Mount Meru Climb , Overview, itinerary and FAQs
Overview:
Mount Meru is a dormant volcano located in northern Tanzania, close to the city of Arusha. It is the fifth highest mountain on the African continent and offers a beautiful and challenging climb with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding area. The climb takes approximately three to four days.
The hike is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, starting in the lush rainforest before climbing above the tree line into the alpine zone. The summit day is particularly memorable as it involves waking up in the middle of the night to start the ascent and seeing the sunrise from the top of the mountain.
The Mount Meru climb is a great way to acclimatize before tackling a climb of Kilimanjaro, or as a standalone adventure. With relatively few people attempting the climb, it offers a more remote and peaceful experience than Kilimanjaro.
Overall, a climb of Mount Meru is a great adventure and a must-do for anyone visiting Tanzania.
The best time to climb Mount Meru is during the dry season between June and February. The months of December to February are particularly ideal, as the weather is mostly clear, and you can enjoy spectacular views.
No, you cannot climb Mount Meru without a guide. It’s mandatory to have a licensed trekking guide who will accompany you throughout the climb. The guide is responsible for ensuring your safety and success in reaching the summit.
Climbing Mount Meru requires a decent level of fitness. It is recommended that you engage in regular cardiovascular exercises for at least three months before your climb to build your endurance and strength.
You will need proper hiking gear like waterproof hiking boots, warm clothes, gaiters, warm gloves, hats, sunglasses, and a waterproof jacket. A sleeping bag, trekking poles, and a good backpack with a hydration pack are also recommended. It’s best to check with your tour provider for the complete gear list before your climb.
It’s recommended to have certain vaccinations such as tetanus, hepatitis A, typhoid, and yellow fever. It’s best to talk to your doctor or consult a travel clinic about the required vaccinations before traveling to Tanzania.
Altitude sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is caused by the lack of oxygen in the air at high altitudes. Some symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Climbing Mount Meru slowly, staying hydrated, and acclimatizing properly can help prevent AMS. If you experience symptoms, it’s essential to inform your guide immediately, who can provide the necessary treatment or descent to a lower altitude.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kilimanjaro International Airport
Upon arrival, you will be met by a representative from Safari Seekers Expedition and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Here, you will meet your guide for a pre-trek briefing and equipment check. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Depart from Arusha to momella gate
Drive to Momella Gate (1,500m) – Hike to Miriakamba Hut (2,514m)
– You will be picked up from your hotel in Arusha.
– Meet your mountain crew and then depart from Arusha, and drive to Momella gate.
– It takes around one hour to reach the gate. The drive will go through Arusha national park where you can see different animals like buffalo, giraffe, and baboons, etc.
– At the Momella gate, you will do the necessary registration and then start the first section of your mountain trek.
– The hike to Miriakamba Hut is approximately 10.5 km (3-4 hours), through beautiful landscapes including grasslands, forests and open plains.
– You will enjoy your first overnight stay at Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) with dinner and breakfast provided.
Day 3: Hiking to Saddle Hut and Little Meru
– After breakfast, leave Miriakamba Hut and ascent to Saddle Hut (3,570 m).
– The trail passes through heather and moorland and offers spectacular views of the Meru Crater and the Ash Tray.
– Once you reach Saddle Hut, enjoy lunch and take some rest.
– Afternoon acclimatization hike to Little Meru (3,820m) and then return to the hut for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Summit Day
– The summit ascent begins around midnight so you can reach the summit in time for sunrise views.
– The trail to the summit is steep and challenging but offers breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro and the surrounding areas.
– You will reach the summit of Meru at sunrise, and get to see the stunning view of the plains below.
– You will then begin your descent to the Saddle Hut, where you will enjoy lunch and a well-deserved rest.
– Afterward, hike back to Miriakamba Hut for an overnight
Day 5: Descend and Transfer back to Arusha
– After breakfast, start the final descent towards Momella gate.
– Once you reach the gate, you will receive your certificate of achievement, then transfer back to Arusha, where the tour will end.