Climbing Mt Meru starts when we meet you at your lodge or hotel in Arusha a day before or in the morning for short briefing. Please let us know if you need any transfer or accommodation in Arusha. Karibu Sana!
Day 1: Arusha – Momella Gate 1500 m – Miriakamba Hut 2500
Duration Approx. 5 – 7 hours of hiking
Vegetation Type: Forest
The tour starts after breakfast in your lodge (1400 m) where you drive for about 30 minutes to Ngongongare gate via Usa river town. At the gate your guide will do all paper work before driving along Arusha National Park with some stops for wildlife spotting, reach Momella gate for final checkup of porters & luggage.
Afterward 3 days Mt meru trekking will start with polepole pace, the first day is more or less similar to a walking safari, on the way you may spot some animal species like reticulated Giraffes, Zebras, Waterbuck and Buffaloes. Since the hiking is inside the park an armed TANAPA ranger will be escorting you all the way to the camp.
You may take long or short route but this will depend on the time of starting, during the hike way you will pass across Ngarenanyuki River and a beautiful waterfall at the base of Meru Mountain. You will possibly arrive at Miriakamba Hut (2500 m) before sunset, porters & your chef will have already be there coffee or tea and a hot water for washing will be served. Enjoy the beautiful sunset & the area around.
Dinner and overnight at Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m).
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut 2,500 m – Saddle Hut 3,500 m
Duration: 4 – 5 hours of hiking.
Vegetation Type: Forest Zone.
After breakfast start your 3 days Mt Meru trekking along the steep path on the forest zone, see various birds and animal along the way. On the way you will view Mount Meru Crater & the Ash Tray. Reach Saddle Hut situated at the alpine desert zone for hot lunch (but this will depend on your pace).
After Lunch and some rest, you have an option of acclimatization hike at Little Meru (3,820 m), this is a good hike with some great view of great Meru & the area around & it makes you ready for a night attempt on summit the main Meru Mountain. Early dinner will be served on this day so that you can have enough rest before your midnight summit attempt. Go to sleep as early as possible possibly around 19:00 hrs.
Day 3: Saddle Hut 3500 m – Meru Summit Socialist Peak 4,566 m – Miriakamba 2,500 m
Duration Approx. 9-12 hours of hiking.
Vegetation Type: Alpine desert.
Wake up at 00:30 after midnight for tea and biscuit before you start your final push to the summit at 01:30 hrs. This final day of your 3 days Mt Meru trekking you will start by trading on the steep grade path up to Rhino point at (3800 m) then reach Cobra point at (4,350 m).
From there the trekking will be on rocky ridge in between the Crater and the inner cliffs of Meru Mountain. Reach the summit during the first rays of sun from the East (4,566 m). During clear days, morning can be the best time to view his Majesty Kilimanjaro Mountain, the total cliffs of the crater drops intensely at almost 1000 feet or more.
Spending sometimes at the summit for pictures before return back to Saddle Hut for some rest & afterward continue down to Miriakamba Hut & to Mommella gate for check out.
The van will have already be there waiting to take you back to Arusha or to the airport if flying with KLM at around 21.45 hours.
If you made it to the summit a certificate for Meru trekking (4,566 m) will be presented to you & for those who did the acclimatization hike at little Meru will also rewarded a certificate.
End of the Service.
3 days Mt Meru trekking can be combine with our Tanzania wildlife safaris or Zanzibar beach holidays or both on request. Please let us know you wishes and desire.
