Mount Meru
Mount Meru is a stratovolcano located just 80 km from Mount Kilimanjaro in the southeastern Arusha region. It stands as the fifth highest point in Africa and the second highest mountain in Tanzania, with an elevation of 4,567 meters. Climbing Mount Meru serves as an excellent acclimatization opportunity for those preparing to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro.
Join LIVIN' KILI EXPERIENCE to plan your unforgettable experience climbing Mount Meru in Tanzania.
DESCRIPTION
Situated within Arusha National Park, the trek up Mount Meru offers climbers a thrilling wildlife experience. The trail starts from Momella Gate, and trekkers are likely to encounter majestic elephants, buffalo, giraffes, warthogs, zebras, waterbucks, and beautiful primates on the lower slopes of Meru. Due to the presence of potentially aggressive animals, an armed ranger accompanies trekkers to ensure safety.
The climb is accommodated in huts along the route, and the entire trek typically takes 3 to 4 days. However, we recommend a 4-day trek for a safer, smoother, and more successful experience.
Notably, the movie Hatari! was filmed at the foot of Mount Meru in 1962 by the American adventure romantic comedy legend John Wayne.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Upon arrival, you will meet our staff who will pick you up from the airport and take you to the hotel. A pre-climbing briefing will be conducted, and you will overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut
We’ll drive you and the mountain crew from the hotel to Momella Gate (1,500m) for registration and other formalities before starting our trek. The hike begins with an armed ranger and guides up Mount Meru. Along the way, we may see buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and warthogs as we trek through tropical rainforest, Mio Waterfalls, and Fig Tree Arch to Miriakamba Huts (2,500m). The distance covered is 14 km, taking 4-6 hours. Dinner and overnight at the huts.
Day 3: Miriakamba Huts to Saddle Huts
After breakfast, we start climbing through the rainforest, entering the heather and moorland vegetation zone to reach Saddle Hut (3,550m). You will be welcomed with a hot lunch. After lunch, the best option is to head to Little Meru (3,820m) for acclimatization, then return to Saddle Hut. The hike takes approximately 3-4 hours for 6 km.
Day 4: Saddle Hut, Summit to Miriakamba Hut
You will be woken up at midnight with tea and snacks, ready for the summit. The hike begins on a steep trail to Rhino Point (3,821m), Cobra Point, and along the ridge of ash up to Socialist Peak (4,567m). The sunrise behind majestic Kilimanjaro, with a fantastic view of Mount Meru’s crater and its ash cone, is breathtaking. After summiting, we will descend back to Saddle Hut for brunch, then continue down to Miriakamba Hut for dinner and overnight. The hike takes 12-14 hours, covering 18 km.
Day 5: Miriakamba to Momella Gate
After a delicious breakfast, we'll descend quickly through the tropical rainforest, passing Tululusia Waterfalls and Little Serengeti to reach Momella Gate. A certificate of successful summit appreciation will be given, and you will meet our staff for the drive back to the hotel.
Day 6: Departure Day
On this day, our team will either take you to Kilimanjaro, on a wildlife safari, or bid you goodbye as they drive you to the airport.