3 Days Adventure – Mount Meru Trekking

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport – Transfer to Arusha

• Accommodation: Options (Super luxury, luxury, mid-range or budget)
• Duration: 1hr Drive (55 km)

On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, our Safari Guide will welcome you for the meet and greet before transferring to the hotel. On the way to the hotel, he will explain to you our people, culture and history of Arusha and Tanzania in general. We suggest you relax on the arrival day and go shopping on your last day — dinner and stay overnight on half board basis.

Day 2: Arusha (1400 m) – Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m)

• Accommodation: Mariakamba Hut
• Duration: 5-7 hours of hiking

Your four-day Mount Meru Climbing starts as you are collected from your hotel after breakfast and transferred to Momella Gate of Arusha National Park (1,500 m.). After clearing entrance formalities, you begin your hike, guided by a park ranger. Your trek to Mariakamba passes open grassland, providing an opportunity to spot buffalo, warthogs and other grazers. Continue with your hiking as you gain a steady climb through the montane forest.

You will have a break near a giant Fig Tree arch whey you will enjoy your packed lunch. After lunch, proceed with your climb through a less dense forest, where there are abundant birds and black and white colobus monkeys.

By mid-afternoon, you will be able to see the towering cliffs and the Ash Cone. Reach Miriakamba Hut at 2,514 m., and you are located in an idyllic grassy glade. You have ample time to enjoy the last of the afternoon sun and beautiful views over the surrounding plains towards Kilimanjaro.

Day 3: Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) – Saddle Hut (3,570 m)

• Accommodation: Saddle Hut
• Duration: 3-5 hours of hiking

Today your trek takes you from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru. It is a short climb but a steep. Take a slowly hike through lush montane forest to reach the halfway point of Elephant Ridge. While here, enjoy fantastic views of the summit ridge and across the crater floor.

Your hiking continues through giant heather and other fascinating moorland vegetation to reach Saddle Hut, a 3,570 m, where lunch is will be provided. You have a free afternoon to relax and to enjoy the breathtaking views. If you have more energy left, you can do the short climb to the nearby summit of Little Meru (3,820 m) for superb views just before sunset.

Day 4: Saddle Hut (3,570 m) – Summit Attempt (4566 m) – Miriakamba Hut (2514 m)

• Accommodation: Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m)
• Duration: 10-12 hours of hiking

You start early at around 2 am climbing steeply to Rhino Point (3,800m.), continue with your trek along an undulating ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point (4,350 m). Depending on your speed, you can enjoy sunrise at Cobra Point or the summit. At dawn, the views here are stunning: You have the cliffs of the Crater rim and the Ash Cone rising from the Crater floor, Kilimanjaro floating on the morning clouds and west towards the Rift Valley if visibility is excellent.

A further one-hour trek on the right but steep path brings you to the summit of Socialist Peak (4,566 m). Spend some time on the mountain and after that descend to Rhino Point in the morning light. The descent from the summit to Rhino Mariakamba is through a narrow ridge between the crater’s sloping outer wall. The sheer cliffs of the inner wall are undoubtedly one of the most scenic and exhilarating walks in Africa. Enjoy rest and brunch at Saddle Hut before descending further to Miriakamba Hut at 2,514 m.

A word of advice on Miriakamba Hut:

If you suffer from vertigo, the ridge between the summit and Rhino Point is not suitable for you. In strong winds or icy conditions, it may be impossible for you to progress beyond Rhino Point.

Day 5: Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) – Hotel in Arusha (1400 m)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha
• Duration: 2-3 hours of hiking

Today is the end of your Mt. Meru trek as you take the direct route down, which takes you through open grassland and mixed forest, with good chances of seeing wildlife. The trail has excellent views back towards the crater and over the plains of the National Park.

Depending on your pace, you should reach Momella Gate by late morning (2-3 hours walking). You will find your private driver waiting to take you back to Arusha town where you will refreshing-up, followed by lunch and a free afternoon to relax.

Day 6: Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport

After breakfast, depending on your flight time, we will drive you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for the International Flight back home or Arusha Airport for the domestic flight. If you have an evening flight, this is then the best day and time for shopping. There are many gift shops scattered around in Arusha Town.

** During the climb, you will share a Hut with 1-2 other climbers, depending on the number of participants.