There is nothing comparable on this planet than a Safari in Tanzania
Mount Meru is a dormant stratovolcano located 70 kilometres (43 mi) west of Mount Kilimanjaro in the nation of Tanzania. At a height of 4,562.13 metres (14,968 ft), it is visible from Mt Kilimanjaro on a clear day, and is the fifth highest mountain in Africa. Mount Meru is located just north of the city of Arusha, in the Arusha Region of Tanzania.
It is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania, after Mount Kilimanjaro. The Momella route – which starts at Momella gate, on the eastern side of the mountain – is used to climb Mount Meru. Much of its bulk was lost about 8,000 years ago due to an eastward volcanic blast, similar to the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens in the U.S. state of Washington. Mount Meru most recently had a minor eruption in 1910.The several small cones and craters seen in the vicinity probably reflect numerous episodes of volcanic activity. Mount Meru is the topographic centerpiece of Arusha National Park. Its fertile slopes rise above the surrounding savanna and support a forest that hosts diverse wildlife, including nearly 400 species of birds, and also monkeys and leopards.
Itinerary
Day 1 Transfer from the hotel to Momella Gate (1500m) – Miriakamba Hut (2514m)
After breakfast you will be picked up at your hotel. Before we leave, we have a general briefing about your ascent of Meru and check your equipment. The journey to Arusha National Park takes about an hour. Once your guide has completed the necessary paperwork at the gate, the trip continues to Momella Gate, the starting point of your hike. On the way you can observe giraffes, zebras and many other animals. Because of the wildlife in the park, from the Momella Gate you will be accompanied by an armed park ranger. The route takes you across the Ngare Nanyuki River, as you then walk along the river and will see buffalo herds, baboons and other animals. Soon the hike will take you through the forest, and after about 2 hours, you will reach the small Mayo Falls, here a meadow is an ideal place for your picnic. After you have relaxed a bit, your hike continues to the “Arched Fig Tree” – a unique tree that spans the way like a gate. After another
1.5 – 2 hours you will reach the Miriakamba Hut. Here you spend your first night on Meru.
Lunch; Dinner
Day 2 Miriakamba Hut (2514m) – Saddle Hut (3560m)
After breakfast, the trek leads through the dense forest with mosses and beard lichens. After 2-3
hours you will reach the viewpoint of Mngongo wa Tembo (Elephant Ridge), which is at a height of about 3200 meters. The ascent takes place partly over wooden steps, since the path is steep and slippery in some places. From this vantage point, you will have a magnificent view of the large, burst crater. After a short rest, the trek continues to the Saddle Hut. Just before you reach it, the landscape changes from mountain rainforest to light bushland. After lunch, you will have the opportunity to take a detour to the summit of Little Mount Meru (3820m), this 1-1.5 hour hike will reward you with a great view over the national park up to Kilimanjaro. Back to the hut it is time for your dinner, after that it is straight to bed. Tomorrow is the summit day and it starts early!
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 3 Saddle Hut (3560m) – Socialist Peak (4566m) – Miriakamba Hut (2514m)
After a small snack and a hot drink, your way to the summit starts at around 2 o’clock in the morning. In the glow of your headlight, you will head up through the bushland to Rhino Point. The path becomes more and more challenging, and some passages with easy climbing will be encountered. Along the long north ridge the route continues to the summit, which you will reach
around sunrise. The moment when the sun rises behind the Kilimanjaro and the plain to the Meru
starts to shine in a orange-red light, will let you quickly forget the strenuous ascent. On the descent, you return to the Saddle Hut where a lunch and a hot drink will await you. Afterwards
you will continue to Mirikamba Hut, reaching it in the early afternoon. Here you can rest and enjoy your summit success.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 4 Miriakamba Hut (2514m) – Momella Gate (1500m)- Transfer to the hotel
After breakfast the trail continues down towards Momella Gate via the so-called “Northern Route”. On the way, you will be able to see again buffaloes, baboons and other wild animals, and with some luck also elephants. After a 2-3 hour trek, you will arrive at the Momella Gate, where your driver will be waiting. After a farewell from your mountain team you will be driven back to
your hotel.
Breakfast; Lunch