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Located to the east of Arusha town, about 20 kilometers drive from Arusha; Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania. The mountain stands at an altitude of 4566 meters above sea level inside the Arusha National Park.
Meru has one route to the top and can be attempted for three days but we highly recommend doing for four days for acclimatization. Most alpines uses Meru for acclimatization before the Kilimanjaro climb. The mountain has less snow formed at the volcano eruption. Unlike Kilimanjaro when you are climbing the Mount Meru you have to be escorted by an armed ranger(s) as you pass through the Arusha National Park.
It is at this time when you will enjoy the walking safari as you pass the groups of African buffaloes, Zebras, Black andwhite colobus monkey just little wildlife to mention. The Momela and Ngurdoto Lakes are rich in birdlife as you trek to the mountain; birds like Pelicans and Flamingo are closely seen.
MOUNT MERU TREKKING ITINERARY SAMPLE
Day One: To Miriakampa Hut 2,514 m/8,2965 ft
You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to Momela Gate to start your climb. Walking through forest towards the floor of Meru Crater, the 4 to 5 hour (10k) route takes you on a steep ascent to Miriakamba Hut. On the way you may see buffalo, views of Momela Lakes and Mt. Kilimanjaro in the distance. From your base at Miriakamba you can walk to the Crater floor or to Njeku Viewpoint where you will see excellent views of a waterfall, the Ash Cone and crater.
Day Two: To Saddle Hut 3,570m /11,785ft
After breakfast you will begin your walk on a steep path that takes you through lush forest, shady glades and across dry streams to reach Saddle Hut. It takes approximately 2 to 3 hours (4k) to reach the Hut, but you can extend your walk to visit a Maasai village or ascend to the summit of Little Meru (3,820m) to help acclimatization.
Day Three: Summit (4,565m/15,110ft) and down to Miriakampa Hut ( 2,514 m/8,2965ft)
You will start the ascent to the summit in the early morning hours in order to see the sun rising behind Mt. Kilimanjaro. The route is along a narrow ridge. Slopes of the mountain are on one side of you and the sheer cliffs of the crater are on the other, making this is a dramatic and exhilarating walk. You reach the summit at Socialist Point (4,565m) in approximately 4 to 5 hours (5k). The descent back to Saddle Hut will take 2 to 3 hours.
Day 4: Miriakamba/ Moshi
After breakfast you will begin retracing your steps to Miriakamba Hut. Then, by taking a direct route through the forest, you will return to Momela Gate in approximately 4 to 5 hours. On the lower levels you may see Giraffe and zebra grazing on the open grassland. We'll have lunch at the gate before proceeding to your hotel or lodge in Moshi where you can refresh and relax in your day room. If you're continuings with one of our scheduled departures you'll overnight and begin your wildlife safari the next day. Otherwise you'll continue according with to your onward arrangements.
