3 Days Mount Meru Hiking

3 Days Mount Meru Hiking description

YOUR ADVENTURE AWAITS

Situated just 70 kilometres west of the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro in the Arusha National Park, Mount Meru presents a great trekking challenge.

At 4,556 meters, Meru is Africa’s fifth tallest mountain and Tanzania’s second highest peak. The peak is often used as an acclimatization climb by those who plan to summit neighboring Kili.

However, Meru boasts its own spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife, making it an excellent destination in its own right. Over the course of three days together, we will make our way up to the top of the mountain peak.

After meeting up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport the day before the trip begins, we will head to the hotel in Arusha (not included in the trip price) and plan for the next day.

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  • Day 1. Arusha – Momella Gate 1500 m – Miriakamba Hut 2500
  • Day 2. Miriakamba Hut 2,500 m – Saddle Hut 3,500 m
  • Day 3. Saddle Hut 3500 m – Meru Summit Socialist Peak 4,566 m – Miriakamba 2,500 m
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3 Days Mount Meru Hiking Itinerary


On the first official day of the trip, we will depart at 8 am and drive up to the park. After registering, we will head out onto the trail, making our way from Momella Gate (1,500 meters) to Miriakamba Hut (2,500 meters).
Along the way, we will be accompanied by an armed guard while we enjoy phenomenal views of Kilimanjaro and get the chance to see cape buffaloes, giraffes, warthogs, and bushbucks, among many other animals.
On the second day, we will hike up a steep path to the saddle of Meru. From the top of the saddle, we will enjoy great views of the Meru crater. As we go, we will pass through a thick forest, where we will get the chance to see even more wildlife. We spent the night at the Saddle Hut (3,500 meters).
The third and final day of the trip is summit day. Getting a pre-dawn alpine start at 1:30 am, we will climb steeply to Rhino Point (3,800 meters) before passing on to Cobra Point (4,350 meters) and finally reaching the summit (4,566 meters) just in time to see the sunrise.
After watching these magical moments – seeing the sun rise up over the Indian Ocean – we will spend the rest of the day hiking back down to Momella Gate before transferring back to Arusha town.
So, what are you waiting for? Book now for this incredible 3-day trekking experience to the summit of Mount Meru in Arusha National Park!

Tour starts from: Arusha Town
Tour end in: Arusha Town
Tour style: Group Trekking
Departure day: Every day of the week
Optimal Season: Dry season
Best time to travel: June to December
Vehicle used on transfers: Shuttle bus for big groups climbers and Min van 4WD for small groups
Duration of the trekking: 3 days
Accommodation: Before and after Safari is not included but it can be arranged for extra cost.

Day 0: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport— Transfer to your hotel in Arusha Town.

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will meet and greet by our shuttle driver who will transfer you to your hotel in Arusha town.
We stay at Arusha Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spar, which is a beautiful Hotel located on the lower slopes of Mount Meru and is a perfect place to prepare you for adventure. We will gather in the evening at 5:30 pm for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check. We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance. Dinner and overnight at Tulia Boutique Hotel &Spar. https://www.tuliahotelandspa.com/

Day 1: Arusha – Momella Gate 1500 m – Miriakamba Hut 2500

Duration Approx. 5 – 7 hours of hiking
Vegetation Type: Forest
The tour starts after breakfast in your lodge (1400 m) where you drive for about 30 minutes to Ngongongare gate via Usa river town. At the gate your guide will do all paper work before driving along Arusha National Park with some stops for wildlife spotting, reach Momella gate for final check-up of porters & luggage.
Afterward 3 days Mt. Meru trekking will start with pole pole pace, the first day is more or less similar to a walking safari, on the way you may spot some animal species like reticulated Giraffes, Zebras, Waterbuck and Buffaloes. Since the hiking is inside the park an armed TANAPA ranger will be escorting you all the way to the camp.

You may take long or short route but this will depend on the time of starting, during the hike way you will pass across Ngarenanyuki River and a beautiful waterfall at the base of Meru Mountain. You will possibly arrive at Miriakamba Hut (2500 m) before sunset, porters & your chef will have already be make the coffee or tea and a hot water for washing will be served. Enjoy the beautiful sunset & the area around. Dinner and overnight at Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m).

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut 2,500 m – Saddle Hut 3,500 m

Duration: 4 – 5 hours of hiking.
Vegetation Type: Forest Zone.
After breakfast start your 3 days Mt Meru trekking along the steep path on the forest zone, see various birds and animal along the way. On the way you will view Mount Meru Crater & the Ash Tray. Reach Saddle Hut situated at the alpine desert zone for hot lunch (but this will depend on your pace).

After Lunch and some rest, you have an option of acclimatization hike at Little Meru (3,820 m), this is a good hike with some great view of great Meru & the area around & it makes you ready for a night attempt on summit the main Meru Mountain. Early dinner will be served on this day so that you can have enough rest before your midnight summit attempt. Go to sleep as early as possible possibly around 19:00 hrs

Day 3: Saddle Hut 3500 m – Meru Summit Socialist Peak 4,566 m – Miriakamba 2,500 m

Duration Approx. 9-12 hours of hiking.
Vegetation Type: Alpine desert.
Wake up at 00:30 after midnight for tea and biscuit before you start your final push to the summit at 01:30 hrs. This final day of your 3 days Mt Meru trekking you will start by trading on the steep grade path up to Rhino point at (3800 m) then reach Cobra point at (4,350 m).
From there the trekking will be on rocky ridge in between the Crater and the inner cliffs of Meru Mountain. Reach the summit during the first rays of sun from the East (4,566 m). During clear days, morning can be the best time to view his Majesty Kilimanjaro Mountain, the total cliffs of the crater drop intensely at almost 1000 feet or more.

Spending sometimes at the summit for pictures before return back to Saddle Hut for some rest & afterward continue down to Miriakamba Hut & to Mommella gate for check out.

The van will have already be there waiting to take you back to Arusha or to the airport if flying with KLM at around 21.45 hours.

If you made it to the summit a certificate for Meru trekking (4,566 m) will be presented to you & for those who did the acclimatization hike at little Meru will also rewarded a certificate.

What Airport should I fly into?
The majority of those climbing Mount Meru and/or traveling on safari fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (Airport Code: JRO). Some find it more economical flying to Nairobi, Kenya (Airport Code: NBO) and then taking the 6–8-hour shuttle transportation to Arusha town.

Whether you fly into Tanzania or arrive by shuttle bus, our Cross to Africa Safaris staff will be there at the airport or bus station to greet you and your adventure will being!

Additional Airport codes of interest: Zanzibar (ZNZ), Arusha (ARK), Dar es Salaam (DAR), Serengeti Airstrip/Airport (SEU)

Can I rent personal gear?

Yes. Cross to Africa Safaris rents anything from sleeping bags to warm jackets down to trekking poles and gaiters. If you currently don’t have items on the Equipment List and feel it would be better to rent, simply reserve these items and we’ll have them ready for you upon arrival.

 

The above rates include:

  • Mount Meru trekking according to the itinerary
  • Professional, English-speaking guide
  • Mountain crew (cook & porters)
  • Overnight stays in mountain huts
  • Meals according to the itinerary
  • Drinking water, tea & coffee
  • All national park fees
  • Transfer from the hotel to the National Park gate and back

The above rates exclude:

  • Alcohol and soft drinks
  • Sleeping bag
  • International Flights
  • Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
  • Travel insurance
  • Entry visa for Tanzania (US$50 per passport holder for most nationalities / US $ 100 per visa for USA passport holders)
  • Vaccination requirements (Yellow Fever – only compulsory if you travel to Tanzania via a Yellow Fever infected country, Meningitis & Hepatitis A remains optional, but recommended)
  • Covid-19 PCR Test per person US$ 50
  • Optional but highly recommended travel and medical insurance.
  • Standard Packages include Flying doctors’ memberships (Helicopter evacuation to Nairobi), but could be done at own arrangement
  • Personal hiking/trekking gear – you could rent some of the gear in Tanzania