Mount Meru is located in the heart of Arusha National Park and it is 50 miles west of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Mt. Meru is a massive volcano reaching 14,980 feet (4,565 meters). This trek serves as an ideal warm up for Mt. Kilimanjaro due to its altitude acclimatization and hiking distances. This trek is also geared toward hikers that prefer less crowds and a challenging ascent.
Airport pick-up- Drop off at Hotel
You will be picked up by our staff from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and driven to your accommodation. Participants will be given a short briefing for the climb the next day. Kits and the necessary equipment will be checked as well.
Meals: Dinner
Momella Gate (1500m) – Miriakamba Hut (2500m)
In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and after a 45-minute drive, you will arrive at the Arusha National Park Gate for entry formalities. Afterwards, we drive a little further to Momella Gate to start ourclimb. After a steady 2-hour climb, you will reach Maio Falls and some picturesque meadows. After resting, we will be on our way to the well-known ‘Arched Fig Tree’, with its shape forming an arch over the path. After another 1½ – 2 hours, you will reach the Miriakamba Hut. Meals: Dinner Accommodation: Miriakamba Hut
Miriakamba Hut (2500m) – Saddle Hut (3550m)
In the morning, we follow a steep track with wooden steps upwards. Due to the increase in altitude, it will be noticeably cooler than the previous day making the hike easier. After approximately 2 hours, you will reach the vantage point ‘Mgongo wa Tembo’ (Elephant back) at an elevation of 3200m, where you will enjoy a well-earned break. After another hike in which the vegetation changes from rainforest into an airy bush land, you will reach Saddle Hut (3550m) at midday for a relaxing lunch break. In the afternoon, you have the option to do a side trip to Little Meru (3820m), which takes approx. 1 – 1 ½ hours where you can have wonderful views of Arusha National Park and Kilimanjaro (approx. 80 km away). Meals: Dinner Accommodation: Miriakamba Hut
Saddle Hut (3500m) – Summit Attempt (4566m) – Miriakamba Hut (2500m)
Duration: 10-12 hours of hiking Your guide will wake you at 00:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt at 1:30am. The trail starts off on a steep grade from Rhino Point (3800m) to Cobra Point (4350m). At the last hour of the hike, you will scamble on a rocky ridge between the crater and inner cliffs of Meru. You will reach the summit of Meru (4565m) at sunrise with spectacular views of Mt. Meru Ash Tray and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Enjoy your views then descend to Saddle Hut for a short break. You will then continue descending to Miriakamba Hut (2500m). Meals: Dinner Accommodation: Miriakamba Hut
Miriakamba Hut (2500m) – Arusha (1400m)
Duration: 2-3 hours of hiking After a long rest and breakfast, we will begin our final descent to Momella gate. We will hike through forest and meadows where it is likely to spot wildlife. At the base of Mt. Meru, you will be greeted by our driver who will take you back to Arusha. Meals: Dinner
Includes
- All nights’ accommodation in tents.
- Professional, experienced, mountain.
- All Park fees and Rescue fees.
- All meals while on the Mountain.
- Arrival and Departure transfers.
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees.
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food.
- Clean, purified drinking water.
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters.
Excludes
- International and Local Flights.
- Optional activities
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks. )
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance