3&4 Days
Mount Meru
Climbing
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Route
Overview
Mount Meru is the third-highest mountain in Tanzania at 4566 meters, only the Kibo and the Mawenzi (the highest peaks of the Kilimanjaro massif) rise further into the sky. The mountain was formed by volcanic activity in the East African Rift Valley. About 250,000 years ago, the entire eastern flank of the volcano was blown away by a violent outburst, an impressive sight to this day. The mountain is located in the middle of Arusha National Park, so the hike on the first day has a special charm. In the lowlands of the mountain, accompanied by a ranger, you will see baboons, buffaloes, giraffes and other wildlife. The ascent leads through various vegetation zones, from the grassland into the rainforest, and through the heath and moorland into the alpine desert. A great mountain, which stands unjustifiably in the shadow of Kilimanjaro. The Meru is technically more difficult than Kilimanjaro and requires a good condition – the last 1000 meters are quite steep. However, climbing skills are not required. The mountain is also used by many to acclimatize for the Kilimanjaro ascent – this combination is also possible with us on request. The Mount Meru climb is recommended by us as a 4 day tour. For experienced and very fit mountain hikers with high altitude experience, the tour is also suitable in 3 days. The third day of the shortened tour walks after the summit directly to the Momella Gate. Overnight stays are in simple wooden huts.
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DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Momella gate (1500m) to Miriakamba Hut (2500m)
You will depart the hotel at 0800hrs and head to the Momella gate which is the starting point of the trek. The drive to the gate is roughly an hour and a half. After the registration you will start your trek accompanied by an armed ranger. Along the route you will catch spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the Momella lakes. You will encounter animals such as cape buffaloes, giraffes, warthogs and bushbucks, to name a few. Your trek will end up at Miriakamba Hut where you will be spending the night.
Distance covered: 6km / 3.5mi
Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Miriakamba Hut (2500m) to Saddle Hut (3500m)
Today’s trek takes you through the steep path along the ridge of the saddle. Amazing views of the Meru crater, the ash cone and little Meru can be seen along the way. While trekking through the forest keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and the attractive wild flowers. Common animals include buffaloes and the black and white Colobus monkey. Your trek will end up at Saddle hut where you will be spending the night. After resting at the camp you will set off on an hour acclimatization trek to little Meru (3810m) then head back down to Saddle hut.
Distance covered: 6.5km / 4mi
Approx. time taken: 3 – 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Saddle Hut (3500m) to Socialist Peak (4562m) to Miriakamba Hut (2500m)
You will wake up just after midnight for a light meal then start your final ascent to Socialist Peak at the top of big Meru. The trail to the summit is steep and you will be climbing through gravel and rocky ridges. While at the summit you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Meru crater and ash cone. Occasionally, animals such as Klipspringers and mountain reedbucks can be seen over the rocky terrain. After the summit, you will then descend to Miriakamba Hut where you will be spending the night.
Distance covered:19km / 12mi
Approx. time taken: 10 – 12 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Miriakamba Hut (2500m) to Momella gate (1500m)
After breakfast you will begin your final descent to Momella gate. You will be using the southern route to descend. During your descent you will pass through the montane forest where you will pass the amazing Fig Tree Arch. Upon arrival at the Momella gate, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel back in Moshi town.
Distance covered: 14km / 8.5mi
Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Hiking time:4-5 hours.
After breakfast at the Karanga valley camp, you will walk a ridge and enter a cold desert for about 4 hours and then reach the Barafu Hut. Crews will collect water from the last water stop at Karanga Valley in morning, as there is no water at Barafu camp. Barafu is the Swahili word for “ice” as it is a bleak and inhospitable camping area to spend the night. Totally exposed to the ever-present gales the tents are pitched on a narrow, stony, and dangerous ridge. Make sure that you familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents as this is a dangerous area. The summit is now 1345m above you, and you will make the final ascent tonight. Prepare your equipment, ski stick, and thermal clothing for your summit attempt. Make sure and replace the batteries in your headlamp and camera and make sure youhave a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing, it would be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed around 7 PM and try to get some good. Try not to sleep more than 5 hours.
Hiking time:8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak 7/8 hours to descend to Mweka camp
Distance:~7km ascent -23 km descent
Habitat:Stone scree and ice-capped summit.
You will rise around 11:30 PM and have some hot tea and biscuits before you shuffle off into the night. You will head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This 6-hour walk to Stella point is for many climbers the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trip. At Stella Point (5685m) you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you will witness in your lifetime (weather permitting). From Stella Point you will normally encounter snow to Uhuru Peak (2 hour ascent). The time you will spend on the summit will depend on the weather conditions. Do not stop here for too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue. Enjoy your accomplishment as this is a day to remember for the rest of your life. The walk back to Barafu from the summit will take about 3 hours. Here you will have a well earned but short rest. You will then collect the rest of your gear before heading down to Mweka hut (3100m). This route is not difficult and will take you down the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest. The camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Dinner and washing water will be prepared. Drinking water, soft drinks, chocolate, and beer is available from the camp office if you so desire.
Hiking time: 3 hours
After Hot breakfast from in Mweka Campsite you will start walking slowly towards the mountain gate the walk takes about 3hours to get to the Mweka campsite where our driver will pick you and transfer you to the Hotel in Arusha.
Cost is
Inclusive of the following
-Pickup from the airport (Kilimanjaro International Airport)or bus terminal, and drop off when climb finished
-Accommodations in Arusha one night on arrival and another after the climb.
-All the park fees
-Guiding fees
-Rescue fees
-Camping fees
-Camping facilities like Tents.
-Porter’s allowance
-Professional mountain cook.
-Transfer to and from the mountain gate.
-Conservation fees.
-Meals (breakfast lunch and dinner)
-Local government taxes.
-Clean water
