Mount Meru 4 Days Arusha, Tanzania

At 4566 meters, Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania. It is sometimes treated as an acclimatization trip before an attempt on Mount Kilimanjaro,

1st Day

Momela Gate (1500 m) – Miriakamba Hut (2514 m)

Hiking Time: 4 – 5 Hours

Distance: 10 km

From the Momela Gate cross the Ngare Nanyuki River and follow the track into the forest. The sacred Fig Tree Arch is reached after an hour. After reaching Miriakamba, you can walk to Meru Crater Floor (a 2 to 3 hour return trip) either in the afternoon Day 1 or before the start of day 2. The path across the floor leads to Njeku Camp (an old forest station) and Njeku viewpoint on a high cliff overlooking a waterfall, with exellent views of the Ash Cone and the entire extent of the crater.

2nd Day

Miriakamba Hut (2514 m) – Saddle Hut (3570 m)

Hiking Time 2 – 3 Hours

Distance: 4 km

From Miriamkamba, the path climb steeply up through pleasant glades between the trees to rich Tope la Mbogo (Buffalo Swamp) after 45 minutes and Mgongo wa Tembo (Elephant Ridge) after another 30 minutes. Continue through some open grassy clearings and over several stream beds (usally dry) to Saddle Hut. Saddle Hut, you can walk up to Little Meru (3820 m) in about an hour on a clear path. Allow 45 minutes to get back to Saddle Hut.

3rd Day

Saddle Hut (3570 m) – Miriakamba Hut (2514 m)    Summit Day

Hiking Time: 9 – 11 hours

Distance: 10 km

Start ascent early morning 2 am to 3 am to reach the summit 4566 meters in time to the sun rising from behind Mount Kilimanjaro. This is 5 km climb up 996 m to the peak, followed by descent to Miriakamba Hut for the evening.

4th Day

Miriakamba Hut (2514 m) – Momela Gate (1500 m)

Time: 2 – 3 Hours

Distance: 10 Km

Descent using the same route that you used to climb the mountain.

Alternativly: Some Groups combine the third (summit) day and the fourth (descend) day. This is entirly possible, but does mean that the summitday is very lengthy, since you must descent right of the mountain in the same day.

Please do not forget to Tip your Guides, Cooks and Porters.

Equipment you need, which you can hire if you do not have it:

– Sleeping Bag

– Mountain Poles

– Warm Gloves

– Gaiters

– Balaclava

– Water Bottles

– Head Torch

– Rain Mac/Poncho

– Warm Jacket

– Warm Trousers

– Sunglasses

– Day Pack

– Mountain Boots

– Scarves

– Pairs of Socks