3 Nights / 4 Days
At a height of 4,566 m, Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania and the fifth highest on the African Continent. Its distinct appearance was formed around 250 000 years ago by a tremendous volcanic eruption that destroyed the entire eastern flank, leaving a horseshoe-shaped crater. Not only does Mt Meru boast impressive views and diverse vegetation, it also gives you the chance to see some wildlife in the form of a walking safari. On your trek you might come across large game such as giraffes, buffaloes, baboons, elephants, antelopes and colobus monkeys. As the vegetation changes from dense mountain rainforest into heather and moorland and finally alpine desert, the frequency of animals you will see becomes scarcer, shifting your focus from animals to landscape. You will be accompanied by an armed park ranger on your tour.
Trip Summary
Start: Arusha, Tanzania
End: Arusha, Tanzania
Destinations: Mount Meru
Theme: Hiking
Physical level: Medium
Max group size: Any size
End of the Trek
4 Days cost US$1,240 per person.
Single supplement: US$ 200. This is applicable for a single climber only.
In the morning you will be met at your hotel and after a briefing about your upcoming trek start the scenic drive to Arusha National Park. Arriving at the gate, your guide will complete the registration forms and gather the hiking team before you will start your journey up Mount Meru accompanied by an armed park ranger. Walking through the grasslands towards the acacia forest on the southern route, you might spot giraffes and buffaloes lazily grazing on the lush vegetation. After roughly 2 hours you will reach the Maio Falls, where you can stretch your legs and enjoy a picnic lunch. Thereafter the journey continues through the 鈥渇ig tree arch鈥, an unusual tree formation created by the wild fig Ficus Thonningii. Another two hours of hiking takes you to Miriakamba Hut where afternoon tea and snacks await you. The night will be spent at the Miriakamba Hut. Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast you will continue on wooden steps along a steep track. The shift in altitude brings about a noticeable drop in temperature and walking may seem easier. The low hanging clouds often shrouds the rainforest in mist, creating a moody atmosphere in the lush vegetation. Your uphill trek will take you to 鈥淢gongo wa Tembo鈥 (elephant back) at a height of 3,200 m after approximately 2 hours, where you can take in the scenery and rest, before heading onward to Saddle Hut (3,550 m). On the way you will see the vegetation changing from rainforest to heather and moorland. After reaching Saddle Hut you can opt to hike to Little Meru (3,820 m), a 1 to 1陆 hours hike from where you will have a fantastic view over Arusha National Park and Kilimanjaro about 80 km away. A warm meal and an early night awaits you back at Saddle Hut as your wake-up call will be just after midnight. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You will be awakened with a small snack and warm tea, after which you will start your final ascent. Headlamps light your way as you follow the trail through bush land to Rhino Point (3,821 m). The path becomes more challenging and occasionally climbing will be required. Following the crater rim, you will walk on frozen volcanic ash and rocks, before reaching the summit, Socialist Peak, in about 4 鈥 5 hours. Standing at the peak you will enjoy the breath-taking view of the sun rising above Mt Kilimanjaro as well as have a fantastic view of Mt Meru鈥檚 crater with its steep sides and the 鈥渁sh cone鈥 in the middle. After taking a few deep fresh breaths you will start your descent on the same route back to Saddle Hut (3,550 m) where you can recuperate with hot soup and tea. Once rested, you will continue the descent to Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m). Tired and happy you will have your evening meal and doze off with the views of the day filling your thoughts. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast you will start your final stretch on the so-called 鈥渘orthern route back to Momella gate. On this 2 to 3 hour trek you will once again have the chance to see giraffes, buffaloes elephants as well as the black and white colobus monkeys. Arriving at the gate you will say farewell to your hiking crew and be taken back to Arusha. Breakfast
Note: The summit stage contains a few easy but unsecured climbing passages. A good head for heights and surefootedness are absolutely necessary. In adverse weather conditions (heavy rain, icy rocks or thick fog) the park ranger can call off the summit attempt. We do not advise to climb Mount Meru in the rainy season in April and May.
Aardvark Expeditions Limited is one of the leading tour operators in Arusha, Tanzania, offering expertly guided adventure trips across the country. From climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru to exploring Ol Doinyo Lengai, relaxing on Zanzibar's Beaches, or immersing yourself in rich cultural tourism programs to the Masai and eco-treks - we make it easy to book unforgettable experiences with professional outfitting and local expertise. We provide unforgettable safaris and guided treks in northern Tanzania - perfect for travelers searching for safari tours near me or trekking adventures close to Arusha. Visit us at Arusha office for personalized itineraries and expert local guidance. Read More...
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