Mount Meru
Mount Meru
Mount Meru 4 Days Tour
Overview
Compared to a 3-day Mount Meru climb, this one gives you one more day to descend and more time to sleep before attempting the summit.
The 4 days Mount Meru climbing Itinerary is an often overlooked, but spectacular volcano located in the center of Arusha National Park. At 14,980 feet high, Meru serves as a great warm-up to Mount Kilimanjaro or a complete standalone hike in it of itself. The crowds that can plague Kilimanjaro are non-existent here, allowing for a solitary, peaceful trek. Accommodations are in wood huts.
On the lower slopes of the mountain and inside the park, there is a good chance of spotting animals. An armed ranger will accompany your party on the first stage to protect against any wildlife threats. The trail follows the north rim of the crater, along a dramatic ridgeline. Once at the summit, the views of Mount Kilimanjaro and down into Meru crater are unforgettable.
While climbing Mount Meru is a less intense climb than that of Mount Kilimanjaro, it would be foolish to underestimate the mountain.
Along the way you can expect to pass a number of beautiful waterfalls and see a variety of wildlife.
The four day trek is a challenging one, and Meru's height is enough that altitude sickness can come into play. Arusha's sometimes fickle weather can also hinder climbing with heavy rain.
As the mountain lies within the boundaries of Arusha National Park, you'll not only be accompanied by a guide and porters, but also an armed ranger.
That being said, climbing Mt. Meru is still an immensely rewarding activity. On a clear day, the views from atop Mt. Meru are truly amazing.
Map Route
Itinerary
Day 0
Arrive in Tanzania
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to Arusha town. You will meet our Mt. Meru trekking expert who will brief you on your upcoming Mount Meru trekking, then rest until the next day morning.
Day 1
Moshi to Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut
- Elevation: 4,921 ft to 8,250 ft
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
After an early morning breakfast in Arusha/Moshi, you will be picked up from your hotel and brought to the Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. At this time, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then begin your ascent in Arusha National Park. The first day of hiking is similar to a walking safari; you should expect to see giraffes, zebras, antelope, buffalo, and potentially elephants near the trail. Due to the high possibility of spotting wildlife, an armed ranger, hired through the National Park, is required to hike with our team for the duration of the hike. As you continue hiking, you will pass the Ngarenanyuki River and a beautiful waterfall at the base of Mt. Meru. Upon arriving to Miriakamba Hut (2500m), your chef will prepare a hot dinner and washing water for you.
Enjoy the beautiful sunset and overnight.
Day 2
Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut
- 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.
Day 3
Saddle Hut - Summit - Miriakamba Hut
- Elevation: 11,712 ft to 14,977 ft to 8,250 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.
Day 4
Miriakamba Huts to Momella Gate
- Elevation: 8,250 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 Arusha or Moshi.
Ready for Your Adventure?
What you get
Included
- Airport pick up and drop off.
- 2 Nights' accommodation in Moshi is or Arusha included.
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel.
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides.
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees.
- All meals while on the mountain.
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food.
- Clean purified drinking water.
- Kilimanjaro National Park Entrance fees.
- All Government taxes and levies including 18% VAT.
Excluded
- International or Local Flights.
- Optional activities.
- Alcoholic and soft drinks.
- Visa fees.
- Tips.
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance
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