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Mount Meru climb
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Mt. Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania at 4566m (14,979 ft), although
it is overshadowed by Kilimanjaro, its famous neighbour, and frequently overlooked
by trekkers. But Meru is a spectacular classic volcanic cone, and well worth a
visit. A trek to the summit involves hiking through the grassland and lush forest
on the mountain's beautiful lower slopes, followed by a dramatic and exhilarating
walk along the knife-edge rim of the horseshoe crater.
Meru was formed by volcanic action like most of the mountains in the region
associated with the creation of the Great Rift Valley. The circular wall of the
crater was broken by subsequent explosions to make today's horseshoe shape, and
more recent volcanic activity has created the ash cone that stands inside the
crater. Small eruptions have been reported in the last 100 years, indicating that
Meru is still not quite extinct. The local Waarusha who live in the area regard
the mountain as sacred. Every year a bull or sheep is sacrificed and offered to the
mountain to ensure rain in the coming season. It is most likely that local people
have been visiting the forest and even the area on the crater floor for generations.
It is not known whether anybody ever reached the summit. The eposed nature of the
effects of altitude would probably have deterred causal curiosity.
Day 1
Momella gate to Mariakamba Hut : 1500m - 2514m (10 kms, 4-5 hrs)
Trek through the forest towards the crater floor, and then
steeply up to Miriakamba Hut for overnight.
Day 2
Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut : 2514m - 3570m (4 kms, 3-4 hrs)
Trek uphill slightly until it peters out into a path which
climbs steeply up through pleasant glades between the trees,
to reach Buffalo Swamp and Elephant Ridge up to
Saddle Hut. You can sidetrack to Little Meru and
Rhino Point, which takes 2 hours return for each.
Day 3
Saddle Hut to Meru summit : 3570m - 4566m (5 kms, 4-5 hrs)
Return to Saddle Hut.
Leave Saddle Hut very early in the morning to reach the
summit in time to see the sun rising from behind Kilimanjaro,
and to stand a chance of avoiding the late morning mist.
continue trekking to the summit; the views are spectacular.
From the summit retrace the route round the rim, back to
Saddle Hut.
Day 4
Saddle Hut to Momela gate : 3570m - 1500m (9 kms, 3-5 hrs)
From Saddle retrace to Miriakamba Hut or through the forest
to Momela gate.
Price for the climb :
- 3 days : 480 USD pp
- 4 days : 615 USD pp
Minimum 2 people. Supplement for 1 person : 100 USD
Included :
- national park entry fees, hut fees, rescue fees
- English speaking guide(s), cook and porters
- full board hut accommodation during the climb
- mineral water for the first day, boiled and filtered water on the other days
- transfer to the gate and return to Arusha
Not included :
- other drinks
- meals and accommodation in Arusha
- sleeping bag
- personal expenses and tips
Book a climb
or request more info :
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