Mount Meru Climb is the best for acclimatization prior to Mount Kilimanjaro climbing. The Mountain is the third highest peak in Africa and is the second highest mountain in Tanzania at 4,568m.
The mountain is located within Arusha National Park, Tanzania’s gem. This prime location gives trekkers the chance to spot some of wildlife that inhabits the area. The ascend is quite steep, the route to the summit passes over streams, through parkland, montane forest, a giant heather zone and moorland. The summit is reached by a narrow, barren ridge, which provides stunning views of the Ash Cone lying several thousand feet below in the crater.
DAY 1 Arusha
We shall leave Nairobi to Arusha Meru Hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure. We stay at of the Arusha Hotels, which is beautifully located on the slope of Mt. Meru and is a perfect place to prepare for your adventure.
We will gather in the hotel for a pre-climb briefing which is done in the evening.
Day 2 Meriakamba Hut
After breakfast in the Hotel,We drive to Momela Gate. After a short registration at the Gate our walk will begin with f armed ranger escorting us, simply we can see along the way the wild animals including elephants, zebras, and giraffe , monkeys, antelope, and often elephants along the route.
Dinner and overnight night at Miriakamba Hut.
Elevation(m): (1,387 m to (1,500 m)
Elevation(ft): 4,921 ft) to 3,000 ft )
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest.
D3: Saddle Hut
The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a short day but a steep climb.
The walk will take us slowly along the ridge for a spectacular view of the Meru Crater and the impressive Ash Cone.
After hot lunch at Saddle Hut we can make a short climb to the summit of Little Meru (3,820m) for superb views just before sunset.
Dinner and overnight night at Saddle Hut
Elevation(m): 2,514 m to 3,570 m
Elevation(ft): 8,250 ft to 11,712 ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Habitat: Forest and Moorland.
Day 4: Meriakamba Hut to Momella Gate to Arusha
We start early at around 1:30 a.m. to climb steeply to Rhino Point (3,800 m.) and on to Cobra Point (4350m). We reach the summit (4,566 m) on time for sunrise there is a possibility to see Kilimanjaro Peak above the clouds. The final part of the climb is along a spectacular narrow ridge line between the sheer inner cliffs and the sloping outer wall of the crater.We take a short rest and brunch at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to the Meriakamba Hut.
Elevation(m): 3,570 m to 4,565m to 2,514m
Elevation(ft): 14,977ft to 11,712 ft to 8,250ft
Distance: 5 km up 13 km down
Hiking Time: 10 – 12 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert Moorland and Montane forest.
Day 5: Meriakamba Hut to Momella Gate to Arusha
We take a short and fast descent way through open grassland and mixed forest, with possibility of seeing wildlife before reaching Momella Gate in the late morning.
The returning transfer will be waiting at Momella Gate to pick you to Arusha Meru Hotel where you will have warm shower, dinner and overnight as you prepare for departure to your destination the next day.
Elevation(m): 2,514 m to 1,500 m to 1,387 m
Elevation(ft): 4,921 ft to 8,250 ft to 4,921ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking time: 2-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Day 6: Depart Arusha(None)