Mount Meru is part and parcel of Arusha National Park. The dramatic crater of Mt Meru is often neglected in favor of its famous neighbor to the east, but a visit to this spectacular mountain, located within Arusha National Park, is cherished experience. Its lower slopes are covered in dense highland forest, where Colobus monkey play and buffalo gaze concealed beneath the thick foliage. The extinct volcano’s extensive base gives way to a perfectly formed crater a subsidiary peak and the Momella Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater are visible from Meru slopes.
Mount Meru is Tanzania’s second highest peak 4566m after Kilimanjaro. Climbing up and down on the same route with spectacular diversified view of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro highlands, Arusha town becomes so fascinating. trekking Mount Meru takes a minimum of three days and the accommodation is in Huts where trekkers have to share with other trekkers.
Four Days Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Momella Gate (1500m) to Miriakamba (2750m):
Transfer from Arusha Town to Momella Gate where the registration for trekking takes place and thereafter you will start trekking. This day is mostly through the forest, where climbers see a variety of forest birds and mammals. There are two routes from Momella gate to Miriakamba; Southern and Northern.
Southern Route (road): It takes 5 hours walk from Momella gate to Miriakamba hut. Visitors pass through the Montane Forest with different features such as the Fig Tree Arch, Moivo Waterfalls, and different kinds of vegetation.
Northern Route: It takes between 3-4 hours from Momella gate to Miriakamba hut. This is the shortest and steepest route. Along this route the views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Momella Lakes are spectacular. Dinner and overnight at the Hut.
Day 2: Miriakamba to Saddle (3750m):
It takes 3-4 hours trekking from Miriakamba to Saddle Hut. Along this portion of the route you will enjoy the spectacular view of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Momella Lakes, Meru Crater, Ash cone, Mt. Meru Cliff and Little Meru. Wild animals can be seen and altitudinal changes in vegetation become apparent. While at this hut, the ascent to Little Meru can be done in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the hut.
Day 3: Saddle Hut to Summit (4566m):
It takes 5-6 hours from Saddle Hut to Summit. This is the place where visitors enjoy most of the features of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Little Meru (3801m), Meru Crater, Ash cone, Momella Lakes, Cliff face, Meru Peak, Ngorongoro Crater Highlands, Arusha Town, sunrise and sunset.
Klipspringers and mountain reedbuck are seen over the rocks. High altitude birds e.g. lammergeyer, and flowers like everlasting can also be seen.
The start for the summit is made early in the morning. After reaching the summit at 4566m you will walk back to Miriakamba hut for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Miriakamba to Momella Gate:
This day you descend to Momella gate for transfer to Arusha Town. Visitors who used the short route while ascending may choose to descend through the long route or vice versa. It takes 2 to 3 hours for the short and long route respectively from Miriakamba to the Momella gate.
END OF FOUR DAYS MT. MERU TREK
Note the following:
If you like us to arrange your accommodations for the night (s) before and after Kili please let us know.
If you are arriving at Julius Nyerere/Kilimanjaro/Arusha Airport or by a bus let us know so we can arrange meeting you on arrival to make things even smoother.
We will be happy to know your travel plans so we can customize this itinerary or any other itinerary for you. We are a full service company.
Click here for packing list. Camping and lodge safari have almost same packing list but in case you have questions let us know.
This itinerary can also be extended to cover other parks in the western parks, Southern parks, Northern circuit safaris, Kilimanjaro, Oldongo Lengai trek, Usambara Mountains, Zanzibar beach holiday or either way depending on your needs.