Overview - Mount Meru

Mount Meru is the second highest in Tanzania and the fourth highest in Africa, which is 4566 metres and most beautiful volcanoes. 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 several thousand feet below.

 

There are also great views of the nearby Mt. Kilimanjaro. This climb is used by many as an acclimatization for a Mt. Kilimanjaro climb but it is an excellent trek in its own right. It also requires fewer days to climb so those without enough time to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro may consider this option. In addition, it is proportionally less expensive than a Mt. Kilimanjaro climb.

 

The mountain in located inside of Arusha National Park. Here, over 400 species of birds, rhino, elephant, buffalo, baboon, warthog, black and white Colobus monkey and duiker are all found in this delightful “gem amongst parks.” The group will be accompanied on Mount Meru by a Kilimanjaro Trekking Mate guide, a mandatory park ranger and porters. On the mountain we use dormitory style huts. A sleeping bag and mat are required for the huts. The mountain has only one route to climb, the Momella route. This can be achieved in either three or four days.

Trip Itinerary - 4 Days Mount meru Trekking

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet our company representative (Manager), and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: restful rooms, hot water, and Internet access. In the evening, there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.

Soon after breakfast we leave to drive to the start of our route on Mt. Meru. This takes approximately 2 hours from Moshi and travels through farmland and small communities on the edge of Arusha National Park. As we travel to the foot of the mountain there is a lot to see – examples of the local way of life, the alkaline lakes which are home to flamingoes and other water birds inside the park, and even giraffe near the road grazing. We arrive at the Momella park gate (1500m) and register while our porters sort their loads.

 

We then enter the park with a National Park ranger who accompanies us throughout our time on the mountain and cross a small plain that is home to game including zebra, giraffe and elephant. Climbing gradually we enter the rainforest and can look out for bushbuck (a small antelope) and Colobus monkeys among the large cedar trees and glades of the forest. The relatively few trekkers on the mountain mean the camps are not overcrowded and we will perhaps not even encounter other groups during our trek. After around 4 hours walking, we arrive at Miriakamba Hut, with an elevation of roughly 2500 meters above sea level. From here, there are views of the lakes in the National Park. While on Mt. Meru, we stay in large wooden huts divided into small dormitories that are relatively comfortable.

The path through the rainforest is steeper today and we should have views of Kilimanjaro roughly 50km away to the northeast. Hanging vines, many large trees, ferns and streams provide a rich habitat for plants and animals in this part of the National Park where we possibly can see monkeys, birdlife and may even spot leopard. Our camp for tonight is Saddle Hut at 3570 meters. This is between Little Meru and Rhino Point on Mt. Meru, reaching this after 4-5 hours walking.

 

From Saddle Hut, we have the option to climb Little Meru, which is a 2 hour return trip, taking us to 3821 meters, and is very useful for further acclimatizing. We have time to get our kit ready for the summit tomorrow and have an early dinner, before getting to bed to be ready for the climb’s early start tonight

We wake up around 1 am, preparing to leave the hut by 2 am. We start walking by the light of our head torches towards Rhino Point and the crater rim. We then follow the crater rim to the 4566 meter summit and enjoy the spectacular silhouetted views of Kilimanjaro as the sun rises over the plains of Africa, including the pyramid shadow cast by Mt. Meru behind us. The flag of Tanzania is fixed at the top of Mt Meru, also known as Socialist Peak since the country’s independence, and there is a summit register kept in a metal box to sign before leaving. The true, dramatic nature of Mt. Meru can be seen on the way down now the sun has risen; the crater rim is shaped like a horseshoe since the opposite wall collapsed leaving cliffs of 1500 meters. These are some of the biggest in Africa and from the top of them on the crater rim we can see the ash cone below, which is a perfectly formed reminder of past volcanic eruptions that is quite spectacular to see.

 

We follow the rim back to Rhino Point with views of Little Meru then back to Saddle Hut for food and to pack before heading down to Miriakamba Hut. Overnight is spent at Miriakamba Hut.

After breakfast we take a few hours to continue down through Tululusia Waterfalls to the national park gate where our vehicle will be waiting to transport you back to your hotel.

 

After collecting our certificates for climbing to the summit, we head back to our hotel for a well-deserved hot shower and rest. This is a long day with a total walking time of 12-14 hours.

 

Today, you may opt to relax at the hotel or choose to extend your holiday by continue with safari but if not our driver will transfer you to the Airport to connect with your flight back home.

Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.

Note: Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.

Request a Free Quote

WHAT'S INCLUDED & EXCLUDE ?

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
  • Quality, waterproof, four seasons private mountain sleeping tents
  • Sleeping Mattress
  • All meals while on the mountain
  • Quality mess tents with table and chairs
  • All Government taxes and levies including 18% VAT.
  • Mount Meru Entrance fees
  • Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Exclude
  • Flights
  • Tips to mountain crew
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Laundry Services
  • Entry visa for Tanzania
  • Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes etc. (available for renting)
Chinese (Simplified)EnglishFrenchGermanItalianSpanish

Notice: ob_end_flush(): failed to send buffer of zlib output compression (1) in /home/kiliventuresafar/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 4609

Notice: ob_end_flush(): failed to send buffer of zlib output compression (1) in /home/kiliventuresafar/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 4609

Notice: ob_end_flush(): failed to send buffer of zlib output compression (1) in /home/kiliventuresafar/public_html/wp-content/plugins/really-simple-ssl/class-mixed-content-fixer.php on line 111