Like Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru is an active but dormant volcano located north of Arusha in Tanzania (last eruption was in 1910). It is 4,566 meters (14,980 feet) high. It is one of African’s best hiking routes due to the fantastic views from its crater. Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in the country, and in the top 10 highest mountains in Africa. Mount Meru became famous mostly due to the fact that it is only 70 km (43 miles) away from Mount Kilimanjaro, in the west, and has become popular as a great warm up climb in preparation for climbing the roof of Africa. Sadly, this mountain is out-shadowed by Mount Kilimanjaro (link), which is 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level.
Mount Meru is sometimes confused with Meru Peak in the Himalayas however, Mount Meru is Tanzania’s. It is a safer hike and it offers an achievable challenge for hiking enthusiasts. About 250 000 years ago, a massive volcanic blast blew away the entire eastern flank of the mountain and left it with the characteristic and distinctive appearance it has today. Mount Meru ascends through many different vegetation zones. Towards the top of the mountain, the vegetation consists of heath and moorland, gradually replaced by the stunning baron alpine deserts. As the vegetation changes the wildlife does so too, which is diverse and equally impressive. During the ascent, you will regularly come across large game such as elephants and buffalos and if you are lucky, you may also come across elusive leopards.
The itinerary below describes the 4 nights, 5 days but also it can be achieved in 3 or 4 days which we do not recommend due to too long hiking distances from the starting gate to the summit of Mount Meru, and back again.
You will arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet our professional and English speaking tour guide, who will welcome you to Tanzania, and make sure that you are ready for the lifetime experience of climbing Mount Meru. A brief presentation about your trip as whole and then transfer to Mazzola Safari House and Backpacking (link) for an overnight stay.
Early start, after breakfast the trekking team will meet you at your accommodation, and give a quick presentation about your trek. We will leave and drive to Momella gate through Arusha National Park for about 45 minutes, to carry out the registration to climb Mount Meru. You will meet your local porters who will take charge in carrying all equipment needed for your adventure, such as food, drinking water, clothes, and mobile stove gas etc. The porters will also be responsible for preparing and cooking your food all the way up to the summit and back down again.
Once the formalities have been completed and the hiking team is ready, we will then drive to Momella Gate. We will start hiking through the grasslands, and you will have a have a chance to see wonderful wildlife such as giraffes, buffalos and much more. We will enter the acacia forest in which we will follow the Southern route and hike for about a good 2 hours, then reach Maio Falls, the scenery is amazing and is a perfect place for a picnic and a short break. We will continue hiking and reach the famous “Arched Fig Tree”, and then hike gain for another 2 hours where we will reach the Miriakamba Hut, where we will stop for dinner and an overnight stay.
We will leave the Miriakamba Hut in the morning to the Saddle Hut. Although today will be a short hike it will be steeper and more challenging. We will continue hiking gently through the rainforest entering the moorland zone and follow a steep path with wooden steps upwards, along the ridge of the Saddle for a spectacular view of the Meru Crater and the Ash Cone. The clouds also often hang in the rainforest and dip the lush vegetation in a moody atmosphere.
After hiking for almost 2 hours we then reach the Vantage Point “Mgongo wa Tembo” (Elephant back) at an elevation of 3,200m, where we will have a well-earned break, then continue and arrive at Saddle Hut (3550m) and stop for lunch break. You will have an option to either hike to the top of the Little Mount Meru (3820m) for a fantastic view of Arusha National Park and Kilimanjaro, which takes about 1 ½ hours, you will then hike back the hut for dinner, a good rest, and overnight stay.
It is an early start after refreshments. We will leave for the summit around 2:00am by torchlight, the trail is challenging towards to Rhino Point (3,821m), and on to Cobra Point (4,350m). We will hike through a narrow ridge for about 4 or 5 hours and reach the Mount Meru summit (4,566m) for sunrise. The scenery is spectacular, with a possible chance to see the Peak of Mount Kilimanjaro above the clouds, and the fantastic view of Mount Meru’s crater with its steep sides and the “Ash Cone” in the middle.
You will have an opportunity to take some photos at the peak, and we will trek down the same route back to Saddle Hut (3550m), where we will stop for a short break and a well-deserved lunch at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent, arriving at Miriakamba Hut (2500m) exhausted but delighted to have completed and reached the summit. We will stay overnight at Miriakamba Hut (2500m).
After breakfast, we will leave and continue trekking down back to the Momella gate which takes about 2 or 3 hours, through the same “Northern route”. The descent is shorter than the ascent. You will have a chance to see elephants, buffalos, giraffes as well as the black and white colobus monkeys. Once we arrive at Momella gate, you will sign out and say a farewell to your hiking crew.
Our driver will meet you at the base, and then transfer you back to your accommodation in Arusha where you have undoubtedly earned a good hot shower, a few drinks, refreshments and more to celebrate your achievement, and have a good rest in a comfortable room.
After breakfast, this will depend on your flight schedule to return to your home country or to explore the City of Arusha town, visit Maasai markets and more. You could also try a trip to Zanzibar, or the driver will drive you back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure, or transfer you to the agreed departure location, and this brings to an end of your trekking adventure in Arusha.
If you decide to extend your stay in Tanzania, you could visit the beautiful sandy beaches and the tropical water of Zanzibar. If you are interested in other tour packages please see these on our website.
£0,000 per person
£0,000 for two people based on sharing
£0,000 for three people based on sharing
£0,000 for four people based on sharing
£0,000 for five people based on sharing
£0,000 for six people based on sharing
Rates including VAT
If you don’t have any of the above-mentioned gear, please contact us for arrangements. Rental Fees are applicable.
We are Tanzibar Tours & Safari Operator Company with an office in Scotland/UK and on Zanzibar Island/Tanzania.
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