MOUNT MERU

Mount Meru, which is located within the Arusha National Park, overlooking Arusha town, is the second highest mountain in Tanzania after Kilimanjaro. It is an exciting mountain to climb. There are numerous animals to see on the lower slopes and vegetation zones change as you ascend.The route to the summit passes through parkland, montane forest, a giant heather zone and moorland. Finally, the summit is reached by a narrow, barren ridge which provides stunning views of the Ash Cone lying several thousand feet below in the crater and Mt. Kilimanjaro in the background.

Parts of the climb along the saddle are very steep but the views of Kilimanjaro 80km to the northeast and of the cliff face from the summit down to Meru Crater are spectacular. One does not however need technical equipment for the climb.

 Mount Meru is usually scaled in 3 days / 2 nights, but since descending from summit takes about 7 hours, some climbers opt for an extra night at Miriakamba Hut which will make it a 4-day / 3 nights climb. Overnight accommodation is in alpine huts on your way up and down.

Itinerary

 Day 1:  Moshi/Arusha – Miriakamba Hut

Duration: 5-7 hours of hiking

After an early morning breakfast at your hotel in Moshi/Arusha, 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 – Saddle Hut

Duration: 3-5 hours of hiking

After breakfast, you will start ascending up the steep trail along the ridge of the saddle. You may see various wildlife along the way! The trail has views of Mt. Meru Crater and the Ash Tray. When you arrive at camp, you have the option of hiking Little Mt. Meru (3820m) with your guide to further acclimate. You will be served an early dinner, so you can receive ample rest before your midnight summit attempt. Get to sleep by 19:00

 Day 3:  Saddle Hut – Summit Attempt – Miriakamba Hut

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 to Rhino Point (3800m) to Cobra Point (4350m). 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) for dinner and overnight.

 Day 4:: Miriakamba Hut – Arusha/Moshi

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 your hotel in Arusha/Moshi.

What is included

• Transport to/from Arusha National Park

• Overnight stays in mountain huts

• Two nights accommodations before and after climb

• Professional, experienced, mountain guides:

• All Park fees

• Rescue fees

• All meals while on the Mountain

• Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees

• Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food

• Clean, purified drinking water

• Crisis management and safety procedures

• Fair and ethical treatment of porters

What is not included

– Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.

– Travel insurance

– Flights

– Laundry (Available at hotel)

– Personal items and toiletries

– Tips for guides, porters and cook

The Mount Meru summit at 4566M  and serves as a great stand alone hike in its own right, Mt. Meru hike serves as an acclimatization preparations for Mt. Kilimanjaro hikes.

Typically Mount Meru Climb takes 4 days, but it can be done in 3 days to complete a trek, as for all high altitude hikes, acclimatization is the key to success. Climbers are more likely to see wildlife along the trail in the early days of the climb. A ranger will accompany trekking groups on the first day of the journey to ensure they make it safely to the first campsite.

Mt Meru climb is one of the most popular treks in Tanzania. 

Our packages suits every climber situation for successful summit trekking.