Mount Meru (Route Description)- Africa Natural Tours ( africanaturaltours.com )

Mount Meru (Route Description): 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 +255 623 992 830

ROUTE DESCRIPTION

Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second highest mountain with an elevation of 4,565m stands in the centre of Arusha National Park 70km west of Mount Kilimanjaro. With several different vegetation zones, you will experience spectacular scenery and even get to spot wildlife.

The climb begins at 1,800m through evergreen forest, an ideal habitat for primates such as the blue monkey and small duiker antelopes. The route leads into floral meadows where you might see buffalo, giraffe or warthog. A zone of giant lobelia and groundsell is next, followed by the silence of alpine desert.  

The mountain can be climbed in 3 or 4 days and although shorter than Kilimanjaro, it’s often more challenging as the ascent is steeper.

MT MERU 3 – 4DAYS ITINERARY 

Day 1: Moshi to Arusha National Park

Once at Arusha National Park we will complete registration formalities before driving to Momela Gate (1,500m). You begin your ascent through bushy grassland, the track skirts to the south and become steeper as you begin to climb through a densely forested area. After a short hike of 4 – 5 hours you will reach Miriakamba Hut (2,514m), where you have views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut (2,514m) to Saddle Hut (3,570m)

After early morning breakfast we will continue our ascent to Saddle Hut (3,570m). Although this is a short hiking day of just 3 – 4 hours, it is extremely tiring due to the steep incline of the path. The vegetation consists of montane forest and heather and offers beautiful views of the summit ridge and across the crater floor. Once at Saddle Hut you can relax for the rest of the day or take a one hour acclimatization hike to Little Meru (3,820m).

Day 3: Saddle Hut (3,570m) to Meru Summit (4,565m)

Waking at 1am you will have a hot snack and drink before heading to the summit of Meru. This is a 4 -5 hour ascent following a narrow ridge along the western rim of the crater. We will aim to arrive at Socialist Peak (4,465m) at sunrise, when the views are spectacular as the sun rises on Mt. Kilimanjaro in the east. The descent back to Saddle Hut taking 2 – 3 hours is breathtaking as the sharp morning sun lights up the outer wall of the crater and the sheer cliffs of the inner wall. Once at the camp you will have time to rest and enjoy brunch before continuing your hike to Miriakamba Hut.

Day 4: Miriakamba Hut (2,514) to Momela Gate (1,500m)

We will take the same route down as we took on the way to the summit (4 – 5 hour trek). You may have chances of spotting wildlife along the way. Once at the gate you will receive your certificate of completion before heading back to your hotel for a hot shower and a well deserved rest. All of our itineraries are tailored with you in mind so that every experience is unique, however, the following examples will hopefully begin to inspire your ideal African experience.

Our Mount Meru climbs are four day itineraries. Accommodations while climbing Meru are in wood huts. Mount Meru is offered as a four day private climb, though clients from different parties and different companies are often combined to walk with the armed ranger on the lower slopes.

4 Day Meru Itinerary

 

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