At 4566m, Mt Meru is Tanzania’s second-highest mountain. Although overshadowed by Kilimanjaro in the eyes of trekkers, it’s a spectacular volcanic cone with one of East Africa’s most scenic and rewarding climbs, involving a dramatic walk along the knife edge of the crater rim.
Mt Meru starts its steep rise from a circular base some 20km across at 2000m. At about 2500m some of the wall has broken away, so the top half of the mountain is shaped like a giant horseshoe. The cliffs of the inner wall below the summit are more than 1500m high, making them among the tallest in Africa. Inside the crater, more recent volcanic eruptions have created a subsidiary peak called the Ash Cone that adds to the scenic splendor. Meru is a challenging and demanding climb and is serious altitude, most people WILL feel it, it IS hard on your body. But most importantly, the climb itself, that last night to the summit, is a much more difficult and more challenging trek than even the last night on Kilimanjaro.
Arrival at Kilimanjaro international airport where you will be collected and transfer to Ngaresero Mountain Lodge located in the foothills of Mt. Meru.
Meet with your mountain guide for a briefing and equipment check and enjoy dinner and overnight. O/n Ngaresero Mountain Lodge (D)
Morning departure to Momela gates together with your mountain guide and crew. Game drives en route through Arusha national park - continue up to Momela (top) gate where you get ready for the climb. The first part of the trek is gradual and very rewarding as you begin to climb up through the almost magical forest with its old man's beard (a kind of thick hanging moss), there's an abundance of birdlife through this section and it's great to have the shade of the thick canopy overhead, walking time 3-4 hours to Mariakamba hut. Picnic lunch at the half way point which has some rewarding view of the low lying land-altitude is 2,514 meters.
Good opportunity to view Mount Kilimanjaro at sunset and keep a watch for elephants as they tend to pass through this area in the late afternoon. O/n Mariakamba Hut (B,L,D)
Rise for sunrise about 6:15am then after breakfast, with picnic lunch boxes, proceed slowly leaving the tall forest behind as you break into low alpine scrub, the track follows small paths up along ridges with great views to the valley floor down below, take lunch at half way point. Walking time is 2-4 hours. Altitude is 3570 meters. After a short rest continue up to little Meru and enjoy the views over to Kili. O/n Saddle hut (B,L,D)
Commencing at midnight proceed with your guide as you begin your slow climb to Mt Meru summit - this will take 6 hours- altitude is 4566 metres. 06:15am is usual time for sun rise so if all goes well you can have 20mins before sunrise and breath in the amazing views as you watch another day begin.
Start descending back down to Saddle hut, have a well earned breakfast and relax. Continue down to Mariakamba Hut to relax and freshen up. O/n Mariakamba Hut (B,L,D)
After breakfast continue to make your way down to Momela Gate, the long route through the forest is a very rewarding walk this will take 4-5 hours at a leisurely pace all down hill.
Champagne lunch at the gate and celebrations with your crew - then board the safari vehicle and transfer to Machame/Moshi where you meet with the rest of the group for your Mt Kilimanjaro climb.
15-19 September 2022 Mount Meru is a great option to climb to help acclimatisation prior to Mount Kilimanjaro. Trek Prices (USD) US$1,975 (Subject to change)
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