Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania and the fourth highest peak in Africa.
Less strenuous than climbing Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru nevertheless offers a very varied hiking experience. Due to its neighboring location, you will enjoy a fantastic view of Kilimanjaro. All those who wish to climb the highest peak in Africa will incidentally achieve an ideal altitude adaptation.
At your accommodation in Arusha, you will meet with our professional mountain guide for a detailed discussion of all aspects of the climb and a check of your equipment. We will leave Arusha town and drive to Momela Gate (Arusha National Park), where we will complete all park entrance formalities and meet with an armed ranger who will escort us the first part. In Arusha National Park we can see different types of wildlife along the road, including zebras, giraffes, monkeys, antelopes and often elephants. Therefore, we need an escort until the beginning of the trail. We leave the gate of the park and cross the enchanting rainforest before reaching the first campsite.
Overnight: Miriakamba Hut, Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles), Hiking time: 4 to 6 hours, Altitude: 1400m to 2500m (4.600ft – 8.200ft), Habitat: Mountain forest.
After breakfast, we continue our hike from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru. It is a day of hiking with a steep ascent, giving us spectacular views of the Meru peak and its impressive ash cone. After lunch at Saddle Hut (3560m or 11.680ft), we tackle the short climb to the summit of Little Meru, which offers magnificent views just before sunset at an altitude of 3,801m or 12.470ft.
Overnight at Saddle Hut, distance: 8 km (5 miles), walking time: 4 to 6 hours, habitat: forest and heathland.
After breakfast around 1:30 am, we begin our hike from Saddle Hut, climbing steeply to Rhino Point (3,800 m or 12.470ft) and then continuing to Cobra Point (4,350 m or 14.270ft). Our final part of the climb is along a spectacular narrow ridge between the steep inner cliffs and the sloping outer crater wall. We reach the summit of Mount Meru (4,562m or 14.967ft) in time for sunrise. We enjoy the view of the mountain massif and the peak of nearby Kilimanjaro lying above the clouds. After a short rest, we begin our descent and reach Saddle Hut, where we have brunch before heading to Momela Gate. Our vehicle for the return trip to Arusha town will be waiting for us at Momela Gate.
Overnight: Arusha, Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles), ascent (summit) and 13 km (8 miles) descent, Walking time: 12-14 hours, Habitat: Alpine desert, heath and mountain forest
