Mt. Meru trek, Arusha National Park
Meru is considered harder by many people, so don’t let the fact that this peak is not quite as high as Mt. Kilimanjaro fool you!
Details
This itinerary was designed for those who have done the main safari circuit and want to get some serious trekking in. Meru is considered harder by many people, so don’t let the fact that this peak is not quite as high as Mt. Kilimanjaro fool you! It’s also a great way to see Arusha National Park.
On arrival at JRO meet with HM Safaris Staff (Please look for the board with your name on it), and transfer to Arumeru River Lodge for dinner and overnight. The lodge has swimming pool for you to relax and get relief after long flights.
Momella Gate (1500m) to Miriakamba (2750m):
Transfer from Arusha Town to Momella Gate where the registration for trekking takes place and thereafter you will start trekking. This day is mostly through the forest, where climbers see a variety of forest birds and mammals. There are two routes from Momella gate to Miriakamba; Southern and Northern.
Southern Route (road): It takes 5 hours walk from Momella gate to Miriakamba hut. Visitors pass through the Montane Forest with different features such as the Fig Tree Arch, Moivo Waterfalls, and different kinds of vegetation.
Northern Route: It takes between 3-4 hours from Momella gate to Miriakamba hut. This is the shortest and steepest route. Along this route the views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Momella Lakes are spectacular. Dinner and overnight at the Hut.
Miriakamba to Saddle (3750m):
It takes 3-4 hours trekking from Miriakamba to Saddle Hut. Along this portion of the route you will enjoy the spectacular view of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Momella Lakes, Meru Crater, Ash cone, Mt. Meru Cliff and Little Meru. Wild animals can be seen and altitudinal changes in vegetation become apparent. While at this hut, the ascent to Little Meru can be done in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the hut.
Saddle Hut to Summit (4566m):
It takes 5-6 hours from Saddle Hut to Summit. This is the place where visitors enjoy most of the features of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Little Meru (3801m), Meru Crater, Ash cone, Momella Lakes, Cliff face, Meru Peak, Ngorongoro Crater Highlands, Arusha Town, sunrise and sunset.
Klipspringers and mountain reedbuck are seen over the rocks. High altitude birds e.g. lammergeyer, and flowers like everlasting can also be seen.
The start for the summit is made early in the morning. After reaching the summit at 4566m you will walk back to Miriakamba hut for dinner and overnight.
Miriakamba to Momella Gate:
Accommodation : Arumeru River Lodge
Meal Plan : Half Board Basis
This day you descend to Momella gate for transfer to Arusha Town. Visitors who used the short route while ascending may choose to descend through the long route or vice versa. It takes 2 to 3 hours for the short and long route respectively from Miriakamba to the Momella gate.
Transfer to JRO for your onward flight
