Mount Meru Trek

Overview

Mount Meru Trekking Safari

Mount Meru Trekking Safari……. At 4,566 m Mt Meru is the fifth highest mountain on the African continent and the second highest in Tanzania. About 250,000 years ago, a massive volcanic eruption blew away the entire eastern flank of the mountain and left it with the distinctive appearance it has today. The Mt Meru ascent passes through many different vegetation zones. The dry forest of the lower region changes to a dense mountain rainforest, which then turns into scrubland. Closer to the summit, vegetation becomes less and less and gives way to alpine terrain.

As the vegetation changes so does the wildlife. During the ascent, you might come across large game such as giraffes, buffaloes, baboons, colobus monkeys and antelopes. To be safe, it is obligatory to be accompanied by an armed park ranger on your tour.

Min. number to guarantee tour: 2
Max number of participants: 10
Departure day: every Sunday

Included:

• Professional, English-speaking Guide
• Mountain crew (cook & porters)
• National park ranger
• 5 nights‘ stay in lodges and mountain huts (depending on availability, a lodge of a similar standard will be booked)
• Meals according to the itinerary
• Drinking water
• All national park fees
• All mentioned transfers

Excluded:

• Flights (international and domestic)
• Meals not indicated in the itinerary
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Sleeping bag
• Tips & personal expenses
• Visa fees
• Travel insurance

Prices are subject to change.

Price is per person sharing. Excludes single supplement and any additional activities or meals not set out in the itinerary.

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Distance approx. 35km; driving time approx. 45 minutes

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to the Meru View Lodge in Usa River on the outskirts of Arusha. The rest of the day is at leisure and in the evening, you will attend a briefing in preparation of your upcoming trek. Dinner and overnight at Meru View Lodge.

Altitude ?1000m; walking time approx. 4-5 hours

In the morning, you will be collected from your lodge and taken to the Arusha National Park gate. While you wait, your guide will complete the registration forms. Once the formalities have been sorted out and the hiking team has gathered, you will be taken to the Momella Gate. From here, an armed park ranger will accompany you and right from the start, you might spot giraffes and buffaloes as you walk through open grassland. Soon you will enter the acacia forest on the southern route. After approximately 2 hours, you will reach the Maio Falls – the perfect spot to rest and have a picnic. Thereafter you will continue your trek to the well-known “fig tree arch”. You will finally arrive at the Miriakamba Hut in time for afternoon tea and snacks. The night will be spent at the Miriakamba Hut.

Altitude ?1050m; walking time approx. 3-4 hours

In the morning you will follow wooden steps along a steep track. Due to the gain in altitude, it will be noticeably cooler than the previous day and walking may seem easier. The clouds often hang low in the rainforest, creating a moody atmosphere in the lush vegetation. After going uphill for approximately 2 hours, you will reach the vantage point “Mgongo wa Tembo” (elephant back) at a height of 3200m, where you will enjoy a well-earned break. The vegetation now changes from rainforest to heath and moorland and you should reach Saddle Hut at around midday. During the afternoon, you have the option to hike to Little Meru (3820m) which should take about 1 to 2 hours. From here you can enjoy wonderful views of Arusha National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro about 80 kilometres away. Back at Saddle Hut, you will have a warm meal before you retire to bed early, as your wake-up call will be just after midnight.

Altitude ?1010m|?2060m; walking time approx. 10-14 hours

After a small snack and some tea, you will leave the camp at around 2am. Lighting the way with headlamps, you will follow the trail through bush land to Rhino Point (3821m). From here, the path becomes more challenging and occasionally climbing will be necessary. You will walk on frozen volcanic ash and rocks, following the crater rim. After about 4 to 5 hours, you should reach the summit: Socialist Peak. Experience the sun rising above Mount Kilimanjaro and enjoy the fantastic view of Mount Meru’s crater with its steep sides and the ash cone in its middle. The descent follows the same route back to Saddle Hut where you will take a break and recuperate with hot soup and tea. Once refreshed, you will continue the descent and during the early afternoon, you should reach Miriakamba Hut – tired, but happy.

Altitude ?1000m; walking time approx. 2-3 hours

After breakfast, you will follow the so-called northern route – a 2 to 3 hours trek back to the Momella Gate. The descent follows a shorter route than the ascent, but there is still a chance to see elephants, buffaloes, giraffes as well as the black and white colobus monkeys. At the gate, you will say farewell to your hiking crew and your driver will take you back to Meru View Lodge where you will celebrate your achievement and spend the night.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport. Alternatively, you can extend your trip and go on safari or relax at the white sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean