Hikers often neglect Mt Meru, the fifth highest mountain on the African continent and the second highest peak of Tanzania. Standing at 4566m at Arusha National Park, Mount Meru is a good spectacular trekking experience in itself. Furthermore this mountain is a good site for conducting warm-up exercises before going for the Kilimanjaro hike.
The Mt Meru ascent passes through many different vegetation zones. The dry forest of the lower region changes to a dense mountain rainforest, which then turns into scrubland. Closer to the summit, vegetation becomes less and less and gives way to alpine terrain.
Here at Mount Meru relay another stunning adventure with its volcano and wildlife around it, this offers fascinating views. Mount Meru is a dormant mountain (yet active – with the last eruption occurred in 1910). The first eruption of Mount Meru occurred 500,000 years ago. Again on Mount Meru lies one of the deepest craters with over 1,500 meters. You don’t want to miss this!
For following strong reasons our African Wanderlust Adventure Experts suggest to add Mount Meru into your Tanzania adventures list. Located in the instant vicinity, this mountain attracts the most of global hikers, consequently making it a secondary hiking destination or a warm-up exercise.
First – Spectacular sceneries
The Mt Meru ascent passes through many different vegetation zones. The dry forest of the lower region changes to a dense mountain rainforest, which then turns into scrubland. Closer to the summit, vegetation becomes less and less and gives way to alpine terrain.
The views from the summit area of Mt Meru are truly gratifying – valleys, forests and meadows, all buried in lush verdure, and magnetizing view of the Kilimanjaro peak looming on a horizon will astonish even the most experienced travellers.
Second – Wildlife sanctuary
Mount Meru is one of the few mountains of the world still densely inhabited by the wildlife, which freely roams on its slopes. As the vegetation changes so does the wildlife. During the ascent, you might come across large games such as Giraffes, Buffaloes, Baboons, Colobus monkeys and Antelopes, with some luck in your pocket, even elephants.
Third – Less crowded
Mount Meru being less popular among the hikers, gives it advantage of less crowds as you hike. Compared to the popular routes of Kilimanjaro, that is Marangu and Machame there is a chance of “traffic jams”, something that you will never experience on the trails of Meru. Mount Meru is a great solution for the relaxing hike seekers.
Fourth – Affordable price
Comparing to other hiking adventures, Hiking Mount Meru is quite an inexpensive activity. Due to that no tents are required (overnight stays on the mountain are in huts), low number of supportive crew is small, leading to travel costs reduction. Therefore, for those budgeting hikers, Meru can stand as a good and reasonable substitute.
Fifth – Extra safari tour to hiking itinerary
Tanzania being the best destination for enjoying Big five, wildlife of Tanzania is what attracts most of the visitors to this beautiful country.
Closing your safari tour with a Meru climb may be an exceptional idea to get the best of Tanzania.
NB: All our guides and porters are exclusive, individually trained professionals. The guides have Wilderness First Responder/Wilderness First Aid certifications. They know how to act in times of urgent situations and how to make your experience with African Wanderlust Adventure a lifetime experience.
Arusha Airport (ARK) (Google Map)
2 Hours Before Flight Time
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet an African Wanderlust Adventure representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a contented stay: comfortable rooms, hot water, courteous staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our expert managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.
In the morning you will depart towards Arusha National Park and then directly to the trailhead. The ride takes approximately 2.5-3 hours. You will experience several encounters with Giraffes, Buffaloes, and Antelopes etc.
At Momella Gate the guides will arrange the entry permit paperwork, and you will start trekking to Miriakamba Huts. Whereas, from here an armed park ranger will accompany you and right from the start you might again spot Giraffes and Buffaloes as you walk through open grassland. Soon you will enter the acacia forest on the southern route. After approximately 2 hours you will reach the Maio Falls – the perfect spot to rest and have a picnic. Thereafter you will continue your trek to the well-known “fig tree arch”. You will finally arrive at the Miriakamba Hut in time for afternoon tea and snacks. The night will be spent at the Miriakamba Hut. Wild animals like Warthogs, Zebras, Monkeys, Antelopes and, occasionally, Elephants are likely to be seen on the way.
Hot lunch will be served upon arrival to Miriakamba Huts. There you may rest or explore the surroundings.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: Momela gate to Miriakamba Hut covers 10 km
Change in elevation: Momela gate (1,387m) – Miriakamba Hut (2,514m)
Hiking time: 6 hours
Habitat: Grassland and Rainforest
After the breakfast, in the morning you will follow wooden steps along a steep track. Due to the gain in altitude, it will be noticeably cooler than the preceding day and walking may look easier. The clouds often hang low in the rainforest, creating a moody atmosphere in the lush vegetation. After going uphill for approximately 2 hours, you will encounter the vantage point “Mgongo wa Tembo” (elephant back) at a height of 3,200 m, where you will enjoy a well-earned break. The vegetation now changes from rainforest to heather and moorland and you should reach Saddle Hut at around midday.
Upon reaching the Saddle Hut Camp, those who are willing and energetic enough may reach the Little Meru Peak (3,820m), further boosting your acclimatization alteration. From here you will enjoy wonderful views of Arusha National Park and Mt Kilimanjaro about 80 km away. Back at Saddle Hut our team will serve you warm meal before heading to bed early as your wake-up call will be just after midnight.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut covers 8 km
Change in elevation: Miriakamba Hut (2,514m) – Saddle Hut (3,570m)
Hiking time: 5 hours
Habitat: Moorland and Heath
Midnight wake-up and the group starts trekking to the Socialist Peak. The hikers should be prepared for a tough and tiring hike, lighting the way with headlamps, you will follow the trail through bush land to Rhino Point (3,821 m – the legs to Rhino Point and Cobra points are especially precipitous. Be careful!). From here the path becomes more challenging and occasionally climbing will be essential. You will walk on frozen volcanic ash and rocks, following the crater rim. After about 4 to 5 hours you should reach the summit, Socialist Peak. Experience the sun rising above Mt Kilimanjaro and enjoy the fantastic view of Mt Meru’s crater with its steep sides and the ash cone in the middle. The descent follows the same route back to Saddle Hut where you will take a break and recuperate with hot soup and tea. Later on depart to Momella Gate where our car will pick your party and transfer to the hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: Saddle Hut to Socialist Peak Is 6 km, then to Momella gate covers 13 km
Change in elevation: Saddle Hut (3,570m) – Socialist Peak (4,565m) – Momella gate (1,387m)
Hiking time: 14 hours
Habitat: Heath, Apine, Rainforest
Spend some time resting in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
Note: Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.
