Meru trek in 3 days
Mount meru stands tall at 4566m and is the second highest mountain in Tanzania. Mount Meru is located in the Arusha national park and it offers one of the most breathtaking scenery and wildlife diversity compared to any mountain in Tanzania. Meru trek is indeed a challenging trek due to the rocky ridges and its steep ascent to the peak. However, it is one of the best ways to get an experience of high altitude trekking and it also the best way to acclimatize for those who want to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro. Mount Meru trek takes you through places from where you can get a glimpse of the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro.
Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing
If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. Pre-trek briefing at your Arusha hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend the day having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed at a local shop.
Day 1: Hotel to Momella gate to Miriakamba Hut
Drive from Arusha to Momella Gate takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Once at the gate we will finish all the procedures and depart for the trek. The trek takes you through places from where you can catch breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the renowned Momella lakes. Trekkers encounter wildlife like Bushbucks, Cape Buffaloes, Giraffes, and Warthogs during this day. We continue a short distance until we reach the Miriakamba hut.
Elevation: 1500m/4921ft to 2500m/8202ft
Distance: 6km/3.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut
Today we trek through the steep path along the ridge of the saddle. On the way, you can witness the stunning Meru crater, the ash cone, and little Meru. There are chances of us encountering wildlife like Cape Buffaloes and the black and white Colobus monkey. We will end the trek up at Saddle hut. Once you have settled at the camp we will set off on a short trek to little Meru (3810m) for acclimatization purpose and return to Saddle hut.
Elevation: 2500m/8202ft to 3500m/11483ft
Distance: 6km/3.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Saddle Hut to Summit to Miriakamba Hut to Momella gate
We wake up just after midnight and have a light meal to keep our energies high. Once done with the meal we start the final ascent to Socialist Peak. This ascent will be steep and we will be making our way through gravel and rocky cliffs. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. Once at the summit, you will enjoy the magnificent views of the Meru Crater and the Ash cone. There are chances that one might catch a glimpse of wildlife like mountain Reedbucks and Klipspringers over the rocky ridge.
From the summit, we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Miriakamba hut.
Elevation: 3500m/11483ft to 4562m/14967ft down to 1500m/4921ft
Distance: 28km/17mi
Hiking Time: 13-14 hours
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Inclusions
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
All meals while on the Mountain
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Arusha hotel
Accommodation in wooden dormitory style huts
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Clean, purified drinking water
Sleeping Mattress
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
Camping fees (part of park fees)
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Exclusions
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
Tanzania Visa
Travel insurance
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
International and domestic flights
Tips and gratuities
Hotel (available as an optional addon)
Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Transfers (available as an optional addon)