4 DAYS MT.MERU CLIMBING
ABOUT 4 DAYS MERU
A 4 day hike to the summit of Mt Meru, through verdant
afromontane forest into high altitude alpine desert with unparalleled views of a dormant volcano.
The first 2 days require an armed ranger due to wild animals.
Signs and possible sightings of wildlife on foot, afromontane forest, less busy than Kilimanjaro,
excellent bird life and game drives in Arusha National Park. One of the most under rated hikes
in East Africa.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Arusha to Meriakamba Hut (Full board), 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.
We drive from Arusha to Momela Gate. After a short registration at the Gate our walk will begin with full armed ranger escorting us, simply we can see along the way the wild animals including elephants, zebras, and giraffe , monkeys, antelope, and often elephants along the route.
DAY 2: Meriakamba to Saddle Hut (Full board), 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
The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a short day but a steep climb.
The walk will take us slowly along the ridge for a spectacular view of the Meru Crater and the impressive Ash Cone.
After hot lunch at Saddle Hut we can make a short climb to the summit of Little Meru (3,820m) for superb views just before sunset.
Dinner and overnight night at Saddle Hut
DAY 3: Saddle Hut to Summit Day (Full board) , 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: 10 12 hours , Habitat: Alpine Desert Moorland and Montane forest.
We start early at around 1:30 a.m. for 4 days Mount Meru hike steeply to Rhino Point (3,800 m.) and on to Cobra Point (4350m). We reach the summit (4,566 m) on time for sunrise there is a possibility to see Kilimanjaro Peak above the clouds. The final part of the climb is along a spectacular narrow ridge line between the sheer inner cliffs and the sloping outer wall of the crater.
We take a short rest and brunch at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to the Meriakamba Hut.
DAY 4: Summit to Meriakamba Hut to Momella Gate to Arusha (Full board) , Elevation(m): 2,514 m to 1,500 m to 1,387 m , Elevation(ft): 4,921 ft to 8,250 ft to 4,921ft , Distance: 10 km , Hiking time: 2-4 hours , Habitat: Montane Forest
We take a short and fast descent way through open grassland and mixed forest, with possibility of seeing wildlife before reaching Momella Gate in the late morning.
The returning transfer will be waiting at Momella Gate to pick you to Arusha town.