Mount Meru Trekking
Mount Meru is the first sight you can see when reaching Arusha town.The mountain is with its 4,566 m (14,990 feet) Tanzania's second highest peak after Kilimanjaro and the fifth highest in Africa. The mountain has two peaks: Meru Summmit, the highest point, and Ash Cone, an additional peak inside the crater which was formed after a more recent volcanic activity. On clear days one can see Great Rift Valley and Kitumbeini and Gelai volcanoes in the western part, and in the east its neighbor Mount Kilimanjaro with Kibo and Shira Plateau.
The peak can be ascended in 3 or 4 days on the Momela Route
It is the only way up to the summit. You don't need any technical equipment for the climb but you will need to be prepared for the altitude gain. The best thing you can do is to take your time for proper acclimatisation.
Spectacular views
The climb offers spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro and wildlife on the forested slopes and the summit itself offers an amazing view of small cones and craters, which are probably the results of numerous volcanic activities in the past.
The climb to Mount Meru is a rewarding experience
You first pass through a savannah where you have the possibility to spot buffaloes and giraffes. At the lower slopes of Mount Meru you can find parkland, grassland and a rainforest with red-hot pokers and Spanish moss. The giant heather zone and the moorlands are forested by giant lobelias. Close to the summit you can spot everlasting flowers in this alpine desert. The way up to the summit is through a narrow and barren ridge. At the summit you can have amazing views of the Ash Cone inside the crater. While the best choice to explore Mount Meru is by climbing it up to Meru Summit, you can also spend your time at the mountain and its surrounding with different activities such as a walking safari in the national park, canoeing in the Small Momella Lake, bird watching or even game-viewing.
The wildlife and the birds of this area are amazing
The most prominent among the 400 different bird species on Mount Meru are lanner falcon, Levaillant's cuckoo and crowned eagle. The animals you can see around the mountain are giraffes, white colobus monkey, buffaloes, elephants, baboons and flamingos around the Momella lakes.
4 DAYS | 3 NIGHTS MOUNT MERU TREKKING
Day 1- Arusha Hotel| Momella gate| Miriakamba Hut (1500m| 2500m)
Departure hotel and transfer 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 | 3.5miles
Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 2-Miriakamba Hut| Saddle Hut (2500m| 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 | 4miles
Approx. time taken: 3 – 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 3-Saddle Hut| to Socialist Peak (3500m|4562m) |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 | 12miles
Approx. time taken: 10 – 12 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 4-Miriakamba Hut |Momella gate (2500m|1500m) |Arusha Hotel
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 Arusha town.
Distance covered: 14km | 8.5miles
Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch