MOUNT MERU

Mount Meru Climb a thrilling hiking adventure in the pristine wild Magnetized by Mt Kilimanjaro, the hikers often overlook Mt Meru, the second highest peak of Tanzania. Towering over Arusha National Park, Mount Meru offers both an excellent warm-up exercise for Kilimanjaro, in addition to being a stunning trekking experience in the wild by its own. Mount Meru trekking is a real adventure. The slopes of this dormant (yet active – the last eruption was in 1910)volcano offer fascinating panoramic vistas and bustling wildlife around it This volcano was “born” around 500,000 years ago, and it’s very first eruption virtually exploded its eastern side, creating its well-known, peculiar appearance. In addition to that, Mt Meru has one of the deepest craters – over 1,500 meters!

Why Climb Mount Meru 
There are several reasons to include Mount Meru into your Tanzania adventures list. Regrettably, this volcano is often out shadowed by Kilimanjaro – located in the immediate vicinity, it attracts the most of international hikers, thus making it a secondary hiking destination or a warm-up exercise. The majority of hikers, however, ignore it altogether.

3 DAYS VS. 4 DAYS HIKE

If the schedule allows and you have not gained acclimatization on other mountains before (meaning that you have successfully climbed anything above 4,000m/13,123f and did not get affected by altitude sickness), we always recommend choosing a longer option. The more time you spend on Mount Meru – the more effectively your body adapts to the altitude, making the whole experience less stressful for it. The Momella route approaches Mount Meru from the eastern face, moving up through the northern ridge to the peak. The total trek distance is 45 km/27 miles.

Mount Meru

5-day tour (3 days of trekking) 6-day tour (4 days of trekking)

  • Day 1: Arrival to Tanzania
  • Day 2: From Momella Gate to Miriakamba Huts
  • Day 3: From Miriakamba Huts to Saddle Huts
  • Day 4: From Saddle Huts to Socialist Peak and to Momella Gate
    Day 5: Departure

MOUNT MERU TREKKING ITINERARY

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet Wonderland representative, and transfer to the hotel in Arusha. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb. 

Early in the morning you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. At this time, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). The first day of hiking is similar to a walking safari; you should expect to see giraffes, zebras, antelope, buffalo, and potentially elephants near the trail.

Due to the high possibility of spotting wildlife, an armed ranger, hired through the National Park, is required to hike with our team for the duration of the hike. As you continue hiking, you will pass the Ngarenanyuki River and a beautiful waterfall at the base of Mt. Meru. Upon arriving to Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m), your chef will prepare a hot dinner and warm water for you.

This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:

  • –  Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine
  • –  Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently)
  • –  Take a Diamox pill to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Most mountain climbers take Diamox in the morning, before they start their ascent, in order to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. 

We recommend you consult your doctor prior to the trip in case of potential allergies.

– At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in    your waking breathing pattern, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may    therefore start feeling sick and have a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start  feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.

Change in Elevation: Momella Gate (1,500 m) – Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m)

  • Hiking distance: 10 km
  • Hiking time: 4-5 hours 

After breakfast, you will start ascending up the steep trail along the ridge of the saddle. You may see various wildlife along the way! The trail has amazing views of Meru Crater and the Ash Cone. When you arrive at camp, you have the option of hiking Little Meru (3,820 m) with your guide to further acclimate. You will be served an early dinner, so you can receive ample rest before your midnight summit attempt.  

Change in Elevation: Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m) – Saddle Hut (3,550 m)

Hiking distance: 5 km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours

Summiting has an early start at around 00:00. There is a 1-hour steep climb to Rhino Point (3,800 m), then the path continues along a ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point (4,350 m). The summit of Socialist Peak (4,562 m) is an hour further on a steep path with magnificent views of Kilimanjaro. Depending on your speed, you can enjoy sunrise at Cobra Point or the summit. The views are stunning: the cliffs of the Crater rim, the Ash Cone rising from the crater floor, Kilimanjaro floating on the morning clouds, and the Rift Valley. The route back to Rhino Point in the morning light along a narrow ridge between the sloping outer wall of the crater and the cliffs of the inner wall is one of the most dramatic and exhilarating walks in Africa. Brunch and a brief rest are taken at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to Momella Gate. After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, and then you will be transferred to Moshi or Arusha town.

Change in Elevation: Saddle Hut (3,550 m) – Socialist Peak (4,562 m) – Momella Gate (1,500 m)

Hiking distance: 16 km
Hiking time: 12–14 hours

Prepare for Departure

Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport. 

MOUNT MERU TREKKING COST

OFFICE ADDRESS

Head Office: Block E of Plot No.45A & 45B, Ursino Street, P.O. Box 71941 – Dar es salaam – Tanzania. Tel: +255713123776

Branch Office: Ngorongoro Tower – 6th Floor, Arusha – Tanzania. Tel: +255 745 333 467

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