Mount Meru Climbing of which can be used as acclimatization for those who are climbing an adjacent Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest in Africa and the 2nd in the entire world.
At 4 566 metres, Mount 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, the vegetation becomes less and less and gives way to alpine terrain.
As the vegetation changes so do the wildlife. During the ascent, you might come across large games such as giraffes, buffaloes, baboons, colobus monkeys, and antelopes. To be safe, it is obligatory to be accompanied by your own or sharing armed park ranger on your tour.
Day 1: Momella Gate (1500 m) – Miriakamba Hut (2500 m)
In the morning, you will be collected from your hotel in Arusha / Moshi and transfer to Momella Gate through the scenic Arusha National Park. Once the formalities have been sorted out, you will begin the great trek.
An armed park ranger will accompany you and right from the start and you may spot giraffes and buffaloes as you walk through open grasslands. After approximately two 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”. After about another two hours your will arrive at the Miriakamba Hut in time for afternoon tea and snacks. Your night will be spent at the Miriakamba Hut, with a warm dinner.
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut (2 500 m) – Saddle Hut (3 550 m)
In the morning after a great breakfast, you will begin your journey navigating a steep, wooden footpath. 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 about two hours, you will reach the vantage point called “Mgongo wa Tembo” (elephant back) at a height of 3 200 m, where you will enjoy a well-earned break.
The vegetation now changes from rainforest to heather and moorland and you should reach Saddle Hut (3 550 m) at around midday. During the afternoon, you have the option to hike to Little Meru (3 820 m) which should take about one to two hours. From here you will enjoy wonderful views of Arusha National Park and Kilimanjaro about 80 km away. Back at Saddle Hut, you will have a warm meal before you retire to bed early as your wake-up call with be just after midnight.
Day 3: Saddle Hut (3 550 m) – Socialist Peak (4 562 m)
After a small snack and some tea, you will leave the camp at night. Lighting the way with headlamps, you will follow the trail through bush land to Rhino Point (3 821 m). From here the path becomes more challenging and occasionally climbing will be necessary. You will walk on volcanic ash, rocks, and gravel, following the crater rim.
After about four or five hours you should reach the summit, named Socialist Peak. From here, you will experience the sun rising above Kilimanjaro and enjoy the fantastic view of Meru’s crater with its steep sides and the “ash cone” in the middle. The descent follows the same route back to Saddle Hut (3 550 m) where you will take a break and recuperate with hot soup and tea. Once refreshed, you will continue the descent and in the afternoon you reach Miriakamba Hut (2 500 m); tired but happy.
Day 4: Miriakamba Hut (2 500 m) – Momella Gate (1 500 m)
After breakfast, you will follow the so-called “northern route”, a two to three-hour trek back to the Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. The descent follows a shorter route than the ascent but there is still a chance that you’ll spot 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 Moshi / Arusha where you will celebrate your achievement and spend the night in utter peace and relaxation.
