4 Days Mount
Route Map, Itinerary, Altitude, Distance & Time
A little brother to Kilimanjaro and at a height of 4,566 meters (14,980 ft), Mount Meru is a dormant volcano located in Arusha National Park, 70 Kilometers (43 miles) west of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania after Kilimanjaro and fifth highest in Africa. Often used for acclimatization and as a warm-up climb for Mount Kilimanjaro but this mountain is well worth a climb in its own right.
Typically Mount Meru Climb is 4 days, but it can be done in 3 days to complete a trek to the Summit. The mountain is not as crowded as Kilimanjaro and there is high chance of seen wildlife on the way. An armed ranger will accompany your hike on the first stage just in case of the wildlife threats.
Day 1
We depart Moshi or Arusha for Momella Gate in Arusha National Park for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins in open grassland with an armed ranger as the possibility of seeing wildlife – giraffe, zebras, antelope, elephant and buffalo – is high. We climb steadily through the rain forest until the reach Miriakamba Huts, situated in a grassy glade.
| From Momella Gate | To Miriakamba Huts |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 1,500m = 4,921ft |
2,515m = 8,250 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
10 km |
|
Hiking Time |
4-6 hours |
|
Habitat |
Rain Forest |
Day 2
We continue climbing through the rain forest until we enter the heath zone accompanied by giant heather and other moorland vegetation. Along the ridge of the saddle, we have views of Mount Meru Crater and the Ash Tray. After arriving at Saddle Huts, there is an option to hike to the top of Little Mount Meru for superb views and to further aid acclimatization.
| From Mandara Hut | To Saddle Huts |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 2,515m = 8,250ft |
3,570m = 11,712 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
8 Km |
|
Hiking Time |
3 – 5 Hours |
|
Habitat |
Heath |
Day 3
Early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our climb to the summit. The trail is steep to Rhino Point and then Cobra Point. The path continues along the ridge of ash and rock to the summit – Socialist Peak. Here we enjoy magnificent views of Kilimanjaro and the sunrise before returning to Miriakamba Huts.
| From Saddle Huts | To Summit | To Miriakamba Huts |
|---|---|---|
|
Elevation 3,570m = 11,712ft |
4,565m = 14,977ft |
2,515m =
8,250 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
5 km |
13 km |
|
Hiking Time |
4-6 hours |
4-6 hours |
|
Habitat |
Alpine Desert |
Heath |
Day 4
On our last day, we descend quickly through the tropical rain-forest to Momella Gate. At the base of the mountain, our vehicle will meet us and drive us back to the hotel in Arusha or Moshi.
| From Miriakamba Huts | To Momella Gate |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 3,570m 11,712ft |
1,500m = 4,921 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
10 km |
|
Hiking Time |
2-4 hours |
|
Habitat |
Rain Forest |
NOTE:
The price includes:
- All park entry fees, tour charges and respective taxes as per itinerary,
- Camping Equipment (i.e. tents, chairs, mattresses),
- Food – 3 meals a day and refreshments,
- Trained Personal Cook,
- Trained and licensed English Speaking Mountain Guide,
- Mountain Porters,
- Transportation to/from the mountain,
- Airport transfers,
- Two nights bed and breakfast hotel accommodation in Moshi before and after climbing,
- Air and ground ambulance cover for medical evacuation services,
However, the price excludes:
- Crews tip,
- Climbing gears – e.g. sleeping bag, walking poles, rainy and warm stuff, etc,
- Personal expenses, such as visa fee, airport taxes, insurance policy, etc.