Mount Meru is often overlooked due to its proximity to Kilimanjaro, but it has plenty to offer those looking for a challenging climb. A dormant volcano that last erupted in 1910, it is Tanzania’s second highest mountain at 4566 metres (14,979 ft). Taking only 3 or 4 days to climb it is perfect for those wanting to get a taste of high altitude trekking without going too high before or after going on safari, or to help with acclimatisation if undertaken before you climb Kilimanjaro. It is ideal for those looking for a quieter trekking experience and should definitely not be underestimated as climbers still need to acclimatise properly to succeed in reaching its peak.
An armed park ranger will join the team to guard against any animal threats as you start your approach through Arusha National Park via the Momella route. Keep your eyes open and you will be rewarded with sighting of baboons, giraffe, zebra, colombus monkeys and variety of birds. From here you start your ascent through Meru’s diverse vegetation zones from montane forest, moorland, semi-desert and alpine desert, until you reach its magnificent crater. Traversing round the crater rim to reach its summit, Socialist Peak at 4566m, after which you will have time to explore the ash cone that has formed in the crater during the 1910 eruption.
All trekkers need to organise their own flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). From JRO we will arrange a private transfer to your hotel. That night or early the next morning you will meet your local representative and have a full pre-climb briefing.
After breakfast we will collect you from your hotel and we will drive to Arusha National Park to check all our permits are in order at the Park Headquarters. We then proceed by vehicle until we reach Momella Park Gate where we start our trek. It is mandatory on this route that an armed Park Ranger accompanies us to ensure that we are safe against any wild animal threats. The trail leads us through montane forest, past waterfalls and oddly formed trees until we reach Miriakamba Hut.
As we climb higher up Mount Meru you will feel the air begin to cool and get slightly thinner. Today we will ascend over 1000 metres up to Saddle Hut at 3550m. This afternoon there is time to go for an acclimatisation hike a further 300 metres up to Little Meru at 3820m. Don’t forget to take your camera to capture the views of Mount Kilimanjaro over 80 kilometres away.
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