Mount meru climb
Before Mount Meru was included in Arusha National Park in 1967 it was also possible to reach the summit via the North and West Slopes, however, use of these trails to enter the park (and reach the summit) is now illegal. It is, however, legal to climb the inner Ash Cone but the park only recommends this for researchers and issues a special Route
Mount Meru is in the heart of Arusha National Park just 50 miles west of Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s a massive volcano reaching 14,980 feet (4,565 meters). This trek serves as an ideal warm-up for Mt. Kilimanjaro due to its altitude acclimatization and hiking distances. This trek is also geared toward hikers that prefer fewer crowds and a challenging ascent.When To Climb
Generally, the best times to climb this peak are from June to February with occasional rains in November. The dry season is from July to March. December to February generally offer the best views of Kilimanjaro which can often be seen from the summit and most places in Arusha National Park.
Day 1: Airport pick-up- Drop off at Hotel
You will be picked up by the staff of First choice safaris from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and driven to your accommodation in Arusha. Participants will be given a short briefing for the climb the next day. Kits and the necessary equipment will be checked as well.
- Accommodation and meals:Arusha Planet Lodge or Similar
Day 02: Momella Gate (1500m) – Miriakamba Hut (2500m)
In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and after a 45-minute drive, you will arrive at the Arusha National Park Gate for entry formalities. Afterward, we drive a little further to Momella Gate to start our climb. After a steady 2-hour climb, you will reach Maio Falls and some picturesque meadows. After resting, we will be on our way to the well-known ‘Arched Fig Tree’, with its shape forming an arch over the path. After another 1½ – 2 hours, you will reach the Miriakamba Hut.
- Accommodation and meals:Miriakamba Hut
Day 03: Miriakamba Hut (2500m) – Saddle Hut (3550m)
In the morning, we follow a steep track with wooden steps upwards. Due to the increase in altitude, it will be noticeably cooler than the previous day making the hike easier. After approximately 2 hours, you will reach the vantage point ‘Mgongo wa Tembo’ (Elephant back) at an elevation of 3200m, where you will enjoy a well-earned break. After another hike in which the vegetation changes from rainforest into airy bushland, you will reach Saddle Hut (3550m) at midday for a relaxing lunch break. In the afternoon, you have the option to do a side trip to Little Meru (3820m), which takes approx. 1 – 1 ½ hour where you can have wonderful views of Arusha National Park and Kilimanjaro (approx. 80 km away).
- Accommodation and meals:Miriakamba Hut
Day 04: 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 1:30 am. The trail starts off on a steep grade from Rhino Point (3800m) to Cobra Point (4350m). At the last hour of the hike, you will scramble 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).
- Accommodation and meals:Miriakamba Hut
Day 05: 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 forests 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.
- Accommodation and Meals:Arusha Planet Lodge
- Meru park fee permits, hut fees,
- Fresh, nutritious meals on the mountain
- Armed ranger, expert guide, assistant guide, cook, and porters
- Bottled Oxygen Cylinder and Pulse Oximeter for rescues only
- Hypobaric chamber (PAC)
- Comprehensive first aid kit
- All activities
- 2 nights’ accommodation before and after the climb
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfers
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinking water on all days
- Baggage porterage
- Rescue Fee
- International flights (from/to home)
- Gratuities for the crew after the service
- Cigarettes
- Healthy evacuation insurance
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- The government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks
- Laundry
- Climbing Gears
- Sleeping Bag
