MOUNT MERU

Mount Meru is one of the dormant strato-volcano located roughly 70Km on the west of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the fifth highest mountain in African and the second highest in Tanzania and dominates the Arusha National Park with its huge cliffs. At a height of 4, 565 metres, it is visible from its partner Kilimanjaro on a clear day and the mountain is often used as warm-up hiking in preparation for the majestic trek to the amazing Kili. However, the technical requirements are greater on Mount Meru than on the Kilimanjaro Routes. On the four-day trekking tour, you are more than likely to see giraffes, buffalos, antelopes and baboons; therefore, a park ranger will accompany you for your safety.

4 Days / 3 Nights – Mount Meru

Trekking Overview

4 Day Mt Meru Trekking Tour + 2 nights hotel stay

At 4,565 m Mt Meru is the fifth highest mountain in African and the second highest in Tanzania. About 250,000 years ago, a massive volcanic eruption blew away the entire eastern edge of the mountain and left it with the distinctive appearance we currently see. The Mt Meru ascent passes through many different vegetation zones. The dry forest of the lower region changes to a dense mountain rainforest, which then turns into scrubland. Closer to the summit, vegetation becomes less and gives way to alpine terrain.

As the vegetation changes so does the wildlife. During the ascent, you might come across large game such as giraffes, buffaloes, baboons, colobus monkeys and antelopes. To be safe, it is obligatory to be accompanied by an armed park ranger on your tour.

 

Highlights

Day 1-6 |

 

  • Momella Gate (1,500 m)/ Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m) – Altitude: ↑ 1,000 m – Walking time: 4-5 hrs

 

  • Miriakamba Hut (2,500m)/ Saddle Hut (3,550m) – Altitude: ↑ 1,050 m – Walking time: 3-4 hrs

 

  • Saddle Hut (3,550 m) – Socialist Peak (4,562 m)/ Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m) – Altitude: ↑ 1,012 m ↓ 2,062 m – Walking time: 10-13 hrs

 

  • Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m)/ Momella Gate (1,500 m) – Altitude: ↓ 1,000 m – Walking time: 2-3 hrs

 

Facts

  • Private trekking: Mount Meru
  • Tour code:
  • From: Arusha
  • To: Arusha
  • Min. number to guarantee tour: N/A
  • Max number of participants: private climb
  • Departure day: any day of your choice
  • Price: from 940 USD (>6 pax)
  • Single Supplement: 0 USD
Day 1 Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to the Hotel in Arusha. The rest of the day is at leisure and in the evening, you will attend a briefing in preparation of your upcoming trek. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel.

 

Day 2 Arusha – Momella Gate (1,500 m) – Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m)

In the morning, you will be picked from your lodge and taken to the Arusha National Park gate. While you wait, your guide will complete the registration forms. Once the formalities have been sorted out and the hiking team has gathered, you will be taken to the Momella Gate. From here an armed park ranger will accompany you and right from the start you might spot giraffes and buffaloes as you walk through open grassland. Soon you will enter the acacia forest on the southern route. After approximately 2 hours you will reach the Maio Falls – the perfect spot to rest and have a picnic Lunch. Thereafter you will continue your trek to the well-known “fig tree arch”. You will finally arrive at the Miriakamba Hut in time for afternoon tea and snacks. The night will be spent at the Miriakamba Hut.

Elevation Distance: Momella gate (1,500m)- Miriakamba Hut (2,500m)

Hiking Duration: 4-5 hrs on a slow pace

Meals Plan: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

 

Day 3 Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m) – Saddle Hut (3,550 m)

In the morning, you will follow wooden steps along a steep track. Due to the gain in altitude, it will be noticeably cooler than the previous day and walking may seem easier. The clouds often hang low in the rainforest, creating a moody atmosphere in the lush vegetation. After going uphill for approximately 2 hours, you will reach the vantage point “Mgongo wa Tembo” (elephant back) at a height of 3,200 m, where you will enjoy a well-earned break. The vegetation now changes from rainforest to heather and moorland and you should reach Saddle Hut at around midday. During the afternoon, you have the option to hike to Little Meru (3,820 m) which should take about 1 to 2 hours. From here you will enjoy wonderful views of Arusha National Park and Mt Kilimanjaro about 80 km away. Back at Saddle Hut you will have a warm meal before you go to bed early as your wake-up call will be just after midnight.

Elevation Distance: Miriakamba (2,500m) – Saddle Hut (3,500m)

Hiking Duration: 3-4 hrs

Meals Plan: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

 

Acclimatization Hike

Elevation Distance: Saddle Hut (3,500m) – Little Meru Peak (3,820m)

Hiking Duration: 1-3 hrs

 

Day 4 Saddle Hut (3,550 m) – Socialist Peak (4,565 m) – Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m)

After a small snack and some tea, you will leave the camp at around 2am. Lighting the way with headlamps, you will follow the trail through bush land to Rhino Point (3,821 m). From here the path becomes more challenging and occasionally climbing will be necessary. You will walk on frozen volcanic ash and rocks, following the crater rim. After about 4 to 5 hours you should reach the summit, Socialist Peak. Experience the sun rising above Mt Kilimanjaro and enjoy the fantastic view of Mt Meru’s crater with its steep sides and the ash cone in the middle. The descent follows the same route back to Saddle Hut where you will take a break and recuperate with hot soup and tea. Once refreshed, you will continue the descent and during the early afternoon you should reach Miriakamba Hut.

Elevation Distance: Saddle Hut (3,500m) – Socialist Peak (4,565 m)

Descent Distance: Socialist Peak (4,565m) – Miriakamba Hut (2,500m)

Duration 10-13 hrs

Meal Plan: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

 

Day 5 Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m) – Momella Gate (1,500 m) – Arusha

After breakfast, you will follow the northern route, a 2 to 3 hours trek back to the Momella Gate. The descent follows a shorter route than the ascent but there is still a chance to see elephants, buffaloes, giraffes as well as the black and white colobus monkeys. At the gate, you will say farewell to your hiking crew and your driver will take you back to the Hotel where you will celebrate your achievement and spend the night.

Descent Distance: Miriakamba Hut (2,500m) – Momella Gate (1,500m)

Descent Duration 2-3 hrs

Meal Plan: Breakfast; Dinner

 

Day 6 Arusha – Kilimanjaro Airport

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport. Alternatively, you can extend your trip and go on safari or relax at the white sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean.

Note: The summit stage contains a few easy but unsecured climbing passages. A good head for heights is absolutely necessary. In hostile weather conditions (heavy rain, icy rocks or thick fog) the park ranger can call off the summit attempt. We do not advise to climb Mount Meru in the rainy season in April and May.

MOUNT MERU

Our Package Includes

  • Mount Meru trekking according to the itinerary
  • Professional, English-speaking guide
  • Mountain crew (cook & porters)
  • Overnight stays in hotels and mountain huts
  • Meals according to the itinerary
  • Drinking water
  • All national park fees
  • All mentioned transfers

Not Included

  • Sleeping bag
  • Flights
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Visa fees
  • Tips
  • Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
  • Travel insurance

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