Mount Meru
You may not be quite ready to tackle the six to eight-day experience of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, or maybe you’re in preparation for your climb up Africa's highest peak and want to ease into things with a more manageable climb. Whatever your reasons for wanting to climb Tanzania's second highest mountain, standing at 4,562 metres (14,968 feet) high, African Scenic Safaris have been taking clients to the peak of Mount Meru for over 10 years so rest assured you’re in excellent hands!
Start Planning your Journey
 | Day 1Arrival & BriefingUpon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be transferred to your accommodation where your guide will meet you for a full briefing and equipment check. Overnight Kili Villa, Superior Villa – full board (www.kilivilla.com) |
 | Day 2Kili Villa to Momella Gate (1,580m/5,180 ft) to Miriakamba Hut (2,500m/8,200ft)Elevation Gain: 920m/3,020ft In the morning you will be transferred to Arusha National Park to register before setting off with your guide and ranger, required because there is an abundance of wildlife in the forests! Walking through the grasslands towards the acacia forest on the southern route, you may spot giraffe and buffalo. After roughly 2 hours you will reach the Maio Falls, where you can enjoy a break, then continue through ‘fig tree arch’. After approximately 4-5 hours of trekking, you will reach a spectacular viewpoint, before heading on to the huts. Overnight Miriakamba Hut |
 | Day 3Miriakamba Hut (2,500m/8,200ft) to Saddle Hut (3,550m/11,650ft)Elevation Gain: 1,050m/3,445ft Continue your trek along a steep track reaching “Mgongo wa Tembo” (elephant back) after approximately 2 hours. Low lying clouds often shroud the rainforest in mist, creating a moody atmosphere. Take in the scenery before heading to Saddle Hut. The vegetation changes from rainforest to heather and moorland. After lunch you may choose to hike Little Meru (3,820m), taking approximately 1½ hours. This is great for acclimatisation and, weather permitting, will reward you with fantastic views over Arusha National Park and Kilimanjaro. A warm meal and early night await you back at the huts. Overnight Saddle Hut |
 | Day 4Saddle Hut (3,550m/11,650ft) to Socialist Peak (4,562m/14,968ft) then descending to Miriakamba Hut (2,500m/8,200ft)Elevation Gain: 1,012m/3,318ft You will be awakened around midnight to start your final ascent. Headlamps light your way as you follow the trail through bush to Rhino Point (3,821m) where the path becomes more challenging. Occasionally some scrambling will be required. Following the crater rim, you will walk on frozen volcanic ash and rocks before reaching the summit after approximately 4 to 5 hours. Enjoy breathtaking views of sun rise behind Kilimanjaro and look deep into Mount Meru’s crater. Start your descent via the same route to Saddle Hut where you can recuperate with hot soup and tea. Once rested, continue to Miriakamba Hut. Please note, the summit stage contains a few easy but unsecured scrambling passages. A good head for heights and sure-footedness are necessary. In adverse weather conditions the park ranger may call off the summit attempt. Overnight Miriakamba Hut |
 | Day 5Miriakamba Hut (2,500m/8,200ft) to Momella Gate (1,580m/5,180 ft)Elevation Loss: 920m/3,020ft After breakfast start your final stretch on Meru, via the ‘northern route’ to Momella Gate. On this 2 to 3-hour trek you may once again be lucky enough to see giraffes, buffalo and elephants, as well as black and white Colobus monkeys. Arriving at the gate, say farewell to your hiking crew and travel to your accommodation to rest for the night. Overnight Kili Villa, Superior Villa – full board (www.kilivilla.com) |
 | Day 6DepartureToday you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport in time for your flight, or if you’ve decided to extend your Tanzanian adventure, begin the next part of your journey! Start Planning your Journey |
What’s Included?Mount Meru Price Includes:
| What’s Not Included?Mount Meru Additional Costs:
|
 | AccommodationMount Meru HutsSpend the night in huts, which offer simple dormitory style rooms with comfortable bunk beds. Toilet and washing facilities are provided and our cook will prepare hot drinks, snacks and freshly cooked meals using local ingredients, served in the dining room. Kili VillaKili Villas are surrounded by nature, boasting spectacular views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro to the north, and the Maasai Steppe to the south. Staff ensure that service is personal, allowing you to enjoy the comfort of the villas and to start discovering the beauty of Tanzania. Each villa is distinctively decorated, showcasing the best of local African design and craftsmanship combined with colonial style furniture. Built around a central private courtyard, each villa boasts a living room with bush or pool views and a private terrace. |