Mount Meru

Mount Meru national park is an appetizer for the climbers to Kilimanjaro mountain national park as it prepares them to acclimatization. It is located 20 kilometers East of Arusha town, with the altitude of 4,566meters above the sea level. The mountain is not only is the second highest mountain in Tanzania but also beautiful and contains a lot of trees that provide fresh air as well as a habitat for the wildlife and birds. On top of that, this mountain has only one way for ascending and descending. Mount Meru can be climbed for three days but it is recommended to opt 4 days for the comfortable hiking. In addition, there is a little snow at the top of this mountain; hence there is cold weather from the bottom to the peak.

The climbers must be escorted by the armed park rangers due to the presence of dangerous animals such as water buffalos, elephants and leopards. Along the way there are amazing black and white colobus monkeys, giraffes and other ungulates such as zebras and bird species as well as a lot of trees. 

Successful climbers will be awarded the certificate which will give them a memorable hiking experience of the mountain.

Itinerary (4 days)

Day 1: Arusha up to Miriakamba Hut

Highlights

  • Elevation: (1,400m up to 2,500m)
  • Hiking Distance: 2.5 km
  • Hiking time: 5-7hours of hiking
  • Accommodation: Miriakamba Hut

 

Wake up early in the morning for breakfast. After that you will be driven from your hotel to Momella gate inside the Mount Meru national park for the registration ready to start the trekking. Whenever the registration and the preparation are over you will be given the armed park ranger ready to begin the trekking. Attractions that can be seen are such as the beautiful water fall at the Ngarenanyuki River, the wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, bird species, sunset and varieties of trees.  Dinner and over night will be at Miriakamba Hut.

 

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut up to Saddle Hut

Highlights

  • Elevation: (2,500m to 3,500m)
  • Hiking Distance: 1km
  • Hiking time: 3-5hours
  • Accommodation: Saddle Hut

 

After breakfast, you will continue trekking the arduous trail through the saddle’s ridge. Depending on your option and time you will have an opportunity of hiking the little Mount Meru 3,820m then, you will have dinner and overnight at Saddle Hut.

 

Day 3: Saddle Hut, summit attempt then back to Miriakamba Hut  

Highlights

  • Elevation: (3,500m; 4,566m-2,500m)
  • Hiking Distance: 4km
  • Hiking time: 10-12hours of hiking
  • Accommodation: Miriakamba Hut

 

The trekking begins in the midnight after breakfast by ascending slowly through a steep slope between the crater and the Meru’s inner cliffs. We expect you to see the beautiful sunrise during summit time and enjoy the wonderful views of Mountain Kilimanjaro from the top of the Mount Meru. After enjoying the breathe taking views and pictures you will begin to descend up to Saddle hut for a short stretch out then continue to Miriakamba Hut for dinner and overnight.

 

Day 4: Miriakamba Hut to Arusha

After breakfast you will continue descending up to Momella gate to receive your certificate of merit and say goodbye to the porters and cook then carry on with the journey back to Arusha.  There is a chance of seen the wildlife along the way.

 

The package includes:

  • Park fees
  • Professional tour guide, chef and porters
  • Proper ration for the cook and porters
  • Accommodation costs
  • Airport transfers
  • Cooking gas
  • Drinking water and meals
  • Rescue fee and emergence evacuation coverage
  • Salary for the climbing crew
  • Gate transfers

 

The package excludes:

  • Visa fees
  • Flights
  • Tips for the tour guides, porters and chef
  • Additional hotels nights such as early departure from the mountain
  • Soft and alcoholic drinks
  • Personal stuff like phone calls and shopping
  • Trekking gears for personal use such as trekking poles etc.
  • Medication
  • Travel Insurance