Mount Meru Trekking
4
Days Tanzania Safari
Safari Overview
Mt. Meru is part of Arusha National Park, and the lower slopes of the mountain shelter a variety of wildlife. The routes below Miriakamba Hut are more like walking safaris than mountain climbs and our guide is an informed and armed park ranger (in case we get too close to some of the animals!). You are almost certain to see buffaloes, warthogs, monkeys, and a variety of bird life. Giraffe and elephant are also quite common. At 4,566 m Mt Meru is the fifth thighs mountain on the African continent and the second highest in Tanzania. About 250,000 years ago, a massive volcanic eruption blew away the entire eastern flank of the mountain and left it with the distinctive appearance it has today. The Mt Meru ascent passes through many different vegetation zones. The dry forest of the lower region changes to a dense mountain rain-forest, which then turns into scrub-land. Closer to the summit, vegetation becomes less and less and gives way to alpine terrain. As the vegetation changes so does the wildlife. During the ascent, you might come across large game such as giraffes, buffaloes, baboons, colobus monkeys and antelopes. To be safe, it is obligatory to be accompanied by an armed park ranger on your tour.
4
Days / 3 Nights
Safari in Tanzania
Join Safari Group
DAY 1
Momella Gate (1,500m) – Miriakamba Hut (2,500m)
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
At Meru Miriakamba Hut
In the morning, you will be collected from your hotel in Arusha and after a scenic drive through the Arusha National Park you will reach the Momella gate. Once the formalities have been sorted out you will start from here. An armed park ranger will accompany you and right from the start you might spot giraffes and buffaloes as you walk through open grasslands. Thereafter you will continue your trek to the well-known “fig tree arch”.
DAY 2
Miriakamba Hut (2,500m) – Saddle Hut (3,550m)
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
At Meru Saddle Hut
In the morning you will follow wooden steps along a steep track. Due to the gain in altitude, it will be noticeably cooler than the previous day and walking may seem easier. The clouds often hang low in the rainforest, creating a moody atmosphere in the lush vegetation. After going uphill for approximately 2 hours, you will reach the vantage point “Mgongo wa Tembo” (elephant back) at a height of 3,200 m, where you will enjoy a well-earned break.
DAY 3
Saddle Hut (3,550m)–Socialist Peak (4,562m)–Miriakamba Hut
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
At Meru Miriakamba Hut
After a small snack and some tea, you will leave the camp at night. Lighting the way with headlamps, you will follow the trail through bush land to Rhino Point (3,821 m). From here the path becomes more challenging and occasionally climbing will be necessary. You will walk on volcanic ash, rocks and gravel, following the crater rim. After about 4 to 5 hours you should reach the summit, Socialist Peak. From here, you will experience the sun rising
DAY 4
Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m) – Momella Gate (1,500 m) – Arusha
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
Upon request at extra cost
After breakfast, you will follow the so-called “northern route” – a 2 to 3 hour trek back to the Momella gate. The descent follows a shorter route than the ascent but there is still a chance to see elephants, buffaloes, giraffes as well as the black and white colobus monkeys. At the gate, you will say farewell to your hiking crew and your driver will take you back to the Aquiline Hotel where you will celebrate your achievement and spend the night
The Tour Price Includes
- Hut accommodation, no camping
- Filtered water throughout the trek.
- Cutlery / Crockery / Eating utensils.
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate.
- Access to emergency oxygen and first aid kit.
- Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters.
- Meru certificate for your successful summit attempt.
- A fully supported climb, accompanied by an armed ranger.
- Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport.
- Accommodation and meals per the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner).
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on day 1-3 and breakfast and lunch on day 4 of your trip.
- 3-4 porters per climber, which includes porters to carry up to 30 lbs of your personal gear.
- All Park fees, Rescue fees, Camping fees, and 18% VAT on tour fees and service which cost nearly 100% of the total cost.
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Arusha National Park Authority (ANAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO).
- Luggage allowance for your main bag, which will be carried by a porter, up to max. 15 kg. To make the porter’s life easier, we however strongly recommend to limit the weight of your main bag to 12 kg. For all bags exceeding 15 kg, you will need to pay for an extra porter before the start of your climb. All extra luggage, items you will not use on your climb, such safari clothing, gear and equipment, can also be safely stored at the hotel.
The Tour Price Excludes
- Meals not listed above. eg dinner on the last day.
- International and domestic flights and departure taxes (Quoted separately where applicable)
- Tanzania Visa cost which is 50% except for Canadian and USA passport holders which is US$100.
- Pre and Post accommodation in Arusha / Moshi, before and the next day after trekking (Can be arranged upon request at an extra cost).
- Optional Tours (short safari/tour after your climb can be arranged upon request at an extra cost).
- Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is extra (US$100 per toilet + toilet tent)
- Mountain gears + Sleeping bag (can be rented, please ask us at the time of the booking).
- Inoculations and personal insurance (e.g. Tanzania Visa, Travel, Medical and Baggage insurance, A doctor for the group, Laundry, Souvenirs, Telephone, Beverages (available to purchase) and all other services that are not mentioned as included.
- Tips for the crew, which are mandatory on Mt. Meru. The minimum amount is 15 USD per day per guide, 10 USD per cook per day and 10 USD per porter per day. We however strongly recommend a more correct tip of 25 USD per guide per day, 15 USD per cook per day and 15 USD per porter per day. All these amounts are to be divided by all group members.
- Holiday Surcharge : A supplement of US $ 40.00 per person per day will apply to all bookings on the 24th, 25th, 26th and 31 December and 1st January
- A supplement of US $ 35.00 per person will apply to all bookings between Friday 3rd and Monday 6th April (for all 4 days) as Easter holiday surcharge.
