Our 12 Days tailor-made vacation is fully personalized to you. It is crafted to your needs, interests and budget by Maro Adventure. And because we are tailor-made trip specialists, it fits you perfectly, like a bespoke suit.
Our 12-days itinerary with 4 days for climbing Mount Meru, 5 days for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu route, and an additional 3 days for a camping safari is an exciting adventure.
Day by Day
Elevation: 4,921 ft to 8,250 ft Distance: 10 km Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Rain Forest We depart Moshi or Arusha for Momella Gate in Arusha National Park for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins in open grassland with an armed ranger as the possibility of seeing wildlife – giraffe, zebras, antelope, elephant and buffalo – is high. We climb steadily through the rain forest until the reach Miriakamba Huts, situated in a grassy glade.
Elevation: 8,250 ft to 11,712 ft Distance: 8 km Hiking Time: 3-5 hours Habitat: Heath We continue climbing through the rain forest until we enter the heath zone accompanied by giant heather and other moorland vegetation. Along the ridge of the saddle, we have views of Mount Meru Crater and the Ash Tray. After arriving at Saddle Huts, there is an option to hike to the top of Little Mount Meru for superb views and to further aid acclimatization.
Elevation: 11,712 ft to 14,977 ft Distance: 16 km Hiking Time: 9 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our climb to the summit. The trail is steep to Rhino Point and then Cobra Point. The path continues along the ridge of ash and rock to the summit - Socialist Peak. Here we enjoy magnificent views of Kilimanjaro and the sunrise before returning to Miriakamba Huts
Elevation: 11,712 ft to 4,921 ft Distance: 10 km Hiking Time: 2-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest On our last day, we descend quickly through the tropical rainforest to Momella Gate. At the base of the mountain, our vehicle will meet us and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi,
• Elevation (ft): 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft • Distance: 8 km/5 miles • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours • Habitat: Rain Forest We depart Moshi for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut. Acclimatize at Maundi crater rim
• Elevation (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft • Distance: 12 km/7 miles • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours • Habitat: Heath We start the day continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. We may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks – two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.
• Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft • Distance: 9 km/5 miles • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours • Habitat: Alpine Desert We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
• Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft • Distance: 19 km • Hiking Time: 7-9 hours • Habitat: Arctic Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
• Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft • Distance: 21 km/12 miles • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours • Habitat: Rain Forest On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
Begin your 3-day camping safari to explore Tanzania's wildlife. Day 10: Tarangire National Park Begin the camping safari program in Tarangire National Park. Marvel at vast landscapes and encounter diverse wildlife. Day 11: Serengeti National Park Safari continues to the iconic Serengeti. Witness the great migration and experience the untamed beauty of the savannah. Day 12: Ngorongoro Crater Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a haven for diverse wildlife. Encounter the Big Five in this unique ecosystem. Conclude with a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater. Return to Arusha.