crocodiles as well as huge cats like lions and leopard.

Dinner and overnight at Lobo Campsite or similar

Day 24

Serengeti Lobo to Lake Victoria

Depart for Mwanza after breakfast. Spend two days lounging by the edge of Lake Victoria, taking in the fresh wind, or simply walking around the neighboring farmland or driving to the nearest market. The elements of the world’s third-largest lake are as astounding as the blanket of the reflected sky.

Dinner and overnight at Speke Bay Lodge

Day 25

To airport/Arusha

Carry on with your morning activities until your transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Zanzibar or, if you prefer, return from Mwanza to Arusha.
Arusha or Zanzibar

The cost for the whole 10 Days Mount Meru climb and safari includes and excludes the following items

10 Days Mount Meru & Safari Price includes

All accommodations as per itinerary

Pickup from airport or hotel in Arusha / Kilimanjaro

Professional Mountain and Safari guide

Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents

Sleeping Mattress

All meals while on the Mountain

Quality Mess tents with table and chairs

Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food

Clean, purified drinking water

Conservation fees (part of park fees)

Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)

Rescue fees (part of park fees)

VAT (18% charged by the Government)

Surcharge for online payment of deposit (5%)

Price Excludes

Airport transfers

Accommodation in Arusha

Tanzania Visa

Gratuity

Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)

Meals not listed above

Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)

10 days mount Meru trek and Tanzania safari
Marangu route itinerary