Mt Meru
Climb Mt. Meru - The second highest mountain in Tanzania, rises steeply from the plains (4566m).
It is thought that Mt Meru was once higher than it's big sister Mt Kilimanjaro until it 'blew it's top', leaving a distinctive horseshoe crown with cliffs of up to 1,500m high near to the summit. A climb up the steep slopes takes you along a narrow ridge for an exhilarating and dramatic walking experience.
Often overlooked by climbers and overshadowed by it's neighbor, Mt. Kilimanjaro, you will meet fewer people on Mount Meru.
The lush vegetation on the lower slopes is similar to Kilimanjaro but there is less likelihood of snow and ice at higher levels. You will be accompanied by a gun carrying Park Ranger to ward off any animals on the lower slopes.
Meru is sometimes climbed as an altitude acclimatization trip before attempting Mount Kilimanjaro.
Mt Meru hike: 4 days / 3 nights
Day 1: You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to Momela Gate to start your climb. Walking through forest towards the floor of Meru Crater, the 4 to 5 hour (10k) route takes you on a steep ascent to Miriakamba Hut (2,514m). On the way you may see buffalo, views of Momela Lakes and Mt. Kilimanjaro in the distance. 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. Day 2: After breakfast you will begin your walk on a steep path that takes you through lush forest, shady glades and across dry streams to reach Saddle Hut (3,570m). It takes approximately 2 to 3 hours (4k) to reach the Hut, but you can extend your walk to visit a Massai village or ascend to the summit of Little Meru (3,820m) to help acclimatization. Day 3: You will start the ascent to the summit in the early morning hours in order to see the sun rising behind Mt. Kilimanjaro. 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. You reach the summit at Socialist Point (4,565m) in approximately 4 to 5 hours (5k). The descent back to Saddle Hut will take 2 to 3 hours. Day 4: After breakfast you will begin 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 (9k). On the lower levels you may see Giraffe and zebra grazing on the open grassland. You will meet your transport at the gate for the return transfer to your hotel. |
Tour Ref: AO 1Included in price:
Not included in the price:
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