3 Day Mount Meru Trekking
Tour Highlight
At a height of 4,566m, 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 flank, leaving a horseshoe-shaped crater. Not only does Mt. Meru boast impressive views and diverse vegetation, but it also gives the chance to see some wildlife in the form of a walking safari. On your trek, you might come across large games 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 the landscape. You will be accompanied by an armed park ranger on your tour for wildlife protection.
Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing
If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha. You will meet your Guide for Pre- trek briefing at your Moshi/Arusha hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend the day having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed at a store.
Day 1: Hotel – Momella Gate –Miriakamba Hut
- Start: Momella Gate Elevation: 1,500 m/4,921ft
- Finish: Miriakamba Hut: 2,500 m/8,202ft
- Altitude Gain: 1,000 m/3,280ft
- Distance: 14km /8.5 mi
- Hiking time: 4-5 hrs.
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Huts
In the morning at around 08:00 am you will be met at your hotel and after a briefing about the upcoming trek, transferred to Arusha National Park to register before setting off with your guide and ranger, required because there is an abundance of wildlife in the forest! Walking through the grasslands of the acacia forest on the southern route, you may spot giraffes and buffalo. After roughly 2 hours you will reach the Maio Falls, where you can enjoy a break, then continue through the ‘fig tree arch’ an unusual tree formation created by the wild fig Ficus Thonningii. After approximately 4 to 5 hours of trekking, you will reach a spectacular viewpoint, before heading on to the huts. Where afternoon tea and snacks await you. The night will be spent at the Miriakamba Hut.
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut
- Start: Miriakamba Hut: 2,500 m/8202ft – 3500m/11483ft
- Finish: Saddle Hut:3,500m/11,483ft
- Altitude Gain: 1,050 m/3,444ft
- Distance: 6km/3.5 ml
- Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: In Huts
After breakfast today 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 shroud the rainforest in mist, creating a moody atmosphere in the lush vegetation. Your uphill trek will take you to “MGONGO WA TEMBO” (elephants back) at a height of 3,200 m/10498ft after approximately 2 hours, where you can take in the view and rest, before heading onward to saddle Hut (3,550 m/11483ft). 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, a 1 to 1 ½ 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 await you back at Saddle Hut as your wake–up call is just midnight.
Day 3: Saddle Hut – Summit – Miriakamba Hut – Momella gate – Hotel.
- Start: Saddle Hut: -3,550m/ 11,483ft – Socialist Peak -4,562m/14,967ft
- Finish: Momela Gate – 1500m/4921ft
- Altitude Gain: 1,012m/3,320ft
- Altitude Lose: 3,062m/10,045ft
- Distance: 28km/17mi
- Hiking time: 14 – 16 hrs.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
You will be awaked with a small snack and warm tea, which you will start your final ascent. Headlamps light your way as you follow the trail through bushland to Rhino Point (3,821m/12,536ft). The path becomes more challenging and occasionally climbing will be required. Following the crater rim, you walk on frozen volcanic ash and rocks, before reaching the summit, Socialist Peak, in about 4 -5 hours. Standing at the peak you will enjoy the breathtaking view of the sun rising above Mt. Kilimanjaro as well as have a fantastic view of Mt. Meru’s crater with its steep sides and the “ash cone” in the middle. After taking a few deep fresh breaths you will start your descent on the same route back to Saddle Hut (3,550m/11,483ft) where you can recuperate with hot soup and tea. You will have a short rest before continuing to the Momella Gate After Miriakamba hut, you will follow the so-called northern route about a 2 to 3 hours trek to the Momella Gate. Arriving at the gate you will say farewell to your hiking crew, Kilele climb vehicle will be waiting for you at Momella gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha where the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Standard Package Pricing
- Price Rates Per Person in US$. The prices in other currencies are given for comparison only.
3 Days Meru Climbing + 2 nights in hotel
Hiking Route/Days | 1 Pax | 2 Pax | 3 Pax | 4 Pax | 5 Pax | 6 Pax | 7 Pax | 8 Pax | 9+ Pax |
6 Days Machame Route | $ 920 | $ 800 | $ 790 | $ 780 | $ 750 | $ 730 | $ 720 | $ 710 | $ 660 |
Deluxe Package Pricing
- Price Rates Per Person in US$. The prices in other currencies are given for comparison only.
3 Days Meru Climbing + 2 nights in hotel
Hiking Route/Days | 1 Pax | 2 Pax | 3 Pax | 4 Pax | 5 Pax | 6 Pax | 7 Pax | 8 Pax | 9+ Pax |
6 Days Machame Route | $ 1250 | $ 1075 | $ 990 | $ 950 | $ 930 | $ 900 | $ 880 | $ 830 | $ 800 |
Tanzanian Residents pay 80% of rates & East African Citizens pay 60% of rates.
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
- Mount Meru trekking according to the itinerary
- Overnight stays in mountain huts
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Professional, English –speaking guide
- Mountain crew (cook & porters)
- Park Ranger fee
- Drinking water
- All entry park fees
- Huts fees
- All mentioned transfers
- VAT (18% charge by the Government)
EXCLUDED FROM THE PRICE:
- Additional accommodation before and at the trekking (Unless mentioned otherwise).
- International and Domestic Flights
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips for the crew
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance
