Mt Meru, located within Arusha National Park (just 76km from Moshi) is a fantastic way to fulfil your mountaineering quota within Tanzania, without breaking the budget. Often overshadowed by its big sister Mt Kilimanjaro, Mt Meru is still Tanzania's second tallest mountain, reaching an altitude of 4566m.
Meru itself is classified as an 'active' stratovolcano (don't worry- there's been no activity since 1910!) and makes for an incredible and challenging climb, as you ascend along the narrow ridge of the volcanic cone, with spectacular views down to the crater and smaller ash cone formed within.
From the summit of Mt Meru you can enjoy views across to Mt Kilimanjaro and the savannahs of Northern Tanzania. Along your way you will stay in well-maintained huts within the National Park with a nice comfortable bed to rest up on after a hard days trekking! We recommend taking 4 days to trek to the summit of Mt Meru however if you are pushed for time it can be achieved in just 3 (contact us if you wish to see this itinerary).
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro airport, you will be greeted by our representative who will accompany you to the hotel in Moshi for an orientation on your trek. Your guides will be there to provide you with details on your trek and will also check your trekking gears.
Duration Approx. 5 – 7 hours of hiking
Vegetation Type: Forest
The tour starts after breakfast in your lodge (1400 m) where you drive for about 30 minutes to Ngongongare gate via Usa river town. At the gate your guide will do all paper work before driving along Arusha National Park with some stops for wildlife spotting, reach Momella gate for final checkup of porters & luggage.>
Afterward 3 days Mt meru trekking will start with polepole pace, the first day is more or less similar to a walking safari, on the way you may spot some animal species like reticulated Giraffes, Zebras, Waterbuck and Buffaloes. Since the hiking is inside the park an armed TANAPA ranger will be escorting you all the way to the camp.
You may take long or short route but this will depend on the time of starting, during the hike way you will pass across Ngarenanyuki River and a beautiful waterfall at the base of Meru Mountain. You will possibly arrive at Miriakamba Hut (2500 m) before sunset, porters & your chef will have already be there coffee or tea and a hot water for washing will be served. Enjoy the beautiful sunset & the area around.
Duration: 4 – 5 hours of hiking.
Vegetation Type: Forest Zone.
After breakfast start your 3 days Mt Meru trekking along the steep path on the forest zone, see various birds and animal along the way. On the way you will view Mount Meru Crater & the Ash Tray. Reach Saddle Hut situated at the alpine desert zone for hot lunch (but this will depend on your pace).
After Lunch and some rest, you have an option of acclimatization hike at Little Meru (3,820 m), this is a good hike with some great view of great Meru & the area around & it makes you ready for a night attempt on summit the main Meru Mountain. Early dinner will be served on this day so that you can have enough rest before your midnight summit attempt. Go to sleep as early as possible possibly around 19:00 hrs.
Duration Approx. 9-12 hours of hiking.
Vegetation Type: Alpine desert.
Wake up at 00:30 after midnight for tea and biscuit before you start your final push to the summit at 01:30 hrs. This final day of your 3 days Mt Meru trekking you will start by trading on the steep grade path up to Rhino point at (3800 m) then reach Cobra point at (4,350 m).
From there the trekking will be on rocky ridge in between the Crater and the inner cliffs of Meru Mountain. Reach the summit during the first rays of sun from the East (4,566 m). During clear days, morning can be the best time to view his Majesty Kilimanjaro Mountain, the total cliffs of the crater drops intensely at almost 1000 feet or more.
Spending sometimes at the summit for pictures before return back to Saddle Hut for some rest & afterward continue down to Miriakamba Hut & to Mommella gate for check out.
The van will have already be there waiting to take you back to Arusha or to the airport if flying with KLM at around 21.45 hours.
If you made it to the summit a certificate for Meru trekking (4,566 m) will be presented to you & for those who did the acclimatization hike at little Meru will also rewarded a certificate.
» Private transport from the hotel to the Park s gate (starting point for the climb)
» All National Park entry fees
» All camping fees
» 2 night's hotel the night before and the night after the climb, with breakfast included
» Hut fees [ Marangu route]
» Friendly and competent Trained Mountain Guides, assistant guides, porters and professional cooks.
» 3 full fresh meals daily. We provide fresh food on the mountain in plentiful and well prepared by skilled professional cooks(we also consider your choice of food that you would prefer -Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian). Menu especially designed for climbers.
» Hot drinks on the mountain and Hot water for washing will be provide everyday on the mountain.
» Quality specious tents, sleeping mats, camping tables ,camping chairs and Mess/Dining Tent.
» Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt
» Qualified medical guides
» Breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain
» Salaries for Guides, cook and porters.
» Rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Park rescue team fees)
» Government taxes
» Pickup and drop off to Airport
» Evacuation services
» Supplementary Portable Oxygen and Complete First Aid Kit (used in case of emergency only)
» ulse oxy-meter carried by all chief guides
» 3-4 liters of mineral/treated water (per Climber) provided daily during the climb
» Portable toilet available at an additional cost (There are public toilets on the mountain)