Mount Meru, volcanic cone (14,978 feet [4,565 m]), northern Tanzania. It is situated 42 miles (68 km) west-southwest of Mount Kilimanjaro, near the Kenyan border. Its extinct crater is easily accessible from Arusha town, which lies at the mountain’s southern base. The mountain’s densely populated southern and eastern slopes, exposed to the prevailing wind, are well watered, and the fertile volcanic soil supports coffee plantations. There are rain forests on the slopes up to about 9,500 feet (2,900 m).
The ascent of Mount Meru is a special experience that relatively few travelers have yet discovered. Mount Meru offers great views, impressive scenery and, thanks to its altitude profile, prepares you optimally for an ascent of Kilimanjaro. You will also have the opportunity to observe wild animals. You can choose between a shorter (3 days) and longer (4 days) ascent. In total you will spend 5 or 6 days in Tanzania.
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet an Intrepid Treks representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.
You’ll be picked up from your Arusha hotel and transferred to the Momella Gate of Arusha National Park, where you’ll go through the necessary pre-climb formalities.
Today’s hiking takes you across the open grasslands of the park in the company of an armed ranger. As you’re inside a national park, you’ll have an excellent chance of spotting game such as elephants, giraffes, buffalo, monkeys, and much more during the day.
In the afternoon, you’ll begin to climb into the rainforest, where you’ll overnight in the Miriakamba huts.
You’ll pass from the lush rainforest and into the more spartan heath zone today, with giant clumps of heather and other moorland scrub dotting the terrain.
Hiking along the ridge of the Mount Meru Crater, you’ll have breathtaking views of both the crater and the Ash Tray.
For those with a little extra energy, there’s the option to ascend to the peak of Little Mount Meru for a panoramic view of Arusha and its surrounds.
You’ll be up very early today. Around midnight, in fact!
It’s a steep trail that separates you from the summit of Mt. Meru and your trail takes you via Rhino Point and Cobra Point through volcanic terrain before you finally reach Socialist Point.
From here, you’ll experience a stunning sunset via of Arusha and the surrounding landscape before beginning your descent back to the Momella Gate.
A Shadows of Africa driver will meet you at the conclusion of your adventure to take you to your Arusha accommodation.
After breakfast depart Moshi about 8:30 a.m drive to Momella gate. Make payment and start the climb with picnic lunch to the first hut called Miriakamba hut. Dinner and overnight – Miriakamba hut (3 ½ hrs).
After breakfast we proceed with a climb to second hut called Saddle. This is too steep part compared to the first part (2 ½). During the afternoon, client can decide to attempt climbing little Meru peak and back. Dinner and overnight – Saddle hut.
Wake up at middle-night and have a cup of tea before starting attempt big Meru peak. Proceed to summit crossing rocky path and back to Saddle hut for full breakfast. The day will be spent resting. Lunch, dinner and overnight at Saddle hut.
Leave Saddle hut and descend down to Momella gate via first hut (Miriakamba) where you will be transferred to Arusha/Moshi.
INCLUDED IN TREKKING PACKAGE.
✓ Mt.Meru trekking according to the itinerary
✓ Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
✓ Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
✓ Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
✓ Airport Transfers
✓ Meals according to the itinerary
✓ Drinking water and Full Board Meals
✓ All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
✓ Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
✓ Gate Transfers
✓ Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
✓ Portable Private Toilet and Porter
EXCLUDED IN TREKKING PACKAGE.
<*> Flights
<*>Visa fees
<*>Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
<*>Gamow Bag
<*> Medication
<*> Tips for mountain crew ($20 for guide,$15 for cook, $10 for porter are Standard Recommended)
<*>Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
<*>Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
<*> Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
<*> Additional lodge nights if early descent
