3 Days Mount Meru Trekking

Mount Meru Trekking

At a height of 4,566 meters (14,980 ft), Mount Meru is a dormant stratovolcano located in Arusha National Park, 70 kilometers (43 miles) west of Mount Kilimanjaro in the country of Tanzania. Typically, Mount Meru Climb takes four days, but it can be done in 3 days to complete a trek to the Summit.

It is visible from Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day, and is the fifth-highest mountain in Africa, depending on the definition. Climb Mount Meru, Second second-highest Mountain in Tanzania, is great with no traffic and an amazing wildlife experience as you hike past wild animals.

Mount Meru Key Facts

1. Tanzania’s second-tallest mountain at 4,566m
2. Abundant wildlife sightings on day 1 of the climb
3. Great acclimatisation climb before tackling Kilimanjaro
4. Ascent and descent via the Momela route over 3 days
5. Dormitory-style hut accommodation

Itinerary

Day 1. Trekking From Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut

Drive 1 Hr, Hike Distance 10 km, 4 – 5 hrs, 1000m ascent, Altitude: 2516m

Early in the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. At this time, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA).

The first day of hiking is similar to a walking safari; you should expect to see giraffes, zebras, antelopes, buffalo, and potentially elephants near the trail. Due to the high possibility of spotting wildlife, an armed ranger hired through the National Park is required to hike with our team for the duration of the hike. As you continue hiking, you will pass the Ngarenanyuki River and a beautiful waterfall at the base of Mt. Meru.

Upon arriving at Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m), your chef will prepare a hot dinner and warm water for you. This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended that you heed the following instructions from this point on:

Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine

Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently)

Take a Diamox pill to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Most mountain climbers take Diamox in the morning, before they start their ascent, to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. We recommend you consult your doctor before the trip in case of potential allergies.

At night, you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude because of a reduction in your waking breathing pattern, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and have a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.

Change in Elevation: Momella Gate (1,500 m) — Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m) Hiking distance: 10 km

Hiking time: 4–5 hours

Day 2. Trekking From Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut

Hike Distance 4km, 2 – 3 hrs, 1050m ascent, Altitude: 3566m

After breakfast, you will start ascending the steep trail along the ridge of the saddle. You may see various wildlife along the way! The trail has amazing views of Meru Crater and the Ash Cone. When you arrive at camp, you have the option of hiking Little Meru (3,820 m) with your guide to further acclimate. You will be served an early dinner, so you can receive ample rest before your midnight summit attempt.

Change in Elevation: Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m) — Saddle Hut (3,550 m) Hiking distance: 5 km

Hiking time: 3–4 hours

Trekking From Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut

Day 3. Trekking From Saddle Hut to Meru Summit and Descent To Momella Gate

Hike distance 5km ascent + 19km descent, 4 – 5 hrs ascent + 6-8 hours descent, 1000m ascent, Altitude: 4566m

Summiting has an early start at around 00:00. There is a 1-hour steep climb to Rhino Point (3,800 m), then the path continues along a ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point (4,350 m). The summit of Socialist Peak (4,562 m) is an hour further on a steep path with magnificent views of Kilimanjaro.

Depending on your speed, you can enjoy sunrise at Cobra Point or the summit. The views are stunning: the cliffs of the Crater rim, the Ash Cone rising from the crater floor, Kilimanjaro floating on the morning clouds, and the Rift Valley. The route back to Rhino Point in the morning light, along a narrow ridge between the sloping outer wall of the crater and the cliffs of the inner wall, is one of the most dramatic and exhilarating walks in Africa.

Brunch and a brief rest are taken at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to Momella Gate. After your descent, the whole group will gather to congratulate you, and then you will be transferred to Arusha town.

Change in Elevation: Saddle Hut (3,550 m) — Socialist Peak (4,562 m) — Momella Gate (1,500 m) Hiking distance: 16 km

Hiking time: 12–14 hours.

You will be transferred to Arusha. Check in at the lodge, and relax as you wait for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Included
  Arrival and departure transfers from, to “JRO”

  Accommodation in the mountain and hotel 2 nights

  Meals

  All parks fees, mountain rescue fee, government taxes

  Services for crew team and salary

  Tent highest quality tent Eureka or Mountain hard ware

  Transport to and from mountain

  Emergency oxygen cylinder

  Mattress
• Not Included
  Items of personal nature such as passport, visa, travelers etc.

  Tips for the crew

  Medical equipment as hyperbolic chamber

  Portable toilets: available for renting 110 USD/trip

  Note Over weight, extra luggage will require an extra porter, at a rate of 11 USD per bag per day

  Massage we may arrange for 40 USD per person