3 Days Mount Meru Climb is the best for acclimatization prior to Mount Kilimanjaro climbing; Mount Meru is located in Tanzania and is the fifth highest mountain in Africa. It is a great mountain to climb and offers spectacular scenery, including views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The mountain is located within Arusha National Park, Tanzania’s gem. This prime location gives trekkers the chance to spot some of the wildlife that inhabits the area.
An easy 40-minute drive from Arusha. Approximately 60 km (35 miles) from Kilimanjaro International Airport. The lakes, forest and Ngurdoto Crater can all be visited in the course of a half-day outing at the beginning or end of an extended northern safari. NOTE: Mountain Climbing Permits duration time is 12 HOURS.
Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to Arusha town. You will meet your driver guide who will brief you on your upcoming safaris, then rest until the next day morning.
Day 2: Arusha – Momela Gate – Miriakamba Hut
We drive from Arusha to Momela Gate. After a short registration at the Gate our walk will begin with full armed ranger escorting us, simply we can see along the way the wild animals including elephants, zebras, and giraffe, monkeys, antelope, and often elephants along the route. Dinner and overnight night at Miriakamba Hut.
- Elevation (m): (1,387 m to (1,500 m)
- Elevation (ft): 4,921 ft) to 3,000 ft )
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest.
Day 3: Miriakamba Hut to the Saddle Hut
The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a short day but a steep climb. The walk will take us slowly along the ridge for a spectacular view of the Meru Crater and the impressive Ash Cone. After hot lunch at Saddle Hut we can make a short climb to the summit of Little Meru (3,820m) for superb views just before sunset. Dinner and overnight at Saddle Hut
- Elevation (m): 2,514 m to 3,570 m
- Elevation (ft): 8,250 ft to 11,712 ft
- Distance: 8 km
- Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
- Habitat: Forest and Moorland.
Day 4: Saddle Hut – Summit – Momela Gate – Moshi/ Arusha
We start early at around 1:30 a.m. to climb steeply to Rhino Point (3,800 m.) and on to Cobra Point (4350m). We reach the summit (4,566 m) for sunrise there is a possibility to see Kilimanjaro Peak above the clouds. The final part of the climb is along a spectacular narrow ridgeline between the sheer inner cliffs and the sloping outer wall of the crater. We take a short rest and brunch at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to the Momella gate. The returning transfer will be waiting at Momella Gate to pick you to your hotel in Arusha/Moshi.
- Elevation (m): 3,570 m to 4,565m to 2,514m
- Elevation (ft): 14,977ft to 11,712 ft to 8,250ft
- Distance: 5 km up 13 km down
- Hiking Time: 12 – 14 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert Moorland and Montane forest.