4 Days Mount Meru Trekking

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport – Transfer to Arusha

• Accommodation: Arusha.
• Duration: 1hr Drive (55km).

On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our Safari Guide will welcome you for the meet and greet before the transfer to the Hotel. On the way to the Hotel he will explain to you about our people, culture and history of Arusha and Tanzania in general. After checking in at the hotel, you will have to take shower and wait for the full briefing regarding Mount Meru Climbing.

Arusha is the beating heart of the wild – the last port of civilization before heading out into the rich jungle of Arusha National Park for climbing Mount Meru. The markets of Arusha burst with color, and throng with locals picking up their weekly wares. The numerous cafes sell dark and deliriously good coffee from the plantations, and close by the infamous National Park lures visitors in to explore her evocative Maasai culture and exotic flora and fauna. We suggest you relax on the arrival day and go on shopping in your last day. Overnight stay on bed and breakfast basis.

Day 2: Arusha-Momella Gate (1500amsl) to Miriakamba Hut (2,500amsl)

• Accommodation: Miriakamba Hut
  
• Duration: 5-6 hours of hiking
• Zone: Rainforest.

Your 4 days Mount Meru Climbing starts, the pick-up from your hotel after breakfast and transferred to Momella Gate of Arusha National Park (1,500amsl). After clearing entrance formalities, you begin your hike, guided by a park ranger. You’re trekking to Miriakamba passes open grassland, providing an opportunity to spot buffalo, warthogs and other grazers. 

Continue with your hiking as you gain steady climb through montane forest. You will have a break near a giant Fig Tree arch where you will enjoy your packed lunch. After lunch, proceeds with your hiking through less dense forest, where there are an abundance of birds, black and white colobus monkeys.

By mid-afternoon, you will be able to see the towering cliffs and the Ash Cone. Thereafter proceeds to reach Miriakamba Hut at 2,500amsl which located in an idyllic grassy glade. You have ample time to enjoy the last of the afternoon sun and beautiful views over the surrounding plains towards Kilimanjaro. Overnight Stay at Miriakamba Hut with all meals included.

Day 3: Miriakamba Hut (2,500amsl) to Saddle Hut (3,500amsl)

• Accommodation: Saddle Hut
  
• Duration: 4 hours of hiking
• Zone: Rainforest.

Today your trekking takes you from Miriakamba Hut to the Saddle Hut below Little Meru. It is a short climb but a steep. Take a slowly hike through lush montane forest to reach the halfway point of Elephant Ridge 3050amsl. While here, you will enjoy a fantastic views of the summit ridge and across the crater floor. Your hiking continues through giant heather and other fascinating moorland vegetation to reach Saddle Hut a 3,500amsl, where lunch is will be provided. 

You have a free afternoon to relax and to enjoy the breathtaking views. If you have more energy left, you can make the short climb to the nearby summit of Little Meru which will take 1.5 hours walking (3,820amsl) for superb views just before sunset. Overnight at Saddle Hut with all meals included.

Day 4: Saddle Hut (3,500amsl) to Summit (4,566amsl) to Miriakamba (2,500amsl)

• Accommodation: Miriakamba Hut
• Duration: 5 hours of hiking
• Zone: Rainforest.

You start early at around 2:00am climbing steeply to Rhino Point (3,800amsl), continue with your trekking along an undulating ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point (4,350amsl). Depending on your speed, you can enjoy sunrise at Cobra Point or the summit. At sunrise, the views here are absolutely stunning: You have the cliffs of the Crater rim, and the Ash Cone rising from the Crater floor, Kilimanjaro floating on the morning clouds and west towards the Rift Valley if visibility is good. 

A further one-hour trekking on a good but steep path, brings you to the summit of Socialist Peak (4,566amsl). Spend sometimes on the summit and thereafter descend to Rhino Point in the morning light. The descent from the summit to Saddle is through a narrow ridge between the sloping outer wall of the crater and the sheer cliffs of the inner wall, is undoubtedly one of the most dramatic and exhilarating walks in Africa. Enjoy a rest and brunch at Saddle Hut before descending further to Miriakamba Hut at 2,500amsl, this is a 10 hours walking.

Day 5: Miriakamba Hut (2,500amsl) – Momella Gate (1,500amsl)-Hotel in Arusha (1400amsl)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha
  Duration: 2-3 hours of hiking
• Zone: Rainforest.

Today is the end of your Mt. Meru trekking as you take the direct route down which takes you through open grassland and mixed forest, with good chances of seeing wildlife. The trail has great views back towards the crater and over the plains of the National Park. Depending on your pace, you should reach Momella Gate by late morning (2-3 hours walking). You will find your private driver waiting to take you back to Arusha town where you will refreshing-up, followed by lunch and a free afternoon to relax. Overnight stay in Arusha based on bed and breakfast.

Day 6: Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport

After breakfast, depending on your flight time we will drive you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for the International Flight back home or Arusha Airport for the domestic flight to Zanzibar, Serengeti, Tarangire, Ruaha National Park, Mafia island, Pemba island or Dar es salaam. If you have an evening flight, this is then the best day and time for shopping. There are so many gift shops scattered around in Arusha Town. 

End of our service.