Mount Meru is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania, standing at 4566 meters above sea level inside Arusha National Park. Meru has one route to the top and can also be attempted for 3 days. Most alpines use Meru for acclimatization before the Kilimanjaro climb. Unlike Kilimanjaro when you are climbing Mount Meru, you have to be escorted by an armed ranger(s). You will enjoy the walking safari as you pass the groups of African buffaloes, zebras, and black and white Colobus monkeys.
Life on Safari
In the morning, you’ll be picked up from the hotel or airport and depart toward Arusha National Park and then directly to the trailhead. The ride takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. You will experience several encounters with giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, etc.
At Momella Gate, the guides will arrange the entry permit paperwork, and you will start trekking to Miriakamba Huts. An armed park ranger will accompany you from here. You might again spot giraffes and buffaloes as you walk through open grassland. After approximately 2 hours, you will reach Maio Falls— the perfect spot to rest and have a picnic. Thereafter, you will continue your trek to the well-known “fig tree arch.” Finally, you will arrive at the Miriakamba Huts in time for afternoon tea and snacks.
Distance: Momela Gate to Miriakamba Huts covers 10km.
Change in elevation: Momela Gate (1,387m) to Miriakamba Huts (2,514m).
Hiking time: 6 hours.
Habitat: Grassland and rainforest.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Meru
- Accommodation:
- Miriakamba Hut
- Meals & Drinks:
After breakfast, 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 3,200m, where you will enjoy a well-earned break. The vegetation now changes from rainforest to heather and moorland and you should reach Saddle Huts at around midday.
At Saddle Huts, our team will serve you a warm meal before heading to bed early as your wake-up call will be just after midnight.
Distance: Miriakamba Huts to Saddle Huts covers 8km.
Elevation change: Miriakamba Huts (2,514m) to Saddle Huts (3,570m).
Hiking time: 5 hours.
Habitat: Moorland and heath.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Meru
- Accommodation:
- Saddle Hut
- Meals & Drinks:
You’ll wake up at midnight and start trekking to Socialist Peak. You should be prepared for a tough and tiring hike. Lighting the way with headlamps, you will follow the trail through bushland to Rhino Point (3,821m). The legs to Rhino Point and Cobra Point are especially precipitous —be careful! After about 4 to 5 hours, you should reach the summit, Socialist Peak. You’ll experience the sun rising above Mount Kilimanjaro and enjoy the fantastic view of Mount Meru’s crater with its steep sides and the ash cone in the middle. The descent follows the same route back to Saddle Huts where you will take a break and recuperate with hot soup and tea. Later on, you’ll descend again to Miriakamba Hut.
Distance: Saddle Huts to Socialist Peak covers 6km, to Miriakamba Hut covers 19 km.
Elevation change: Saddle Huts (3,570m) – Socialist Peak (4,565m) – Miriakamba Hut (2,514m).
Hiking time: 10 to 12 hours.
Habitat: Heath, alpine, rainforest.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Meru
- Accommodation:
- Miriakamba Hut
- Meals & Drinks:
Today after breakfast, you will start again the hike down to Momella Gate. An early rise walk will grant you an amazing wildlife view on your hike down, while animals are more active.
African Wanderlust Adventures team vehicle will be waiting for you at Momella gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha (around 1 hour and 30 minutes).
Miriakamba Huts (2,514m) to Momela Gate (1,387m).
Hiking time: 6 hours.
Habitat: Grassland and rainforest.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Meru
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
