4 days Mount Meru Climbing

4Days :Mount Meru Climbing

Mount Meru is one of Africa's most beautiful volcanoes and it is the second highest mountain in Tanzania at 4,5685m, the fifth highest in Africa.
The mountain is located within Arusha National Park, Tanzania’s gem. This prime location gives walkers the opportunity to spot some of the birds and wildlife that inhabit the area. The ascend is quite steep and the route to the summit passes over streams, through parkland, the Montane Forest, a giant heather zone and moorland. The summit is reached by a narrow, barren ridge, which provides stunning views of the Ash Cone lying several thousand feet below in the crater. Weather permitting, Kilimanjaro can be seen in the west. There are two huts available to climbers on the mountain and firewood is supplied. The best time to climb Meru is between October and February or June and September, when it is colder.

Itinerary

Day 1:

Arusha to Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m)
We depart from our hotel in the morning for the Momella Gate of the Arusha National Park (1,500 m.). After park entrance formalities, we begin our hike, guided by a park ranger. The track passes through open grassland, providing an opportunity to see buffalo, warthogs and other grazers. The trail continues as a steady climb through the Montane forest. We take lunch near a giant fig tree arch and then continue on route through less dense forest, where there are an abundance of birds and black and white Colobus monkeys.

By mid-afternoon we can see towering cliffs and the Ash Cone. We reach Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m.), situated in an idyllic grassy glade, in time to enjoy the last of the afternoon sun and beautiful views over the surrounding plains towards Kilimanjaro (4-6 hours walking).

Day 2:

Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) to Saddle Hut (3,570 m)
The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below, Little Meru, is a steep climb but does not take long. We slowly ascend through the lush Montane forest to reach the halfway point of Elephant Ridge. From here we enjoy excellent views of the summit ridge and across the crater floor. The path continues through giant heather and other fascinating moorland vegetation to reach Saddle Hut (3,570 m), where lunch is will be provided. The afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy the views. The more energetic can make the short climb to the nearby summit of Little Meru (3,820 m) for superb views, just before sunset (3-5 hours walking).

Day 3:

Saddle Hut (3,570 m) to Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m)
We start early, at around 02:00, to climb steeply to Rhino Point (3,800 m.), continuing along an undulating ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point (4,350 m) at sunrise. The views are stunning. We see the cliffs of the Crater rim, the Ash Cone rising from the Crater floor, Kilimanjaro floating on the morning clouds and to the west the Rift Valley, if the weather is clear. The summit of Socialist Peak (4,566 m.) is an hour further on a good but steep path. The route back to Rhino Point in the morning light, on 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. We enjoy a rest and brunch at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m, 10-12 hours walking).

Miriakamba Hut Note: The ridge between the summit and Rhino Point is not suitable for those suffering from vertigo. In icy conditions or in strong winds, it may be impossible for anyone to progress beyond Rhino Point.

Day 4:

Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) - hotel in Arusha
We take the direct route down through open grassland and mixed forest, with good chances of seeing wildlife. This trail has excellent views back towards the crater and over the plains of the National Park. We should reach Momella Gate by late morning (2-3 hours walking). Once you reach the end of the climb you will be transferred to your hotel.

Price per person start from 550$