Mount Meru is the fifth highest mountain on the African continent and the second highest in Tanzania and dominates the Arusha National Park with its huge cliffs. The mountain is often used as warm-up hiking in preparation for the Kilimanjaro. However, the technical requirements are greater on Mount Meru than on the Kilimanjaro Routes. On the four-day trekking tour, you are more than likely to see giraffes, buffalos, antelopes and baboons; therefore, a park ranger will accompany you for your safety.
At 4,566 m Mt Meru is the fifth highest mountain on the African continent and the second highest in
Tanzania. About 250,000 years ago, a massive volcanic eruption blew away the entire eastern flank of the
mountain and left it with the distinctive appearance it has today. The Mt Meru ascent passes through
many different vegetation zones. The dry forest of the lower region changes to a dense mountain
rainforest, which then turns into scrubland. Closer to the summit, vegetation becomes less and less and
gives way to alpine terrain.
As the vegetation changes so does the wildlife. During the ascent, you might come across large game such
as giraffes, buffaloes, baboons, colobus monkeys and antelopes. To be safe, it is obligatory to be
accompanied by an armed park ranger on your tour.
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to the Hotel, at Moshi Town. The rest of the day will be at leisure and you can just relax or explore the town (taxi required). In the evening, you will attend a briefing in preparation of your upcoming trek.
In the morning, you will be collected from your hotel and after a scenic drive through the Arusha National Park you will reach the Momella gate. Once the formalities have been sorted out you will start from here. An armed park ranger will accompany you and right from the start you might spot giraffes and buffaloes as you walk through open grasslands. After approximately 2 hours you will reach the Maio Falls – the perfect spot to rest and have a picnic. Thereafter you will continue your trek to the well-known “fig tree arch”. After about another two hours your will arrive at the Miriakamba Hut in time for afternoon tea and snacks. The night will be spent at the Miriakamba Hut.
In the morning you will follow wooden steps along a steep track. Due to the gain in altitude, it will be noticeably cooler than the previous day and walking may seem easier. The clouds often hang low in the rainforest, creating a moody atmosphere in the lush vegetation. After going uphill for approximately 2 hours, you will reach the vantage point “Mgongo wa Tembo” (elephant back) at a height of 3,200 m, where you will enjoy a well-earned break. The vegetation now changes from rainforest to heather and moorland and you should reach Saddle Hut (3,550 m) at around midday. During the afternoon, you have the option to hike to Little Meru (3,820 m) which should take about 1 to 1½ hours. From here you will enjoy wonderful views of Arusha National Park and Mt Kilimanjaro about 80 km away. Back at Saddle Hut you will have a warm meal before you retire to bed early as your wake-up call with be just after midnight.
After a small snack and some tea, you will leave the camp at night. Lighting the way with headlamps, you will follow the trail through bush land to Rhino Point (3,821 m). From here the path becomes more challenging and occasionally climbing will be necessary. You will walk on volcanic ash, rocks and gravel, following the crater rim. After about 4 to 5 hours you should reach the summit, Socialist Peak. From here, you will experience the sun rising above Mt Kilimanjaro and enjoy the fantastic view of Mt Meru’s crater with its steep sides and the “ash cone” in the middle. The descent follows the same route back to Saddle Hut (3,550 m) where you will take a break and recuperate with hot soup and tea. Once refreshed, you will continue the descent and in the afternoon you reach Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m) – tired but happy.
After a small snack and some tea, you will leave the camp at night. Lighting the way with headlamps, you will follow the trail through bush land to Rhino Point (3,821 m). From here the path becomes more challenging and occasionally climbing will be necessary. You will walk on volcanic ash, rocks and gravel, following the crater rim. After about 4 to 5 hours you should reach the summit, Socialist Peak. From here, you will experience the sun rising above Mt Kilimanjaro and enjoy the fantastic view of Mt Meru’s crater with its steep sides and the “ash cone” in the middle. The descent follows the same route back to Saddle Hut (3,550 m) where you will take a break and recuperate with hot soup and tea. Once refreshed, you will continue the descent and in the afternoon you reach Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m) – tired but happy.
FOR EVERY DETAIL ABOUT THESE ITINERARIES OR FOR BUILDING A CUSTOM ONE, PLEASE CONTACT US THROUGH OUR CONTACT PAGE. WE WILL MAKE A TAILOR-MADE ITINERARY THAT CAN INCLUDE NOT ONLY THE SAFARI BUT ALSO TRANSFERS, ACCOMMODATION IN TOWN BEFORE/AFTER TOURS, INTERNAL FLIGHTS, EXTENSION TO ZANZIBAR, ETC.
The Lemosho Route is a newer route on Mount Kilimanjaro that approaches from the west. It is a difficult and long route, but one that is favored by most reputable Kilimanjaro outfitters due to its smaller crowds, scenic variety and high success rates.
This is a region of incredible natural beauty with a great range of landscape and terrain. Furthermore, all the game viewing areas offer a selection of excellent accommodation options - a winning combination!
Postal Address P. O BOX 1199 Moshi, Tanzania.
Moshi - TANZANIA
Phone (Tanzania) : +255 766 834 768
E-mail : info@seasonmasteradventures.com
Need any help? Write to us at:
+255 766
834 768
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