Mount Meru
Distance covered: 20km
Number of days: 3 or 4
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Standing at 4,566m high, Mount Meru is Tanzania’s second highest mountain. Although standing over a 1000 meters shorter than Kilimanjaro, Meru is an incredible free standing active volcano that offers views and wildlife sightings that is unparalleled in Tanzania.
Situated roughly 70km Southwest of Kilimanjaro and East of the Great Rift Valley, Mount Meru last erupted in 1910 and can therefore still be classed as an active volcano (although dormant). Exploding into life over 500,000 years ago, Meru’s horseshoe rim is very distinctive as the entire eastern flank was blown apart by the explosion. Not only is Meru the fourth highest mountain in Africa, but its rim lined crater extends down 1,500 meters to the crater floor making it one of the tallest cliffs in Africa. Because of the abundance of wildlife on and around Meru, it is compulsory to be accompanied by an armed ranger on your trek at all times.
Pricing for the Mount Meru Climb 3 days (per person)
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1 Person - USD 1150
2 Persons - USD 790
3-4 Persons - USD 665
5-6 Persons - USD 620
7 Persons and more - USD 570
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Pricing for the Mount Meru Climb 4 days (per person)
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1 Person - USD 1340
2 Persons - USD 930
3-4 Persons - USD 820
5-6 Persons - USD 760
7 Persons and more - USD 725
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Day 1 – Momella Gate (1500m) to Miriakamba Hut (2500m)
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This section goes through the forest on the mountain slopes.
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Start: Momella Gate (1500m)
Finish: Miriakamba Hut (2500m)
Altitude: ↑1000m
Walking time: 3-4h
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We will collect you from your hotel in the morning and take you to Arusha National Park. Once at headquarters your papers, visa and permits will all be checked and made ready for departure. From head office you will be taken to the Momella Park Gate from where your trek will begin. The trail starts by winding its way through montane forest where you will see waterfalls, wildlife and some pretty oddly formed trees! Remember, an armed national park ranger will accompany you on your route. The first day of trekking will end when you reach Miriakamba hut. Unlike Kilimanjaro, accommodation on Meru consists of huts dotted up the mountain.
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Lunch; Dinner
Day 2 Miriakamba Hut (2500m) to Sadlle Hut (3550m)
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The vegetation changes with the altitude, from mountain rainforest to light bushland.
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Start: Miriakamba Hut (2500m)
Finish: Sadlle Hut (3550m)
Altitude: ↑1050m
Walking time: 3-4h
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On the second day you will ascend over a 1000m to Saddle Hut at 3,550m. The air will get cooler and you may feel slightly more out of breath as the air gets thinner. Saddle Hut will be reached by early afternoon which will give you time to visit ‘Little Meru’ at 3,820m. Not only will you get great views of Kilimanjaro, but it’s a good way for your body to acclimatize to the altitude.
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Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
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Day 3 Saddle Hut (3550m) to Socialist Peak (4566m) to Miriakamba Hut (2500m)
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Summit day!
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Start: Saddle Hut (3550m)
Finish: Miriakamba Hut (2500m)
Altitude: ↑1016m ↓ 2066m
Walking time: 8-10h
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Your summit ascent begins in the middle of the night at 2am. Following a quick midnight snack you trek to 3,820m where you find Rhino Point. After a quick break you then climb a further 4-5 hours where, towards the top, you will traverse the exhilarating and very narrow crater rim path! This is all rewarded as you hit the summit just before sunrise. The 360 degree views are spectacular, especially the sun rising over Kilimanjaro! Before your descent you can explore Meru’s ash cone within the crater.
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Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
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Day 4 Miriakamba Hut (2500m) to Momella Gate (1500m)
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Descent.
Start: Miriakamba Hut (2500m)
Finish: Momella Gate (1500m)
Altitude: ↓ 1000m
Walking time: 2-3h
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The fourth day is an easy going few hours down through the montane forest area where you will once again see wildlife and beautiful habitat. Seeing the forest from above is a completely different experience to seeing it on the way up – look out for birds!
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Breakfast; Lunch
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