Mt Meru- Africa Natural Tours ( africanaturaltours.com )

Mt Meru: Africa Natural Tours

AFRICA NATURAL TOURS (The best tour company in Tanzania)

Specialized in: Mountain climbing, Wildlife safaris, Cultural tourism and Beach holidays

Contact +255 653 679 958   OR   +255 692 436 113

Email-info@africanaturaltours.com

Mt Meru

Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania and the fifth highest in Africa. Meru is a stratovolcano and it located inside of Arusha National Park, a short distance from Moshi town or Arusha City. It has quite an explosive history, having erupted four times. The most recent eruption however occurred in 1910, more than 100 years ago. Lava erupting from Meru varies from thin flows to thick intrusive domes. The main cone of the volcano has a caldera which is 2.2 miles (3.5 km) in diameter. It has a huge breach on its eastern side. 

A graben runs down the side of the volcano from this beach. Many debris flows came through the breach in the caldera. This cover 1500sq km  to the north-east, east and south-east. Following eruption of this debris, a lava dome and ash cone grew on the floor of the caldera. Mt Meru only has one route. Over 400 species of animals roam the lower slopes of the volcano; these include birds, buffalos, baboon, warthog, Black and White Colobus Monkey and duiker.

 Mt. Meru is not only a great acclimatization for a Kilimanjaro climb, but a great climb in its own right. Packing for the climb is the same as for a Mt Kilimanjaro climb (see our packing list page). Overnights are in huts.

Day 1: Hotel/Miriakamba Hut
Mt.Meru Park Gate - Miriakamba Hut Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Drive from your hotel to the Mt. Meru park gate where you will be met by our park ranger and porters. Hike for the few hours to Miriakamba Hut at 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 overnigh  t stay at Miriakamba Hut.

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut-Saddle Hut
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
After breakfast hike to up to 11,500 ft to arrive at Saddle Hut. If time permits you can climb a little further on Mount Meru for a scenic view of the "Roof of Africa", Mount Kilimanjaro. This will also be part of more acclimatization. Overnight  at Saddle Hut.

Day 3: Saddle Hut-Summit-Miriakamba Hut
Saddle Hut-Summit: Hiking time 4-6 hours
An early rise to hike all the way to the summit before the afternoon clouds cover the summit. From the summit, descend back to the 11,500 ft Saddle Hut in time for lunch. After lunch, hike down to Miriakamba Hut for dinner and overnight stay. 

Day 4: Miriakamba Hut-Mt. Meru park gate-Arusha/Moshi
After well-earned breakfast, you will continue descend to the Park Gate. At Mt. Meru park gate you leave you details at the office. This is also where winning hikers will be awarded certificates. From Mt. Meru park gate you will drive back to hotel for hot shower, dinner and celebration!!! And overnight.

For more information visit www.africanaturaltours.com