Mount Meru Trek
Mount Meru Trek
Mount Meru stands out as a hidden treasure that provides thrill-seekers with an exhilarating climb. Tanzania’s second-highest peak stands at 4566 meters (14,979 ft), offering visitors the unique experience of high-altitude trekking without a long commitment. Eruptions last took place here back in 1910! Meru offers an ideal three to four-day trek for anyone wanting a taste of mountain trekking before or after their safari, or as preparation for Mount Kilimanjaro. Although its duration may be shorter, proper acclimatization must still take place to reach its summit. An armed park ranger will lead your group on an amazing experience through Arusha National Park via the Momella Route, with wildlife such as baboons, giraffes, zebras, and monkeys waiting to be spotted along its length. From lush forests to desert environments are traversed before culminating at Socialist Peak for breathtaking views over an impressive crater created during the 1910 eruption, and explore its stunning ash cone formation.
Trek Itinerary of Mount Meru Trek
Day 1
ARRIVE IN KILIMANJARO
Booking air travel to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is your responsibility as a trekker, and upon arriving we will provide a private vehicle for transporting you directly to your accommodation. Later that evening or the following morning, a Kandoo representative will welcome and provide an extensive briefing in preparation for the climb ahead.
Day 2
MOMELLA GATE TO MIRIAKAMBA HUT
After breakfast, we will collect you from your hotel and travel by vehicle to Arusha National Park’s administrative office to complete our arrangements for this tour. From there, we’ll travel by vehicle to Momella Park Gate as our starting point. A trained park ranger will accompany us as an added safety measure should any wildlife encounters arise during this trek through lush forest, waterfalls, and unusual trees on our journey towards Miriakamba Hut.
Day 3
MIRIAKAMBA HUT TO SADDLE HUT
As we ascend Mount Meru, the air will become gradually cooler and less dense as we head upward. Our goal for the day is to reach Saddle Hut at 3550m; once there, a shorter trek to Little Meru 300m higher should help your body adapt to high altitude conditions more easily. Be sure to bring a camera as we gaze upon Mount Kilimanjaro visible over 80km away!
Day 4
SADDLE HUT TO SOCIALIST PEAK TO MOMELLA GATE
At 2 AM, we commenced our ascent of Rhino Point at an elevation of 3820 metres through scrubland terrain to Rhino Point’s summit at an altitude of 3820 metres. From here, our journey becomes increasingly difficult as we navigate along a narrow crater ridge en route to Socialist Peak for approximately 4-5 hours of summit observation and Meru’s crater and ash cone explorations. Once back on Momella Gate, we begin our descent back down towards Saddle Hut, Miriakamba Hut, and Momella Gate, where a warm shower awaits before transfer back to your hotel, where celebratory festivities await upon our return home!
Day 5
ONWARD JOURNEY
Once your stay has concluded, we will say farewell and begin our day. If your scheduled airport transfer or safari/Zanzibar excursion requires it, we will collect you the next morning for your journey ahead.
Trek Highlights of Mount Meru Trek
- Crater Walk: Explore this horseshoe-shaped crater and admire its volcano ash cone on this Crater Walk.
- Summiting Mount Kilimanjaro and Ash Cone is the best way to view them both.
- Animal Encounters Discover Arusha’s National Park to spot giraffes and buffalo as you make your way around, as well as possibly seeing zebras or even baboons!
- Sunrise Summit: Early sunrise offers spectacular light and mountain silhouettes, making a picture-perfect start to any day.
- Less Crowded. For those seeking an experience more tranquil and less commercialized, Mount Meru offers an ideal alternative.
How To Reach Mount Meru Trek
Beginning and End Point of Arusha National Park Trek: Momella Gate
By Air: To arrive by air, fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Travel time from Nairobi is approximately 1.5 hours to Arusha.
From Arusha, Momella Gate can be reached in a 45-minute drive.
By Road: When traveling by car, you can access Moshi or Dar es Salaam.
Best Time to Visit Mount Meru Trek
Best Dry Seasons- From June to October and December through February (for clear skies with excellent Kilimanjaro views).
Want To Trek Like Pro?
Check out the following videos if you want to trek like a pro trekker and improve your skills. These videos contain helpful tips, tricks, and techniques to help you trek like a pro. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trekker, these videos can provide valuable insights to enhance your trekking experience. So, watch the videos below by Trekup India experts to take your trekking skills to the next level.
Know Everything About Acute Mountain Sickness
Acute Mountain Sickness is a medical condition that can occur when individuals travel to high altitudes, typically above 8,000 feet. It is caused by the decrease in air pressure and oxygen levels in the air as altitude increases. Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness may include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping. To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness, it is important to gradually adjust to high altitudes and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. To learn more about this condition, check out the videos by Trekup India.
