Mount Meru 4 Days

Route Description

Mount Meru is an often overlooked, but spectacular volcano located in the center of Arusha National Park. At 14,980 feet high, Meru serves as a great warm up to Mount Kilimanjaro or a complete standalone hike in it of itself. The crowds that can plague Kilimanjaro are non-existent here, allowing for a solitary, peaceful trek. Accommodations are in wood huts.

On the lower slopes of the mountain and inside the park, there is a good chance of spotting animals. An armed ranger will accompany your party on the first stage to protect against any wildlife threats. The trail follows the north rim of the crater, along a dramatic ridgeline. Once at the summit, the views of Mount Kilimanjaro and down into Meru crater are unforgettable.

Wabantu Trekking & Safaris offers Mount Meru as a four day private climb. However, clients from different parties and operators are often combined to walk with the armed ranger on the lower slopes.

Mount Meru is ideal for altitude acclimatization and you may elect to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with a lower number of days after climbing Meru. Many people who climb both mountains have a quiet preference for the humble Mount Meru. Although about 4,000 feet lower than Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru is still a very tall mountain. Do not underestimate Mount Meru. Altitude acclimatization is still the key to a successful summit Meru.

Wabantu Trekking offers MountMeru as four private climb. However, clients from different parties and operators are often combined to walk with the armed ranger on the lower slopes.

BOOK THIS TOUR (CLICK TO OPEN THE FORM BELOW)

DAY 1

Momella Gate to Miriakamba Huts
Elevation: 1500m to 2514m (ft) 4,921 ft to 8,250 ft
Distance: 14 km/9m
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

We depart Moshi or Arusha for Momella Gate in Arusha National Park for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins in open grassland with an armed ranger as the possibility of seeing wildlife – giraffe, zebras, antelope, elephant and buffalo – is high. We climb steadily through the rain forest until the reach Miriakamba Huts, situated in a grassy glade.

DAY 2

Miriakamba Huts to Saddle Huts
Elevation: 2514m to 3570m (ft) 8,250 ft to 11,712 ft
Distance: 6 km/3m
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Habitat: Heath

We continue climbing through the rain forest until we enter the heath zone accompanied by giant heather and other moorland vegetation. Along the ridge of the saddle, we have views of Mount Meru Crater and the Ash Tray. After arriving at Saddle Huts, there is an option to hike to the top of Little Mount Meru for superb views and to further aid acclimatization.

DAY 3

Saddle Huts to Summit
Elevation: 3570m to 4565m (ft) 11,712 ft to 14,977 ft
Distance: 6 km/3m
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Summit to Miriakamba Huts
Elevation: 4566m to 2514m (ft) 14,977 ft to 8,250 ft
Distance: 12 km/7m
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heath

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our climb to the summit. The trail is steep to Rhino Point and then Cobra Point. The path continues along the ridge of ash and rock to the summit – Socialist Peak. Here we enjoy magnificent views of Kilimanjaro and the sunrise before returning to Miriakamba Huts.

DAY 4

Miriakamba Huts to Momella Gate
Elevation: 2514m to 1500m (ft) 11,712 ft to 4,921 ft
Distance: 7 km/4m
Hiking Time: 2-4 hours
Habitat: Rain ForestOn our last day, we descend quickly through the tropical rainforest to Momella Gate. At the base of the mountain, our vehicle will meet you and drive us back to the hotel in Arusha or Moshi.

Items included:

Meeting at Kilimanjaro International Airport;
Transfer to the hotel to Moshi or Arusha
Accommodation prior to the climb (including breakfast; sharing a twin room);
Transfer to the starting point.
Professional mountain crew. All guides have “Wilderness First Responder” and “Wilderness First Aid” certificates, along with over 10 years of experience in climbing. Each participant will be provided with a porter (who can carry up to 15 kg of personal baggage)
Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees;
Camping/hut fees;
3 square meals daily. The menu includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian options are available upon request;
Oxygen systems and pulse oximeters;
First aid kit;
Group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery);
Meeting the group at the National Park exit and transfer to the hotel;
Accommodation after the climb (including breakfast; sharing a twin room);
Comfortable sleeping pads.
Return transfer to Kilimanjaro airport.

* Basic tour package price includes sharing a twin room. If you need a single bed accommodation only, you should inform us before the tour.

** During the climb you will share a tent with 1-2 other climbers, depending on the number of participants. If you need an individual tent, please, contact us. Single accommodation at sleeping huts on Marangu is impossible.