Summary

Mount Meru, a domant stratovolcanic mountain, located 70 kilometers west of Mount Kilimanjaro. With its highest peak at 4,562.13 meters (14.968 feet) above sea level, Mount Meru is the second largest in Tanzania and number five in Africa. The most recent volcanic activity was recorded in 1910. Several cones and craters seen in the vacinity probably reflect series of episodes of numerous volcanic activities. Mount Meru can be used as a preparatory trek for hikers whi intend to trek Mount Kilimanjaro.

Day 0: Arusha town, arrival day

Meet at airport and transfer to the reserved lodge near the entry to Arusha national park where you wil be briefed of the following days’.

Day 1: Arusha (1400m) – Miriakamba Hut (2500m)

Duration: 5-7 hours of hiking. After an early morning breakfast in Arusha (1400m), you will be picked up from your hotel and brought 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). You will then begin your ascent in Arusha National Park. 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 (2500m), your chef will prepare a hot dinner and washing water for you. Enjoy the beautiful sunset and overnight.

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut (2500m) – Saddle Hut (3500m)

Duration: 3-5 hours of hiking. 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 views of Mt. Meru Crater and the Ash Tray. When you arrive at camp, you have the option of hiking Little Mt. Meru (3820m) with your guide to further acclimate. You will be served an early dinner, so you can receive ample rest before your midnight summit attempt. Get to sleep by 19h00!

Day 3: Saddle Hut (3500m) – Summit Attempt (4566m) – Miriakamba Hut (2500m)

Duration: 10-12 hours of hiking. Your guide will wake you at 00:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt at 1:30am. The trail starts off on a steep grade to Rhino Point (3800m) to Cobra Point (4350m). The last hour of the hike you will scamble on a rocky ridge between the crater and inner cliffs of Meru. You will reach the summit of Meru (4565m) at sunrise with spectacular views of Mt. Meru Ash Tray and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Enjoy your views then descend to Saddle Hut for a short break. You will then continue descending to Miriakamba Hut (2500m) for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Miriakamba Hut (2500m) – Arusha (1400m)

Duration: 2-3 hours of hiking. After a long rest and breakfast, we will begin our final descent to Momella gate. We will hike through forest and meadows where it is likely to spot wildlife. At the base of Mt. Meru, you will be greeted by our driver who will take you back to Arusha to Meru View Lodge or similar lodge in Arusha for overnight.

Day 0: Departure/Safari

Based on you planning you will be transferred to airport or continue on safari with our safari team.