About Mount meru Hiking 3 days itinerary Cost
Unforgettable Mount meru Hiking 3 days itinerary with Africa Natural Safaris,Mount Meru is a great preparation hike for climbing Kilimanjaro or a spectacular trek for those not compelled to do Kilimanjaro. You will hike past wildlife, the landscape is spectacular and sunrise on the summit has Kilimanjaro as the backdrop.While it can be done in only 4 days it is not an easy peak to summit. To reach the top (almost 15,000 feet) there is some scrambling on rocks in the dark and at high altitude. You should be prepared for at least 10 hours of hiking on summit day. For an easier hike you can climb just to Rhino Point for sunrise overlooking Kilimanjaro, and then descend.
Mt. Meru is in Arusha National Park. In Arusha National Park all hikers must be accompanied by an armed ranger. This ranger is employed directly by the national park. You will also have your own mountain guide, who is managing the crew and watching out for your safety. The park ranger has the authority to make decisions such as trail choices, pace, etc. Arusha National Park may combine groups of people to hike with one park ranger therefore we cannot guarantee a completely private Meru trek. Arusha National Park requires the hire of porters specific to Arusha National Park, who will be assigned once you arrive at the trail registration.
Day 1: Drive from Arusha Momela Gate, hike to Miriakampa Hut
• Elevation (m): (1,387 m to (1,500 m)
• Elevation (ft): 4,921 ft) to 3,000 ft )
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest.
Starting from Momela Gate the track passes through open grassland with cape buffalo and warthogs. With luck you may also see giraffe and elephants. Continue a steady climb through montane forest. You can have your lunch at the famous “Fig tree”. After lunch the trek continues through less dense forest where there are lots of birds and monkeys including the black and white colobus. By mid-afternoon you will have your first close views of the towering cliffs and the Ash Cone. Miriakampa Hut situated in idyllic grassy glade is reached in time to enjoy the afternoon sun and beautiful views over the surrounding plains towards Kilimanjaro.
Day 2 : Hike Miriakampa Hut to Saddle Hut, afternoon hike up Little Meru
• Elevation (m): 2,514 m to 3,570 m
• Elevation (ft): 8,250 ft to 11,712 ft
• Distance: 8 km
• Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
• Habitat: Forest and Moorland.
The walk from Miriakampa Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a steep sustained climb all the way. Starting through beautiful and lush montane forest, the path continues beyond the halfway point of Elephant Back Ridge and carries on uphill through the giant heather and other moorland vegetation to reach Saddle Hut for lunch. In the afternoon, you can make the short climb to the nearby summit of Little Meru for superb views. It takes about 1 hour to walk up and 30 minutes to walk down.
Day 3: Hike to Summit then down to trail head, return to Arusha
• Elevation (m): 3,570 m to 4,565m to 2,514m
• Elevation (ft): 14,977ft to 11,712 ft to 8,250ft
• Distance: 5 km up 13 km down
• Hiking Time: 12 – 14 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert Moorland and Montane forest.
Summit day has an early start at around 12:00AM. There is a 1-hour steep climb to Rhino Point then the path continues along a ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point. The summit of Socialist Peak (4,566 m) is an hour further on a steep path with magnificent views of Kilimanjaro. Depending on your speed, you can enjoy sunrise at Cobra Point or the summit. The views are stunning: the cliffs of the Crater rim, the Ash Cone rising from the crater floor, Kilimanjaro floating on the morning clouds, and the Rift Valley. The route back to Rhino Point in the sharp morning light along a narrow ridge between the sloping outer wall of the crater and the sheer cliffs of the inner wall is one of the most dramatic and exhilarating walks in Africa. Brunch and a brief rest is taken at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to Miriakampa Hut to Arusha.
