Mount Meru is situated in Tanzania's Arusha National Park. Despite its small size at only 137 sq km, Arusha National Park has a large range of habitats including a miniature volcanic crater, highland rain forest, acacia woodland, a string of attractive lakes as well as the zoned habitats associated with Africa's fifth highest mountain at 4556m, Mount Meru. Arusha National Park is located an easily accessible 45 km from Arusha Town and is a great way to begin your Tanzania safari.

 

As you climb Mount Meru you will pass through thick cloud and montane forests, acacia woodlands and grasslands, home to elephants, large herds of buffalo, bushbuck, giraffe and duiker. The park is also a good place to observe troops of pied colobus monkeys swinging high in the rain forest canopy. During the early stages of your climb you will be accompanied by an armed ranger for your protection from wild animals.

 

The hike up Mt Meru is more physically demanding than the more famous Kilimanjaro climb, despite being only a 3-4 day hike; some climbers use this trek as a warm-up before they climb Kilimanjaro. There is little risk of altitude sickness unless the ascent is severely rushed. Mount Meru is often overlooked by adventure-seeking travelers and is therefore not nearly as busy as Kilimanjaro. As a result, when you climb Mount Meruyou are far more likely to see forest animals and the big game that occupies the Lower Slopes of the mountain.

 

The first stage takes you through the acacia woodlands, past resident herds of buffalo and giraffe and up to the base camp hut. Technically the summit can be reached in just 2 days, but most people take 3 or 4 days when they climb Mount Meru to really explore the mountain. Rapid ascent is not recommended.

 

For more information on hiking, trekking and climbing Mount Meru as part of your Tanzania safari, please Contact Us for further information.

 

4 Day Meru Itinerary

 

D1 : Momella Gate to Miriakampa Hut.

 

Early breakfast at your hotel as the sun rises, followed by a short and scenic drive to the starting point, Momella Gate. From here the track passes through open grassland populated by buffalo and warthogs, so you are accompanied by an armed ranger as well as an experienced guide. You may also see giraffe and elephants. Continue your ascent up through montane forest, passing the famous Giant Fig Tree. You divert off the main track to visit an impressive waterfall and enjoy your picnic lunch. After lunch, the trek continues through less dense forest, where there are lots of birds and monkeys including the black and white Colobus. By mid-afternoon, there are the first close views of the towering cliffs and the Ash Cone. Miriakampa Hut, situated in idyllic grassy glade, is reached in time to enjoy the afternoon sun and beautiful views over the surrounding plains towards Kilimanjaro.

 

D2 : Miriakampa Hut to Saddle Hut.

 

The walk from Miriakampa Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a long and steady steep climb the whole way. Starting through beautiful and lush montane forest, the path continues beyond Elephant Back Ridge and carries on uphill through the giant heather and other moorland vegetation to reach Saddle Hut and lunch. In the afternoon, you can make the short climb to the nearby summit of Little Meru (3820m) for some incredible views. It takes about 1 hour to walk up the extra 1000m, and 30 minutes to walk down. It is wise to go to bed as early as possible as you will begin the next day shortly after midnight.

 

D3 : Saddle Hut to the SUMMIT, and descend to Miriakampa Hut.

 

Summit day has an early start at just after midnight. There is a 1 hours steep climb to Rhino Point (3800m), then the path continues along a ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point (4350m). The summit of Socialist Peak (4566m) is an hour more on a steep path with magnificent views of Kilimanjaro. Depending your speed, you can enjoy sunrise at Cobra Point or the summit. The views are stunning: the cliffs of the Crater rim, the Ash Cone rising from the crater floor, Kilimanjaro floating on the morning clouds, and the Rift Valley. The route back to Rhino Point in the sharp morning light along a narrow ridge between the sloping outer wall of the crater and the sheer cliffs of the inner wall is one of the most dramatic and exhilarating walks in Africa. Brunch and a brief rest is taken at Saddle Hut before continuing to Miriakamba Hut.

 

NOTE: For an easier climb, you can start the trek at 05:00 A.M., hike for about 1 hour, and enjoy sunrise at Rhino Point before going back to Saddle Hut for breakfast and then descending.

 

D4 : Miriakampa Hut to Momella Gate.

 

From Miriakamba Huts you can enjoy a relaxed breakfast then a leisurely final descent off Mt Meru to the Momella Gate. Transfer back to your hotel.