Climbing Mt Meru the fifth-highest Mountain in African landmass is via the Momella route the only route on Meru. This Mountain is situated in Northern Tanzania and it is part of Arusha National Park. Climbing Mt Meru is an affordable tour & can be combined with our short Tanzania safaris.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha – Momella Gate 1500 m – Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m)
Duration Approx: 5 – 7 hours of hiking.
Vegetation Type: Forest.
After leisurely breakfast at your lodge/hotel in Arusha, you will drive to Arusha National park first gate for registration then you will proceed to Momella Gate the starting point. When you and your guide are finishing other park formalities at Tanzania National Park (TANAPA) office, porters & cook will be organizing, packing & weighing all that needed for this hike. You will possibly have your packed lunch at the gate before starting
Afterwards, you will start climbing Mt Meru, the first day is more or less similar to a walking safari, on the way you should anticipate spotting some giraffes, zebras, antelopes and buffaloes. Since there is a high possibility of spotting wildlife, you will be escorted by an armed ranger hired through TANAPA.
On the way, you will pass the Ngarenanyuki River and if taking the short cut you will pass by a beautiful waterfall at the foot of Mt. Meru. Late afternoon you will arrive at Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m), your chef will prepare some coffee/tea and then hot water to wash, then will enjoy the beautiful sunset while waiting for dinner.
Dinner and overnight at Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m).
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut 2,500 m – Saddle Hut 3,500 m
Duration: 3 – 5 hours of hiking.
Vegetation Type: Forest Zone.
After breakfast you will start your Mt Meru climbing on a steep path along the forest zone, various wildlife can be seen along the way. This trial offer views of Mt. Meru Crater as well as the Ash Tray. Arrive at Saddle Hut, the alpine desert zone during lunchtime.
After lunch and some rest, if you wish you can climb Little Meru (3,820 m) with your guide for a spectacular view of the area around Mount Meru and for further acclimatization. You will be served an early dinner so that you can have enough rest before your midnight summit attempt. Sleep around 19:00 hrs.
Overnight at Saddle Hut at (3, 500 m)
Day 3: Saddle Hut (3,500 m) – Meru Summit Socialist Peak (4,566 m) – Miriakamba (2,500 m)
Duration Approx: 10-12 hours of hiking.
Vegetation Type: Alpine desert.
Wake up call will be at 00:30 hours tea and biscuit will be served before beginning your summit attempt at around 01:30 hrs. Climbing Mt Meru on this day start by trading on the steep grade trial up to Rhino point (3,800 m) then to Cobra point (4,350 m).
From there you will walk on a rocky ridge in between the Crater and the inner cliffs of Mt Meru. In the early morning, you will get to the summit (4,566 m) and witness the sunrise from the East. Normally at this early Kilimanjaro is clearly seen, the complete cliffs of the Crater drop intensely at nearly 1000 feet or more.
After spending some time at the summit return back to Saddle Hut for some leisurely brunch and afterwards continue downward to Miriakamba Hut for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Miriakamba – Momella gate – Arusha
Duration: 2-3 hours of hiking.
Vegetation Type: Forest.
Your Climbing to Mt Meru is now getting to the end, after some rest and leisurely breakfast, begin your way down to Momella gate, the hiking is through the forest where it is most likely to see some animals. If you took the long router on your first day then your descending will be via tululunsi waterfalls. At the gate, you will meet your driver who is already there waiting for you. After say farewell & tipping to your crew, you will drive back to Arusha.
Climbing Mt Meru can be combined with our Tanzania wildlife safari or beach holiday in Zanzibar. Please let us know your wishes and desire.
