Mount Meru, Tanzania
3 DAYS TREKKING MOUNT MERU
Day 1: Momela Gate to Miriakamba Huts
You will be met by your SENE mountain guide at your overnight accommodations, where he will do a brief clothing and gear check prior to the drive to Arusha National Park. At the park’s Momela Gate you will meet your support crew, have lunch, and start the climb to Miriakamba, the first overnight. Following the more circuitous route on a 4WD drive track enables us to enjoy the biological richness of the forested lower slopes, pass through the magnificent arched fig tree, and see Maio Falls along the Jekukumia River. Keep your eyes open for dik dik, baboons, giraffe, and other retiring creatures of the forest. The route brings us to Kitoto View Point for magnificent views of the plains below and Kilimanjaro beyond, and through the Meru Crater Plain, an area frequented by a variety of game.
Overnight: Miriakamba Huts.
Meals: L,D.
Day 2: Miriakamba Huts to Saddle Huts (plus Little Meru)
We begin the day ascending through a grassy pastoral landscape before entering a forest in which elephant may be spotted. The guides will remind you to keep your pace pole pole (slow) to help you adjust to the altitude. At the rest stop Mgongo wa Tembo (Elephant’s back) we are provided beautiful views over the Crater Plain below and ash cone straight ahead. Eventually, we enter an alpine landscape leading to the Saddle Huts. After a rest at the huts, take the short round-trip acclimatization hike up Little Meru peak.
Overnight: Saddle Huts.
Meals: B,L,D.
Day 3: Saddle Huts to Meru Summit to Momela Gate
Rise in the wee hours to start the climb at night in order to reach the summit at sunrise. After crossing the saddle and ascending to a ridge we reach Rhino Point, followed by a short descent and traverse of a rock face taking us to the lip of the Meru Crater, along which we will follow. As the horizon starts to emit a dim light you can see Meru Summit as well as the outlines of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks on Kilimanjaro. This final section is steep, rocky, and can be slippery. Celebrate at the summit and admire the views as far as Kenya. After a well-deserved rest and lunch at the Saddle Huts below, the afternoon hike descends past Miriakamba and down the direct trail to Momela Gate. Approaching the gate we pass Tululusia Falls and cross the Meru Plain, where we will likely encounter (at a safe distance) giraffe and buffalo, among other wildlife. At the gate say good-bye to the crew before transfer to your next destination.
Meals: B,L.
Package is inclusive of:
- Transport
- Park and Guide fees
- 2 nights accommodation in a hotel, half-board (Bed and Breakfast).
- Accommodations in the mountain
- All meals in the mountain
- Porters
- Hotel transfer
Exclusive of:
- Tips to the guide
- Insurance
- Anything else not mentioned
Hiking gears
| Communal equipment (tents, food, utensils, etc.) is provided. You are responsible for bringing the required, recommended and optional personal gear and equipment listed below. The most common mistake that climbers make is that they over pack. Be selective in what you take with you. Our porters are limited to carrying 33 lbs. (15 kgs) of your personal belongings. |
| Technical Clothing Equipment | Equipment |
| 1 Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood | 1 Sleeping Bag, warm four season |
| 1 Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down, with hood | 1 Sleeping pad, inflatable Optional, foam pad provided |
| 2 Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell | 1 Camp pillow, inflatable (optional) |
| 3 Long Sleeve Shirt, moisture-wicking (hood recommended | 1 Trekking pole, collapsible (highly recommended |
| 1 Headlamp with extra batteries | |
| 1 Short Sleeve Shirt, moisture-wicking (optional) | 1 Duffel Bag 70L-90L for porters to carry your equipment |
| 1 Waterproof pant, breathable (side zipper recommended | 1 Daypack, 30L-35L for you to carry personal gears |
| 2 Hiking pants | |
| 1 Fleece pant, warm | Others |
| 1 Short (optional) | Toiletries |
| 1 Long underwear, moisture wicking | Prescriptions |
| 4 Underwear, moisture wicking | Sunscreen |
| 3 Sport Bra (ladies) | Lip Balm |
| Insect Repellent | |
| Headwear | First Aid kit |
| 1 Brimmed Hat, for sun protection | Hand Sanitizer |
| 1 Knit Hat for warmth | Toilet Paper |
| 1 Neck Gaiter, for dust, wind and warmth | Wet wipes (recommended) |
| Snacks, lightweight high calorie (optional) | |
| Headwear | Electrolytes, powder or tables (optional) |
| 1 Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended) | Camera with extra batteries (optional) |
| 1 Gloves light | |
| Paperwork | |
| Footwear | Trip Receipt |
| 2 Hiking Boots or Shoes, Warm and waterproof | Passport |
| 3 Socks, wool or Synthetic | Visa (available to JRO) |
| 1 Gaiters, waterproof (optional) | Immunization Papers |
| Insurance Documents | |
| Accessories | |
| 1 Sunglasses | 1 Water Bladder (Camelback Type, 3 Litres) |
| 1 Backpack Cover, Waterproof (optional) | 1 Pee Bottle, to avoid to avoid leaving tent at night (highly recommended) |
| 1 Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz) | Stuff Sacks, Dry Bag or Ziploc Type Plastic Bag to keep gears dry and separate |