TREK OVERVIEW
Mount Meru - Arusha National Park
Mount Meru is one of Africa’s highest and most beautiful volcanoes, standing at 4566 m. It is located within Arusha National Park. The route to the summit passes through parkland, montane forest, a giant heather zone, and moorland. Finally, the summit is reached by a narrow, barren ridge which provides stunning views of the Ash Cone lying several thousand feet below in the crater and Mt. Kilimanjaro in the background.
Because the mountain lies within a National Park, it is common to encounter some of the area’s birds, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, warthogs, and black and white Colobus monkeys on the first day of your journey to the summit. For this reason, you will climb with a Park Ranger who takes your safety very seriously.
Many will say that Mt. Meru is not a difficult climb compared with Mt. Kilimanjaro, because of its lower elevation, shorter distance, and comfortable sleeping arrangements, but this is not a mountain to be taken lightly. The climb to the summit is rigorous, involving some steep ascents over rocky nclines and narrow ridges to traverse. It is,, therefore, challenging yet rewarding and a beautiful mountain to experience.
TREK HIGHLIGHTS
Trek Duration
4 Days, 3 Nights
Traffic
Medium
Difficulty
Medium
Scenery
Very Good
Trekking Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha - Mariakamba Hut
Mt.Meru Park Gate – Mariakamba: 4-5 hours
Drive from Arusha to the Mt. Meru park gate, where you will be met by our game ranger and porters. Hike for a few hours to Mariakamba Hut at 8,500 ft. From here, you may wish to take an evening walk on the slopes to view wildlife at one of the watering holes in the crater. Dinner and overnight rest at Mariakamba Hut.
Day 2: Mariakamba Hut - Saddle Hut
Mariakamba – Saddle Hut: 3-4 hours
After breakfast, hike to 11,500 ft to arrive at Saddle Hut. If time permits, you can climb a little further on Mount Meru for a scenic view of the ‘Roof of Africa’, Mount Kilimanjaro. This will also be part of more acclimatization. Overnight at Saddle Hut.
Day 3: Saddle Hut - Summit - Mariakamba Hut
Saddle Hut – Summit: 4-6 hours
An early rise to hike all the way to the summit before the afternoon clouds cover the summit. From the summit, descend back to the 11,500 ft Saddle Hut in time for lunch. After lunch, hike down to Mariakamba Hut for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Mariakamba Hut - Arusha
Breakfast at the camp and a leisurely morning. Descend to the park gate to connect with your waiting transfer vehicle back to your Arusha Hotel, continue with other programs or depart.
Enquiry and Cost Coverage
Total Cost Covers;
- Airport Transfers (upon Arrival and Departure)
- All Entrance fees and Government taxes
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Fair wages for the mountain crew.
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Rescue Fees and all taxes.
- Salaries for Porters, Cook, and Guides
- Oxygen Tanks, Pulse Oximeter, and First Aid Kit
- Transfers from the Hotel to the Kilimanjaro entrance gate and from the Kilimanjaro exit gate to the hotel.
Total Cost does not Cover;
- Passport, Visa, and Travelers Insurance
- International and local airfare.
- Yellow fever vaccinations
- Local transportation before and after the climb.
- Tips for the support team
- Personal expenses eg. Laundry, beverages, etc.
- Private Toilet and hot shower tent
- Bed, Sleeping Bag, and walking Poles.