Sweat it out: Mt Meru Trip

Set out to climb a different Mountain

Mount Meru (4566m) is the second highest mountain in Tanzania and a much underrated mountain climb because of its close proximity to Kilimanjaro. It is a horseshoe-shaped volcanic crater with a spectacular narrow ridge and superb all round views. The cliffs of the inner walls below the summit are over 1500m high, and inside the caldera is a subsidiary peak called the ash Cone (3670m) that last erupted only 100 years ago. There is an immense variety of trees and plant life, adding considerably to the interest of the peak. Mount Meru is part of the Arusha National park, and the lower slopes of the mountain shelter a variety of wildlife. The routes below Miriakamba Hut are the more like walking safaris than mountain climbs but the terrain soon get steep! You are almost certain to see buffaloes, warthogs, monkeys and variety of birdlife. Giraffe and elephant are also quite common. The climb of Meru is very much justified on its own merits with excellent views from Meru to Kilimanjaro and of the Meru crater it gives plenty of inspiration for another mountain climb.

Eight Day Trip

Day 1: Arrive East Africa

Arrive and transfer to Arusha, recover and repack your bag ready for the expedition ahead.

Day 2: Mt. Meru (5-6 hours walking)

At 7.00am we transfer to our start at Momella Gate (1500m) in late morning. The track soon passes some open grassland, with a good chance of seeing buffalo and warthog and then continues as a steady climb through montane forest. We have a lunch at, or near the fig tree Arch, which is big enough to drive a car through! After lunch, the route the route continues through less dense forest, where there are abundance of birds and monkeys. The black and white Columbus monkeys are particularly fascinating to watch. By mid-afternoon, there are the first closer views of the towering cliffs and ash cones. We reach Miriakamba Hut (2541m), situated and an idyllic grassy glade; in time to enjoy the last of the afternoon sun and beautiful views over the surrounding plains towards Kilimanjaro.

Day 3: To Saddle Hut (3-6 hours walking)

The walk from Miriakamba hut to the saddle below little Meru short but a steep and sustained climb all the way. We walk through attractive, open and lush montane forest to reach the halfway point of elephant ridge. This has excellent views of the summit ridge and across most of the crater floor. During break, you might spot elephants or other animals from our vantage point. The path continues uphill through giant heather and other moorland vegetation to reach Saddle Hut (3570m), Where lunch is waiting for us. The afternoon is free to rest and enjoy views. The more energetic can make short climb to the nearby summit of little Meru (3820m) for superb views just before sunset.

Day 4: To the summit (Socialist Peak 4556m: 10-12 hours walking)

We begin with an early start at around 2.00am to climb steeply to Rhino Point (3800m) and then continue along an undulating ridge of ash and rock to reach cobra Point (4350m) arriving at around sunrise. The views are stunning: the cliffs of the crater rim, the ash cone rising from the crater floor, Kilimanjaro floating on the morning cloud,s and west towards the Rift Valley if the weather is clear. The summit of Socialist Peak (4566m) is another hour on a superb but often steep path. On a clear day, the views are absolutely rewarding. The route back to Rhino Point in the sharp morning light situated on a narrow ridge between the sloping outer wall of the crater and the sheer cliffs of the inner wall is one of the most dramatic and exhilarating walks in Africa. We rest, and have brunch at saddle Hut before continuing the descent to Miriakamba Hut (2514m)

NOTE: The ridge between the summit and Rhino Point is not suitable for those suffering from vertigo. In icy conditions or in strong winds, it may be impossible for anyone to progress beyond Rhino Point. Sunrise from here is equally as spectacular as from Cobra point.

Day 5 : Return to Arusha onto Selala Camp (2-3 hours walking)

We take the direct route down towards Momella through open grassland and mixed forest, with good chances of seeing wildlife. This trail has excellent views back towards the crater and over the plains of the National Park. We should reach Momella gate late morning. Transfer to Selala Camp.

Day 6/7: Safari

Option for day safaris to the nearby Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater parks to see the wonderful array of wildlife in these Tanzanian parks.

Day 8: Depart

Depart Home

Itinerary Note the itinerary may change at anytime due to local conditions.