Mount Meru is the second highest volcanic mountain in Tanzania after Kilimanjaro, trekking tours on Meru and Kilimanjaro are the major Tourism business in Arusha City.
Mount Meru is situated in the Tourism capital of Arusha Tanzania – East Africa. It stands 70 km west of Mt. Kilimanjaro, as you approaching Arusha town this is the first thing that your eye can possibly sight.
At a height of 4,565 m (14,977 ft) above the sea level in a very clear day this mountain is visible from Mt Kilimanjaro .The cones and craters present today are probably reflecting to the last minor eruption in 1910 and other previous incidents of volcanic activities.
Two peaks are present at Mount Meru, Meru Summit which is the highest point, another peak is inside the crater formed recently after the volcanic activity. On clear days from mount Meru you can view the Great Rift Valley and the volcanic mountain of Kitumbeini and Gelai appears on western side, on east part his majesty Mount Kilimanjaro with Kibo and Shira Plateau are clearly visible.
Climbing Mt Meru the fifth highest Mountain in African landmass is via Momella route the only route on Meru. This Mountain is situated on Northern Tanzania and it is part of Arusha National Park. Climbing Mt Meru is an affordable tour& can be combined with our short Tanzania safaris.
On this day our Guide will come to your lodge for detailed briefing & gear checking before leaving you to enjoy the rest of the day at your lodge.
After leisurely breakfast at your lodge/hotel in Arusha you will drive to Arusha National park first gate for registration then you will proceed to Momella Gate the starting point. When you and your guide are finishing other park formalities at Tanzania National Park (TANAPA) office, porters & cook will be organizing, packing & weighing all that needed for this hike. You will possibly have your packed lunch at the gate before starting
Afterward you will start climbing Mt Meru, the first day is more or less similar to a walking safari, on the way you should anticipate to spot some giraffes, zebras, antelopes and buffaloes. Since there is high possibility of spotting wildlife, you will be escorted by an armed ranger of TANAPA due to présence of dangerous herds of Buffaloes .
On the way you will pass the Ngarenanyuki River and if taking the short cut you will pass by a beautiful waterfall at the foot of Mt. Meru. Late afternoon you will arrive at Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m), your chef will prepare some coffee/tea and then hot water to wash, then will enjoy the beautiful sunset while waiting for dinner.
Dinner and overnight at Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m).
After breakfast you will start your Mt Meru climbing on a steep path along the forest zone, various wildlife can be seen along the way. This trial offer views of Mt. Meru Crater as well as the Ash Tray. Arrive at Saddle Hut, the alpine desert zone during lunch time.
After Lunch and some rest, if you wish you can climb Little Meru (3,820 m) with your guide for spectacular view of the area around Mount Meru and for further acclimatization. You will be served an early dinner so that you can have enough rest before your midnight summit attempt. Sleep around 19:00 hrs.
Overnight at Saddle Hut at (3, 500 m)
Wake up call will be ataround 11:00 pm. tea and biscuit will be served before beginning your summit attempt at around midnight. Climbing Mt Meru on this day start by trading on the steep grade trial up to Rhino point (3,800 m) then to Cobra point (4,350 m).
From there you will walk on rocky ridge in between the Crater and the inner cliffs of Mt Meru. In early morning you will get to the summit (4,566 m) and witness the sun rise from the East. Normally at this early Kilimanjaro is clearly seen, the complete cliffs of the Crater drops intensely at nearly 1000 feet or more.
After spending sometimes at the summit return back to Saddle Hut for some leisurely brunch and afterward continue downward to Miriakamba Hut for dinner and overnight.
Your Climbing to Mt Meru is now getting to the end, after some rest and leisurely breakfast, begin you way down to Momella gate, the hiking is through the forest where it is most likely to see some animals. If you took the long router on your first day then your descending will be via tululunsi water falls. At the gate you will meet your driver who is already there waiting for you. After short farewell & tipping ceremony fo your crew, you will drive back to Arusha.
Climbing Mt Meru can be combine with our Tanzania wildlife safari or beach holiday in Zanzibar. Please let us know you wishes and desire.
we real enjoy with this company