3. From Arusha: Mount Meru 4-Day Summit Trip
Scale the second highest mountain in Tanzania in this thrilling and challenging climb. Mount Meru, a dormant volcano that measures 4566 meters (14,979 feet) tall, is the perfect climb for those wanting a taste of high altitude trekking without going too high.
Meru is centred in Arusha National Park, with fertile slopes that rise above the surrounding savannah and are home to a variety of wildlife, including nearly 400 species of birds, buffalos, leopards, giraffes and different species of monkeys.
Day 1: Hotel to Momella gate to Miriakamba Hut
Drive from Arusha or Moshi town 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 on this day, with an armed Park Ranger to protect against wild animal threats we will continue a short distance until we reach the Miriakamba hut.
Elevation: 1500m/4921ft to 2500m/8202ft
Distance: 6km/3.5ml
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
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/3.5ml
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Day 3: Saddle Hut to Socialist Peak to Miriakamba Hut
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 2500m/8202ft
Distance: 19km/12ml
Hiking Time: 10-12 hours
Day 4: Miriakamba Hut to Momella gate
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Momella Gate, we will change the route and take the southern route down hence the change in distance trekked on this day. We will also pass through the astonishing Fig tree Arch.
Our vehicle will be waiting for you at Momella gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha (around 1 hour and 30 minutes).
Elevation: 2500m/8202ft to 1500m/4921ft
Distance: 14km/8.5ml
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch