MT. MERU

Standing tall at 4,566m, Mt. Meru is Tanzania’s second highest mountain. It is located in Arusha National Park and offers some of the most spectacular scenery and wildlife diversity of any mountain in Tanzania. Mt. Meru is a challenging trek due to its steepness, but is an excellent way to acclimatize before attempting Mt. Kilimanjaro. Climbers are accompanied by an armed ranger due to the abundance of wildlife on the lower slopes. Mt. Meru also has some historical significance to it whereby some have suggested that it was the resting place of Noah’s Ark when it came to rest after the biblical flood receded. Mt. Meru is a great trekking option for those who want to take on a climbing challenge and get the sense of being out in the wild, but are not quite ready to tackle Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town (PANAMA HOTEL), you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear..

Day 2: Momella gate (1500m) to Miriakamba Hut (2500m)

You will depart the hotel at 0800hrs and head to the Momella gate which is the starting point of the trek. The drive to the gate is roughly an hour and a half. After the registration you will start your trek accompanied by an armed ranger. Along the route you will catch spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the Momella lakes. You will encounter animals such as cape buffaloes, giraffes, warthogs and bushbucks, to name a few. Your trek will end up at Miriakamba Hut where you will be spending the night.

Distance covered: 6km / 3.5mi

Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 3: Miriakamba Hut (2500m) to Saddle Hut (3500m)

Today’s trek takes you through the steep path along the ridge of the saddle. Amazing views of the Meru crater, the ash cone and little Meru can be seen along the way. While trekking through the forest keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and the attractive wild flowers. Common animals include buffaloes and the black and white Colobus monkey. Your trek will end up at Saddle hut where you will be spending the night. After resting at the camp you will set off on an hour acclimatization trek to little Meru (3810m) then head back down to Saddle hut.

Distance covered: 6.5km / 4mi

Approx. time taken: 3 – 4 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 4: Saddle Hut (3500m) to Socialist Peak (4562m) to Miriakamba Hut (2500m)

You will wake up just after midnight for a light meal then start your final ascent to Socialist Peak at the top of big Meru. The trail to the summit is steep and you will be climbing through gravel and rocky ridges. While at the summit you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Meru crater and ash cone. Occasionally, animals such as Klipspringers and mountain reedbucks can be seen over the rocky terrain. After the summit, you will then descend to Miriakamba Hut where you will be spending the night.

Distance covered:19km / 12mi

Approx. time taken: 10 – 12 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 5: Miriakamba Hut (2500m) to Momella gate (1500m)

After breakfast you will begin your final descent to Momella gate. You will be using the southern route to descend. During your descent you will pass through the montane forest where you will pass the amazing Fig Tree Arch. Upon arrival at the Momella gate, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel back in Moshi town.

Distance covered: 14km / 8.5mi

Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 6: Depart Tanzania

This is the day that will be having a preparation for flying back or visiting around moshi town buying some present to take home or continuing with the other program like going to Zanzibar or safari or other tours

INCLUDED

  • 2 nights of accommodation at the hotels
  • Transport to and from the gate
  • Park entry fees
  • Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi or Arusha.
  • Crater fees
  • Camping fees
  • 18% VAT on tour fees & services
  • Double layered sleeping mats
  • Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
  • 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain
  • Treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
  • Fair wages for the mountain crew as it is recommended by Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO) and the government.
  • Government taxes
  • Emergency first-aid kit.