Ascent of Mount Meru

Description

Mount Meru offers one of the most majestic backdrops in the world. Guardian of myths and legends (which I'll be sure to share with you), this magnificent mountain is a photographer's Mecca.

Mount Meru is an active (but sleeping) volcanic mountain north of the town of Arusha. At 4566 meters above sea level, Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania and the fourth highest in Africa. Its towering cliffs dominate the Arusha National Park.

The mountain is famous for being only 70 kilometers from Kilimanjaro. It can be considered as a warm-up and acclimatization trek before climbing Africa's highest peak.

BONUS: During the trekking, you'll see giraffe, buffalo, antelope and baboon, and cross magnificent waterfalls and streams. You're in the heart of the Arusha National Park, so you'll have a front-row seat to this unforgettable wildlife.

For safety reasons, a park ranger accompanies the group, so you can enjoy the experience in complete safety.

The last part of the summit contains a few easy but unsecured climbing passages. A good aptitude for heights and good footwear are absolutely essential.

In adverse weather conditions (heavy rain, icy rocks or thick fog), the park guard may cancel the summit attempt. Mount Meru is therefore not recommended during the rainy season in April and May.

This trip can easily be combined with a few days on safari in the Tanzanian National Parks. It's also a good way to acclimatize before attempting to climb Kilimanjaro via the Machame route, the Rongaï route, the Lemosho route or the Marangu route. You can also consult our special report for all the information you need to climb the summit of Africa.

Program

D1: Kilimanjaro Airport - Arusha.
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you are welcomed and transferred to the Green Hills Hotel, on the outskirts of Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, the rest of the day is free. You can simply relax or explore the city of Arusha (taxi required).
In the evening, you have a briefing in preparation for your next hike.

D2: Arusha - Momella gate (1500m) - Miriakamba refuge (2500m).
In the morning you are picked up at your hotel in Arusha and after a scenic ride through the Arusha National Park you reach the Momella gate. Once the formalities settled, an armed forest ranger accompanies us and, from the beginning, you will be able to see giraffes and buffaloes while hiking.
After about 2 hours, you reach the Maio Falls, a perfect place to rest and have a picnic. Afterwards, you continue your trek to the famous "fig tree arch". After about two hours, you arrive at the Miriakamba hut in time for tea and snacks. The night is spent in this hut of Miriakamba.

D3: Miriakamba refuge (2500m) - Saddle refuge (3500m).
In the morning, you follow wooden steps along a steep track. Due to the altitude gain, it will be significantly cooler than the day before and walking may seem easier. After a climb of about 2 hours, you reach the point of view "Mgongo wa Tembo" (elephant's back) at an altitude of 3200 meters, where you enjoy a well-deserved break. The vegetation is now changing from rainforest to heath and moor and you should reach Saddle hut (3550m) around noon. During the afternoon, we acclimatize to Little Meru (3820m) (1 to 1 and a half hour of walking). From here you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Arusha National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro about 80 kilometers away. Returning to Saddle hut, you have a hot meal before going to bed early because you will wake up just after midnight.

D4: Saddle hut (3500m) - Socialist Peak (4566m) - Miriakamba refuge (2500m).
After a small snack and tea, you leave the camp at night. Brightening the path with headlamps, you follow the trail through the bush to Rhino Point (3821m). From there, the path becomes more difficult and it is sometimes be necessary to use your hands. You walk on volcanic ash, rocks and gravels, following the edge of the crater. After about 4 to 5 hours, you should reach the summit and its magnificent view of the rising sun over Mount Kilimanjaro and the crater of Mount Meru. The descent follows the same path to Saddle hut (3550m) where you can take a break and recover with hot soup and tea. Once refreshed, you continue the descent. In the afternoon you reach, tired but happy, Miriakamba hut (2500m)

D5: Miriakamba refuge (2500m) - Momella gate (1500m) - Arusha.
After breakfast, you follow the "North Road", a 2 to 3 hour hike to Momella gate. The descent follows a shorter route than the ascent and there is still a chance to see elephants, buffaloes, giraffes as well as black and white colobus monkeys. At the gate, you say goodbye to your hiking team and your driver takes you back to the hotel where you celebrate your success and spend the night.

D10: Arusha - transport to airport.
At any time, depending on your return schedule, a driver will take you back to the airport.

The price includes

• Local supervision: cooks, drivers, porters and guide.
• Return transfers from Kilimanjaro international airport to your hotel in Arusha.
• Return transfers from the hotel to the Arusha National Park gate.
• 2 nights hotel before and after the trekking.
• Meals from D1 dinner to D6 lunch.
• Collective camping equipment (tents for 2 people + foam mattress).
• Entrance fees to Arusha National Park.

Number of participants	1	from 2 to 3	from 4 to 7	8 or more
Price per person	1590 $	891 $	863 $	843 $

The price does not include

• Tanzanian visa.
• Return flights to Arusha.
• Airport transfers if you can not get to Kilimanjaro JRO.
• Tips on site.
• Drinks during meals at the restaurant.
• Personal expenses and equipment.
• Optional insurance.
• Bank charges for international tranfers.
• Anything not mentioned in "The price includes".

Accommodation

• Nights in a furnished shelter (bed, table, chair, mattress) with toilets (WC) outside. Refuge very well maintained with solar electricity on the camp.
• Warning: the sleeping bag is not provided.

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