Overview
Mt. Meru which is Tanzania’s second highest mountain standing tall at 4,566m. It is located in Arusha National Park and offers some of the most spectacular scenery and wildlife diversity of any mountain in Tanzania. Mt. Meru is a challenging trek due to its steepness, but is a great way to acclimatize before attempting Mt. Kilimanjaro. Climbers are accompanied by an armed ranger due to the abundance of wildlife on the lower slopes. Mt. Meru also has some historical significance to it whereby some have suggested that it was the resting place of Noah’s Ark when it came to rest after the biblical flood receded. Mt. Meru is a great trekking option for those who want to take on a climbing challenge and get the sense of being out in the wild, but are not quite ready to tackle Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Momella Gate (1500m) To Miriakamba Hut (2500m)
You will depart the hotel at 0800hrs and head to the Momella gate which is the starting point of the trek. The drive to the gate is roughly an hour and a half. After the registration you will start your trek accompanied by an armed ranger. Along the route you will catch spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the Momella lakes. You will encounter animals such as cape buffaloes, giraffes, warthogs and bushbucks, to name a few. Your trek will end up at Miriakamba Hut where you will be spending the night.. Distance covered: 6km / 3.5mi. time taken: 4 – 5 hours
Day 2
Miriakamba Hut (2500m) To Saddle Hut (3500m)
Today’s trek takes you through the steep path along the ridge of the saddle. Amazing views of the Meru crater, the ash cone and little Meru can be seen along the way. While trekking through the forest keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and the attractive wild flowers. Common animals include buffaloes and the black and white Colobus monkey. Your trek will end up at Saddle hut where you will be spending the night. After resting at the camp you will set off on an hour acclimatization trek to little Meru (3810m) then head back down to Saddle hut.. Distance covered: 6.5km / 4mi. time taken: 3 – 4 hours. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 3
Saddle Hut – Summit- Miriakamba Hut To Momela Gate
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) on time for sunrise there is a possibility to see Kilimanjaro Peak above the clouds. The final part of the climb is along a spectacular narrow ridge line 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 Meriakamba Hut and lastly in Momela gate. The returning transfer will be waiting at Momella Gate to Moshi at your accommodation.. Time taken: 13-14 hours. Distance covered: 28km. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- 2 nights hotel accommodation before and after you’re a climb on bed & breakfast basis
- Transfers to and from the mountain
- National Park entry, huts and climbing fees
- Rescue fees
- A fully supported climb (average ratio of support staff to climbers is 4:1)
- All meals and drinking water on the mountain
- Access to first aid kit and emergency oxygen
- A certificate documenting your summit ascent
- NB: Depending on the availability, hotels of the same standard can be substituted
Excluded
- Flights ( International)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Tips for safari guide
- Personal expenses in nature such as money for souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees etc.
- Visa fees ( 100 USD for American and 50 USD for non-American)
- Immunization documents ( yellow fever recommended for visa processing on arrivals)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and /or park fees
