TOUR OVERVIEW
3 Days Mount Meru Climb Meru is a great preparation hike for climbing Kilimanjaro, or a spectacular trek for those not compelled to do Kilimanjaro. You will hike past wildlife, the landscape is spectacular, and sunrise on the summit has Kilimanjaro as the backdrop. While it can be done in only 4 days, it is not an easy peak to summit. To reach the top (almost 15,000 feet), there is some scrambling on rocks in the dark and at high altitude. You should be prepared for at least 10 hours of hiking on summit day. For an easier hike, you can climb just to Rhino Point for sunrise overlooking Kilimanjaro, and then descend.
Mt. Meru is in Arusha National Park. In Arusha National Park all hikers must be accompanied by an armed ranger. This ranger is employed directly by the national park. You will also have your own mountain guide, who is managing the crew and watching out for your safety. The park ranger has the authority to make decisions such as trail choices, pace, etc. Arusha National Park may combine groups of people to hike with one park ranger, therefore, we cannot guarantee a completely private Meru trek. Arusha National Park requires the hire of porters specific to Arusha National Park, who will be assigned once you arrive at the trail registration.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
- Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania
- Day 2: Drive from Arusha/Moshi to Momela Gate, hike to Miriakampa Hut
- Day 3: Hike Miriakampa Hut to Saddle Hut, afternoon hike up Little Meru
- Day 4: Hike to Summit then down to trail head, return to Moshi/Arusha
- Day 5: Depart Tanzania
FULL TOUR ITINERARY
We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your arranged hotel in Moshi town, you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.
Hotel: Bed & Breakfast
Last day of 3 Days Mount Meru Climb, Summit day has an early start at around 12:00AM. There is a 1 hour steep climb to Rhino Point (3,800m / 12,467ft), then the path continues along a ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point (4,350m / 14,272ft). The summit of Socialist Peak (4,566 m) is an hour further on a steep path with magnificent views of Kilimanjaro. Depending on your speed, you can enjoy sunrise at Cobra Point or the summit. The views are stunning: the cliffs of the Crater rim, the Ash Cone rising from the crater floor, Kilimanjaro floating on the morning clouds, and the Rift Valley. The route back to Rhino Point in the sharp morning light along a narrow ridge between the sloping outer wall of the crater and the sheer cliffs of the inner wall is one of the most dramatic and exhilarating walks in Africa. Brunch and a brief rest is taken at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to Miriakamba Hut.
NOTE: For an easier climb, you can start the trek at 05:00 A.M., hike for about 1 hour, and enjoy sunrise at Rhino Point before going back to Saddle Hut for breakfast and then descending.
NOTE: In icy conditions or in strong winds, it may be impossible for anyone to progress beyond Rhino Point.
There are two ways down from here. You can descend the route you came up or walk down the jeep road, which descends to the lower crater floor. You pass through the well-known Fig Tree Arch and can visit an impressive waterfall hidden in a ravine not far from the road.
A fast descent through open grassland and mixed forest, with good chances of seeing wildlife. This trail has excellent views back towards the crater and over the plains of the National Park. We’ll have lunch on the way down. Momela Gate is reached by mid-day or afternoon.
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
INCLUDES / EXCLUDES
To help you plan your trip, we have put together a list of what’s included and what’s not included in your tour package. This will give you a clear understanding of what to expect and help you make any necessary arrangements before your journey begins.
- Airport pick up and drop off
- 2 Nights’ accommodation in Moshi is or Arusha included
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
- All Government taxes and levies including 18% VAT.
- Kilimanjaro National Park Entrance fees
- Clean purified drinking water
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Quality mess tents with table and chairs
- All meals while on the mountain
- Sleeping Mattress
- International or Local Flights
- Optional activities
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance
