How do I decide between a 3-day or 4-day hike? We always advise going the longer route if your schedule permits and you haven’t developed acclimatization on other mountains yet (that is, you haven’t successfully climbed anything beyond 4,000m/13,123f without experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness). Your body adjusts to the altitude more quickly the longer you remain on Mount Meru, which makes the entire experience less taxing for you and your body.
We bring you to the world’s best safari destination. When you book with us you get:
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where our representative will meet you and transfer to the hotel. The hotel provides all the essentials for a comfortable stay, such as: cozy rooms, Internet access, hot water, a swimming pool, and a helpful staff. In the evening, an orientation session with our tour coordinators will ensure that you are ready to begin the spectacular Meru climb.
Early in the morning you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. At this time, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). The first day of hiking is similar to a walking safari; you should expect to see giraffes, zebras, antelope, buffalo, and potentially elephants near the trail. Due to the high possibility of spotting wildlife, an armed ranger, hired through the National Park, is required to hike with our team for the duration of the hike. As you continue hiking, you will pass the Ngarenanyuki River and a beautiful waterfall at the base of Mt. Meru. Upon arriving to Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m), your chef will prepare a hot dinner and warm water for you.
This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:
At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your waking breathing pattern, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and have a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.
ELEVATION: 1,500 m to 2,500 m
HIKING TIME: 4-5 hours
DISTANCE: 10 km
DIFFICULTY: Medium
HABITAT: Meadows and rainforest
After breakfast, you will start ascending up the steep trail along the ridge of the saddle. You may see various wildlife along the way! The trail has amazing views of Meru Crater and the Ash Cone. When you arrive at camp, you have the option of hiking Little Meru (3,820 m) with your guide to further acclimate. You will be served an early dinner, so you can receive ample rest before your midnight summit attempt.
ELEVATION; 2,500 m to 3,550 m
HIKING TIME; 3-4 hours
DISTANCE; 5 km
DIFFICULTY; Medium
HABITAT; Moorland and heath
Summiting has an early start at around 00:00. There is a 1-hour steep climb to Rhino Point (3,800 m), then the path continues along a ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point (4,350 m). The summit of Meru Peak (4,562 m) is an hour further on a steep path with magnificent views of Kilimanjaro. Depending on your speed, you can enjoy sunrise at Cobra Point or the summit. The views are stunning: the cliffs of the Crater rim, the Ash Cone rising from the crater floor, Kilimanjaro floating on the morning clouds, and the Rift Valley. The route back to Rhino Point in the morning light along a narrow ridge between the sloping outer wall of the crater and the cliffs of the inner wall is one of the most dramatic and exhilarating walks in Africa. Brunch and a brief rest is taken at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to Momella Gate. After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, and then you will be transferred to Moshi or Arusha town.
ELEVATION
3,550 m to 4,562 m 4,562 m to 1,500 m
HIKING TIME; 12-14 hours
DISTANCE; 16 km
DIFFICULTY; Medium
HABITAT; Alpine, heath, moorland
Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
Note: Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.
Transfers:
Entry fees:
Accommodation:
One night at 3* hotel (Graceland Hotel (http://www.gracelandhotel.co.tz ) ) before the expedition and one night after; The hotels have everything for your comfortable stay – caring staff, nice rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool);
Please note:
All hotel accommodation is based on a sharing basis (i.e. you will be sharing with your travel companion a twin/double room. If you travel alone, we will match you with a same-sex adventurer). Single occupancy in a hotel is available upon request and extra chargers apply. Single accommodation is not available in huts while on the trek, because it is the park rangers who assign the trekkers to the huts.
Meals:
Hiking and safety equipment:
Climbing crew:
