MT. MERU TREKKING

Key Details:

• Location: Mount Meru is located in Arusha, Tanzania, 70 km west of Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Height: 4,565 m (14,977 ft) above sea level.
• Climbing Route: The Momella Route, the only available route to the summit.
• Notable Features: The summit, wildlife sightings, and views of the Great Rift Valley, Mount Kilimanjaro, and nearby peaks like Kitumbeini and Gelai.

Tour Includes:

• Transport: Transfers to/from the park gate and airport.
• Accommodation: Pre/post-climb accommodation in Moshi/Arusha (B&B).
• Park and Fees: Includes park entry, camping, and rescue fees.
• Camping Gear: Tents, mattresses, and a chemical portable toilet.
• Guides and Crew: Professional English-speaking guide(s), porters, and cook.
• Meals and Water: Tea, coffee, and water with meals.

Tour Excludes:

• Flights, travel insurance, visa and passport fees.
• Personal equipment, sleeping bags, and tips for the crew.
• Soda, alcoholic beverages, and any increase in park fees.

Itinerary:

Day 0: Arrival Day

• Briefing and gear check by your guide at your lodge.
• Free time to relax and prepare.

Day 1: Arusha – Momella Gate (1,500 m) – Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m)

• Duration: 5–7 hours hiking.
• Vegetation: Forest.
• Begin your hike with a chance to spot giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and antelopes.
• Evening arrival at Miriakamba Hut for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m) – Saddle Hut (3,500 m)

• Duration: 3–5 hours hiking.
• Vegetation: Forest zone.
• A steep path leads you to Saddle Hut, with options to climb Little Meru (3,820 m) for further acclimatization.
• Early dinner to rest before your midnight summit attempt.

Day 3: Saddle Hut (3,500 m) – Meru Summit (4,566 m) – Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m)

• Duration: 10–12 hours hiking.
• Vegetation: Alpine desert.
• Midnight start for the summit attempt, reaching the summit around sunrise.
• Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding cliffs before returning to Miriakamba Hut.

Day 4: Miriakamba Hut – Momella Gate – Arusha

• Duration: 2–3 hours descending.
• Vegetation: Forest.
• Descend through the forest, possibly spotting more wildlife.
• Final drive back to Arusha after reaching the park gate.

Additional Information:

• Wildlife: The climb offers a chance to see wildlife like giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and various antelope species. Armed rangers ensure safety during the trek.
• Best Time to Climb: The best times to climb are during the dry seasons, from June to October or December to March.

Mount Meru provides a memorable trekking experience, with its beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and rewarding summit views. It can also be combined with a wildlife safari or a beach holiday in Zanzibar.