Mount Meru
Babji Tours & Safaris Ltd
The second highest Mountain in Tanzania. Located in Arusha National Park
Idolized as The Rain God by the Arusha and Meru people, Mount Meru is situated in the middle of Arusha National Park whose eastern slopes and 4,566m peak lie within its boundaries. It is the product of the same volcanic activity that formed the Great Rift Valley 15 to 20 million years ago.
Mount Meru is regarded as a dormant volcano, though low-key by comparison with Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru is regarded by many as the most rewarding mountain to climb in east Africa, a hike that can be done for over three days.
It is less crowded, less expensive but steeper than Mount Kilimanjaro and equally cold but less likely to engender the health problems associated with higher Mountains.
Mt Meru can get very cold at night, and one will need to bring clothing adequate for Alpine conditions. During rainy season, mountain boots are required, however for other times good walking shoes are probably adequate. The best time to summit this ‘Rain God’ is between October and February.
The Zones:
Montane forest
Moorland
Semi-desert
Alpine desert
The Routes:
Unlike its big brother (Mt Kilimanjaro), there is only one official route to the summit Mt Meru.
Momella gate (1500 m) – Miriakamba hut (2541 m)
Passing through the open grassland, gives you a good opportunity to see buffaloes, warthogs and other grazers. The trek will cross the Ngare Nanyuki River and continue through montane forest. Here you will have the chance to view different kind of bird life plus black and white colobus monkeys. You will reach Miriakamba hut for dinner and overnight.
Miriakamba hut (2541 m) – saddle hut (3570 m)
Climbing is quite short but challenging. An early morning start will ascent steeply through lush mountain forest full of birds to reach the halfway point of Elephant Ridge, where you will see the crater. The end of the morning trek will be at Saddle Hut where you will rest for lunch.The afternoon trekking will take you to Little Meru (3794 m) for more breathtaking and superb views, especially of the sunset. Finally, you will return to Saddle Hut for overnight rest and dinner.
Saddle hut (3570 m) – Socialist Peak ( 4566 m)- Miriakamba hut (2541 m)
The climb will start as early as 1am .The ascent to the summit via Rhino Point (3850 m) is very steep and the trek will be along a very narrow ridge. You will reach the summit, Socialist Peak, (4566 m) at around sunrise.The scenery at this point is mersmerising and on a clear day you can see Mount Kilimanjaro in close proximity. After photography and a short rest, you will descent back to Saddle hut via Rhino Point, and further down to Miriakamba hut.
Note: On icy conditions or strong winds it may not be possible to pass the ridge between Rhino Point and the Peak. Your guide will advise you if the conditions are not good enough to continue.
Miriakamba hut (2541 m) – Momella gate (1500 m)
The trek today will be at around 8.00am and you will descent towards Momella gate. You can choose the descent trek to be of either longer route or shorter one. If you choose the longer route you may get to view wildlife and the ash cone. At the Momela gate your transportation will transfer you to your accommodation.
We are open to customization and tailor making as per your needs,wants & interests. Our experts are waiting for helping you design your own bespoke safari itinerary.
