5 Days Mount Meru

5 DAYS - MOUNT MERU

MOUNT MERU

Overview

Mount Meru is in the heart of Arusha National Park just 50 miles west of Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s a massive volcano reaching 14,980 feet (4,565 meters). This trek serves as an ideal warm-up for Mt. Kilimanjaro due to its altitude acclimatization and hiking distances. This trek is also geared toward hikers that prefer fewer crowds and a challenging ascent.

Summary

Tour Duration: 5 Days

miriakamba hut

Saddle hut

Program

Day 1: Airport pick-up- Drop off at Hotel

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You will be picked up by the staff of Northland Tanzania Safaris from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and driven to your accommodation in Moshi. Participants will be given a short briefing for the climb the next day. Kits and the necessary equipment will be checked as well.

Day 2: Momella Gate (1500m) – Miriakamba Hut (2500m)

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In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and after a 45-minute drive, you will arrive at the Arusha National Park Gate for entry formalities. Afterward, we drive a little further to Momella Gate to start our climb. After a steady 2-hour climb, you will reach Maio Falls and some picturesque meadows.

After resting, we will be on our way to the well-known ‘Arched Fig Tree’, with its shape forming an arch over the path. After another 1½ – 2 hours, you will reach the Miriakamba Hut.

Day 3: Miriakamba Hut (2500m) – Saddle Hut (3550m)

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In the morning, we follow a steep track with wooden steps upwards. Due to the increase in altitude, it will be noticeably cooler than the previous day making the hike easier. After approximately 2 hours, you will reach the vantage point ‘Mgongo wa Tembo’ (Elephant back) at an elevation of 3200m, where you will enjoy a well-earned break.

After another hike in which the vegetation changes from rainforest into airy bushland, you will reach Saddle Hut (3550m) at midday for a relaxing lunch break. In the afternoon, you have the option to do a side trip to Little Meru (3820m), which takes approx. 1 – 1 ½ hour where you can have wonderful views of Arusha National Park and Kilimanjaro (approx. 80 km away).

Day 4: Saddle Hut (3500m) – Summit Attempt (4566m) – Miriakamba Hut (2500m)

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Your guide will wake you at 00:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt at 1:30 am. The trail starts off on a steep grade from Rhino Point (3800m) to Cobra Point (4350m). At 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).

Day 5: Miriakamba Hut (2500m) – Arusha (1400m)

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