Trekking

4 Days Mount Meru Climb: Pole Pole to the Socialist Peak

Duration

4 Days 3 Nights

Destinations

Mount Meru, Arusha National Park

Accommodation

Mountain huts and tents as per itinerary

Meals

Full board on the mountain

Flights

Excluded

Overview

About this tour

Mount Meru stands 70km west of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania’s Arusha Region, a dormant stratovolcano and, at 4,562m, the fifth highest mountain in Africa. It is a fine climb in its own right, and it is also the single best piece of acclimatisation available to anyone going on to attempt Uhuru Peak.

The first day is what sets it apart: you walk inside Arusha National Park with an armed ranger, and giraffe, zebra, buffalo, antelope and elephant are all regularly met along the trail. The summit route then follows a narrow ridge between the sheer inner cliffs of the crater and the sloping outer wall, with the Ash Cone below you and, at sunrise, Kilimanjaro floating above the cloud. Park and hut fees, three meals a day, drinking water, a sleeping bag, porters, cook, guide and your certificate are included.

Day by day

Detailed itinerary

We drive from Arusha to Momella Gate, register, and set off with an armed ranger walking with us. Zebra, giraffe, monkeys, antelope and often elephant are seen along the way. Dinner and overnight at Miriakamba Hut.

Elevation: 1,500m to 2,514m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking time: 4 to 6 hours
Habitat: Montane forest

A short day but a steep one, climbing to the saddle below Little Meru. The trail runs slowly along the ridge with the Meru Crater and the Ash Cone opening below. After a hot lunch at Saddle Hut there is the option of a short climb to the summit of Little Meru at 3,820m for the views just before sunset. Dinner and overnight at Saddle Hut.

Elevation: 2,514m to 3,570m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking time: 3 to 5 hours
Habitat: Forest and moorland

A 1:30am start, climbing steeply to Rhino Point at 3,800m and on to Cobra Point at 4,350m, reaching the summit at 4,562m in time for sunrise, with a good chance of Kilimanjaro standing above the cloud. The last section runs along a narrow ridge between the sheer inner cliffs and the sloping outer wall of the crater. A short rest and brunch at Saddle Hut, then the descent to Miriakamba Hut.

Elevation: 3,570m to 4,562m to 2,514m
Distance: 5 km up, 13 km down
Hiking time: 10 to 12 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert, moorland and montane forest

A short, fast descent through open grassland and mixed forest, with wildlife again possible along the way, reaching Momella Gate in the late morning. Your transfer is waiting there to take you on to Arusha or Moshi for the night.

Elevation: 2,514m to 1,500m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking time: 2 to 4 hours
Habitat: Montane forest

What is covered

Inclusions and exclusions

Included

Transport to and from the mountain
Porters, guide and cooks fees
Three meals a day whilst on the mountain
All hut and camping fees
All park entry fees
Sleeping bag
Certificate of achievement
Mineral water

Not included

Tipping for the guide, porters and cooks
Personal climbing gear, clothing and rucksack
Personal travel insurance
Beverages
Items of personal use

Before you go

Key information

Starting and ending point: Arusha or Moshi.
Service of an English-speaking professional mountain guide.
All park entry, hut and camping fees included.
Porters, guide and cook fees included.
Three meals a day and mineral water whilst on the mountain.
Sleeping bag provided.
Certificate of achievement issued on completion.

Good to Know

Mountain gear check-list

A rucksack for your equipment, to be carried by porters
Sleeping bag (mountain type) and a day pack for your personal items
Hiking or climbing boots, camp shoes, trainers (not sandals)
2 thin polypropylene socks for quick drying, 4 thick. Wind pants and wind shirts
High gaiters, warm fleece pants, jacket or pullover, 1 rain parka
2 sets of underwear, 1 long sleeve hiking shirt, 1 bandanna
1 warm hat, hiking shorts, pants, balaclava, fleece neck warmer
Headlamp, bulb, batteries, first aid kit, pocketknife, sunglasses, snow goggles
Water purification tablets
Toiletries plus sunblock, lip salve and moisturiser
Walking stick or trekking poles