Mount Meru climb 3/4 days
Mount Meru Standing at 4,566 meters, Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania and the fifth highest in Africa. The mountain is a spectacular dormant volcano that offers a challenging and rewarding experience. Along the way, trekkers pass through montane forests into a high altitude alpine desert with stunning views of the dormant volcano’s Ash Cone and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Located in Arusha National Park, with the Momella Lakes close to its foot, Mount Meru boasts diverse flora and fauna, and you may even be lucky enough to spot some of Tanzania’s wildlife, such as zebras and buffalo, on your way up. Some climbers even consider it a more scenic hike than Mount Kilimanjaro.
The mountain is unspoilt and less congested compared to Mount Kilimanjaro and is a great alternative for climbers looking for a more affordable trek. There is one route up and down the mountain. Climbs can take between 3 to 4 days, although we would always recommend the longer route for a successful and enjoyable climb
MOUNT MERU ITINERARY
Day 1: Moshi/Arusha to Mt. Meru Park Gate to Mariakamba Hut 10Km 5hrs.
(1600m-2500m)
After breakfast, you will be driven from Moshi/Arusha to the Mt. Meru Park Gate where you will be met by your game ranger and porters. The day takes you through the savanna and into the montane forest, and trekkers may be lucky enough to spot buffalo, zebra, giraffe, monkeys, antelope, and often elephants along the route. Today’s hike will take around 4 to 5 hours to reach Mariakamba Hut (8,500 ft). From here you may wish to take an evening walk on the slopes to view wildlife at one of the watering holes in the crater. Dinner and overnight rest at Mariakamba Hut.
Day 2: Mariakamba Hut to Saddle Hut 8Km, 4hrs (2500m-3500m).
Today you will hike a further 3 to 4 hours to reach Saddle Hut (11,500ft). As you trek along the ridge you will start to get your first views of the Meru Crater and the impressive Ash Cone. We reach the Saddle Hut for lunch and in the afternoon will take a hike to the summit of Little Meru (12,532 ft), before returning for the dinner and overnight rest.
Day 3: Saddle Hut to Summit to Mariakamba Hut 7km 5hrs up, 2.5 down (3500-4566m).
At around 2am you will set off for your summit attempt. After the stunning but very challenging walk along the north ridge, your hard work is rewarded ki dawn with a beautiful sunrise enjoyed from Socialist Peak (14,980 ft). Mount Kilimanjaro can normally be seen in the distance above the clouds. On the descent, you return to the Saddle Hut where lunch and a hot drink will await you. Afterwards, you will continue to Mirikamba Hut, where you can rest and enjoy your summit success. Today’s hike will take approximately 10 hours.
Day 4: Mariakamba Hut to Moshi/Arusha
6.7km 2hrs (2500m-1600m)
After breakfast the trail continues down towards Mt Meru Park Gate. On the way, you will be able to see again buffaloes, baboons and other wild animals, and with some luck also elephants. After a 2 to 3 hour trek, you will arrive at the gate, where your driver will be waiting. After a farewell from your mountain team you will be driven back to your hotel.
NB: 3 Day Itinerary for Mount Meru Climb – The difference between the four-day and three-day climb is that you will descend the mountain without an overnight rest. On your final day, you will head straight to the park gate after summiting Mount Meru. This hike takes around 12 to 14 hours. We therefore only suggest this trek for highly experienced hikers as it is extremely demanding and challenging.
OUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- All park fees (entry, camping, forest department and rescue fees)
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) while on the mountain
- Hut accommodation and facilities
- Fair and ethical salaries for the team (guide, assistant guide, cook and porters)
- Park ranger
- Transport to and from the gate
- Drinking water
- Oxygen cylinder and ox meter
NOT INCLUDED:
- Pre/post accommodation (can be included in the package upon request)
- Airport transfers (can be included in the package upon request)
- Tips for the team (guide, assistant guide, cook and porters)
- All personal mountain climbing gear and equipment
- Alcohol, soft drinks and energy snacks
- Flights, travel insurance, visa, and any required vaccinations.
4 DAYS MOUNT MERU CLIMB -$1435
Related Tour.
* Prices depend on the number of climbers in the group and how many days you wish to climb. Please contact us directly to receive a quote.
Interested in the above package? Contact us today to book your Mount Meru adventure with Kili Footprints!