MOUNT MERU
ARUSHA - TANZANIA
Trekking | Mount Meru
Introduction / Overview
Mount Meru Located to the east of Arusha town, about 20 kilometers drive from Arusha; Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania. The mountain stands at an altitude of 4566 meters above sea level inside the Arusha National Park.
Meru has one route to the top and can be attempted for three days but we highly recommend doing for four days for acclimatization. Most alpines uses Meru for acclimatization before the Kilimanjaro climb. The mountain has less snow formed at the volcano eruption.
Unlike Kilimanjaro when you are climbing the Mount Meru you have to be escorted by an armed ranger(s) as you pass through the Arusha National Park. It is at this time when you will enjoy the walking safari as you pass the groups of African buffaloes, Zebras, Black andwhite colobus monkey just little wildlife to mention.
The Momela and Ngurdoto Lakes are rich in birdlife as you trek to the mountain; birds like Pelicans and Flamingo are closely seen.
Upon arrival to Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred for overnight accommodation at Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel 4 stars B&B. Your head guide will meet you for your briefing, gear check and arrange for you to hire any equipment you may need.
ARRIVE DAY
3 DAYS MOUNT MERU FULL ITINERARY
MIRIAKAMBA HUTS (FULL BOARD) | MONTANE FOREST
Elevation: 1,387 m to 1,500 m | Distance: 10 km
We drive from Arusha to Momela Gate. After a short registration at the gate, our walk will begin with a fully-armed ranger escorting us. Watch for wild animals including elephants, zebras, giraffe, monkeys, and antelope along the route.
SADDLE HUTS (FULL BOARD) | FOREST AND MOORLAND
Elevation: 2,514 m to 3,570 m | Distance: 8 km
The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a short day but a steep climb.
The walk will take us slowly along the ridge for a spectacular view of the Meru Crater and the impressive Ash Cone. After a hot lunch at Saddle Hut, we will make a short climb to the summit of Little Meru (3,820m) for superb views just before sunset.
SUMMIT DAY (FULL BOARD) | ALPINE DESERT ,MOORLAND AND MONTANE FOREST
Elevation(m): 3,570 m to 4,565m to 2,514m | Distance: 5 km up, 13 km down
We start early at around 1:30 a.m. to climb steeply to Rhino Point (3,800 m) and on to Cobra Point (4350m). We reach the summit (4,566 m) in time for sunrise. There is a possibility we’ll see Kilimanjaro Peak above the clouds.
The final part of the climb is along a spectacular narrow ridgeline between the sheer inner cliffs and the sloping outer wall of the crater. We take a short rest and brunch at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to the Momella gate. The returning transfer will be waiting at Momella Gate to pick you to Arusha at a safari lodge.
4 DAYS MOUNT MERU FULL ITINERARY
MOMELA GATE -MIRIAKAMBA HUTS 13.8KM/ 8.6 M
Elevation:1597m/5240ft to 2503m/8212ft
Altitude gained: 906m
After breakfast depart Moshi about 8:30 a.m drive to Momella gate. Make payment and start the climb with picnic lunch to the first hut called Miriakamba hut. Dinner and overnight – Miriakamba hut (3 ½ hrs).
MIRIAKAMBA HUTS – SADDLE HUTS: 6.1KM/ 3.8MI | 2.5 HRS
Elevation: 2503m/8212ft to 3560m/11,680ft
Altitude gained: 1057m
After breakfast we proceed with a climb to second hut called Saddle. This is too steep part compared to the first part (2 ½). During the afternoon, client can decide to attempt climbing little Meru peak and back. Dinner and overnight – Saddle hut.
SADDLE HUT- SUMMIT : 5.5KM/ 3.4MI :DESCEND TO SADDLE HUT
Elevation: 3560m/11,680ft to 4566m/14980ft
Altitude gained: 1006m
Descent to 3560m/11680ft
Altitude lost: 1006m
Wake up at middle-night and have a cup of tea before starting attempt big Meru peak. Proceed to summit crossing rocky path and back to Saddle hut for full breakfast. The day will be spent resting. Lunch, dinner and overnight at Saddle hut.
SADDLE HUT – MOMELLA GATE : 6.5KM/4MI
Elevation:3560m/11,680ft to 1597m/5240ft
Altitude lost:1963m
Leave Saddle hut and descend down to Momella gate via first hut (Miriakamba) where you will be transferred to Arusha/Moshi.
Overnight Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel 4 stars B&B. before being transferred to your journey home, safari or relaxing trip to Zanzibar.
Price Includes
- Private safari
- Park fees
- English speaking professional guide
- Camping equipment
- Covid-19 measure
- Government taxes
- Hotel/airport pickups and drop off during safari
- 3 meals per day
- 4×4 pop roof land cruiser vehicle for game drive
- Mineral bottled drinking water
Price Excludes
- Flights
- Personal items
- Tip
Enquire this Tour
Mountain Trekking
Mount Kilimanjaro
- 5,895M
Mount Meru
- 4,566M
Unlike Kilimanjaro when you are climbing the Mount Meru you have to be escorted by an armed ranger(s) as you pass through the Arusha National Park
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