4 Days Mount Meru Climbing

Description

Mount Meru is the third-highest mountain in Tanzania at 4566 meters, only the Kibo and the Mawenzi (the highest peaks of the Kilimanjaro massif) rise further into the sky. The mountain was formed by volcanic activity in the East African Rift Valley. About 250,000 years ago, the entire eastern flank of the volcano was blown away by a violent outburst, an impressive sight to this day. Meru has one route to the top and can be attempted for three days but we highly recommend doing four days for acclimatization. Most alpines use Meru for acclimatization before the Kilimanjaro climb. The mountain has less snow formed at the volcano eruption.

Highlights
  • The Meru is technically more difficult than Kilimanjaro and requires good condition - the last 1000 meters are quite steep.
  • Your head guide will meet you for your briefing, and gear check, and arrange for you to hire any equipment you may need.
  • The Momela and Ngurdoto Lakes are rich in birdlife as you trek to the mountain; birds like Pelicans and flamingos are closely seen.
  • It is at this time when you will enjoy the walking safari as you pass the groups of African buffaloes, Zebras, Black and white colobus monkeys just a little wildlife mention.
Includes
  • Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
  • Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
  • Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
  • Airport Transfers
  • Meals according to the itinerary
  • Drinking water and Full Board meals
  • All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits, and VAT
  • Rescue Fees and Emergency Evacuation Coverage with AMREF
  • Gate Transfers
  • Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
Excludes
  • Flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel Insurance(Required)
  • Medication
  • Tips for porters and mountain crew (20% Industry Standard Recommended)
  • Tips for porters and mountain crew (20% Industry Standard Recommended)
  • Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.

Location Map

Tour Timeline

  • 1
    Day 1: Arusha- Arusha National Park Gate

    After breakfast, you leave Arusha around 9:30 am to Arusha National Park. After finishing all the registration formalities at Momella Gate on the Eastern Side of the Mountain, you will start your hike. You will trek through open grassland, where on the way you will have an opportunity to see grazing animals like zebras, buffalos, warthogs etc. The trail continues as steady climb through montane forest. You will have you lunch at Fig Tree Arch, then pass through less dense forest, where there is abundance of birds and Colobus monkeys. By mid afternoon, you will see the towering cliffs and Ash cone of the mountain. You will reach Mariakamba Hut situated in an idyllic grassy glade-experience lovely views over the surrounding plains towards Kilimanjaro, and when you are here you will be able to enjoy the sun.

    Hiking Time: 5 hours

  • 2
    Day 2 : Mariakamba (2,515m)-Saddle Hut (3,570m)

    After breakfast, we shall take a four hours walk to the Saddle Hut, this is going to be a short day but a steep climb. We will slowly ascend through lush montane forest to reach the half way point of Elephant Ridge. From here you can enjoy the beautiful views of the summit ridge and across the crater floor. The path continues through giant heather and other fascinating moorland vegetations to reach Saddle Hut, where hot lunch will be served. In this afternoon, you are free to relax and enjoy the magnificent views of the Mountain.

    Hiking Time: 4 hours

  • 3
    Day 3: Saddle Hut (3,570m) - Summit (4566m)

    Early at around 02h00, we will start the steep climb to Rhino Point(3800m), then continuing along an undulating ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra point (4350m) at sunrise. The views are stunning – the cliffs of the crater rim, the ash cone rising from the Crater floor, Kilimanjaro floating on the morning clouds, and west towards the Lift Valley if the weather is clear. The summit of socialist Peak is an hour further on a good but steep path. The route back to Rhino point in the morning light, in narrow ridge between the sloping outer wall of the crater and the sheer cliffs of the inner wall, is one of the most enjoyable and exhilarating walk in Africa. After reaching Saddle Hut, it will be your time to enjoy a short rest, before continuing to descend to Mariakamba Hut (2514m).

    Estimated Walking time: 10 – 11 hours

  • 4
    Day 4: Mariakamba Hut (2514m)- Arusha

    After breakfast, we will take a direct route from Mariakamba Hut down through the open grassland mixed forest , in this walk, you will have good chance to see wildlife. After reaching the gate and when all the check out formalities are done, you will be transferred to your hotel in Arusha, for some relaxation, then follow the rest of your travel plans.

    Estimated walking time: 3-4 hours

    Accommodation & Meals: Arusha Planet Lodge or Airport Planet Lodge