MOUNT MERU TREKKING
Duration
Range between 3 Days – 4 Days
Routes
Meru
Best Time To Visit
January-March and June-October
ABOUT MOUNT MERU
Mt. Meru is located in the heart of Arusha National Park and it is 50 miles west of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Mount Meru is a massive volcano reaching 14,980 feet (4,565 meters). This trek serves as an ideal warm up for Mt. Kilimanjaro due to its altitude acclimatization and hiking distances. This trek is also geared towards hikers that prefer less crowds and a challenging ascent.
Because Mount Meru is located in Arusha National Park, hikers must climb with an armed ranger due to the wide range of wildlife living on the mountain. On the lower slopes of the mountain, hikers are more likely to see elephants, giraffes, and buffalo! As hikers continue their ascents, the trail follows the north rim of the volcano’s crater along a dramatic ridge line. Throughout the climb, hikers sleep in designated huts along the trail. Hikers reach the summit as the sun is rising and they will have spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and of the Mt. Meru Crater.
3 DAYS MERU
Day 1: Miriakamba Hut (Full board)
We drive from Arusha to Momella Gate. After a short registration at the Gate our walk will begin with full armed ranger escorting us, simply we can see along the way the wild animals including elephants, zebras, and giraffe, monkeys, antelope, and often elephants along the route. Dinner and overnight night at Miriakamba Hut Elevation (m): (1,387 m to (1,500 m) Elevation (ft): 4,921 ft) to 3,000 ft ) Distance: 10 km Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Montane Forest. Duration: 6 hours Meals
Day 2: Saddle Hut (Full board)
Stop At: Mount Meru, Arusha National Park, Arusha Region The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a short day but a steep climb. The walk will take us slowly along the ridge for a spectacular view of the Meru Crater and the impressive Ash Cone. After hot lunch at Saddle Hut we can make a short climb to the summit of Little Meru (3,820m) for superb views just before sunset. Dinner and overnight at Saddle Hut Elevation (m): 2,514 m to 3,570 m Elevation (ft): 8,250 ft to 11,712 ft Distance: 8 km Hiking Time: 3-5 hours Habitat: Forest and Moorland. Duration: 5 hours
Day 3: Summit Day (Half Board)
Pass By: Mount Meru, Arusha National Park, Arusha Region We start early at around 1:30 a.m. to climb steeply to Rhino Point (3,800 m.) and on to Cobra Point (4350m). We reach the summit (4,566 m) for sunrise there is a possibility to see Kilimanjaro Peak above the clouds. The final part of the climb is along a spectacular narrow ridgeline between the sheer inner cliffs and the sloping outer wall of the crater.
We take a short rest and brunch at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to the Momella gate. The returning transfer will be waiting at Momella Gate to pick you to your hotel in Arusha. Elevation (m): 3,570 m to 4,565m to 2,514m Elevation (ft): 14,977ft to 11,712 ft to 8,250ft Distance: 5 km up 13 km down Hiking Time: 12 – 14 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Moorland and Montane forest.
4 DAYS MERU
Day 1: Mt.Meru Park Gate – Mariakamba: 4-5 hours
Drive from Arusha to the Mt. Meru park gate where you will be met by our game ranger and porters. Hike for the few hours to Mariakamba Hut at 8,500 ft. From here you may wish to take an evening walk on the slopes to view wildlife at one of the watering holes in the crater. Dinner and overnight rest at Mariakamba Hut, L,D
Day 2: Mariakamba Hut – Saddle Hut
Mariakamba – Saddle Hut: 3-4 hours
After breakfast hike to upto 11,500 ft to arrive at Saddle Hut. If time permits you can climb a little further on Mount Meru for a scenic view of the ‘Roof of Africa’, Mount Kilimanjaro. This will also be part of more acclimatization. Overnight at Saddle Hut, B,L,D
Day 3: Saddle Hut – Summit – Mariakamba Hut
Saddle Hut – Summit: 4-6 hours
An early rise to hike all the way to the summit before the afternoon clouds cover the summit. From the summit, descend back to the 11,500 ft Saddle Hut in time for lunch. After lunch, hike down to Mariakamba Hut for dinner and overnight, B,L,D.
Day 4: Mariakamba Hut – Arusha
Breakfast at the camp and a leisurely morning. Descend to the park gate to connect with your waiting transfer vehicle back to your Arusha Hotel, continue with other programs or depart.
