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 3 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.
You can also hike an easier pace on Mt. Meru taking 4-5 days:
Included: Transfers to/from the park gate, meals, water, porters, cook, armed ranger and guide, park fees, hut fees and rescue fees
Excluded: All International Flights/local Flights + Taxes, Visa fees, Travel & Personal accident insurance, Excursions, services and activities not mentioned in this program, Personal expenses e.g. laundry, telephone calls, Drinks, Tips and gratuities
- Warm, windproof jacket with hood.
- Waterproof jacket and over trousers.
- Walking trouser, long sleeve, shirts and pullovers.
- Warm underwear, Good comfortable walking boots.
- Training shoes {for evening}. *Gaiters.
- Sun hat, * Warm hat or balaclava, *Scarf.
- Good warm sleeping bag a must
- Water bottle {1 to 2 liters}
- Water purification tablets/solution {and filter}
- Wash kit and towel, toilet paper.
- First aid kit {including blister plaster, headache tablets, sunscreen cream, lip salve, personal medication.
- Torch, Sun glasses, walking poles.
Day 1: Arusha - Miriakamba Hut
We drive from your hotel in Arusha to Momela Gate. After a short registration at the Gate our walk will begin with full armed ranger escorting us, simply we can see along the way the wild animals including elephants, zebras, and giraffe , monkeys, antelope, and often elephants along the route. Dinner and overnight at Miriakamba Hut.
Day 2: Miriakamba - Saddle Hut
The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the Saddle Hut below Little Meru is a short day but a steep climb.
The walk will take us slowly along the ridge for a spectacular view of the Meru Crater and the impressive Ash Cone. After hot lunch at Saddle Hut we can make a short climb to the summit of Little Meru (3,820m) for superb views just before sunset.
Day 3: Summit Day - Arusha
We start early at around 1:30 a.m. to climb steeply to Rhino Point (3,800 m.) and on to Cobra Point (4350m). We reach the summit (4,566 m) on time for sunrise there is a possibility to see Kilimanjaro Peak above the clouds. The final part of the climb is along a spectacular narrow ridge line between the sheer inner cliffs and the sloping outer wall of the crater.
We take a short rest and brunch at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to the Momella gate. The returning transfer will be waiting at Momella Gate to pick you back to Arusha.
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