5 Day Climb Mt. Meru
Size: at 4,5685m, the fifth highest in Africa.
Location: Northern Tanzania, near Arusha.
Mount Meru is one of Africa’s most beautiful volcanoes, and it is the second highest mountain in Tanzania. The mountain is located within Arusha National Park. This prime location gives climbers the opportunity to spot some of the birds and wildlife that inhabit the area. When on a Mount Meru trek , the ascend is quite steep, the route to the summit passes over streams, through parkland, forest, a giant heather zone and moorland. The summit is reached by a narrow, barren ridge, which provides stunning views of the Ash Cone lying several thousand feet below in the crater. Weather permitting, Mount Kilimanjaro can be seen in the West. Mt. Meru most recently had a minor eruption about a century ago. The several small cones and craters seen in the vicinity probably reflect numerous episodes of volcanic activity.
Day 1: Arriving at Kilimanjaro international airport you will be picked then transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight, briefing will be done after arrived at hotel.
Day 2: After breakfast you will be picked at 8: 00 am and proceed on to the office for equipment check-up, all the luggage which won’t be needed for the trek will be stored in our office / Hotel At 9.15am we will depart for Momella gate. Approximately 2hrs
Momella gate is located near shamba la mbogo natural glade in Mt meru reserve, it is situated at 1,500m above sea level .Tow routs are available from Momella gate. The first route goes through the forest towards the crater floor and then through the grassland direct to Miriakamba Hut.
After all formalities, we begin trekking accompanied by armed ranger. We will ascend up to miriakamba Hut suited at 2,500m above sea level .The trekking takes approximately 3 hours .we will be walking amidst the montane forest where various species of flora and fauna can be found on this part of the mountain. There are beautifully views of Arusha national park’s various landscapes that can be seen from this trek and, weather –permitting, spectacular views of Mt Kilimanjaro can be seen.
Day 3: From Miriakamba Hut the path is steep compared to other mountains in the region .We continue our ascend on a narrow winding trail through a thick montane forest, where various species of vegetation can be seen. There are water streams that we cross before approaching the moorland zone. A good view of little Meru can be seen on a clear day , just as you approach saddle Hut. Buffalo footprints can be seen .some bird species ,and plenty of Africana Masaica ,a shrub plant that stings can also be seen on both sides of the trail .The ascend takes approximately 4 hours .After our arrival at saddle Hut (3.500m) you have the option to embark on 45 minute walk to little Meru( 3,820m)it has a meandering trail which is aided with good grass cover to give you good grip . One can see the Kenyan border from the peak of litter Meru, Ngara Nanyuki –a town that lies after the Arusha National park, as well as gorgeous views of west Mt,Kilimanjaro and Longido.
Day 4: Our ascent to big Meru , the summit of Mt, Meru (4.566) begins at around midnight and takes us from the moorland zone to alpine desert zone .The trek will take approximately 6-7 hours .Along we will pass Rhino point as we walk around the rim of Meru crater . Conditions are cold and windy and during the rainy season ice and snow can occur in this section of the route. From the summit we return to saddle Hut breakfast and then proceed to miriakamba hut for lunch dinner and overnight (2500m)
Day 5: After breakfast proceed with your morning trekking to Momella gate with lunch en route you have two routes as option .
Route one is a straight descend to Momella gate same way as you went up -3hrs
Route two is a scenic route through the Meru crater down the montage forest ending up at Momella gate -6hrs.
You will be transferred from Momella gate to hotel, expected to be at hotel around 4pm
Dinner and overnight at hotel,
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