About Mountain
Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania and from the south Mount Meru looks like a typical strato-volcano. However the view from the east is completely different as the whole of the eastern side of the mountain was blown away during an eruption some 250,000 years ago. The ash cone still shows remains of the last volcanic activity from 1879.
The mountain also has a variety of vegetation zones. It starts with savannah dotted by yellow fever trees and wild date palms. The savannah is followed by the dry montane forest that is home to tall junipers also known as African pencil cedars that can reach a height of up to 30 meters. Next is the moist montane forest that dazzles with beautiful flowers such as the brilliantly colored fire ball lily, red hot pokers and pink impatiens. Giraffes are often spotted in this zone as they like feeding on the abundant croton trees. In the next zone, the upper montane forest, you will see hagenia trees with lichen and ferns hanging from its branches. Next up is the ericaceous zone, which is a lot bushier and as the name indicates, is home to many different types of Erica bushes. Lastly you will reach the afro alpine zone with more of a desert like feel to it. But it is not completely void of vegetation as some types of grass still thrives here.
All Climbs are accompanied by an armed park ranger and overnights take place in mountain huts.
Mount Meru 4 Days climbing
We will gather in the hotel for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check.
We drive from the hotel in Arusha to Momela Gate (1500m / 4921ft).
Dinner and overnight night at Miriakamba Hut (2500m / 8202ft).
The walk will take us slowly along the ridge for a spectacular view of the Meru Crater and the impressive Ash Cone. 3-5 hours walking.
After hot lunch at Saddle Hut we can make a short climb to the summit of Little Meru (3820m /12533ft) for superb views just before sunset.
Dinner and overnight at Saddle Hut (3500m / 11483ft).
We start early at around 1:30 a.m. to climb steeply to Rhino Point 3800m(12467ft) We reach the summit 4566m (14980ft) on time for sunrise there is a possibility to see Kilimanjaro Peak above the clouds.
We take a short and fast descent way through open grassland and mixed forest, with possibility of seeing wildlife before reaching Momella Gate in the late morning.
The returning transfer from Kileo tours will be waiting at Momella Gate to Arusha.
Miriakamba Hut Momella Gate: 2-3 hours walking.
The package will include:
- Transfer from Arusha and three meals a day while on the Mountain
- Professional mountain guides
- All Park fees
- Hut fees
- Rescue fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Arrival and Departure transfers
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries