Mount Meru is often overlooked due to its proximity to Kilimanjaro, but it has plenty to offer those looking for a challenging climb. A dormant volcano that last erupted in 1910, it is Tanzania's second highest mountain at 4566 metres (14,979 ft). Taking only 3 or 4 days to climb it is perfect for those wanting to get a taste of high altitude trekking without going too high before or after going on safari, or to help with acclimatization if undertaken before you climb Kilimanjaro. It is ideal for those looking for a quieter trekking experience and should definitely not be underestimated as climbers still need to acclimatize properly to succeed in reaching its peak.
An armed park ranger will join the team to guard against any animal threats as you start your approach through Arusha National Park via the Momella route. Keep your eyes open and you will be rewarded with sighting of baboons, giraffe, zebra, Columbus monkeys and variety of birds. From here you start your ascent through Meru's diverse vegetation zones from montane forest, moorland, semi-desert and alpine desert, until you reach its magnificent crater. Traversing round the crater rim to reach its summit, Socialist Peak at 4566m, after which you will have time to explore the ash cone that has formed in the crater during the 1910 eruption.
The Journey
Day 1
Arrive In Kilimanjaro
All trekkers need to organize their own flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). From JRO we will arrange a private transfer to your hotel. That night or early the next morning you will meet your local Ndonya Travel representative and have a full pre-climb briefing.
Day 2
Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut
After breakfast we will collect you from your hotel and we will drive to Arusha National Park to check all our permits are in order at the Park Headquarters. We then proceed by vehicle until we reach Momella Park Gate where we start our trek. It is mandatory on this route that an armed Park Ranger accompanies us to ensure that we are safe against any wild animal threats. The trail leads us through montane forest, past waterfalls and oddly formed trees until we reach Miriakamba Hut.
- Hiking time
- 3 - 4 hours
- Ascent
- 900 m
- Max. Altitude
- 2500 m
Day 3
Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut
As we climb higher up Mount Meru you will feel the air begin to cool and get slightly thinner. Today we will ascend over 1000 meters up to Saddle Hut at 3550m. This afternoon there is time to go for an acclimatization hike a further 300 meters up to Little Meru at 3820m. Don't forget to take your camera to capture the views of Mount Kilimanjaro over 80 kilometers away.
- Hiking time
- 3 - 4 hours
- Ascent
- 1050 m
- Max. Altitude
- 3550 m
Day 4
Saddle Hut to Socialist Peak to Momella Gate
We set off early around 2 a.m. following the path through scrubland to Rhino Point at 3820 meters. From here the route gets more demanding as we follow the narrow crater ridge until we reach the summit after approximately 4-5 hours. From Socialist Peak we will watch the sunrise over Kilimanjaro and have time to explore Meru's crater and ash cone. We then descend by retracing our steps back down to Saddle Hut and onwards to Miriakamba Hut and finally Momella Gate. Transfer to your hotel for a well-earned shower and celebration.
- Hiking time
- 10 - 12 hours
- Ascent
- 1016 m
- Descent
- 2966 m
- Max. Altitude
- 4566 m
Day 5
Onward Journey
After a much needed night’s rest, we will bid you goodbye. If you have arranged airport transfers with us or a safari / Zanzibar trip, we will collect you in the morning for your onward journey.
