MOUNT MERU


Mount Meru is an active volcano of 4566 metres about 70 kilometres west of Mount Kilimanjaro and our trek is six days to reach the summit and come back. It is an excellent standalone trip or a prequel to climbing Kilimanjaro itself. Some people say that Meru is actually more challenging, and for sure it is much quieter. Therefore there is a lot more wildlife to be seen and the sense of remoteness and solitude is much stronger than on the more famous peak nearby.

The mountain is the centrepiece of Arusha National Park and its fertile slopes rise above the surrounding savanna and support a forest that hosts diverse wildlife, including nearly 400 species of birds, and also monkeys and leopards. Trekkers have the opportunity to see a lot of wildlife as they approach and climb the mountain.

The ascent is quite steep in places and the route to the summit passes over a number of streams, moving through grasslands, tropical rainforest, alpine meadows, moorlands and desert uplands to snow and ice. The summit is reached by a narrow, barren ridge, which provides stunning views of the Ash Cone lying several hundred feet below in the crater.

WHY CLIMB MT. MERU


There are several reasons to include Mount Meru into your Tanzania adventures list. Regrettably, this volcano is often out shadowed by Kilimanjaro - located in the immediate vicinity, it attracts the most of international hikers, thus making it a secondary hiking destination or a warm-up exercise. The majority of hikers, however, ignore it altogether.

We at Livingstone Safari Tanzania firmly believe that Mt Meru hiking is a great adventure by itself because of these reasons:

A

Stunning sceneries

Mount Meru features incredibly captivating scenic vistas. The trek to Socialist Peak (4566 m/14,980 f), traverses several climatic zones, offering diverse landscapes and unparalleled scenes for wildlife photography.

The views from the summit area of Mt Meru are truly rewarding - valleys, forests and meadows, all buried in lush verdure, and magnetizing view of the Kilimanjaro peak looming on a horizon will surprise even the most seasoned travelers.

B

Rich wildlife

Nestled in Arusha National Park, Mount Meru is one of the few mountains of the world still densely inhabited by the wildlife, which freely roams on its slopes. The hikers are likely to experience multiple encounters with different animals, including buffaloes, antelopes, monkeys, giraffes and, with some luck in your pocket, even elephants.

C

No crowds

Meru is not yet popular among the hikers. During the high season, on the popular routes of Kilimanjaro (Marangu and Machame) there is a chance of “traffic jams”, something that you will never experience on the trails of Meru. For those who are seeking reclusive, tranquil hiking in the wild, Meru is a great choice.

D

Mount Meru hiking tour is affordable

In contrast to other hiking adventures, Mt Meru climb is quite an affordable activity. Because no tents are necessary (overnight stays on Mt Meru are in huts), the number of crew is small, reducing the travel costs. Therefore, for those with shrinking budgets Meru can become a good and affordable alternative.

E

Excellent addition for the safari tour

The wildlife of Tanzania is what attractions most of the visitors to the country. Several times the country was voted by the experts as the best destination for big game watching.

ITINERARY


DAY 1

Arrival to Tanzania

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where our representative will meet you and transfer to the hotel (see the description below). It provides all the essentials for a comfortable stay, such as: cozy rooms, Internet access, hot water, a swimming pool, and a helpful staff. In the evening, an orientation session with our tour coordinators will ensure that you are ready to begin the spectacular Meru climb.

DAY 2

From Mommella Gate to Miriakamba Huts

In the morning you will go to Arusha National Park, and then straight to the trailhead.You will experience multiple encounters with giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes and other.

At Momella Gate the guides will arrange the entry permit formalities, and you will start trekking to Miriakamba Huts. Wild animals (warthogs, zebras, monkeys, antelopes and, sometimes, elephants) are likely to be seen on the way.

Hot lunch will be served upon arrival to Miriakamba Huts. There you may rest or explore the surroundings.

DAY 3

From Miriakamba Huts to Saddle Huts

After the breakfast, the group will start trekking to Saddle Hut Camp. The rain forest zone will end soon, giving place to heath and moorland with large trees. The trail will open amazing panoramic vistas.

Upon reaching the Saddle Hut Camp, those who are willing and energetic enough may reach the Little Meru Peak, further boosting your acclimatization transition.

Our team will serve hot lunch and dinner in the camp.

DAY 4

From Saddle Huts to Socialist Peak and to Momella Gate

Midnight wake-up and the group starts trekking to the Socialist Peak. The hikers should be prepared for a tough and strenuous hike - the legs to Rhino Point and Cobra points are especially precipitous. Be careful!

The group will reach Socialist Peak (4,565 m/14,977 m) by sunrise, where you’ll have true visual euphoria - thrilling panoramic sceneries around and mesmerizing sunrise.

After the summit time, the group will descend to Miriakamba Hut for a hot lunch, and then to Momella Gate where our car will pick your party and transfer to the hotel.

DAY 5

Departure

Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.

Transfers


Transfers can be arranged between the airport, moshi town and between hotels, restaurants and attractions, either on a seat-in-coach basis, or the private hire of an entire vehicle. All pick-up times are arranged to tie in with flight departures and scheduled tours. Our guides work to this timetable, collecting guests from each hotel en route to their intended destination.

TREKKING TOURS


1 Day Kilimanjaro Trek
3 Days Mt. Meru Trek
7 Days Marangu Route
8 Days Lemosho Route
8 Days Machame Route

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