Mount Meru
Trip Details
- Duration: 4 days
- Visited Areas: Africa , Tanzania , Kilimanjaro
Few people climb Mount Meru. It's home to a remarkable forest, birds, and big game on the lower slopes. There are forests aflame with pokers, dripping Spanish moss and carpeted with clover before rising to open heath spiked with giant lobelias. The dramatic and exhilarating walk along the rim of the horseshoe crater, before the final ascent, is highly recommended for climbers interested in a challenge, spectacular views and wildlife.
Itinerary
Day 1: Momella Gate
We pick you up and drive to Momella Gate (1,500m), where the trekking begins. We follow the track through the forest and through the wild fig tree arch to a small clearing, where we may see buffalo grazing, before continuing across the Jekukumia River and on for lunch at Njeku viewpoint, with the Momella lakes and the plains beyond. We return to the track and continue to Miriakamba Hut for our evening meal and overnight stay.
Day 2: Saddle Hut
After breakfast, we walk through the glades and forest, filled with black and white Colobus monkeys, to Mgongo wa Tempo (Elephant Ridge). We will reach Saddle Hut 3-4 hours later and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, continue to the summit of Little Meru for impressive views, of the crater, the top of the ash cone and sheer cliffs of the crate's inner wall. Your evening meal and overnight will be at Saddle Hut.
Day 3: Miriakamba Hut
After an early morning rise, we walk along the very narrow ridge to the summit (4,566m) watching the sunrise dramatically from behind Kilimanjaro. The return, via Rhino point, provides spectacular views of the Rift Valley, the volcanoes of Kirumbeni and Lengai and the town of Arusha. Our evening meal and overnight stay will be at Miriakamba Hut (10-12 hours).
Day 4: Momella Gate
On our final day, return to Momella Gate (2 hours) where our vehicle will be waiting. We will then have a game drive in Arusha National Park and a picnic lunch before we return to Arusha or Moshi.
