Although it is less famous than its big brother just to the East, Mount Meru is a stunning hike!!
Once a full crater, but the one side now blown away in a massive eruption a long time ago.
The trek takes you from the Arusha National Park through beautiful rainforest to the icy top, known as Socialist Peak. From here you can watch the amazing sunrise over Kilimanjaro.
At 4512m, it is still one of the highest mountains in Africa and is not to be underestimated.
Porters carry your overnight bags and provide all meals. You are accompanied by our professional guides at all times that will point out all the interesting animals, trees, birds, flowers and insects of this amazing eco system.
4 days mount meru trekking
Day 1:
After entering and registering at the Arusha National Park, we start our trek accompanied by a ranger. Walk amongst and admire the zebra, buffalo, giraffes and monkeys in this amazing national park. There is also the chance of seeing elephants, who still roam free in this part of the world.
We slowly start rising through the forest and have some incredibly beautiful views over the plains and hills towards Kilimanjaro.
Our first night we spend at the Miriakamba huts, at 2514m above sea levels, where we watch the splendid sunset over Kilimanjaro.
Day 2:
From here we hike to Saddle huts which is straddled in the saddle between the main mountain and a smaller peak, aptly named “little Meru”. The days trek provides amazing forest and splendid views as we gain height. Here we see lots of signs of the elephant and buffalo that frequent this section of the mountain.
Saddle hut is at 3570m above sea level and you will start to feel the effects of the altitude.
This afternoon we do an acclimatising walk up to “little Meru” to enjoy the stunning views and to help us get used to the altitude before our push to Socialist Peak.
There is an option of spending a second night at this hut, to acclimatise to the altitude.
After an early dinner we get all the rest we can, before we set off after midnight.
Day 3:
You will be awakened at 01h00. You get dressed and after a hot cup of tea, we set off for the summit.
The secret of walking at altitude is to do it as slow as possible. By torchlight we slowly head towards the summit. This section cannot be underestimated. It is high in altitude and get bitterly cold, so one has to be properly prepared for the challenge.
But slowly, one step at a time the summit comes closer and if all goes well, we reach the top just before sunrise.
Watch the sky change colour and then the sun rising behind Kilimanjaro. It is a moment that will forever be etched in your memory!!!
Only by the light will you see the incredible path we have followed to the top. All along the ridge of this half crater with stunning views down onto the almost perfect ashpit.
Now we make our way down, past the Saddle hut and on to Miriakamba hut, where we spend our last night on the mountain and toast our achievement.
Day 4:
A nice leisurely walk back through Arusha National Park. Enjoy the amazing animal and plant life before we exit the park.