Mount Meru Climbing Safaris
Mount Meru is Mount Kilimanjaro’s little sister, standing at 4,566m compared to 5,895m, but is still an impressive freestanding volcano, which makes a superb four day climb to the top. It last erupted in 1910 therefore can be classified as an active volcano. The first Mount Meru ascent was made by Dr. Fritz Jaeger, 1904. The town of Arusha lies at the base of Mount Meru Trekking, loads of trek companies do this trek. Wild animals are frequently found on this mountain therefore an armed ranger usually accompanies the trekkers. It is Tanzania’s second highest mountain and thus a suitable base for those acclimatizing for Kilimanjaro climb.
Mount Meru is an active volcano of 4566 metres about 70 kilometres west of Mount Kilimanjaro and our trek is six days to reach the summit and come back. It is an excellent standalone trip or a prequel to climbing Kilimanjaro itself. Some people say that Meru is actually more challenging, and for sure it is much quieter. Therefore, there is a lot more wildlife to be seen and the sense of remoteness and solitude is much stronger than on the more famous peak nearby.
The mountain is the centerpiece of Arusha National Park and its fertile slopes rise above the surrounding savanna and support a forest that hosts diverse wildlife, including nearly 400 species of birds, and also monkeys and leopards. Trekkers have the opportunity to see a lot of wildlife as they approach and climb the mountain.
The ascent is quite steep in places and the route to the summit passes over a number of streams, moving through grasslands, tropical rainforest, alpine meadows, moorlands and desert uplands to snow and ice. The summit is reached by a narrow, barren ridge, which provides stunning views of the Ash Cone lying several hundred feet below in the crater.
Mount Meru Climbing – Tanzania’s Second highest mountain
Grade C Mount Meru hiking is a strenuous climb so you need to be very fit in order to achieve this trek, you should be used to long trekking and had some high-altitude experience.
Mount Meru accommodation
You can be booked into a hotel in Arusha or Moshi in order to climb Mt Meru. You can also fly into Nairobi or Kilimanjaro and catch the shuttle bus to either town. Mount Meru is easily accessible from Arusha.
From Kilimanjaro airport to Moshi is about 45 mins and one and a quarter hour to Arusha. From Nairobi airport it is about 5-hour drive to Arusha which is an interesting drive and gives you a good feel about the place and the way people live. Well worth the trip! This trek is often done as a warmup and acclimatization climb for Mount Kilimanjaro. Many tour companies offer a combination package. The mountain is unspoilt and less congested as compared to its Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya counterparts.
Trekking Mount Meru & Climbing
Duration: 4 Days/3 nights
Location: Climbing Mount Meru, Arusha, Tanzania
Day 1: Arusha/Mariakamba Hut
Mt. Meru Park Gate – Mariakamba: 4-5 hours
Drive from Arusha to the Mt. Meru Park gate where you will be met by our game ranger and porters. Hike for the few hours to Mariakamba Hut at 8,500 ft. From here you may wish to take an evening walk on the slopes to view wildlife at one of the watering holes in the crater. Dinner and overnight rest at Mariakamba Hut, L,D
Day 2: Mariakamba Hut – Saddle Hut
Mariakamba – Saddle Hut: 3-4 hours
After breakfast hike to up to 11,500 ft to arrive at Saddle Hut. If time permits you can climb a little further on Mount Meru for a scenic view of the ‘Roof of Africa’, Mount Kilimanjaro. This will also be part of more acclimatization. Overnight at Saddle Hut, B,L,D
Day 3: Saddle Hut – Summit – Mariakamba Hut
Saddle Hut – Summit: 4-6 hours
An early rise to hike all the way to the summit before the afternoon clouds cover the summit. From the summit, descend back to the 11,500 ft Saddle Hut in time for lunch. After lunch, hike down to Mariakamba Hut for dinner and overnight, B,L,D.
Day 4: Mariakamba Hut – Arusha
Breakfast at the camp and a leisurely morning. Descend to the park gate to connect with your waiting transfer vehicle back to your Arusha Hotel, continue with other programs or depart, B.
Included in the tour price: Mount Meru Climbing Safaris
-Guarantee price/guarantee trek on confirmation.
-Transfer to and from the base of the mountain.
-Full board accommodation whilst on the trek.
-Meal plan as detailed: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner
-Accommodations in camps/huts as per the itinerary
-All park entrance fees to include government taxes
-Service of an English-speaking professional guide, porters and skilled cook
-Porters to carry your luggage
-Treated water on the trek.
-Start and finish in Arusha.
Excluded:
-Laundry, sleeping bags and beverages/drinks,
-Tips
-Airport transfers
Accommodation before the trek and climbing gears
-International flights
-Visas
-Items of personal nature
-Any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary
Mount Meru Climbing Safaris