Mount Meru
Mount Meru is Mount Kilimanjaro’s little sister, standing at 4,566m compared to 5,895m, but is still an impressive freestanding volcano, which makes a superb four day climb to the top.
It last erupted in 1910 therefore can be classified as an active volcano. The first Mount Meru ascent was made by Dr. Fritz Jaeger, 1904. The town of Arusha lies at the base of Mount Meru Trekking, loads of trek companies do this trek. Wild animals are frequently found on this mountain therefore an armed ranger usually accompanies the trekkers.
Grade C Mount Meru hiking is a strenuous climb so you need to be very fit in order to achieve this trek, you should be use to long trekking and had some high altitude experience.
Accommodation You can be booked into a hotel in Arusha or Moshi in order to climb Mt Meru. You can also fly into Nairobi or Kilimanjaro and catch the shuttle bus to either town. Mount Meru is easily accessible from Arusha.
From Kilimanjaro airport to Moshi is about 45 mins and one and a quarter hours to Arusha. From Nairobi airport it is about 5 hours drive to Arusha which is an interesting drive and gives you a good feel about the place and the way people live. Well worth the trip! This trek is often done as a warm up and acclimatisation climb for Mount Kilimanjaro. Many tour companies offer a combination package. The mountain is un spoilt and less congested as compared to it’s Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya counterparts.
Trekking Mount Meru | Mt Meru Climbing
Duration: 4 Days/3 nights
Location: Mount Meru, Arusha, Tanzania
Day 1: Arusha/Mariakamba Hut
Mt.Meru Park Gate ~ Mariakamba: 4~5 hours
Drive from Arusha to the Mt. Meru park gate where you will be met by our game ranger and porters. Hike for the few hours to Mariakamba Hut at 8,500 ft. From here you may wish to take an evening walk on the slopes to view wildlife at one of the watering holes in the crater. Dinner and overnight rest at Mariakamba Hut, L,D
Day 2: Mariakamba Hut ~ Saddle Hut
Mariakamba ~ Saddle Hut: 3 ~ 4 hours
After breakfast hike to up to 11,500 ft to arrive at Saddle Hut. If time permits you can climb a little further on Mount Meru for a scenic view of the ‘Roof of Africa’, Mount Kilimanjaro. This will also be part of more acclimatization. Overnight at Saddle Hut, B,L,D
Day 3: Saddle Hut ~ Summit ~ Mariakamba Hut
Saddle Hut ~ Summit: 4~6 hours
An early rise to hike all the way to the summit before the afternoon clouds cover the summit. From the summit, descend back to the 11,500 ft Saddle Hut in time for lunch. After lunch, hike down to Mariakamba Hut for dinner and overnight, B,L,D.
Day 4: Mariakamba Hut ~ Arusha
Breakfast at the camp and a leisurely morning. Descend to the park gate to connect with your waiting transfer vehicle back to your Arusha Hotel, continue with other programs or depart, B.