Mount Meru is the fifth highest mountain in Africa and it is a sight to behold. This ancient dormant volcano has a unique shaped, forged 250,000 years ago by a massive volcanic blast. Forget high rises, Arusha has a mountain dominating their skyline.
This mountain is often treated as a warm-up trek to the big Kilimanjaro hike. However, hikers be warned, Mount Meru will test your limits. In many ways, the climb is more taxing and requires more skill and endurance to reach the summit. To reach the peak of Mount Meru, hikers will take the Momella route. The hike will take you anywhere from 2 to 6 days, depending on your fitness level.
Your hike will start at Momella Gate, located at 1,500 m. Already you will be treated to beautiful views of grassland and lakes. You’ll cross over the Ngare Nanyuki River and possibly spot a few elephants before you find your camp for the night. Every new chapter of the journey brings new sites, unique vistas and another climb that is sure to test your limits.
Day 0: Arrival
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet a Kilimanjaro Joyful Adventures representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay
Day 1 - Moshi to Miriakamba Hut
Momella Gate to Miriakamba Huts
Elevation: 4,921 ft to 8,250 ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
After an early morning breakfast in Arusha/Moshi, you will be picked up from your hotel and brought to the Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. At this time, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then begin your ascent in Arusha National Park. The first day of hiking is similar to a walking safari; you should expect to see giraffes, zebras, antelope, buffalo, and potentially elephants near the trail. Due to the high possibility of spotting wildlife, an armed ranger, hired through the National Park, is required to hike with our team for the duration of the hike. As you continue hiking, you will pass the Ngarenanyuki River and a beautiful waterfall at the base of Mt. Meru. Upon arriving to Miriakamba Hut (2500m), your chef will prepare a hot dinner and washing water for you. Enjoy the beautiful sunset and overnight.
Day 2 - Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut
Elevation: 8,250 ft to 11,712 ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Habitat: Heath
After breakfast, you will start ascending up the steep trail along the ridge of the saddle. You may see various wildlife along the way! The trail has views of Mt. Meru Crater and the Ash Tray. When you arrive at camp, you have the option of hiking Little Mt. Meru (3820m) with your guide to further acclimate. You will be served an early dinner, so you can receive ample rest before your midnight summit attempt.
Day 3 - Saddle Hut –Summit- back to Moshi or Arusha
Elevation: 11,712 ft to 14,977 ft to 4,921 ft
Distance: 26 km
Hiking Time: 9 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Your guide will wake you at 00:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt at 1:30am. The trail starts off on a steep grade to Rhino Point (3800m) to Cobra Point (4350m). The last hour of the hike you will scramble on a rocky ridge between the crater and inner cliffs of Meru. You will reach the summit of Meru (4565m) at sunrise with spectacular views of Mt. Meru Ash Tray and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Enjoy your views then descend to Saddle Hut, get lunch and process to Momella Gate where you will be picked up by our vehicle and return to Moshi/Arusha.