6 Days Mt. Meru Trekking

DESCRIPTION

Mt. Meru has been labelled ‘Kilimanjaro’s little brother’ due to the fact that it is the second highest mountain in Tanzania. The four day hike allows you to analyze the scenic landscapes in a leisurely manner but Mt. Meru trekking will challenge your body’s limits. The climb to the summit doesn’t require an athlete or an extreme alpinist but you should be in relatively good shape.

The elevated viewpoint of the Arusha National Park allows you to discover the beauty that lies in the savannah plains featuring bursts of colorful vegetation and the scattered wildlife. The towering Mount Kilimanjaro can be spotted in the distance of the landscape. Tranquil hikes through the luscious canopies and the narrow trails enclosing the U shaped crater provide you with the perfect opportunity to clear your mind. Reaching the summit is an experience you are unlikely to forget.

Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha

We will arrange for a driver to transport you from the airport to your hotel. Orientation regarding your trek will take place at the hotel. Your guides will provide information about the trek and perform a comprehensive inspection of your gear. They will also clarify any further questions.

Day 2: Arusha to Miriakamba Hut

We will depart from the hotel in Arusha in the morning. Our expedition begins with a drive to Arusha National Park which takes approximately forty minutes. The lively vegetation in the park is extremely versatile. The infamous film Hartari starring Hollywood’s Hardy Kruger and John Wayne was shot in the park. Once we have completed the necessary park formalities, our trek will officially commence close to the Ngarenanyuki River. Our first waypoint is the Miriakamba.

You will be accompanied by an armed ranger and a professional mountain guide throughout the duration of the walk. During the walk you will encounter a vast amount of wildlife including buffalo, waterbucks, giraffes, warthogs, zebras and gazelles. Your guide will identify the different bird species you come across.

There is a possibility that you will see leopards or elephants but they tend to be more reserved compared to the ones in the Serengeti. We will stop at the Miriakamba Hut where we will spend the night and enjoy an appetizing dinner.

Day 3: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut

We will start the day with an energy dense breakfast and then we will follow the steep path to the Saddle Hut. The trek to little Meru can be completed once you arrive at the Saddle Hut. We will return to the Saddle hut and have dinner. Due to the fact that you will wake up at midnight to hike to the summit of Mt. Meru, it is recommended that you attempt to fall asleep shortly after dinner.

Day 4: Saddle Hut to Miriakamba Hut

The Mt. Meru trekking excursion begins shortly after midnight. For the next five hours the light of your headlamp will guide you on the path. Ascending to the summit is the most difficult part of the trek. The high altitude make climbing to the top an arduous task. Once you reach the peak we will give you an opportunity to snap some pictures and recollect yourself.

The downward journey is absolutely mesmerizing because there are scenic views of the luscious mountains and vibrant landscapes. We have a leisurely lunch at the Saddle Hut but the journey is not over yet. We will walk for roughly two hours until we reach the Miriakamba Hut, where we will spend the night.

Day 5: Miriakamba Hut to Momela Gate to Arusha

We will enjoy a hearty breakfast at the camp and then we will commence the final part of the trek. The hike requires us to travel amid Mt. Meru cloud forest – which resembles an enchanted forest in a whimsical novel.

The steep incline on the way to the Momela gate tends to be slippery, we urge you to step cautiously. When you arrive at the Momela Gate there will be an opportunity to buy sodas and Mt. Meru trekking t-shirts. A Nomad Explorer Tours vehicle will transport you back to where you started.