Tour Overview
Mount Meru is an active stratovolcano located 70 kilometres west of Mount Kilimanjaro in the nation of Tanzania. Much of its bulk lost about 8,000 years ago due to an eastward volcanic blast. Mount Meru most recently had a minor eruption in 1910. The several small cones and craters are seen in the vicinity probably reflect numerous episodes of volcanic activity. Mount Meru is the best for acclimatization prior to Mount Kilimanjaro climbing; The Mountain is the third highest peak in Africa and is the second highest mountain in Tanzania at 4,568m.
Itinerary
01. Moshi – Mount Meru Momela Gate
In the morning, you will be collected from your hotel and after a scenic drive through the Arusha National Park you will reach the Momella gate. Once the formalities have been sorted out you will start from here. An armed park ranger will accompany you and right from the start you might spot giraffes and buffaloes as you walk through open grasslands. After approximately 2 hours you will reach the Maio Falls – the perfect spot to rest and have a picnic. Thereafter you will continue your trek to the well-known “fig tree arch”. After about another two hours your will arrive at the Miriakamba Hut in time for afternoon tea and snacks.
Dinner and overnight night at Miriakamba Hut.
Elevation: (1,387 m to (1,500 m) | 4,921 ft) to 3,000 ft )
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: B, L & D
02. Saddle Hut (Full board)
In the morning you will follow wooden steps along a steep track. Due to the gain in altitude, it will be noticeably cooler than the previous day and walking may seem easier. The clouds often hang low in the rainforest, creating a moody atmosphere in the lush vegetation. After going uphill for approximately 2 hours, you will reach the vantage point “Mgongo wa Tembo” (elephant back) at a height of 3,200 m, where you will enjoy a well-earned break. The vegetation now changes from rainforest to heather and moorland and you should reach Saddle Hut (3,550 m) at around midday. During the afternoon, you have the option to hike to Little Meru (3,820 m) which should take about 1 to 1½ hours. From here you will enjoy wonderful views of Arusha National Park and Mt Kilimanjaro about 80 km away.
Back at Saddle Hut you will have a warm meal before you retire to bed early as your wake-up call with be just after midnight.
Elevation: 2,514 m to 3,570 m | 8,250 ft to 11,712 ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Habitat: Forest and Moorland.
Meals: B, L & D
03. Saddle Hut (3,550 m) – Socialist Peak (4,562 m) – Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m) .
After a small snack and some tea, you will leave the camp at night. Lighting the way with headlamps, you will follow the trail through bush land to Bantu Pori Journeys (3,821 m). From here the path becomes more challenging and occasionally climbing will be necessary. You will walk on volcanic ash, rocks and gravel, following the crater rim. After about 4 to 5 hours you should reach the summit, Socialist Peak. From here, you will experience the sun rising above Mt Kilimanjaro and enjoy the fantastic view of Mt Meru’s crater with its steep sides and the “ash cone” in the middle.
The returning transfer will be waiting at Momella Gate to pick you to your hotel or Airbnb home in Moshi.
Elevation: 3,821 m to 3,550 m to 2,500 m
Distance: 5 km up 13 km down
Hiking Time: 4 – 5 hours
Meals: B, L & D
04. Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m) – Momella Gate (1,500 m) – Moshi.
The descent follows the same route back to Saddle Hut (3,550 m) where you will take a break and recuperate with hot soup and tea. Once refreshed, you will continue the descent and in the afternoon. We continuing the descent to the Momella gate. The returning transfer will be waiting at Momella Gate to pick you to your hotel or Airbnb home in Moshi.
Meals: B & L
INCLUDED
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees and charges
- Proficient English speaking mountain guide
- Lunch box
- Mineral clean water
- Pick up to the hotel and drop off to the hotel after the tour
- Government taxes
NOT INCLUDED
- Personal items
- Gratuities & tips for mountain guide
- Airport transfers.
- Hotel accommodation in Moshi/Arusha.