4 DAYS MT MERU CLIMBING

Day 01 : Moshi (900m) – Miriakamba Hut (2500m)

Distance: 7km

Environment: Montane forest

Time: 5-7 hours of hiking

After having your breakfast meal at your hotel in Moshi, you’ll be transferred from your hotel to the Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. After arriving, porters will arrange and pack your belongings while you finish off your registration process with the TANAPA (Tanzania National Park Authority). After completing the formalities, you’ll begin your ascent in Arusha National Park. For the most part, the first day of the hiking tour is very much similar to walking safaris. So expect to see giraffes, antelopes, buffaloes, zebras, and elephants near to the hiking trail. Due to the presence of wild animals, trekkers are always accompanied by an armed ranger which is mandatory for the duration of the hike. You’ll pass through the Ngarenanyuki River and also a small but beautiful waterfall just at the base of Mt. Meru. A hot dinner will be prepared once you reach the Miriakamba Hut at 2500 meters. Enjoy the beautiful sunset and overnight.

Day 02 : Miriakamba Hut (2500m) – Saddle Hut (3500m)

Distance: 6km

Environment: Moorland

Time: 3-4 hours of hiking

After breakfast, You after having your breakfast, you’ll start ascending along the ridge of the saddle through a steep trail. In the process, you may get lucky to see various wild animals that live in the mountain. The trail offer views of the Mt. Meru Crater and the Ash Tray. When you arrive at the camp, you can hike the little Mt. Meru at 3820 meters to help acclimatize yourself. After having your early dinner, you can go to sleep as you’ll start the trekking around midnight hours. Get to sleep by 1900 hours.

Day 03 : Saddle Hut (3500m) – Summit Attempt (4566m) –Miriakamba Hut (2500m)

Distance: 5km ascent/11km descent

Environment: Semi-desert, alpine desert, montane forest

Time: 4 – 5 hours ascent / 6 – 7 hours descent

Your guide will wake you at 00:30 for tea and biscuits. You’ll be attempting your summit trek at 1:30 in night. The trail will lead you through a steep grade to Rhino point at 3800 meters and then eventually to Cobra Point at 4350 meters. Towards the end of the hike, you’ll scramble on a rocky ridge between the inner cliffs of Meru and its crater. You’ll make it to the summit of Meru before or at sunrise and see the marvellous sightings of Mt. Meru Ash Tray and the nearby Mt. Kilimanjaro.

After spending some time there, you’ll descend down to Saddle Hut and take a break. After having some snaks, you’ll further descend to Miriakamba Hut (2500 meters) where you’ll have your dinner and overnight stay.