Day 1: MOMELA GATE- MIRIAKAMBA HUT

You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to Momela Gate to start your climb. From the Momela Gate you wind through the forest and past the famous "Fig Tree". As you make you way past Itikoni clearing you may see wild buffalo grazing. As you continue to ascend you'll reach Kitoto camp with wonderful views of Kilimanjaro and the Momela lakes. Walking through forest towards the floor of Meru Crater, the 4 to 5 hour (10k) walking in a day or 1 hour from view point on Kilimanjaro, route takes you on a steep ascent to Miriakamba Hut (2,514m or 8.250 ft). From your base at Miriakamba you can walk to the Crater floor or to Njeku Viewpoint where you will see excellent views of a waterfall, the Ash Cone and crater.

Altitude: 1500 m - 2515 m (4.920 ft - 8.250 ft)

Hiking time: app. 5 hours

Distance: 10 km (6 miles)

Habitat: Forest


Day 2: MIRIAKAMBA HUT- SADDLE HUT

After breakfast you will begin your trek uphill slightly until it comes out into a path which climbs steeply up through pleasant shady glades between the trees, lush forest and across dry streams to reach Buffalo Swamp and Elephant Ridge up to Saddle Hut. After the hour or so you'll have also some great views into the crater and up the cliff walls below the summit. It takes approximately 2 to 3 hours (4k) to reach the Saddle Hut, but you can extend your walk to visit a Massai village or ascend to the summit of Little Meru (3,820m) to help your acclimatization. Another possibility is Rhino Point, which takes 2 hours to go and return.

Altitude: 2515 m - 3570 m (8.250 ft - 11.500 ft)

Hiking time: app. 3 hours

Distance: 4 km (3 miles)

Habitat: Shady glades, lush forest


Day 3: SADDLE HUT- SUMMIT OF MOUNT MERU


You will start the ascent to the summit in the early morning hours in order to see the sun rising behind Mt. Kilimanjaro, and to stand a chance of avoiding the late morning mist. The route is along a narrow ridge. Slopes of the mountain are on one side of you and the sheer cliffs of the crater are on the other, making this is a dramatic and exhilarating walk with some spectacular views. You reach the summit at Socialist Point (4,566 m or 14.977 ft) in approximately 4 to 5 hours (5km or 3,5 miles). After enjoying a few minutes on top of Meru you descend back to Saddle Hut which will take 2 to 3 hours. Here you rest and take a relaxing lunch.

Altitude: 3570 m - 4566 m (11.500 ft - 14.977 ft)

Hiking time: app. 4 - 5 hours

Distance: 5 km (3,5 miles)


Day 4: SADDLE HUT- MOMELA GATE

After breakfast, we continue the descent down through the rain forest to the base of Mount Meru. You will be retracing your steps to Miriakamba Hut. Then, by taking a direct route through the forest, you will return to Momela Gate in approximately 4 to 5 hours (9km or 6 miles). On the lower levels you may see Giraffe and zebra grazing on the open grassland. You will meet your transfer service at the gate for the return to your hotel. The drive back to our hotel in Moshi takes about 2 hours.

Altitude: 3570 m - 1500 m (11.500 ft - 4.920 ft)

Hiking time: app. 4 - 5 hours

Distance: 9 km (6 miles)


Option: Mt.Meru can also be climbed in three days, which in fact is done by many climbers. 


Price:

3 days: from 520 USD pp (minimum 2 people)

4 days: from 650 USD pp (minimum 2 people)

3 days: from 620 USD pp (1 person)

4 days: from 750 USD pp (1 person)

Included:

National Park fees

rescue fees

government taxes

camping or hut fees

camping equipment (tent, mattress, dining, if applicable)

guide(s)

chef(s) and porters

vehicle transfers

three meals a day

bottled water

Not included:

other drinks

meals and accommodation in Arusha

airport transfers

international and internal flights, visas

alcohol

sleeping bag

personal expenses

crew tips