Tanzania's second highest peak in tanzania is much more than just a "warm up" trek for Kilimanjaro.
Mount Meru is an active (but dormant) volcano located north of Arusha in Tanzania. At 4,566 metres(14,980ft) it is Tanzania’s second highest mountain and the fourth highest mountain in Africa. The mountain became well known mainly because it is only 70 km from Mount Kilimanjaro: Mt. Meru has become a popular “warm up” trek for Kilimanjaro climbers.
It is cruel on the knees. You will also be so tired that the whole descent is just a painful slog, when it could be a very enjoyable trek through some of the best forests Tanzania has to offer. And believe me, the Accommodation for climbers on Mount Meru is in two very well appointed, big huts, the Miriakamba Huts at 2514 m (8248 ft) and the Saddle Huts at 3570 m (11712 ft).jungle on the slopes of Meru looks totally different when viewed coming down than when you climb up. You see so many things you never noticed on the way up!
Climbing Mount Meru
Arusha National Park is about an hour’s drive from Arusha, and Momela Gate (1514 m/4967 ft), the start of the Mt. Meru climb, is about 15 km from the national park entrance.
Most Kilimanjaro tour operators and trekking agencies in Arusha organize Meru climbs.
(Mt. Meru differs from Mt. Kilimanjaro in that you don’t HAVE to trek with a licensed operator. But organising all the food, equipment, permits, transport, porters, a ranger and a guide yourself will likely not work out any cheaper, and the hassle just isn’t worth it.)
If you want to climb to the summit of Mt. Meru you need two or three nights on the mountain. You ascend about 1000 m/3300 ft per day. The third night does NOT give you extra time to acclimatise to the height. It is spent on the way down. It is possible to skip the third night by descending over 3000 metres (9850 ft) in one single day, all the way from the summit back down to Momella Gate (where your transport should be waiting), but I would not recommend that.
Mount Meru also has a second peak, called Little Meru.
Little Meru (3801 m/12533 ft) is usually visited on an acclimatisation walk on the afternoon of the second day of your trek. You walk from the Saddle Hut to Little Meru and back.Oh, and after your climb you get two certificates. One for reaching Little Meru, and one for making it to “Socialist Peak”, the main Mt. Meru summit.
itinerary
3 and 4 Days Mount Meru Trekking
3 Days Mt Meru trekking & tours via momella route is one of the best hiking in Tanzania as it includes wildlife spotting along Arusha national park. Mt Meru is the second highest Mt in Tanzania & the fifth in African landmass. Climbing Mount Meru in 3 days is a great hike & can be combined with Zanzibar beach holidays or short Tanzania safaris Duration: 3 Days 2 nights , Best time to climb: All year around
3 Days Mt Meru trekking starts when our guide meet you at your hotel or lodge in Arusha city a day before trekking or in the morning for short briefing & gear checking, Please feel free to ask if you will 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 mm
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.
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.
| No of Days | Routes | Trekking Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 3 to 4 days Trekking | Arusha to Momella Gate to Miriakamba to Saddle to Meru Summit | 2 days 558 – 1 person |
Inclusive:
- Two way transfers to & from Arusha National Park
- 2 Nights at Miriakamba & Suddle Huts
- Knowledgeable and experience Mt. Guide & Chef
- All meals while on the Mountain
- All permit & park fees
- TANAPA ranger fees
- Crew park fees & Salaries
- Rescue fee.
Exclusiveu
Arrival & departure transfers (upon request)
Accommodation in Arusha. (Upon request)
Tanzania Visa
Tips for porters, cook & guide
All items of person Nature
