Tanzania’s second highest mountain is much more than just a “warm up” trek for Kilimanjaro.
Mount Meru is an active (but dormant) volcano located north of Arusha in Tanzania. At 4562 metres it is Tanzania’s second highest mountain and the fourth highest mountain in Africa. The mountain became well known mainly because it is only 70 km from Mount Kilimanjaro: Mt. Meru has become a popular “warm up” trek for Kilimanjaro climbers.
Mt. Meru is indeed the perfect preparation for a Kilimanjaro climb. It offers you a taste of what you can Most importantly, at a height of 4562 meters (14967 feet) Mt. Meru requires your body to make changes to adapt to the altitude.
It’s called acclimatization and as a result you will be much better prepared for you Kilimanjaro climb. That altitude acclimatization is the main reason why people climb Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro together.
I think it is a shame that so many people who visit Tanzania and Kilimanjaro view Meru only as a warm up trek for Kilimanjaro. The height is certainly enough to bring on altitude sickness if you ascend too fast. And bad weather can make the trek along the knife edge ridge of the crater rim a positively dangerous undertaking.
But when the weather plays along the Mt. Meru crater rim walk is one of the most spectacular walks you can do in Africa.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive - Arusha
Upon arrival you will be met by our representative who will later transfer you to a hotel in Arusha for overnight stay.
Day 2: Momella Gate 4,921 to Miriakamba Huts 8,250 ft
Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
We depart from Arusha for Momella Gate in Arusha National Park for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins in open grassland with an armed ranger as the possibility of seeing wildlife – giraffe, zebras, antelope, elephant and buffalo – is high. We climb steadily through the rain forest until the reach Miriakamba Huts, situated in a grassy glade.
Day 3: Miriakamba Huts 8,250 ft to Saddle Huts 11,712 ft
Distance: 8 km | Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
We continue climbing through the rain forest until we enter the heath zone accompanied by giant heather and other moorland vegetation. Along the ridge of the saddle, we have views of Mount Meru Crater and the Ash Tray. After arriving at Saddle Huts, there is an option to hike to the top of Little Mount Meru for superb views and to further aid acclimatization.
Day 4: Saddle Huts 11,712 ft to Summit 14,977 ft - Miriakamba Huts 8,250 ft
Saddle Huts to Summit | Distance: 5 km | Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Summit to Miriakamba Huts | Distance: 13 km | Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our climb to the summit. The trail is steep to Rhino Point and then Cobra Point. The path continues along the ridge of ash and rock to the summit – Socialist Peak. Here we enjoy magnificent views of Kilimanjaro and the sunrise before returning to Miriakamba Huts.
Day 5: Miriakamba Huts 11,712 ft to Momella Gate 4,921 ft
Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 2-4 hours
On our last day, we descend quickly through the tropical rainforest to Momella Gate. At the base of the mountain, our vehicle will meet us and drive us back to the hotel in Arusha.
What’s included
What’s Not Included
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