ABOUT MOUNT MERU IN ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK

Mount Meru is often overlooked due to its proximity to Kilimanjaro, but it has plenty to offer those looking for a challenging climb. A dormant volcano that last erupted in 1910, it is Tanzania's second highest mountain at 4566 metres (14,979 ft). Taking only 3 or 4 days to climb it is perfect for those wanting to get a taste of high altitude trekking without going too high before or after going on safari, or to help with acclimatisation if undertaken before you climb Kilimanjaro. It is ideal for those looking for a quieter trekking experience and should definitely not be underestimated as climbers still need to acclimatise properly to succeed in reaching its peak.
An armed park ranger will join the team to guard against any animal threats as you start your approach through Arusha National Park via the Momella route. Keep your eyes open and you will be rewarded with sighting of baboons, giraffe, zebra, colombus monkeys and variety of birds. From here you start your ascent through Meru's diverse vegetation zones from montane forest, moorland, semi-desert and alpine desert, until you reach its magnificent crater. Traversing round the crater rim to reach its summit, Socialist Peak at 4566m, after which you will have time to explore the ash cone that has formed in the crater during the 1910 eruption.

MOUNT MERU TREKKING ITINERARIES

3 DAYS MOUNT MERU TREKKING

Day 0: Arrival
If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. Pre-trek briefing at your Arusha hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend the day having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed at a local shop.

Day 1: Hotel to Momella gate to Miriakamba Hut
Elevation: 1500m/4921ft to 2500m/8202ft
Distance: 6km/3.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Drive from Arusha to Momella Gate takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Once at the gate we will finish all the procedures and depart for the trek. The trek takes you through places from where you can catch breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the renowned Momella lakes. Trekkers encounter wildlife like Bushbucks, Cape Buffaloes, Giraffes, and Warthogs during this day. We continue a short distance until we reach the Miriakamba hut.

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut
Elevation: 2500m/8202ft to 3500m/11483ft
Distance: 6km/3.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today we trek through the steep path along the ridge of the saddle. On the way, you can witness the stunning Meru crater, the ash cone, and little Meru. There are chances of us encountering wildlife like Cape Buffaloes and the black and white Colobus monkey. We will end the trek up at Saddle hut. Once you have settled at the camp we will set off on a short trek to little Meru (3810m) for acclimatization purpose and return to Saddle hut.

Day 3: Saddle Hut to Summit to Miriakamba Hut to Momella gate
Elevation: 3500m/11483ft to 4562m/14967ft down to 1500m/4921ft
Distance: 28km/17mi
Hiking Time: 13-14 hours
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
We wake up just after midnight and have a light meal to keep our energies high. Once done with the meal we start the final ascent to Socialist Peak. This ascent will be steep and we will be making our way through gravel and rocky cliffs. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. Once at the summit, you will enjoy the magnificent views of the Meru Crater and the Ash cone. There are chances that one might catch a glimpse of wildlife like mountain Reedbucks and Klipspringers over the rocky ridge.
From the summit, we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Miriakamba hut.

PRICE START FROM: $ 900 USD

4 DAYS MOUNT MERU TREKKING

Day 0: Arrive in Tanzania
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. You will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.

Day 1: Momella gate (1500m) to Miriakamba Hut (2500m)
Distance covered: 6km / 3.5mi
Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
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.

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut (2500m) to Saddle Hut (3500m)
Distance covered: 6.5km / 4mi
Approx. time taken: 3 – 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
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.

Day 3: Saddle Hut (3500m) to Socialist Peak (4562m) to Miriakamba Hut (2500m)
Distance covered:19km / 12mi
Approx. time taken: 10 – 12 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
You will wake up just after midnight for a light meal then start your final ascent to Socialist Peak at the top of big Meru. The trail to the summit is steep and you will be climbing through gravel and rocky ridges. While at the summit you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Meru crater and ash cone. Occasionally, animals such as Klipspringers and mountain reedbucks can be seen over the rocky terrain. After the summit, you will then descend to Miriakamba Hut where you will be spending the night.

Day 4: Miriakamba Hut (2500m) to Momella gate (1500m)
Distance covered: 14km / 8.5mi
Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
After breakfast you will begin your final descent to Momella gate. You will be using the southern route to descend. During your descent you will pass through the montane forest where you will pass the amazing Fig Tree Arch. Upon arrival at the Momella gate, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel back in Moshi town.

Day 5: Depart Tanzania
Meals: Breakfast Included
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.

PRICE START FROM: $ 1000 USD