MOUNT MERU HIKING
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MOUNT MERU TREKKING TOUR
Mt. Meru which is Tanzania’s second highest mountain standing tall at 4,566m. It is located in Arusha National Park and offers some of the most spectacular scenery and wildlife diversity of any mountain in Tanzania. Mt. Meru is a challenging trek due to its steepness, but is a great way to acclimattize before attempting Mt. Kilimanjaro. Climbers are accompanied by an armed ranger due to the abundance of wildlife on the lower slopes. Mt. Meru also has some historical significance to it whereby some have suggested that it was the resting place of Noah’s Ark when it came to rest after the biblical flood receded. Mt. Meru is a great trekking option for those who want to take on a climbing challenge and get the sense of being out in the wild, but are not quite ready to tackle Mt. Kilimanjaro.
What's included
- Unlimited bottled water
- Visa arrangements
The best 3-Day Joining Group Mount Meru Trip Tour
The Mount Meru trip tour is an extraordinary adventure that allows trekkers to explore one of Tanzania’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Nestled within Arusha National Park, Mount Meru is the second-highest peak in Tanzania, standing at 4,566 meters (14,980 feet). This four-day journey typically begins in Arusha, where participants gather for an orientation session that includes a briefing on the itinerary, safety protocols, and gear checks. The trek is designed to provide novice and experienced hikers with a challenging yet rewarding experience. As the group embarks on their ascent, they traverse diverse ecosystems ranging from lush rainforests teeming with wildlife to stark alpine deserts adorned with unique flora. The first day usually involves a gentle hike through the forested lower slopes of Mount Meru, where trekkers can spot various species of birds and perhaps even glimpse some of the park’s resident animals such as monkeys and antelopes.
As the trek progresses over the next few days, climbers will ascend to higher altitudes, experiencing dramatic changes in scenery and climate. On the second day, hikers typically reach the halfway point at Miriakamba Hut, situated at about 2,500 meters (8,202 feet). This stop allows for acclimatization while providing stunning views of both Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro in the distance. The guides play a crucial role during this phase by educating trekkers about altitude sickness prevention and ensuring everyone remains hydrated and well-fed. The third day is often considered the most challenging as it involves a steep ascent to Saddle Hut, located at approximately 3,500 meters (11,483 feet). Here, climbers prepare for their final push to the summit. The night before summit day is filled with anticipation; trekkers usually rise around midnight to begin their ascent under a blanket of stars. The climb to the summit is strenuous but incredibly rewarding as climbers are greeted by breathtaking panoramic views at dawn from Little Meru or Meru Summit itself. This experience not only serves as an exhilarating physical challenge but also offers participants a profound sense of accomplishment.
In addition to physical preparation for climbing Kilimanjaro, joining a group tour on Mount Meru fosters camaraderie among participants from diverse backgrounds who share a common goal: reaching new heights together. This social aspect adds another layer of enjoyment to the experience; many travelers form lasting friendships during these treks that extend beyond their time in Tanzania. Furthermore, engaging with knowledgeable local guides enriches participants’ understanding of Tanzanian culture and ecology—an aspect often overlooked in more commercialized tours focused solely on summiting peaks without appreciating the surrounding environments fully.The overall experience culminates not just in reaching summits but also in creating memories that last long after returning home—a testament to why so many adventurers consider this combination of Mount Meru followed by Kilimanjaro tours among their top travel priorities when visiting East Africa.
Book 4 Days Mount Meru Trekking With Kilinge Adventures
You may book this tour with KILINGE ADVENTURES and read some of our reviews from TripAdvisor.
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
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