3 Days Mount Meru Climbing

Tanzania

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3 Days Mount Meru Climbing

Start From
$800
Duration
3 Days
Group Size
No size Limit
Tour Type
Game drive

Tour Overview

Meru serves as an excellent preparatory hike for those planning to climb Kilimanjaro, or as a spectacular trek for those who prefer not to tackle Kilimanjaro. Along the way, you'll encounter wildlife amidst the breathtaking landscape, with Kilimanjaro providing a stunning backdrop during sunrise at the summit.
Though achievable in just four days, summiting Meru is no easy feat. Scaling nearly 15,000 feet involves navigating rocky terrain in darkness and at high altitudes. Be prepared for a minimum of 10 hours of hiking on summit day. For a less strenuous experience, you can opt to hike only to Rhino Point to witness the sunrise over Kilimanjaro before descending.
Located within Arusha National Park, all hikers must be accompanied by an armed ranger employed directly by the national park. Additionally, you'll have your own mountain guide overseeing the crew and ensuring your safety. The park ranger holds authority over trail choices, pace, and other decisions. Arusha National Park may group individuals with one park ranger, meaning a completely private Meru trek cannot be guaranteed. Porters specific to Arusha National Park are required and will be assigned upon arrival at the trail registration.

Tour Include & Excluded

All meals on the mountain
All Taxes and VAT.
Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides
Climbing permits
Government Climbing Taxes
Guides, Porters, cook salaries.
Hut fees
National Park gate fees
National Park ranger (required by Arusha National Park)
Personal Summit Certificate signed by the National Park and your Guide

Personal Items (Souvenirs, Travel Insurance, Visa Fees, etc.).
Personal items and toiletries
Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
Tips for guides, porters and cook
Travel insurance

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Drive from Arusha to Momela Gate, Hike to Miriakampa Hut:
Commencing from Momela Gate, the trail winds through expansive grassland inhabited by cape buffalo and warthogs. If fortune favors, you may also catch glimpses of giraffes and elephants. Ascend steadily through montane forest, pausing for lunch at the renowned "Fig tree." Afterward, the trek traverses less dense forest, teeming with birdlife and monkeys, including the black and white colobus. By mid-afternoon, the towering cliffs and Ash Cone come into view. Miriakampa Hut, nestled in a picturesque grassy glade, awaits, offering a serene setting to bask in the afternoon sun and admire panoramic vistas over the surrounding plains toward Kilimanjaro.
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Miriakampa Hut
Day 2
Hike from Miriakampa Hut to Saddle Hut, Afternoon Hike up Little Meru:
The journey from Miriakampa Hut to the saddle below Little Meru involves a steep, sustained climb throughout. Commencing amidst lush montane forest, the trail progresses beyond the halfway mark of Elephant Back Ridge, ascending through towering heather and other moorland vegetation to reach Saddle Hut for lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a brief ascent to the nearby summit of Little Meru (3,820 m / 12,533 ft) for breathtaking vistas. The ascent takes approximately 1 hour, with a 30-minute descent. The elevation gain is 1,056 m / 3,465 ft.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Saddle Hut
Day 3
Summit Ascent and Descent to Trailhead, Return to Arusha:

Summit day commences in the early hours around 12:00 AM. Embark on a steep 1-hour climb to Rhino Point (3,800m / 12,467ft), followed by a ridge traverse of ash and rock leading to Cobra Point (4,350m / 14,272ft). The final ascent to Socialist Peak (4,566 m) takes approximately an hour on a steep path, offering awe-inspiring views of Kilimanjaro. Depending on pace, witness the sunrise at Cobra Point or the summit, marveling at the panoramic vistas including the Crater rim, Ash Cone, Kilimanjaro, and the Rift Valley. Retrace your steps to Rhino Point along the narrow ridge before descending to Miriakamba Hut for brunch and a brief respite.
Note: For a more leisurely ascent, commence the trek at 05:00 AM, hiking for approximately 1 hour to enjoy the sunrise at Rhino Point before returning to Saddle Hut for breakfast and descending.
Note: In icy or windy conditions, progression beyond Rhino Point may be impeded. Descend via the ascent route or the jeep road leading to the lower crater floor, passing notable landmarks like Fig Tree Arch and a hidden waterfall. Descend swiftly through open grassland and mixed forest, with opportunities to spot wildlife and relish scenic vistas. Lunch is served en route, with arrival at Momela Gate by midday or afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch