Mount Meru Trekking
Often used for acclimatisation and as a warm-up climb for Mount Kilimanjaro, the second highest mountain in Tanzania is well worth a climb in its own right. Mount Meru may be known as the little brother to Kilimanjaro but it’s still the fifth highest mountain on the African continent. Come Mount Meru trekking with lappet faced safaris for an experience you will never forget!
Don’t Underestimate Mount Meru
While Kilimanjaro is taller and more famous, Mount Meru arguably still offers trekkers an amazing experience. Mount Meru trekking takes you through different landscapes and offers its’ own stunning vistas, and really, this mountain cannot be considered small! At 4,565 metres high, Meru is an imposing active stratovolcano that lost its whole eastern wall during a massive explosion some 8,000 years ago. With a large mass of the volcano blown away, Mount Meru was given its impressive horseshoe crater that is still one of its most talked about features today.
The steep slopes mean that Mount Meru trekking is far from easy, and with the added distraction of the altitude, the trek becomes even more challenging.
Mount Meru Trekking Tours
The trek to the top of Mount Meru takes 3 to 4 days, and with our two trekking options you can decide whether you would like to tackle Meru at a fast or slightly slower pace.
Centered in the heart of Arusha National Park, Meru watches over the park’s impressive flora and fauna, as well as the nearby city of Arusha. Mount Meru’s fertile slopes rise above the surrounding savannah and are home to a variety of wildlife, including nearly 400 species of birds, but also buffalos, leopards, giraffes and different species of monkeys, such as baboons and colobus monkeys. The opportunity for spotting wildlife in its natural habitat is of particular appeal for anyone considering Mount Meru trekking tours, and, for your own safety trekkers will be accompanied by armed rangers at all times just in case the wildlife comes a little too close.
The climb to the top of this volcano is a fantastic one that leads us through many different vegetation zones: from grasslands to thick and lush green rainforest, heath and moorland along the knife edge of the crater rim, and alpine desert.
As Mount Meru trekking is often used as a way of acclimatising and warming up for the challenging trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, we are pleased to offer combination treks of both Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. Whether you choose to trek Mount Meru on its own or in combination with Kilimanjaro, Meru will enthral with it stunning vistas of its surroundings and views of its big brother, Mount Kilimanjaro, to the east.
Best Time to Take a Mount Meru Trekking Tour
Mount Meru can be trekked all year around, though the best time to tackle this mountain is during the dry season, from June to the beginning of March. If you’re considering a Mount Meru trekking tour during November or December you should expect occasional rains during these months. For the best views of the snow-capped rooftop of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, we recommend planning your Meru trek for January or February.
Itinerary
Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha
We will arrange for a driver to transport you from the airport to your hotel. Orientation regarding your trek will take place at the hotel. Your guides will provide information about the trek and perform a comprehensive inspection of your gear. They will also clarify any further questions.
Day 2: Arusha to Miriakamba Hut
We will depart from the hotel in Arusha in the morning. Our expedition begins with a drive to Arusha National Park which takes approximately one hour. The lively vegetation in the park is extremely versatile. The infamous film Hartari starring Hollywood’s Hardy Kruger and John Wayne was shot in the park. Once we have completed the necessary park formalities, our trek will officially commence close to the Ngarenanyuki River. Our first waypoint is the Miriakamba. You will be accompanied by an armed ranger and a professional mountain guide throughout the duration of the walk. During the walk you will encounter a vast amount of wildlife including buffalo, waterbucks, giraffes, warthogs, zebras and gazelles. Your guide will identify the different bird species you come across. There is a possibility that you will see leopards or elephants but they tend to be more reserved compared to the ones in the Serengeti. We will stop at the Miriakamba Hut where we will spend the night and enjoy an appetising dinner.
Day 3: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut
We will start the day with an energy dense breakfast and then we will follow the steep path to the Saddle Hut. The trek to little Meru can be completed once you arrive at the Saddle Hut. We will return to the Saddle hut and have dinner. Due to the fact that you will wake up at midnight to hike to the summit of Mount Meru, it is recommended that you attempt to fall asleep shortly after dinner.
Day 4: Saddle Hut to Momela Gate to Arusha
We will begin the final leg of our journey to the peak of Mount Meru around midnight. Your headlamp will assist you in the early hours of the hike. Reaching the summit is the most difficult part of the journey due to the fact that the trail is exceedingly steep. We have allocated some time for photos and a moment to comprehend what you have achieved. The scenic view of the mountains as you descend to the Momela Gate is simply mesmerizing. We will briefly stop at the Saddle hut for lunch. The final hours of our journey will be spent trekking to the Momela Gate. You will have a chance to hike amid the Meru cloud forest. This trail tends be slippery so it is important to step consciously. A vehicle will transport you from the Momela gate back to where you began. You will have the opportunity to purchase sodas and Mount Meru climbing shirts to prove that you conquered the trek.
Day 5: Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport
A driver will bring you to Kilimanjaro Airport, from where you will connect your flight. If you’ve signed up for a safari or Zanzibar beach holiday – well, that’s a different adventure and we’ll be happy to take of it for you!
Included
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
- Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
- Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
- Airport Transfers
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water and Full Board meals
- All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
- Rescue Fees and Emergency Evacuation Coverage with AMREF
- Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
- Gate Transfers
- Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
Excluded
- Flights
- Visa fees
- Travel Insurance (Required)
- Gamow Bag
- Medication
- Tips for porters and mountain crew (20% Industry Standard Recommended)
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Additional lodge nights if early decent from the mountain $100 per room
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