At 4,566 m Mt Meru is the fifth highest mountain on the African continent and the second highest in Tanzania. About 250,000 years ago, a massive volcanic eruption blew away the entire eastern flank of the mountain and left it with the distinctive appearance it has today.
The mountain became well known mainly because it is only 70 km from Mount Kilimanjaro. Mt. Meru has become a popular "warm up" trek for Kilimanjaro climbers.
Mt. Meru is located within Arusha National Park, and usually the climber can start the trip from Moshi or Arusha, in Northern Tanzania. This major location provides Mount Meru climbers the chance to spot some wildlife that naturally inhabits the area.
The ascend is fairly steep and the route to the summit passes over watercourse, through parkland, montane forest, a giant heather zone and moorland.
The summit is made by a narrow, barren ridge, which gives spectacular views of the Ash Cone lying several thousand feet below in the crater.
Certainly, the best agency to take you on this great adventure on the top of Kilimanjaro! The guides and staff were really professional, answering all the questions and constantly paying attention to your needs, so that you just have to focus on the summit 🏔️
Thanks to the team again, we all made it to the top and had a lot of good time with our group and the entire crew.
I would definitely recommend anyone to take this agency!
Kilimanjaro Rongai route, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Moshi, Simba Camp, Second Cave, Kikelelwa Camp, Mawenzi Tarn Camp, School Hut Campsite, Horombo Hut, Marangu Gate
Known as the "Coca-Cola" route, the Marangu route is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the oldest, most well established route. Many favor the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope. It is also the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations.
The minimum days required for this route is five, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time period is quite low. Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is highly recommended when climbing Klimanjaro using the Marangu route.
However, despite its immense popularity, we avoid leading climbs on the Marangu route. The route has the least scenic variety of all the routes because the ascent and descent are done on the same path and it is the most crowded route for that reason. Marangu is favored during the rainy season, where the hut accommodations are preferred over wet ground, or for those who only have five days to climb Kilimanjaro.
NB: With small Additional cost we can book for you accommodation before or/and after summiting Mount Kilimanjaro.
The Marangu Route is the most popular route for mount Kilimanjaro trekking. On this route, one of the difference is that, instead of camping, climbers sleep in huts, which gives people the impression that it makes the climb easier. Because of this the route has been nicknamed the Coca-Cola route because it is so "easy" (in relative terms...). This has led to many trying to climb the route in 5 days instead of 6 or 7. Now for the facts: The Marangu Route starts at approx 6000ft, just like every other route. It also finishes at the summit just like every other route.
We propose this route as a set departure and would strongly recommend you consider this route for the successful Kilimanjaro trekking. If you have your heart set on climbing this route, we advise you to book this tour. We will take care of you and make sure that you get a fantastic trip.
We used local travel specialists and service was outstanding. We had good nutrition and a competent guide, which is all that is needed. We took a guided town tour of Moshi before our climb, which was a great cultural experience. We totally recommend Rongai route for Kilimanjaro Hiking.
Ol Doinyo Lengai is situated in the North of Tanzania close to Lake Natron. Ol Doinyo Lengai is 2890m high. The Maasai call it a sacred volcano and believe that Ol Doinyo Lengai is the creation of their God Engai and his home. They believe that Ol Doinyo looks over the people and cattle.
Ol Doinyo Lengai gives hiking fans an opportunity to experience a breathtaking hike in a short time and amazing natural surrounding. It is a perfect alternative for those who do not have the time or experience to climb Kilimanjaro but still want to have a trekking adventure in Tanzania.
Not only will the hike take your breath away, but you will also be rewarded with beautiful landscape surrounding Ol Doinyo Lengai.
Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, the Marangu route is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the oldest and the most well established route.
Many favour the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain due to its more gradual slope. It is also the only route which offers sleeping huts with dormitory style accommodation.
The minimum number of days required for this route is five, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time period is quite low. Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is highly recommended in order to enhance acclimatization opportunities.
Our Kilimanjaro climb happened on 1st January, 2025 was an experience of a lifetime. The guides including Gabriel were highly professional and ensured we were comfortable every step of the way. The porters and cooks were fantastic, making sure we had delicious meals and enough rest. Their expertise made the summit possible! 100% recommend!
The Lemosho Route is perhaps the most scenic Kilimanjaro route, from the first day to the last. The trail begins north of Shira, also on the western side of the mountain. But unlike the Shira Route, where for the first day you walk on a wide 4 WD road, Lemosho is a narrow wilderness trail right from the beginning, passing through pristine and remote rainforest with good chances of seeing wildlife. It then crosses the Shira Plateau before joining the Machame Route near the Lava Tower.
Luckily, despite its growing popularity, especially for second time Kilimanjaro climbers, Lemosho sees a very low number of people and truly offers and incredible adventure on the highest peak in Africa, and the highest free standing mountain in the world.
Maasai Wanderings is looking very much forward to providing you with a climb of a lifetime. No previous mountaineering experience is required for this trip.
Looking for a long, safe route to the top of Africa's highest peak with necessary acclimatization time built-in? The Northern Circuit route is not just one of the best routes but also the newest official route to ascend Mt. Kilimanjaro. This special route is also the least used and the longest route, perfect for those seeking a remote, peaceful trek. Trekking this trail guarantees excellent acclimatization changeover and exceptional views from the northern slope of the mountain.
The Northern Circuit follows the Lemosho route for the first few days, then ascending the Shira Ridge to cross the high Shira Plateau. Trekkers will leave the Lemosho route to turn northwards and follow the main circuit when approaching near the Lava Tower. Circling clockwise from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp, trekkers will pass through School Hut before finally summitting from the east. The descent is made via the Mweka route, where it is likely for trekkers to encounter other trekkers from the Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe, Machame or the Marangu routes.
One the seven main routes used to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the Machame route is the most popular path. It is the route of choice for many people because it provides impressive views and a variety of habitats. About 50% of all climbers, and most seasoned climbers, choose the Machame route.
The Machame route is also known as the Whiskey route, given its reputation for being a tough climb, in contrast to the easier Marangu route, which is known as the Coca Cola route. Unlike the gradual incline and hut accommodations found on the Marangu Route, the climbers on Machame hike steeper trails, for longer distances, while sleeping in tents.
Despite it being a little more difficult it is highly recommended because it provides a fantastic trail and great views along the way. We are looking very to taking you on a trip of a lifetime.
Machame, known as the "Whiskey" route, is a popular route to the mountain. Compared with Marangu, the days on Machame are longer and the walks are steeper. It is considered a difficult route, better suited for more adventurous folks, and those with some hiking or backpacking experience. Machame approaches from the southwest and descends using Mweka, rewarding climbers with views of the expansive Shira Plateau.
Of the seven main routes used to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the Machame route is one of the most popular paths. It is the route of choice for many people because it provides impressive views and a variety of habitats. About 50% of all climbers, and most seasoned climbers, mostly choose the Machame route.
Join us on a journey to the top of the roof of Africa, and we promise to present an adventure unlike any you've seen before.
Despite being one of the newest routes to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Lemosho Route has quickly become one of the most popular routes for travelers visiting this African wonder. The lower number of trekkers, stunning scenery and higher success rate to reaching the very top makes it a traveler favorite, and most trekkers taking this route fall in love with it. What makes it even more unique is that unlike the more popular Machame Route, this route crosses the majestic Shira Plateau via a flat and easy hike .
The Lemosho route can be done in as little as six days (five nights) on the mountain. However, it is ideally tackled over eight days (seven nights) for a better altitude acclimatization schedule. The trek begins at Londorossi Gate, located in the western base of mountain, within its lush, fertile rainforest. The route heads across the Shira Plateau, before circling along the southern circuit halfway around the mountain, exposing the climber to great views from all angles. The approach to the summit is made from the east, and the descent follows the Mweka trail. With eight days (seven nights) on the mountain, your chances of reaching the “Roof of Africa” are very high, around 90%.
The Lemosho route is approximately 70 km/ 42 miles from gate to gate. It is designed for physically fit people with some hiking experience. There are several variations to the 8-day Lemosho climb regarding starting and finishing points, altitude, distance and hiking time. However, ours is considered to be the ideal Lemosho route variation.
Known as the Whiskey route, the Machame route is now the most popular route on the mountain. Compared with Marangu, the days in Machame are longer and the walks are steeper. The Machame route is considered a difficult route and is better suited for more adventurous folks and those with some hiking or backpacking experience as well as It is for physically fit people with some hiking experience.
The Machame route approaches the summit from the southwest and descends using the Mweka route, rewarding climbers with views of the expansive Shira Plateau, an optional scramble up Lava Tower, a climb up the Great Barranco wall, and a traverse underneath Kilimanjaro's southern ice field.