3 Days Mount Meru Trekking

From

$1200.00

Duration

3 days

Route Summary

Embark on an exhilarating 3-day trekking adventure to the summit of Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak. This challenging yet rewarding journey offers breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and an unforgettable experience in the heart of Arusha National Park. Ideal for both seasoned hikers and adventurous beginners, this trek is a perfect prelude to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

Highlights

Scenic Trails: Traverse through lush rainforests, open grasslands, and volcanic landscapes.
Wildlife Encounters: Spot diverse wildlife including giraffes, buffaloes, and colobus monkeys along the trail.
Stunning Views: Enjoy panoramic vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro and the expansive Tanzanian landscape from the summit.
Guided Adventure: Trek with experienced guides ensuring safety, knowledge, and an enriching experience.

Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut

Morning:
- Transfer: Begin your journey with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Arusha. Enjoy a scenic drive to Arusha National Park.
- Registration: Arrive at Momella Gate (1,500 meters) for registration and meet your trekking team, including your guide, porters, and a park ranger.
Mid-Morning:
- Start Trekking: Begin your hike through the lush rainforest. This part of the trail offers the opportunity to see various wildlife such as buffalo, giraffes, and monkeys.
- Ngare Nanyuki River: Cross the Ngare Nanyuki River and continue your ascent.
Afternoon:
- Lunch: Enjoy a packed lunch along the trail, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
- Meadows and Forests: Continue trekking through open meadows and dense forests. The trail becomes steeper as you approach Miriakamba Hut.
Evening:
- Arrival: Reach Miriakamba Hut (2,514 meters) in the late afternoon. Settle into your hut and relax.
- Dinner: Enjoy a warm dinner prepared by your trekking team.
- Overnight: Spend the night at Miriakamba Hut, where you can rest and acclimatize.
Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 10 km
Elevation Gain: 1,014 meters

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut

Morning:
- Breakfast: Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at Miriakamba Hut.
- Trekking: Start your ascent towards Saddle Hut. The trail is steeper and passes through the montane forest and into the heath and moorland zone.
Mid-Morning:
- Elephant Ridge: Hike along the scenic Elephant Ridge, offering panoramic views of the Meru Crater and the Ash Cone.
Afternoon:
- Lunch: Take a break for lunch on the trail, enjoying the spectacular surroundings.
- Continue Trekking: After lunch, continue your hike through the moorland, reaching Saddle Hut (3,570 meters) by mid-afternoon.
Evening:
- Rest: Upon arrival at Saddle Hut, take a short rest and acclimatize.
- Little Meru: Optionally, take an acclimatization hike to Little Meru (3,820 meters) for stunning views of the main peak and a chance to spot wildlife.
- Dinner: Return to Saddle Hut for dinner.
- Overnight: Spend the night at Saddle Hut, preparing for the summit attempt.
Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 6 km
Elevation Gain: 1,056 meters

Day 3: Saddle Hut to Summit to Momella Gate

Midnight:
- Summit Attempt: Wake up around midnight and have a light snack before starting your final ascent to the summit.
- Trekking: The trail is steep and rocky, requiring careful navigation with the help of your guide. Pass Rhino Point (3,800 meters) and continue along the crater rim.
Dawn:
- Summit: Reach the summit of Mount Meru (4,566 meters) at sunrise. Enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Ash Cone, and the surrounding landscape.
- Celebration: Take photos and celebrate your achievement at the summit.
Morning:
- Descent: Begin your descent back to Saddle Hut for a brief rest and breakfast.
- Continue Descent: After breakfast, continue descending to Miriakamba Hut for a short break.
Afternoon:
- Final Descent: Resume your descent to Momella Gate, passing through the scenic landscapes and diverse ecosystems.
- Completion: Arrive at Momella Gate in the early afternoon, where you will receive your trekking certificate and say goodbye to your trekking team.
- Transfer: Return to Arusha by vehicle, arriving at your hotel in the late afternoon.
Trekking Time: 12-14 hours (summit and descent)
Distance: 16 km
Elevation Gain: 996 meters to the summit, then a total descent of 3,066 meters