4 Day Mount Meru
4 Day Mount Meru is the best for acclimatization prior to Kilimanjaro climb. The Mountain is the third highest peak in Africa and is the second highest mountain in Tanzania. This prime location gives climbers the chance to spot some of the wildlife.
Mount Meru is an often overlooked, but spectacular volcano located in the centre of Arusha National Park. At 14,980 feet high, Meru serves as a great warm up to Mount Kilimanjaro or a complete standalone hike in it of itself. The crowds that can plague Kilimanjaro are non-existent here, allowing for a solitary, peaceful trek. Accommodations are in wood huts.
Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania.
Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). We will arrange a private transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to the Lodge in Arusha, where the rest of the day is at leisure. We stay at the Lodge, which is beautifully located on the slope of Mt. Meru and is a perfect place to prepare for your adventure.
Day 2: Momella Gate to Miriakamba Huts
Elevation: 4,921 ft. to 8,250 ft.
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
We depart Moshi or Arusha for Momella Gate in Arusha National Park for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins in open grassland with an armed ranger as the possibility of seeing wildlife – giraffe, zebras, antelope, elephant and buffalo – is high. We climb steadily through the rain forest until the reach Miriakamba Huts, situated in a grassy glade.
Day 3: Miriakamba Huts to Saddle Huts
Elevation: 8,250 ft. to 11,712 ft.
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Habitat: Heath
We continue climbing through the rain forest until we enter the heath zone accompanied by giant heather and other moorland vegetation. Along the ridge of the saddle, we have views of Mount Meru Crater and the Ash Tray. After arriving at Saddle Huts, there is an option to hike to the top of Little Mount Meru for superb views and to further aid acclimatization.
Day 4: Saddle Huts to Summit
Elevation: 11,712 ft. to 14,977 ft.
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Summit to Miriakamba Huts
Elevation: 14,977 ft. to 8,250 ft.
Distance: 13 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Heath
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our climb to the summit. The trail is steep to Rhino Point and then Cobra Point. The path continues along the ridge of ash and rock to the summit – Socialist Peak. Here we enjoy magnificent views of Kilimanjaro and the sunrise before returning to Miriakamba Huts.
Day 5: Miriakamba Huts to Momella Gate
Elevation: 11,712 ft. to 4,921 ft.
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 2-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we descend quickly through the tropical rainforest to Momella Gate. At the base of the mountain, our vehicle will meet us and drive us back to the hotel in Arusha
Price Includes
- Airport pick up and drop off
- 2 Nights’ Accommodation in Arusha on bed and breakfast bases
- Professional, experienced guides
- Fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Hard working, team-oriented support staff
- Fair wages to our employees
- Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain hardware tents
- Solid safety and crisis management procedures
Price Excludes
- Flight tickets
- Visa fees
- Items of personal nature
- Climbing gears e.g., Walking poles etc.
- Tips to Mountain crew