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Mount Meru Trek
(4 Days / 3 Nights On The Mountain)
Route Description:
Though often ignored in favour of its big sister Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru
is a worthy trekker’s paradise. This massive volcano towers
over 3,000 meters above Arusha town, which lies at the
foothills on its south side. The mountain endured a violent
explosion in the distant past, and in its wake the explosion
left towering cliffs in a gaping U shaped ridge facing east
towards Kilimanjaro. The crater stands today in a protected
amphitheatre of sorts, thousands of feet below the summit
rocks. The craggy top lies at the westernmost point of the
summit ridge and juts boldly into the sky at 4566 mt.
(14,979 feet). From the top, one can look out at Kilimanjaro
from the highest perch possible…. Perhaps there is no better
vantage point to gaze at Africa’s tallest mountain,
approximately 80 kilometers to the northeast. The trail to
the summit follows the northern rim of the natural
amphitheatre which forms Meru Crater. The trail skirts the
ridgeline, and above the Saddle (between the summit and
Little Meru Peak (12,533 ft / 3,820 mt.)), the route is
quite steep, with sections of rock scrambling and sheer
drops on one side. At the summit, the cliffs drop almost
1200 meters to the crater floor. The final overnight trek is
quite difficult due to the altitude and the steep terrain.
It is recommended that only experienced hikers ascend to the
summit.
What makes this trek truly special is the chance to see animals on foot.
The lower section of the trail runs into the forest on the
Meru crater floor, with many large, potentially dangerous
game animals about. An armed ranger comes along on this trek
for safety, the biggest danger being Cape Buffalo and
Elephant. You may see while on this trek many animals,
including Cape Buffalo, giraffe, elephant, waterbuck,
bushbuck, dik dik, warthog, olive baboon, Abyssinian (black
& white) Colobus monkey, sykes monkey, and may find traces
of leopard, civet cat, red duiker and mountain duiker. Bird
life is amazing, with the Momella Lakes close by, attracting
thousands of European and African migrant species in the
green season.
On this four day trek, the extra time allows a later departure for the
final ascent to the summit, and giving a more leisurely p
Daily Itinerary:
Day 1
Arusha ~ Momella Gate
(4,920 Ft. / 1,500 M)
~ Miriakamba Hut (8,250 Ft. / 2,514 m) Morning transfer from Arusha into Arusha National Park, to the Momella Gate (about 1.5 hours). After completion of administrative formalities and meeting with the guide, porters and ranger, you will begin the 4 to 5 hour trek to Miriakamba Hut, through the crater floor. The gentle uphill trek will take you through thick woodland, past the giant fig tree arch up to the Itikoni clearing where there are likely to buffalo grazing. Then you’ll then cross a large stream just above the Maio waterfalls, and take a steep path up the crater rim wall to Miriakamba. You may encounter elephant along the way, and an armed ranger will escort you at every step. Have dinner then retire for the night at Miriakamba Hut.
Day 2
Miriakamba Hut ~ Saddle Hut
(12,300 Ft. / 3,750 M)
Saddle hut is
at approximately 2 to 3 hours trekking from Miriakamba Hut.
The path will take you though a mix of trees and
pleasant glades up to Mgongo wa Tembo (elephant ridge),
where you will have a clear view of Meru crater and the
cliffs below the summit.
Continue through a pass between the slopes of Meru
and the peak of Little Meru to reach Saddle Hut. There is an
optional 1 to 1.5 hour round trip hike to the summit of
Little Meru, from the Saddle Hut.
Day 3
Saddle Hut ~ Summit
(14,979 Ft. / 4566 M)
~ Miriakamba Hut
You will be
woken at about 5am, and begin trekking at about 6am, to
avoid night-time trekking. A trek of approximately 4 to 5
hours along a narrow ridge, between the sheer cliffs and the
sloping outer wall will see you to the summit.
The walk has been said to be both exhilarating and
nerve wracking.
Whatever the reaction, the breathtaking sunrise over
Kilimanjaro makes it all worthwhile.
After the summit, you will retrace your steps back to
Saddle Hut for a rest, then descend down the ridge to
Miriakamba for some rest, dinner, and overnight. The total
trekking time this day is from 8 to 11 hours.
Day 4
Miriakamba Hut ~ Momella Gate Continuing down through open mountain meadows and wooded streams directly to the Momella Gate, where you will be met by your driver and proceed to Arusha for some rest. The total trekking time this day is from 3 to 4 hours.
Included services and equipment :
Safety Equipment:
Staff:
Mountain fees:
Camping equipment and other gear:
Mountain Cuisine
Not included:
*
available at a supplement |
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