Mount Meru situated in the heart of Arusha National Park in Tanzania is great for hiking. It is usually recommended to trek Mt. Meru prior to summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro as it prepares for altitude acclimatization. However, the trek to Mount Meru in itself is a rewarding experience.
Mount Meru not only possesses striking views and diverse vegetation, but it also gives a chance to witness wildlife during your trek. Also Mount Meru trekking is less crowded than Mt. Kilimanjaro route.
The crater rim walk on Mount Meru is a spectacular hike and offers 360 degree views from the summit of Meru and also you can witness Mt. Kilimanjaro from Meru’s peak, which is an enthralling experience.
Unlike Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru has only one official Mount Meru route to the summit – the ‘Momella route’.
Popote Africa provides two Mount Meru trekking package:
- The first package is the Mount Meru 3 days trekking package. In the three days package, you summit and descend on the third day of your trek which makes it a little tiring.
- The second package comprises of 4 days of trekking. Mount Meru 4 days trekking also summits on the 3rd day, however, the descent takes on the next. The extra time gives more time for rest and also discovers the monkey- and bird-filled Meru forest on your way down of Mount Meru.
4 Day Mt Meru Trekking Tour + 2 nights hotel stay
Day 1 Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to the Meru View Lodge on the outskirts of Arusha. The rest of the day is at leisure and in the evening, you will attend a briefing in preparation of your upcoming trek. Dinner and overnight at Meru View Lodge.
Dinner
Day 2 Arusha – Momella Gate (1,500 m) – Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m)
In the morning, you will be collected from your lodge and taken to the Arusha National Park gate. While you wait, your guide will complete the registration forms. Once the formalities have been sorted out and the hiking team has gathered, you will be taken to the Momella Gate. 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 grassland. Soon you will enter the acacia forest on the southern route. 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”. You will finally arrive at the Miriakamba Hut in time for afternoon tea and snacks. The night will be spent at the Miriakamba Hut.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 3 Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m) – Saddle Hut (3,550 m)
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 at around midday. During the afternoon, you have the option to hike to Little Meru (3,820 m) which should take about 1 to 2 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 will be just after midnight.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 4 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 around 2am. Lighting the way with headlamps, you will follow the trail through bush land to Rhino Point (3,821 m). From here the path becomes more challenging and occasionally climbing will be necessary. You will walk on frozen volcanic ash and rocks, following the crater rim. After about 4 to 5 hours you should reach the summit, Socialist Peak. 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 descent follows the same route back to Saddle Hut where you will take a break and recuperate with hot soup and tea. Once refreshed, you will continue the descent and during the early afternoon you should reach Miriakamba Hut – tired but happy.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 5 Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m) – Momella Gate (1,500 m) – Arusha
After breakfast, you will follow the so-called northern route – a 2 to 3 hours trek back to the Momella Gate. The descent follows a shorter route than the ascent but there is still a chance to see elephants, buffaloes, giraffes as well as the black and white colobus monkeys. At the gate, you will say farewell to your hiking crew and your driver will take you back to Meru View Lodge where you will celebrate your achievement and spend the night.
Breakfast; Dinner
Day 6 Arusha – Kilimanjaro Airport
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport. Alternatively you can extend your trip and go on safari or relax at the white sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean.
Breakfast
Items included:
- Mount Meru trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- Mountain crew (cook & porters)
- Overnight stays in hotels and mountain huts
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water
- All national park fees
- All mentioned transfers
Items excluded:
- Sleeping bag
- Flights
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance