4 Days Mount Meru Trek
Overview
Meru has one route to the top and can be attempted for three days but we highly recommend doing for four days for acclimatization. Most alpines uses Meru for acclimatization before the Kilimanjaro climb. The mountain has less snow formed at the volcano eruption.
Unlike Kilimanjaro when you are climbing the Mount Meru you have to be escorted by an armed ranger(s) as you pass through the Arusha National Park. It is at this time when you will enjoy the walking safari as you pass the groups of African buffaloes, Zebras, Black andwhite colobus monkey just little wildlife to mention.
The Momela and Ngurdoto Lakes are rich in birdlife as you trek to the mountain; birds like Pelicans and Flamingo are closely seen.
Tour Itinerary
DAY 0 : ARRIVAL DAY
When you arrive you will be met at the airport by our driver- with a sign bearing your name, then you will drive to Kibo Palace / Gold Crest / Green Mountain Hotel in Arusha for dinner and overnight. In the afternoon or evening your GMExpeditions Mountain Guide will meet you for briefing and equipment check
DAY 1 : DRIVE FROM ARUSHA TO MOMELA GATE, HIKE TO MIRIAKAMPA HUT (5-6 HOURS WALKING)
We begin our trek at the Momella Gate (located at 1,500 m altitude). The trail leads through open grassland showcasing scenic views of Arusha’s wildlife, then continues steadily ascending through lush forest. We’ll stop for lunch near or at the Fig Tree Arch, then continue through forest terrain which is inhabited by an abundance of birds and monkeys.
By the late afternoon we’ll see our first clear views of Mt Meru’s towering edges and the Ash Cone. We’ll camp for the night at the Miriakamba Hut (located at 2,514 m altitude), nested in a cozy grassy plain.
DAY 2 : HIKE MIRIAKAMPA HUT TO SADDLE HUT, AFTERNOON HIKE UP LITTLE MERU(3-6 HOURS WALKING)
We’ll make the steep, steady hike from the Miriakamba Hut to the saddle bellow Little Meru until we reach the halfway point: Elephant Ridge. The trail continues ascending through tall heather and lush vegetation before stopping for lunch at Saddle Hut (located at 3,570 m altitude). You’ll then have the option of resting or making a small acclimatization hike to Little Meru’s nearby summit (located at 3,820 m altitude).
DAY 3 :HIKE TO SUMMIT THEN DOWN TO MIRIAKAMBA HUT (10-12 HOURS WALKING)
We’ll begin our ascent at 2 am to reach the Rhino Point (located at 3,800 m altitude) and then continue to Cobra Point (located at 4,350 m altitude) at sunrise. The magnificent views of the Crater Rim, the Ash Cone, Mt Meru’s famous neighbor: Mt Kilimanjaro, and the Rift Valley to the west are simply breathtaking!
After about an hour of steady hiking we’ll reach the summit: Socialist Peak (located at 4,566 m altitude). After taking in the stunning sights we’ll begin descending on narrow ridges between the sloping outer wall of the crater and the steep cliffs of the inner crater wall illuminated by the morning light to return to Rhino Point. We’ll rest and enjoy brunch at Saddle Hut before continuing the steady descent to Miriakamba Hut.
DAY 4 : MIRIAKAMBA HUT TO MOMELLA GATE (2-3 HOURS WALKING)
We’ll take the direct route to descend to Momella through open grassland and lush forest rich with wildlife and beautiful views of the Crater and the National Park’s open plains. We’ll arrive at the Momella Gate by late morning where we’ll board a vehicle that will take us to the lodge to relax and unwind!
DAY 5 : DEPARTURE DAY
Our packages include departure day services. Enjoy breakfast and a morning sightseeing in the city or join us for one of our Safari Adventures. If you are returning home our driver will bring you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to catch your flight home.
Included/Exclude
- National Park gate fees
- Transport from Arusha to trail head and return
- Hut fees
- Hotel in Arusha for two nights (one day before and one day after the trek)
- National Park ranger (required by Arusha National Park)
- Porters’ salaries
- All government taxes
- All Meals on the Mountain
- International or Local flights
- Rental gears
- Tips for guides, porters and other staff
- Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
- Laundry [available in hotel]
- Personal items at toiletries.
- Travel Insurance, Visa and Medical Insurance
