Mount Meru Itineraries
Mount Meru is one of Africa’s highest and most beautiful volcanoes. The route to the summit passes through parkland, montane forest, a giant heather zone and moorland. Finally, the summit is reached by a narrow, barren ridge that provides stunning views of the ash cone several thousand feet below. There are also great views of the nearby Mt. Kilimanjaro. This climb is used by many for acclimitization before a Mt. Kilimanjaro climb. But it is an excellent trek in its own right. The trek requires fewer days to climb so those without enough time to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro may consider this option. In addition, it is proportionally less expensive than a Mt. Kilimanjaro climb. The mountain in located inside of Arusha National Park. Here, over 400 species of birds, elephants, buffaloes, baboons, warthogs, black and white colobus monkeys and duikers are all found in this delightful “gem amonst parks.” The group will be accompanied on Mount Meru by a Tro-Peaks Adventure guide, a manditory park ranger, and porters. Overnights are in dormitory style huts. A sleeping bag and mat are required for the huts. The mountain has only one route to climb, the Momella Route. This can be achieved in either three or four days. The three day itinerary is quite exhausting and is not recommended unless you are in good shape. We also have a special itinerary for climbing both Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro in 10 days.
Day 1: Moshi to Momela Gate to Miriakamba Hut.
Elevation: 1200m to 1500m to 2514m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane forest
After you are picked up at your hotel, driven to Arusha National Park and are properly checked in for the climb at the park gate; we proceed with the trek through game-filled parkland up to Miriakamba Hut, at 2470m. Along the way there are many spectacular views; including Mt. Kilimanjaro from Miriakamba Hut. You will as well walk very close to different varieties of wildlife and some lovely glades. the trek on this day is not difficult because the terrain is a gentle slope. Dinner and overnight at Miriakamba Hut.
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut.
Elevation: 2514m to 3570m
Distance: 5km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours.
Habitat: Forest to moorland and heather
The path passes through fine forests and heather to the Saddle Hut (3570m) 3 hours walking it is a steep day as you will gain 1056m. After reaching to Saddle Hut, an ascent to Little Meru is possible in the afternoon as not only a nice trek but a valuable altitude acclimatization. This day you will be having a very early dinner then half night sleep at Saddle Hut.
Day 3:Saddle Hut to Socialist Peak to Miriakamba Hut.
Elevation: 3570m to 4566m to 2514m
Distance: 15km
Hiking time: 12-14 hours
Habitat: Moorland, heath, barren rock, and forest
A very early start the days trek at 2:00am taking us first to a superb viewpoint called Rhino Point on the crater rim. From there the route follows an airy ridge which leads up to the summit. This portion of the trek will take about 5 hours then we descend back to Saddle Hut for a short rest and lunch. Afterwards the descent continues to the park gate where after the certificate presentation, you will be transported back to your hotel.
Day 1: Moshi to Momela Gate to Miriakamba Hut.
Elevation: 1200m to 1500m to 2514m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane forest
After you are picked up at your hotel, driven to Arusha National Park and are properly checked in for the climb at the park gate; we proceed with the trek through game-filled parkland up to Miriakamba Hut, at 2470m. Along the way there are many spectacular views; including Kilimanjaro from Miriakamba Hut. You will as well walk very close to different varieties of wildlife and some lovely glades. the trek on this day is not difficult because the terrain is a gentle slope. Dinner and overnight at Miriakamba Hut.
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut.
Elevation: 2514m to 3570m
Distance: 5km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours.
Habitat: Forest to moorland and heather
The path passes through fine forests and heather to the Saddle Hut (3570m) 3 hours walking it is a steep day as you will gain 1056m. After reaching to Saddle Hut, an ascent to Little Meru is possible in the afternoon as not only a nice trek but a valuable altitude acclimatization. This day you will be having a very early dinner then half night sleep at Saddle Hut.
Day 3:Saddle Hut to Socialist Peak to Miriakamba Hut.
Elevation: 3570m to 4566m to 2514m
Distance: 15km
Hiking time: 9-10 hours
Habitat: Moorland, heath, barren rock, and forest
A very early start the days trek at 2:00am taking us first to a superb viewpoint called Rhino Point on the crater rim. From there the route follows an airy ridge which leads up to the summit. This portion of the trek will take about 5 hours then we descend back to Saddle Hut for a short rest and lunch. Afterwards the descent continues to Miriakamba Hut where dinner and overnight will take place.
Day 4:Miriakamba Hut to Momela Gate to hotel
Elevation: 2514m to 1500m to 1200m
Distance: 10km
Hiking time: 2 hours
Habitat: Forest Walk back to the park gate, approximately 2 hours. Reaching back to the gate will be presented your certificate. From there our vehicle will return you to your hotel.
Kilimanjaro & Meru Two Peaks 10 Days
Two peaks climb means climbing Mount Meru (4566m) then Mt Kilimanjaro (5895m). The climb of Mt. Meru helps greatly in succeeding in reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro due to the aquired acclimitization. Besides the acclimitization, the Mt. Meru climb is very enjoyable and beautiful, offering a unique landscape, flora and fauna found in the park plus some great views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Day 1: Moshi to Momela Gate to Miriakamba Hut.
Elevation: 1200m to 2470m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane forest
You will be picked up from your hotel and transported to the park gate. From there you walk through game-filled park land up to Miriakamba Hut (2470m). Along the way there are many spectacular views; including Kilimanjaro from Miriakamba Hut. You will encounter varieties of wildlife as you trek past the glades which support them. This day’s trek is not difficult because the terrain is very gradual which makes it a pleasant walk. Dinner and overnight at Miriakamba Hut.
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut
Elevation: 2514m to 3570m
Distance: 5km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest to moorland and heather
The trail passes through fine forests and heather to the Saddle Hut (3570m). It is a steep day as you will gain 1056m of altitude. After reaching Saddle Hut, an ascent to Little Meru is possible in the afternoon this segment takes one hour both ways and it is an acclimatization session before the summit attempt. Today you will be having a very early dinner then half night sleep at Saddle Hut.
Day 3: Saddle Hut to Socialist Peak to Miriakamba Hut.
Elevation: 3570m to 4566m to 2514m
Distance: 15km
Hiking time: 9-10 hours
Habitat: Moorland, heath, rock, and forest
A very early start at 2:00am takes us to a superb viewpoint called Rhino Point on the crater rim and then onto an airy ridge which leads up to the summit. The trek will take about 5 hours then return back to Saddle Hut for a short rest and lunch. Following this, the descent continues to Miriakamba Hut where dinner and overnight will take place.
Day 4:Miriakamba Hut to Momela Gate
Elevation:2514m to 1500m
Distance:10km
Hiking time:2 hours
Habitat:Forest
Walk back to the park gate in approximately 2 hours. You will be using the same route that you used to climb the mountain. Reaching back to the gate will allow the presentation of the certificates return by vehicle to your hotel.
Day 5: From hotel to Machame Gate to Machame Hut Campsite.
Elevation: 1700m to 3000m
Distance: 13 km
Hiking time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Montane forest
Our vehicle will pick you up from your hotel and transport you to Machame Gate. After the registration process, you will start trekking through the rainforest to Machame Hut Camp. Your tents will be already setup by your arrival. Dinner and overnight will be at Machame Hut Campsite.
Day 6: Machame Hut Campsite to Shira Hut Campsite
Elevation: 3000m to 3800m
Distance: 9km.
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland.
After breakfast, the trail leaves the glades of rainforest and continues ascending by crossing little valleys and a steep rocky ridge covered with heather to the western side of the mountain where the camp is situated. At this camp you will able get the spectacular view of Mt. Meru, Shira Plateau, Kibo Peak, and the sunset. You will settle in for dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Shira Hut Campsite to Barranco Hut Campsite
Elevation: 3800m to 3950m
Distance: 13km
Hiking time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
This is long and important acclimatization day so you will be having an early breakfast then continue trekking east to a junction leading to Lava Tower Rock (4600m) for acclimatization. Following this, you continue down to Barranco Hut Camp. The camp location is in the bottom of the valley of Barranco Wall. Here you will stop for dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Barranco Hut Campsite to Barafu Hut Campsite
Elevation: 3950m to 4620m
Distance: 10km
Hiking time: 8 hours
Habitat: Desert
Early morning you will start a climb up Barranco Wall, a rapid gain in altitude of 250m. The views of Mount Meru and the plains far down below are magnificent. The route then crosses some valleys and small ridges to Karanga Camp where you will stop for lunch. After your meal, you will carry on by ascending up through the steep ridge to Barafu Camp where you will stop for an early dinner then make a last preparation of your equipment; ready for the midnight ascent to the summit. Here you will be camping in between two peaks Kibo and Mawenzi.
Day 9: Barafu Hut Campsite to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Hut Campsite
Elevation: 4620m to 5895m to 3100m
Distance: 15km
Hiking time:10 – 12 hours
Habitat: Desert and ice
Wake at midnight to a light breakfast and then prepare for your summit ascent. Here is where your acclimatization of Mt. Meru will payoff. The goal is to climb before dawn so that you can reach Uhuru Peak shortly before or after sunrise. The summit attempt starts shortly after midnight with switchbacks up steep scree or possibly snow, reaching Stella Point on the crater rim (5,861 m/18,640 ft) between 4 and 5 AM. At this point you will be having the views of the fabled crater and its icecaps facing you. Then after 1 hour of hiking along the Kibo’s crater rim near the celebrated snows takes you to Kilimanjaro true summit, Uhuru Peak. You will spend some times for taking photos and enjoying the view. After your summit activities you will descend back to the Barafu Huts Campsite, for lunch, a small rest, collect your gear, and continue down through moorland and heath zone to Mweka Huts Campsite. Dinner and overnight at Mweka Hut Campsite.
Day 10: Mweka Hut Campsite to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3100m to 1700m
Distance: 9km
Descending time:3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane forest
Today is your last day on the mountain. After breakfast, you will descend down to Mweka Gate walking across a montane forest this descent requires a trek of 3-4 hours. At the gate, after the park sign out procedure, you will board the awaiting vehicle and be transported back to Moshi for the certificate presentation and celebration.