4 Days Mount Meru Climb

Overview
Located in Arusha, Tanzania, just a few kilometers from Arusha city, this is the fifth-highest mountain in Africa. Not only is it a fantastic mountain to climb, but it also offers spectacular scenery, including breathtaking glimpses of Mount Kilimanjaro. Furthermore, this mountain is unspoiled and significantly less crowded compared to its renowned counterparts, Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. Consequently, this 4-day Mount Meru climb promises to amaze you with its diverse wildlife, fascinating history, and an unforgettable hiking experience.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Miriakamba Hut
We will begin the day by departing from your hotel in Arusha early in the morning. First, our journey starts with a scenic one-hour drive to Arusha National Park, where you will immediately notice the lively and versatile vegetation. Interestingly, the park served as the filming location for the famous Hollywood movie Hatari, starring legendary actors Hardy Kruger and John Wayne. After completing the necessary park formalities, we will officially commence our trek near the Ngarenanyuki River.

As we progress towards Miriakamba Hut, you will be accompanied by an armed ranger and a professional mountain guide to ensure both safety and an informative experience. During this walk, you are likely to encounter an abundance of wildlife, including buffalo, waterbucks, giraffes, warthogs, zebras, and gazelles. Moreover, your guide will point out and identify various bird species. While there is a possibility of spotting leopards or elephants, these animals tend to be more elusive compared to those in the Serengeti. Eventually, we will arrive at Miriakamba Hut, where you can unwind and enjoy a well-deserved dinner before resting for the night.

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut
We will kick off the day with a hearty, energy-packed breakfast. Afterward, we will embark on a steeper trail that leads to Saddle Hut. Along the way, the hike becomes more challenging, but the increasingly spectacular views provide the perfect motivation. Once we reach Saddle Hut, you will have the option to embark on a short trek to Little Meru, a side peak offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

Upon completing the trek to Little Meru, we will return to Saddle Hut for dinner. Given that the summit hike begins at midnight, we highly recommend an early night’s rest to ensure you are fully energized and prepared for the demanding ascent.

Day 3: Saddle Hut to Miriakamba Hut
Our ascent to the summit begins just after midnight. For approximately five hours, the light of your headlamp will guide you as we tackle the most challenging portion of the climb. Due to the high altitude, this segment is physically demanding, but the incredible views and sense of accomplishment make it worthwhile. Upon reaching the summit, you will have time to soak in the breathtaking scenery, take photographs, and reflect on the journey so far.

On our descent, the experience becomes even more rewarding as the panoramic views of the lush mountains and vibrant landscapes unfold before you. After a relaxing lunch at Saddle Hut, we will continue descending for about two hours, eventually arriving back at Miriakamba Hut, where you can enjoy a restful evening.

Day 4: Miriakamba Hut to Momela Gate to Arusha
We will start the final day with a filling breakfast at the camp. Then, we will begin the last leg of our trek, which takes us through Meru’s enchanting cloud forest. Resembling an otherworldly setting from a whimsical novel, this forest is truly mesmerizing. However, as the trail to Momela Gate is steep and often slippery, we urge you to tread cautiously.

Upon reaching the Momela Gate, you will have the opportunity to celebrate your accomplishment with refreshments, such as sodas, and purchase souvenirs like Mount Meru trekking t-shirts. Finally, the Meru Slopes Tours and Safaris vehicle will be waiting to transport you back to your starting point, bringing this unforgettable adventure to a close.

Inclusions

• All transfers to the mountain and back to your Arusha hotel
• Professional, experienced mountain guides
• Salaries and park fees for guides, porters, and cooks
• Accommodation in wooden dormitory-style huts
• Sleeping mattresses
• Emergency oxygen cylinders
• All meals while on the mountain
• Quality mess tents with tables and chairs
• Large portions of fresh, healthy, and nutritious food
• Clean, purified drinking water
• Conservation fees (part of park fees)
• Camping fees (part of park fees)
• Rescue fees (part of park fees)
• VAT (18% charged by the Government)

Exclusions

• Tanzania Visa
• International and domestic flights
• Hotel accommodations (optional add-on)
• Transfers (optional add-on)
• Personal trekking equipment, such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, and clothes (available for rent)
• Tips and gratuities
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, telephone, beverages)
• Meals not listed in the itinerary

Price
$1000 USD per person