4-Days Mt Meru Climb
Mount Meru (4,562 m) is a dormant stratovolcano located 70 kilometres west of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It is the fifth-highest in Africa and is visible from Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day. Mount Meru is located just north of the city of Arusha. The Momella route, which starts at Momella Gate on the eastern side of the mountain, is used to climb Mount Meru. The several small cones and craters seen in the vicinity probably reflect numerous episodes of volcanic activity. Mount Meru’s caldera is 3.5 km wide.
Mount Meru is the topographic centrepiece of Arusha National Park. Its fertile slopes rise above the surrounding savanna and support a forest that hosts diverse wildlife and many species of avian life.
Day 1: Nairobi – Arusha/ Moshi.
We pick you up at 7:00 a.m. from your hotel. Shortly, join a shared shuttle bus to Tanzania via the Namanga border to Arusha town. The expected time of arrival is 14:00 hrs. Overnight at a hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
Day 2: Arusha (1,400m) – Miriakamba Hut (2,500m)
Duration: 5-7 hours of hiking
After an early morning breakfast in Arusha/ Moshi, you will be picked up from your hotel and brought to the Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. At this time, the porters will organise and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then begin your ascent in Arusha National Park. The first day of hiking is similar to a walking safari; you should expect to see giraffes, zebras, antelope, 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 arrival at Miriakamba Hut (2,500m), a hot dinner will be served. Enjoy the beautiful sunset and stay overnight.
Day 3: Miriakamba Hut (2,500m) – Saddle Hut (3,500m)
Duration: 3–5 hours of hiking
Thereafter breakfast, you will start ascending the steep trail along the ridge of the saddle. If lucky, you may see some wildlife along the way! The trail has views of Mt. Meru Crater and the Ash Tray. When you arrive at camp, you have the option of hiking Little Mt. Meru (3,820m) with your guide to further acclimatise. You will be served an early dinner, so you can receive ample rest before your midnight summit attempt. Get to sleep by 19:00 hrs.
Day 4: Saddle Hut (3,500m) – Summit Attempt (4,566m) – Arusha/Moshi
Distance: 5 km up, 13 km down
Hiking Time: 12 – 14 hours
Your guide will wake you at 00:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt at 1:30 a.m. The trail starts off on a steep grade from Rhino Point (3,800m) to Cobra Point (4,350m). In the last hour of the hike, you will scramble on a rocky ridge between the crater and inner cliffs of Meru. You will reach the summit of Meru (4,565m) at sunrise. Spectacular views of Mt. Meru Ash Tray and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Enjoy your views, then descend to Saddle Hut for breakfast and a short break. You will then continue the descent to the Momella gate. The returning transfer will be waiting at Momella Gate to pick you up at your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for dinner and overnight. You may also proceed to our other safari extensions after completing a memorable 4-day Mt Meru climb.
What to bring:
Mountains have their own climate on account of their height. Rain clouds can appear without warning and be gone hours later. An early morning frost is possible at any time of the year, and guests should bring a fleece and light rain jacket, although, during the heat of the day, shorts and T-shirts should suffice.
Sleeping bag; one rated for four (4) seasons is fine. The bag should be a snug fit since if it is too large, there will be more cool air for the body to warm
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- Rain Trouser
- Rain Jacket [Poncho]
- Balaclava [Hat Woollen]
- Warm Clothes down jacket
- Thermal underwear
- Fleece Jacket
- Hiking Boots
- Gloves
- Walking Sticks
- Head Torch
- Sunglasses
- First Aid box
- Ruck Suck 65L (duffel bags are unacceptable) to be carried by porters
- Day Pack 35 [For your personal effects]
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- Optional comfort accessories;
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Walking poles, hot water bottle, Bivy bag
Wet wipes; ideal for those who want to stay fresh but are unable to bear dips in the freezing mountain weather
4: Passport/Identification Card {ID}
5: Personal travel/ medical insurance
Options are, of course, many and varied, and in many cases, we can be flexible about the itinerary for accommodation facilities and the extension of the safari destinations.
