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Tour Starts & Ends |
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) |
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No. Persons Limit |
Minimum 2 passengers to operate. Maximum 7 passengers in each group. |
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Departure Dates |
On request (the tour starts at any time if the participants are ready) |
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Cost of Addtional Services |
Extra cost such as tips, oxygen tanks, foods in hotels $ $ $ |
4 Days Mount Meru Climb
Mount Meru Climbing is a great mountain whether you’re an experienced climber or not. Average fitness levels are recommended for this trek but you don’t have to be super fit at all. In fact, it’s called a ‘Walk -up mountain ‘.
The pace is challenging, but not strenuous, and it requires at least a few days for all fitness levels because of the risk of altitude sickness if ascending too fast. So, if you’re of average fitness and want to have a great adventure, Meru is for you.
On the other hand, if you’re an experienced mountaineer, Meru is the best warm-up you’ll be able to get before conquering the monster that is Kilimanjaro – Meru’s big sister and one of the toughest climbs in the world.
No matter what you’re looking to get, whether a warm-up, a huge challenge, a pretty view or a tranquil spot for a vacation, Meru has it all. Let guides lead the way, let porters do the heavy lifting, and enjoy the native flora and fauna. Whatever your expectations, Kilimanjaro’s ‘Little Sister’ will not disappoint.
Little Meru Peak
Little Meru (3,801m) is an acclimatization peak near of normal route of Mount Meru (4,566m). It is usually climbed in the second day of the route from Momella Gate (1,500m). The stage 2 reachs Saddle Hut (3,570m) from Miriakamba Hut (2,514m) and it’s a good option climbing Little Meru in the afternoon to gain some meters searching acclimatization before the stage 3 to the main summit of Meru. Little Meru is easily seen from the route to the Saddle Hut as a nice pyramid and probably you want to climb it!
Another good reason for climbing it is the nice view of the ridge between Mount Meru (4,566m) and Rhino Point (3,800m) from its summit.
The ascension is normally possible in less than 1 hour from Saddle Hut and it’s easy with a good path. I really think that it is not necessary to write the route because it is evident. For this reason I’ve attached to this peak the route of Meru with some indications about it. The guides can give you information about the way up or even go up with you.
Finally, let us say that Arusha National Park has began giving certificates to those climbers who reached Little Meru’s summit, regardless of their gating to the main summit or not.
Interesting Facts
500,000+ years ago, Mount Meru erupted in a tremendous explosion that destroyed its cone shape and resulted in a horseshoe crater with the eastern side removed. The resulting mountain has its summit on the west side with it’s inner walls rising over 1,500m from the crater floor, making them among the tallest cliffs in Africa. Mount Meru is considered as an active volcano as in the past 100 years, eruptions have been reported as the Ash Cone continues to build inside the crater.
Best Time to Travel
Generally, the best times to climb this peak are from June to February with occasional rains in November. December to February generally offer the best views of Kilimanjaro which can often be seen from the summit and most places in Arusha National Park.
Indicative price per person
USD 1,150
(in a group of 2 pax)
USD 990
(in a group of 4pax)
The price is calculated on the basis of tourist class (tc) accomodation and includes all essential services during your safari and/or trekking tour, i.e. transport, park fees, hotels, meals, and, where applicable, cultural programs. It is based on a group of four adults using double rooms. Please do not hesitate to ask us for the price of any other kind of room occupancy.
Where is Mt Meru?
Mt Meru is situated in Northern Tanzania, roughly 70km southwest of Mount Kilimanjaro and east of the Great Rift Valley.
Is Mount Meru a volcano?
Mt Meru is an active, but dormant stratovolcano. The same type of volcano as Mount Kilimanjaro.
Exploding into life over 500,000 years ago, Meru’s horseshoe rim is very distinctive as the entire eastern flank was blown apart by the explosion.
Mount Meru last erupted in 1910
How high is Mount Meru?
Mount Meru is 4,566 meters high.
Mt Meru is the fifth highest mountain in Africa (depending on your definition). Its rim lined crater extends down 1,500 meters to the crater floor making it one of the tallest cliffs in Africa.
When was Mt Meru first climbed?
Although the first accent of Mt Meru is still disputed, it is widely accredited to either Fritz Jaeger in 1904 or Carl Uhlig in 1901.
Why Climb Mount Meru?
Even with its incredible views, scenery and wildlife, Mount Meru is often overlooked due to its close location to the far more popular peak, Mount Kilimanjaro.
But there are three main reasons why we think climbing Mount Meru is a great idea.
Walk with wildlife : When do you get the opportunity to do a walking safari whilst hiking a major African peak?
Lying within Arusha National Park, the lower reaches of Mount Meru are amazingly rich in wildlife. You are almost certain to see monkeys, warthogs, buffaloes and a wide array of birds and, if you’re lucky, elephants and giraffes!
Because of the abundance of wildlife on and around Meru, it is compulsory to be accompanied by an armed ranger on your trek at all times.
Excellent acclimatisation for Mount Kilimanjaro
Mt Meru offers a great way to prepare for Kilimanjaro as it gives you a little taster as to what to expect on the bigger mountain.
Most importantly though is that Mt Meru can help you acclimatise for Mount Kilimanjaro. In fact, people who attempt speed ascents on Kilimanjaro, almost always acclimatise on Mount Meru.
Do not underestimate Mount Meru though. It is certainly high enough to bring on altitude sickness.
At a height of 4,566m, Meru is a tall mountain in its own right and forces your body to make changes to adapt to the altitude. Please click here for a full guide on how to deal with acclimatisation.
Similar to Kilimanjaro, you trek the summit at night, reaching the peak just before sunrise. You then descend an amazing 2000m on the same day! All these similarities allows your body (and your mind) to prepare for Kilimanjaro.
No Crowds on Mt Meru
Another bonus of climbing Mount Meru is the lack of crowds that can sometimes plague Mount Kilimanjaro. As its little known brother, Mt Meru is a fantastic way to avoid this and get stuck into a peaceful trek.
When should I climb Mount Meru?
Generally we recommend hiking between June and February. March, April and May are best avoided as these are rainy months in Tanzania.
What are the Mount Meru Hiking Routes?
Unlike Mount Kilimanjaro, there is only one official route to the summit of Meru – the ‘Momella route’
Although there is a 3 day (8.7 mile) option, we discuss the longer and more common 4 day (11.8 mile) Mount Meru hike below.
Getting There?
The normal trailhead is Momella Gate (1500m). Arusha and Moshi are the closest towns.
Main airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) but you can use the airports of Dar er Salam or Nairobi (Kenia) with another possible approachs.
Climb the spectacular Mount Meru, second highest peak in Tanzania. Benefit from accommodation in huts, a high guide to client ratio and full support including an armed ranger. Mount Meru (4,556m) is a dormant volcano located 70Km to the west of Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania. This action-packed trip climbs Mount Meru over four days, staying at Mirikamba Hut (2,520m) and Saddle Hut (3,566m) en route to the top. The lower slopes of Meru are full of wildlife - it's common to see Water Buffalo, Elephants, Zebra, Giraffe, Baboons, Colobus Monkeys, Warthogs and Antelope. You've not just come for the wildlife though, as the climb to the summit is a challenging and rewarding journey through incredible volcanic scenery. In clear weather the views across to Kilimanjaro are spectacular as the sun rises over the East African plains. You can extend your trip with a 4-day Tanzania Safari Extension, taking in the major parks of the area, Ngorongoro and Tarangire, to see more of Tanzania’s wildlife.
While climbing Mt. Meru does not require particular mountaineering skills it does require good physical fitness. Climb the spectacular Mount Meru, second highest peak in Tanzania. Benefit from accommodation in huts, a high guide to client ratio and full support including an armed ranger.
We will collect you from your hotel in the morning and take you to Arusha National Park. Once at headquarters your papers, visa and permits will all be checked and made ready for departure. From head office you will be taken by van to the Momella Park Gate from where your trek will begin. The trail starts by winding its way through montane forest where you will see waterfalls, wildlife and some pretty oddly formed trees! Remember, an armed national park ranger will accompany you on your route. The first day of trekking will end when you reach Miriakamba hut. Unlike Kilimanjaro, accommodation on Meru consists of huts dotted up the mountain.
On the second day you will ascend over a 1000m to Saddle Hut at 3,550m. The air will get cooler and you may feel slightly more out of breath as the air gets thinner. Saddle Hut will be reached by early afternoon which will give you time to visit ‘Little Meru’ at 3,820m. Not only will you get great views of Kilimanjaro, but it’s a good way for your body to acclimatise to the altitude.
Saddle Hut to Socialist Peak to Miriakamba Hut
Your summit ascent begins in the middle of the night at 2am. Following a quick midnight snack you trek to 3,820m where you find Rhino Point. After a quick break you then climb a further 4-5 hours where, towards the top, you will traverse the exhilarating and very narrow crater rim path! This is all rewarded as you hit the summit just before sunrise. The 360 degree views are spectacular, especially the sun rising over Kilimanjaro! Before you descend, you can explore Meru’s ash cone within the crater.
The fourth day is an easy going few hours down through the montane forest area where you will once again see wildlife and beautiful habitat. Seeing the forest from above is a completely different experience to seeing it on the way up – look out for birds!
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