Mount Meru
Height : 4,562 meters (14,968 feet)
Activity : Hiking
Difficulty Level : Intermediate
Duration of Trek : 3-4 days
Route : Momella Route
Accommodation : Dorms in Miriakamba and Saddle Hut
Hiking Fee : 3 days hike - $1250, 4 days hike - $1650
Best Time to Visit : December to February, June to October
Mount Meru, Tanzania Overview
Mount Meru is Tanzania's second-highest peak at 4,562 meters, a dormant volcano inside Arusha National Park just south of Arusha town.
The climb is technically harder than Kilimanjaro's standard routes, with steeper scrambles near the summit, but it's less physically demanding overall and often used as a 3 to 4 day acclimatization trek before attempting Kilimanjaro. The lower slopes cut through forest where elephants and buffalo are a regular sight, and the summit gives a rare close-up view of Kilimanjaro across the plains.
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Must-Know for Climbing Mount Meru
- The Momella Route is the only way up Mount Meru.
- Miriakamba and Saddle Hut are the two locations with well-equipped huts offering dormitory accommodation for hikers.
- Hiring an armed ranger is necessary for your safety against wildlife encounters during the climb.
- Booking the trek in advance online is advisable to avoid hassles and ensure everything is arranged.
- Tipping is customary for a Mount Meru climb, with an average of about 10% of the total cost.
4 Days Itinerary for Climbing Mount Meru
- Following breakfast, travel to Momella Gate from Arusha to start the trek.
- Complete the park registration and meet your trekking team.
- Trek through the lush rainforest, lasting around 4-5 hours.
- Spot monkeys and birds along the trail.
- Arrive at Miriakamba Hut (2,514 meters) by late afternoon to rest for the night.
- Enjoy breakfast before beginning the day's hike.
- Traverse the montane forest for approximately 3-4 hours.
- Reach the scenic Saddle summit, offering views of Mount Meru and the landscape.
- Arrive at Saddle Hut (3,570 meters) in the afternoon to relax and prepare for the next day.
- Spend the night at Saddle Hut.
- Start early for the summit climb, lasting 5-7 hours.
- Navigate steep terrain to reach the 4,562-meter summit.
- Enjoy the sunrise and panoramic views, including Kilimanjaro.
- Descend to Saddle Hut for breakfast and continue to Miriakamba Hut.
- Spend the night at Miriakamba Hut, reflecting on the summit's achievement.
- Have breakfast before descending through the forest to Momella Gate.
- Complete the park formalities and receive summit certificates.
- Transfer back to Arusha to conclude the trek.
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