MOUNT MERU
Located to the east of Arusha town, about 20 kilometers drive from Arusha; Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania. The mountain stands at an altitude of 4566 meters above sea level inside the Arusha National Park.
Meru has one route to the top and can be attempted for three days but we highly recommend doing for four days for acclimatization. Most alpines use Meru for acclimatization before the Kilimanjaro climb.
Unlike Kilimanjaro when you are climbing the Mount Meru you have to be escorted by an armed ranger as you pass through the Arusha National Park. You’ll will enjoy the walking safari as you pass the groups of African buffaloes, Zebras, Black and white colobus monkey just to mention a few.
DAY 1:
MOMELA GATE -MIRIAKAMBA HUTS : 13.8KM(3 ½ hrs.)
Elevation:1597m/5240ft to 2503m/8212ft
Altitude gained: 906m
After breakfast depart Arusha at about 8:30 AM and drive to Momella gate. Make payment and start the climb with a packed picnic lunch to the first hut called Miriakamba hut.
Dinner and overnight – Miriakamba hut.
DAY 2:
MIRIAKAMBA HUTS – SADDLE HUTS: 6.1KM (2 ½hrs.)
Elevation: 2503m/8212ft to 3560m/11,680ft
Altitude gained: 1057m
After breakfast we proceed with a climb to the second hut called Saddle. This is steeper compared to the first part. During the afternoon, you can decide to attempt climbing little Meru peak and turn back to Saddle Hut.
Dinner and overnight – Saddle hut.
DAY 3:
SADDLE HUT- SUMMIT : 5.5KM/ 3.4MI :DESCEND TO SADDLE HUT
Elevation: 3560m/11,680ft to 4566m/14980ft
Altitude gained: 1006m
Descent to 3560m/11680ft
Altitude lost: 1006m
Wake up at midnight and have a light snack with cup of tea before starting our Big Meru peak summit attempt. Crossing a rocky path, you’ll summit and head back to Saddle hut for a full breakfast and the rest of the day will be spent resting.
Lunch, dinner and overnight at Saddle hut.
DAY 4:
SADDLE HUT – MOMELLA GATE: 6.5KM
Elevation:3560m/11,680ft to 1597m/5240ft
Altitude lost:1963m
Leave Saddle hut and descend down to Momella gate via Miriakamba where you will be transferred to back to Arusha.