Day 1 Moshi or Arusha – Momela Gate – Miriakamba Hut
Soon after breakfast, we leave to drive to the start of our route on Mt. Meru.
This drive takes approximately 2 hours from Moshi and travels through farmland and small communities on the edge of Arusha National Park.
As we travel to the foot of the mountain, there is much to see, including:
Examples of the local way of life
Alkaline lakes that are home to flamingos and other water birds inside the park
Giraffes grazing near the road
We arrive at the Momella park gate (1500m) and register while our porters sort their loads.
We then enter the park with a National Park ranger who accompanies us throughout our time on the mountain.
We cross a small plain that is home to game, including:
Zebras
Giraffes
Elephants
As we climb gradually, we enter the rainforest and can look out for:
Bushbuck (a small antelope)
Colobus monkeys among the large cedar trees and glades of the forest
The relatively few trekkers on the mountain mean the camps are not overcrowded, and we may not even encounter other groups during our trek.
After around 4 hours of walking, we arrive at Miriakamba Hut, which has an elevation of roughly 2500 meters above sea level.
From here, there are views of the lakes in the National Park.
While on Mt. Meru, we stay in large wooden huts divided into small dormitories that are relatively comfortable.
Day 2 Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) – Saddle Hut (3,570 m)
The path through the rainforest is steeper today, and we should have views of Kilimanjaro, roughly 50 km away to the northeast.
Hanging vines, large trees, ferns, and streams provide a rich habitat for plants and animals in this part of the National Park, where we may see monkeys, various birdlife, and possibly spot a leopard.
Our camp for tonight is Saddle Hut, located at 3,570 meters.
This camp is situated between Little Meru and Rhino Point on Mt. Meru, which we will reach after 4-5 hours of walking.
From Saddle Hut, we have the option to climb Little Meru, a 2-hour return trip that takes us to 3,821 meters and is beneficial for further acclimatization.
We will have time to prepare our gear for the summit tomorrow and enjoy an early dinner before going to bed to be ready for the early start of the climb tonight.
Day 3 Saddle Hut (3,570 m) – Summit (4,566 m) – Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m)
Wake up around 1 AM and prepare to leave the hut by 2 AM.
Start walking by the light of head torches towards Rhino Point and the crater rim.
Follow the crater rim to the 4,566-meter summit.
Enjoy spectacular silhouetted views of Kilimanjaro as the sun rises over the plains of Africa, including the pyramid shadow cast by Mt. Meru behind us.
Observe the flag of Tanzania fixed at the top of Mt. Meru, also known as Socialist Peak since the country?s independence.
Sign the summit register kept in a metal box before leaving.
Experience the dramatic nature of Mt. Meru on the way down after sunrise.
Note that the crater rim is shaped like a horseshoe due to the collapse of the opposite wall, leaving cliffs of 1,500 meters.
View some of the biggest cliffs in Africa from the top of the crater rim.
See the ash cone below, a perfectly formed reminder of past volcanic eruptions.
Follow the rim back to Rhino Point with views of Little Meru.
Return to Saddle Hut for food and to pack before heading down to Miriakamba Hut.
On a four-day itinerary, spend the overnight at Miriakamba Hut.
On a three-day itinerary, stop at the hut for a short break before continuing to the national park gate.
Collect certificates for climbing to the summit.
Head back to the hotel for a well-deserved hot shower and rest.
This is a long day with a total walking time of 12-14 hours.
Day 4 Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) – Momela Gate – Arusha / Moshi
After breakfast, we will spend a few hours continuing to the national park gate.
Our vehicle will be waiting to transport you back to your hotel.