Kilimanjaro

Mt. Meru

Mount Meru is a dormant volcano located 70 kilometres (43 mi) west of Mount Kilimanjaro inTanzania. At a height of 4,565 metres (14,968 ft) is the fifth-highest mountain in Africa. Mount Meru is located just north of the city of Arusha, in the Arusha Region of Tanzania. It is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania, after Mount Kilimanjaro.

Mt. Meru trek serves as an ideal warm up for Mt. Kilimanjaro due to its altitude acclimatization and hiking distances. This trek is also geared towards hikers that prefer less crowds and a challenging ascent.

Hikers must climb with an armed ranger due to the wide range of wildlife living on the mountain. On the lower slopes of the mountain, hikers are more likely to see elephants, giraffes, and buffalo! Hikers sleep in designated huts along the trail.

Itinerary for Mt. Meru

Day 1:        Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut

Elevation: (1400m / 4,593ft) to (2500m / 8,202ft)

Duration: 5-7 hours of hiking 

You will be picked up from your hotel in Arusha and drive to the Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. After registration and greeting your crew 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 your 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. Overnight at Mariakamba Hut

Day 2:        Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut

Elevation (2500m / 2,500ft) to (3500m / 11,483ft)

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.

Day 3:        Saddle to Summit then Mariakamba

Elevation: (3500m / 11483ft ) – to (4566m / 14,980ft) – then down to (2500m / 8,202ft)

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 scramble 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 to Momella gate

Elevation: (2500m / 8,202ft) – (1400m / 4,593ft)

Duration: 2-3 hours of hiking

After a long rest and breakfast, you will begin your final descent to Momella gate. You will hike through forest and meadows where it is likely to spot wildlife. At the base of Mt. Meru, you will be greeted by your driver who will take you back to your hotel.