Located at the heart of Arusha National Park, and standing at a whopping 4,568 metres, Meru is Africa’s fifth highest Mountain. Many say this is of Africa's most beautiful volcanoes, and offers many opportunities to spot a wide variety of plant and animal life whilst making your ascent. Your efforts will be rewarded with a unique scenic splendour that may even include a breathtaking view of Kilimanjaro which lies over 40 miles to the west. Meru is a relatively steep albeit short climb in comparison to Kilimanjaro, but all your equipment and supplied will be carried up the mountain by our friendly porters and delicious meals will be made for you each day. You can climb at any time of year but it tends to be wet around February – June, so any other month would be preferable.
Day 1 - Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport
Pick up at Kilimanjaro airport and transfer to the hotel by private car.
Day 2 - MOMELLA GATE (1.500M) to MIRIAKAMBA HUT (2.514M)
HIKING TIME: 5 hours
HABITAT: MOUNTAIN FOREST
After breakfast, transfer to Arusha National Park, Momella gate. After registration at the park office we start the trekking through the mountain forest. In case of rain it will be slippery due to the mud.
Halfway we stop for lunch under a huge Fig Tree and arrive at Miriakamba Hut in the late afternoon. At this time usually you can see the summit no longer covered by clouds.
The staff will take care of everything, you can relax and enjoy the surrounding landscape.
Day 3 - MIRIAKAMBA HUT (2.514M) to SADDLE HUT (3.570M)
HIKING TIME: 4 HOURS
HABITAT: MOORLAND
This looks like a short day, but the climb is steep as you leave the forest and head to Elephant Ridge. Later you will encounter giant heather plants, and you should be able to see both the bottom of the crater and the top. We have lunch at the camp, in the afternoon we will be able to rest for a while and explore the surroundings. The more adventurous can go to the "little Meru" (3820 m). The sunset at Saddle Hut or Little Meru is wonderful, don't forget your camera.
Day 4 - SADDLE HUT (3.840M) to SOCIALIST PEAK (4.566M) to MIRIAKAMBA HUT (2.514M)
HIKING TIME: 11 HOURS
HABITAT: ROCKS
Around 2:00 in the morning we wake up with tea and biscuits to start the trekking when it is still dark. The first part of the day is a steep hike to Rhino Point (3,800m) after which we will continue to Cobra Point (4,350m) where we will arrive for sunrise.
Here at sunrise Kilimanjaro stands high above the cloud level, the splendor of the walls and the volcanic cone. The summit, Socialist Peak (4566m), can be reached in about an hour (or a bit more). The return is from Rhino Point via a steep ridge. In the event of adverse weather conditions it may not be possible to ascend beyond Rhino Point.
A tasty lunch will be ready for you at Saddle Hut where we will rest for a while before descending to Miriakamba Hut for dinner and overnight.
Day 5 - MIRIAKAMBA HUT (2.514M) to MOMELLA GATE (1.500M)
HIKING TIME: 3 HOURS
HABITAT: SAVANNAH
Along the way to the gate (entrance to the park) we can spot different animals. From Arusha we proceed to the hotel by private car.
Day 5 - Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport
After breakfast transfer to Kilimanjaro airport by private car.
PRICES
- Contat our office for a quotation