Mount Meru
Mount Meru is part and parcel of Arusha National Park. The dramatic crater of Mt Meru is often neglected in favour of its famous neighbour to the east. Still, a visit to this spectacular mountain, located within Arusha National Park, is a 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 at 4566m, after Kilimanjaro. Climbing up and down on the same route with a spectacularly diverse view of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the Ngorongoro highlands, and Arusha town becomes fascinating. The trek to Mount Meru takes a minimum of three days, and the accommodation is in huts that trekkers have to share with other trekkers.
Itinerary
Four-day trek itinerary
Momella Gate (1500m) to Miriakamba (2750m) on Day 1:
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. The southern and northern routes connect Momella Gate to Miriakamba. The walk from Momella gate to Miriakamba hut takes 5 hours. Visitors pass through the Montane Forest with different features such as the Fig Tree Arch, Motivo Waterfalls, and different kinds of vegetation.
It takes between 3 and 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 to trek from Miriakamba to Saddle Hut. Along this portion of the route, you will enjoy the spectacular views 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 of the summit is made early in the morning. After reaching the summit at 4566m, you will walk back to the Miriakamba hut for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Miriakamba to Momella Gate
On this day you descend to Momella Gate for transfer to Arusha Town. Visitors who ascended via the short route may choose to descend via the long route or vice versa. It takes 2 to 3 hours for the short and long routes, respectively, from Miriakamba to the Momella gate, where you will be picked up and proceed with the game drive in the Arusha national park or drive to your lodge in Arusha town.
Includes
- 4×4 safari land cruiser
- Accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as per itinerary B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner.
- Services of a literate
- English driver/guide
- National park entrance fees as per itinerary.
- Excursions & activities as per itinerary
- Drinking water in the safari vehicle
- flight from Nairobi to Masai Mara
- flight from Masai Mara to Diani
Excludes
- activities in Diani
- Flights not included in the itinerary
- Visas and related costs
- Personal expenses like drinks, laundry, telephone calls and other
items of a personal nature - Optional excursions and activities not listed in the itinerary
- Covid-19 related test
- Tips and gratuities
anything else not included in the itinerary
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