The 3 days Mt. Meru Hiking trek is indeed a challenging trek due to the rocky ridges and its steep ascent to the peak. However, it is one of the best ways to get an experience of high-altitude trekking and it is also the best way to quickly acclimatize for those who want to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro.
Mount Meru stands tall at 4566m and is the second highest mountain in Tanzania. Mt. Meru is one of the major attractions of Arusha National Park and it offers one of the most breathtaking scenery and wildlife diversity compared to any mountain in Tanzania.
The route takes climbers through a series of natural environments with a variety of flora and fauna and an interesting mixture of nature and culture. The 3-day full ascent requires fitness unlike the 4-day Meru hike that has an extra day for resting.
Itinerary
DAY 0: ARRIVAL & PRE-CLIMB BRIEFING
Transport: Private Car/Van (1.2hours)
For travelers arriving in Tanzania, our package includes airport transfers whereby our company Driver will pick you up from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport upon landing and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha. Depending on your schedule, you will meet both our Manager and our Certified Mountain Guide responsible for your Mt. Meru Hike on the same day of arrival or early the next morning. The guide will provide a briefing at your Moshi/Arusha hotel on what to expect on your hike and a lot of other related information. Questions are highly recommended.
Lastly, he will also review your equipment and assist you in renting any missing equipment which is needed.
DAY 1: MOSHI/ARUSHA TO MOMELLA GATE TO MIRIAKAMBA HUT
- Distance: 6km/3.5 miles
- Walking Time: 4-6 hours
- Zone: Forest
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, we will travel to Arusha National Park (2.5 hours from Moshi and 1.5 hours from Arusha) and then directly to the Meru’s starting point, Momella gate. Your guides will then organize the entrance permission requirements at Momella Gate, and you will begin your walk to Miriakamba Huts. On the route, wildlife animals such as zebras, monkeys, antelopes, and buffaloes are likely to be observed and we will be accompanied by an armed ranger. When you arrive to Miriakamba Huts, you will be served a hot meal. You may then explore the sights there and relax, ready to conquer the next day.
DAY 2: MIRIAKAMBA HUT TO SADDLE HUT
- Distance: 6km/3.5 miles
- Walking Time: 4-7 hours
- Zone: Forest & Moorland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
The second day of our Meru hike involves taking a hard trail through the montane forest to reach the gigantic trees in the Moorland zone, which is located around the saddle between Little Meru and Meru.
When you arrive at the Saddle Huts, lunch will be ready. Your afternoon is free to relax and take in the scenery, although ambitious hikers can make the short walk to the top of Little Meru (3,820m) for beautiful views and proper acclimatization and return to Saddle Hut camp shortly before sunset.
DAY 3: SADDLE HUT TO MERU PEAK TO MOMELLA GATE
- Distance: 27.6km/16.5 miles
- Walking Time: 10-14 hours
- Zone: Alpine Desert Moorland &Montane Forest
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Today is summit day; we start our trek after midnight therefore hikers are encouraged to have an early sleep the day before.
Our hike starts around 2.00am and we steeply hike to Rhino Point (3820m) where the route gets more challenging, through rocky ridges and after a 4 to 5hrs hike you will reach the summit of Mt. Meru, Socialist Peak (4566).
The sunrise view over Mt. Kilimanjaro from a distance is mesmerizing at the summit; hikers will also have time to visit Meru’s crater and ash cone.
After summit time, we will then retrace our steps back down to Saddle Hut (a picnic lunch will be had here), then to Miriakamba Hut, and finally to Momella Gate.
Our company driver will be waiting at Momella Gate to transfer to your hotel for a well-deserved shower and celebration.
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