Mount Meru

Mount Meru, often overshadowed by its famous neighbor Kilimanjaro, is a magnificent dormant stratovolcano located in the heart of Arusha National Park in Tanzania. At 4,566 meters (14,980ft), it is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania and the fifth-highest in Africa. It is a fantastic trekking destination in its own right, offering unique scenery and a more intimate climbing experience with fewer crowds.

Mount Meru is an excellent choice for a standalone trek or as a crucial acclimatization climb before attempting Mount Kilimanjaro. The trek is physically demanding, featuring steep ascents and a thrilling summit ridge.

Location and Wildlife: The mountain is located within Arusha National Park, which means the initial days of the trek are a unique "walking safari" experience. Trekkers are accompanied by an armed park ranger for protection against wildlife, which can include giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and a variety of monkeys and birds.

The Momella Route: There is only one official route to the summit, known as the Momella Route. It is an "out-and-back" trail, meaning you ascend and descend on the same path.

Accommodations: Similar to the Marangu Route on Kilimanjaro, climbers stay in comfortable, dormitory-style huts (Miriakamba and Saddle Huts), eliminating the need for camping gear.

Summit Challenge: The final ascent to the summit, known as Socialist Peak, is a steep and rocky climb. It involves a narrow ridge walk on the crater rim, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the impressive volcanic ash cone and, on a clear day, Mount Kilimanjaro gleaming in the distance.

Acclimatization: The most common and highly recommended itinerary is the 4-day climb, which allows for better acclimatization and a higher summit success rate. The "climb high, sleep low" principle is applied on Day 2 with an optional hike to Little Meru (3,820m/12,533ft) from Saddle Hut.

Day 1: Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut
Elevation: 4,921 ft / 1,500m to 8,250 ft / 2,514m
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
The trek starts at the Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. After a short registration, you'll begin your hike, accompanied by an armed ranger. The trail is wide and well-defined, winding through forest and open grassland where you'll have the chance to see wildlife. You'll arrive at Miriakamba Hut in the afternoon.

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut
Elevation: 8,250 ft / 2,514m to 11,712 ft / 3,570m
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
This day is a shorter but steeper climb. You'll hike through lush forest before the landscape changes to open moorland. You'll pass Elephant Ridge, which offers magnificent views of the Meru crater and ash cone. In the afternoon, after reaching Saddle Hut, you'll have the option to take a short, steep acclimatization hike to the summit of Little Meru (3,820m/12,533ft).

Day 3: Saddle Hut to Socialist Peak to Miriakamba Hut
Elevation: 11,712 ft / 3,570m to 14,980 ft / 4,566m and down to 8,250 ft / 2,514m
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles ascent, 13 km / 8 miles descent
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Alpine Desert and Moorland
Summit day begins very early, around 1 or 2 a.m. The trail is extremely steep and rocky as you make your way to Rhino Point. From there, the route follows a spectacular narrow ridge line to the summit, Socialist Peak. The views from the top, especially at sunrise, are breathtaking, with Kilimanjaro often visible above the clouds. After a short celebration, you'll begin the long descent, first to Saddle Hut for a rest and then continuing all the way down to Miriakamba Hut. This is a very long and strenuous day.

Day 4: Miriakamba Hut to Momella Gate
Elevation: 8,250 ft / 2,514m to 4,921 ft / 1,500m
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Hiking Time: 2-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
The final day is a gentle and fast descent back to the park gate. You'll retrace your steps through the forest, giving you more opportunities to spot wildlife. At Momella Gate, you'll receive your climbing certificates and be transferred back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Included
⦁ Park fees (For non-residents)
⦁ All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
⦁ All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
⦁ A professional driver/guide
⦁ All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
⦁ All Taxes/VAT
⦁ Roundtrip airport transfer
⦁ Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)

Exclusion
⦁ International flights (From/to home)
⦁ Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
⦁ Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
⦁ Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
⦁ Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
⦁ Drinks

MOUNT MERU

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