MOUNTAIN MERU

Mountain Meru is located in the western part in the Arusha National Park about 24 kilometers from Arusha-Kilimanjaro main road to the Momela gate. Meru is a dormant volcanic mountain standing at 4,566 meters above the sea level composed of both pyroclastic and lava flow materials.

The mountain is the second highest in Tanzania after Mountain Kilimanjaro. Formally the Mountain experienced volcanic eruption at 2,500 meters living a chunky rock and create a giant sharp feature like a horseshoe. Most alpine use Meru for acclimatization before the Kilimanjaro bid as it takes three to four days to climb.

Unlike Mountain Kilimanjaro, Meru is a less snow mountain and it needs full armed park rangers to escort you to the summit with only two routes. The way to the summit crosses the Arusha National Park which is one of the accessible parks in Tanzania and the famous walking safaris. The climb to this non-technical Meru are huts for

accommodation with ideal view of Kilimanjaro in a clear day, the Miriakamba hut (2,514 m) and Saddle hut (3,570 m).

During the climb tourist enjoys the sighting of wild animals at the close range and bird as well. They include mongoose, elephants, baboons, velvet, white and red colobus monkeys, giraffes, zebras, reedbucks, warthogs, dik-diks, hyenas and buffaloes.

To the Momela Lakes are the flocks of birds including numerous flamingos and pelicans among others. The vegetation of Meru changes according to the altitude from grassland to the sandy desert to the summit.

ROUTE: MOUT MERU
DURATION: 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS

Day 1: 9:00 a.m Depart from Arusha for Momella gate where trek begins. On the way, stop over for game watching at Serengeti Ndogo. From Momella gate (1,500 m) ascent to Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m, approximately 3 hours).

Day 2: From Miriakamba Hut, ascent to Saddle Hut (3,500 m, approximately 4 hours). Afternoon trek to the summit of Little Meru (3,820 m, about 45 minutes), then down to the rhino point. Dinner and overnight stay at Saddle Hut.

Day 3: 3:00 a.m From Saddle Hut, ascend to the summit of Mount Meru (4,565 m) and walk around the rim of Meru Crater. Then return to Saddle Hut for breakfast. After lunch, return to Momella gate, and you will find a car waiting for the drive back to Arusha.

4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS

DAY 1: Depart from Arusha for Momella gate where the trek begins. From Momella gate (1500 m) ascend to Miriakamba Hut (2500 m, approximately 3 hours).

DAY 2: From Miriakamba Hut, ascend hut (3500 m, approximately 4hours). Afternoon trek to the summit of Little Meru (3820 m, about 45 minutes). 1.00 a.m from saddle hut, ascent to the summit of mount Meru (4565 m) and walk around the rim of Meru crater. Then return to Saddle hut for break fast.

DAY 3: Afternoon trek from Saddle hut to Miriakamba hut (3 hours). Dinner and Overnight. Miriakamba Hut.

DAY 4: After breakfast at Miriakamba hut. Return to Momella gate to find vehicle waiting for the drive back to Arusha.