Mount Meru Climbing, Hiking Mt Meru
Tanzania, Mount Meru Trekking
MOUNT MERU CLIMB – MOMELLA ROUTE:
Day One: Arrive JRO.
Transfer to Arumeru River Lodge.
Dinner and Overnight at Arumeru
River Lodge HB.
Day Two:
At 08h00, Depart from your hotel in
the morning for Momella Gate of
Arusha National Park (1,500m)
After park entrance formalities, we
begin our hike, guided by a park
ranger. The track passes open
grassland, providing an opportunity
to see buffalo, warthogs and other
grazers. The trail continues as a
steady climb through montane forest.
We take lunch near a giant Fig Tree
arch. After lunch, the route
continues through less dense forest,
where there are an abundance of
birds and black and white colobus
monkeys.
We reach Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m.),
situated in an idyllic grassy glade,
in time to enjoy the last of the
afternoon sun and beautiful views
over the surrounding plains towards
Kilimanjaro. (4-6 hours walking).
Dinner and Overnight at Miriakamba
Hut
Day Three:
The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the
saddle below Little Meru is a short
day but a steep climb. We slowly
ascend through lush montane forest
to reach the halfway point of
Elephant Ridge. From here we enjoy
excellent views of the summit ridge
and across the crater floor. The
path continues through giant heather
and other fascinating moorland
vegetation to reach Saddle Hut
(3,570 m), where lunch will be
provided. The afternoon is free to
relax and to enjoy the views. The
more energetic can make the short
climb to the nearby summit of Little
Meru (3,820 m) for superb views just
before sunset. (3-5 hours walking).
Dinner and Overnight at Saddle hut
Day Four:
We start early at around 2 a.m. to
climb steeply to Rhino Point (3,800
m.), continuing along an undulating
ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra
Point (4,350 m) at sunrise. The
views are stunning: the cliffs of
the Crater rim, the Ash Cone rising
from the Crater floor, Kilimanjaro
floating on the morning clouds and
west towards the Rift Valley if the
weather is clear. The summit of
Socialist Peak (4,566 m.) is an hour
further on a good but steep path.
The route back to Rhino Point in the
morning light, 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 enjoy a rest and brunch
at Saddle Hut before continuing the
descent to Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m,
10-12 hours walking).
Dinner and Overnight at Miriakamba
Hut
Day Five:
We take the direct route down
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
by late morning (2-3 hours walking).
Once you reach the end of the climb
you will be transferred to Arusha.
Dinner and overnight at Arusha River
Lodge HB.
Day Six:
Breakfast,
Morning at leisure.
Lunch on own.
At 1800hrs, transfer to JRO &
depart.
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