4 days mount Meru climb from Arusha
Description
4 Days Mount Meru Climb from Arusha : Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania and the fifth highest in Africa. Meru is the only great isolated stratovolcano in East Africa that is still active. A massive eruption 7,800 years ago shattered Meru’s upper slopes and formed an oblong 8 km/5 mi wide caldera that is open to the east.
The main summit is on the caldera’s western edge, perched above a dramatic and still active Ash Cone inside the caldera. Meru is just below the permanent snowline, so there are no glaciers or snowfields on its slopes. It is best to allow 4 days for climbing Meru, since it involves a large elevation gain, but you can do the trek in 3 or 5 days. There are huts available to climbers on the mountain and firewood is supplied.
Your ascent involves hiking through grassland and forest on the mountain’s lower slopes where you can see animals grazing. Higher, you hike and scramble along the breathtaking crater rim to the summit. Aside from being a rewarding and picturesque trek in its own right, Meru is also great acclimatization for a Kilimanjaro climb. You need advance permission from the park warden at Momella Gate before you start your ascent.
Day 1 Arusha – Momela Gate – Miriakamba Hut
Depart morning after breakfast from the hotel in Arusha just 30 km drive to Momela Gate in Arusha National Park. After park clearing formalities starts climb accompanied with mountain guide porters and armed park ranger as the climbing trail passes to open grassland occupied with buffalo, giraffes, warthogs and other grazers.
Trail continues as a steady climb through montane forest. Take lunch near a giant fig tree arch. After lunch the route continues through less dense forest, where found abundance of birds life with black and white colobus monkey.
At the mid afternoon you may view towering cliffs and the Ash Cone. Reaching Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m.) which situated in idyllic grassy glade, time to enjoy the last of the afternoon sun and beautiful views over the surrounding area.
Dinner and Overnight: Miriakamba Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 2 Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) – Saddle Hut (3,570 m)
A walk from Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut below little meru peak is a short day walk but a steep climb. Slowly ascend through lush forest to reach the halfway point of Elephant Ridge. From here you enjoy excellent views of the summit ridge and across the crater floor. The path continues through giant heather and other fascinating moorland vegetation to reach Saddle Hut (3,570 m) where you will have lunch. In the afternoon is the free time to relax and enjoy the views but if still more energetic can make the short climb to nearby summit of Little Meru (3,820 m) for superb views just before sunset.
Day 3 Saddle Hut (3,570 m) – Summit (4,566 m) – Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m)
Starting early morning to hike steeply side to Rhino Point (3,800 m) continue along an undulating ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point (4,350 m) at sunrise. Stunning views in the cliffs of Crater rim and Ash Cone rising from Crater floor of Mount meru. Summit of Socialist Peak (4,566 m.) is an hour further on a good but steep path.
Route back to Rhino Point in the morning light on a narrow ridge between the sloping outer wall of the crater and the sheer cliffs of the inner wall, one of the most dramatic and exhilarating walk. Enjoy breakfast short rest and lunch in Saddle Hut before descent to Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m.
Dinner and Overnight: Miriakamba hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Dinner and Overnight: Saddle Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 4 Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) – Momela Gate – Arusha
After breakfast descend to Momela gate taking 2-3 hours. The descend trail offers excellent views over the arusha park wildlife and vegetation reaching Momela gate to conclude adventure of 4 days climbing Mount Meru safari. Upon arrival to Momela Gate transfer back to hotel in Arusha for shower and relax or transfer to airport for flight or connect to other activities.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch Included.
Frequently Asked Questions / Information / Guide / Activities
Mount Meru towers above Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania. International travellers can get to Arusha by flying to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is around 45 minutes away from city.
Arusha has a small airport, but this is only used by domestic planes, especially those linking to safari or beach destinations. Some travellers choose to stay in Moshi, a town on the border with Kenya.
Moshi is a 45-minute drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport, and it is quieter and easier to navigate than Arusha. Most trekkers decide to stay for a night either side of their trek.
On the day of the trek, we will arrange transport to Momella Gate, where you will commence your adventure.
The best climbing conditions are present during the dry seasons: June to October and December to February.
June to October will be slightly colder, as January and February are the hottest months of the year.
It will still be very cold at the summit (below 0°C), but we can advise you on what equipment to bring to face any temperature changes.
Mount Meru takes 3-4 days to summit. We recommend the longer version since it allows you to acclimatize better and enjoy the scenic views at a more leisurely pace.
The 3-day trek is also very hard on your knees as you descend within a single day.
Unlike Kilimanjaro treks, Meru treks follow a single trail called Momella Route. There used to be two other paths, but these are now illegal to use.
You will stay in two huts, Saddle Hut and Miriakamba Hut, which offer basic but clean accommodation. These can fill up very quickly in the high season, so we will ensure that we provide you with tents.
A guide is obligatory for all trips and porters are recommended but not compulsory. Booking a porter will ensure that your trek is more enjoyable.
During your trek you will reach two summits, Little Meru, and Socialist Peak. The final ascent will be done in the early hours so that you can watch the sunrise at Socialist Peak.
The walk along the crater and the view from the summit is unforgettable, and you can see Kilimanjaro in the distance on a clear day.
If you want to experience smaller, less time-intensive treks, we also organise several beautiful hikes along the slopes of Meru.
Meru treks are considered to be slightly more difficult than Kilimanjaro treks. However, Meru is not as tall as Kilimanjaro, so altitude sickness will be less of an issue.
Mount Meru is not a technical climb, so you will not need any previous mountaineering experience, but it is a steep climb, so you must have a good level of fitness. You will not need oxygen, although your guides will carry some for medical emergencies.
The secret to climbing to Mount Meru is pacing yourself to adapt to the altitude.
You can prepare for your trek by doing smaller walks with some luggage, or you can even go camping on the slopes to get used to the conditions.
Climbing Mount Meru is a lot cheaper than climbing Kilimanjaro, but there are several park fees to consider when booking a trip.
Tours cost around US$400-800, but we would generally advise to book upwards of US$650 to guarantee a safe ascent and the ethical payment of your guides. Your guides will protect you from wild animals on this trek and you might be faced with altitude sickness and other issues, so a well-paid, well-trained guide is integral to your comfort and safety.
Tour guiding and trekking is a crucial part of the livelihood of people who live in northern Tanzania. You can trek without a tour company, but you will still need to hire a guide at the gate.
Arusha Travel Information
Day tours Booked
Safari tours Booked
5 Star reviews
Items Reviewed - 1
Arusha
Great hike, but tip practices by guides is spoiling the experience. Mount Meru provides the best active acclimatization before a climb to Mt Kilimanjaro. It’s height is 4562 m, feasible to climb and descend in 3-4 days.
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Location / Contacts
- Address : Arusha, Tanzania
- Phone : 0687590560
- Mail : info@serengetitrips.com
- Website : http://www.serengetitrips.com
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