#scenicchallenge

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3-Day Mount Meru Trek: A Scenic Challenge

Tour Overview

Take on the 3-day trek to the summit of Mt. Meru, a stunning climb offering breathtaking views, including a unique perspective of Kilimanjaro. Perfect as preparation for Kilimanjaro or for those seeking an adventure on its own, this challenging trek involves rock scrambling and high-altitude hiking, with a sunrise summit offering unforgettable vistas. Accompanied by an armed ranger and your personal guide, this trek combines adventure, wildlife, and spectacular landscapes in Arusha National Park.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport, Transfer to Arusha city.

A driver will meet you at the Kilimanjaro Airport after you go through immigration and customs. Look for someone with a sign that shows your name. It takes a minimum of 1.5 hour to get to Arusha with no traffic.

Meals included: n/a Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel or Lodge

Day 2: Drive to Momela Gate, hike to Miriakampa Hut (BLD)

Starting from Momela Gate, the track passes through open grassland with cape buffalo and warthogs. With luck, you may also see giraffe and elephants. Continue a steady climb through montane forest. You can have your lunch at the famous “Fig tree”. After lunch, the trek continues through less dense forest, where there are lots of birds and monkeys including the black and white colobus. By mid-afternoon, you will have your first close views of the towering cliffs and the Ash Cone. Miriakampa Hut, situated in idyllic grassy glade, is reached in time to enjoy the afternoon sun and beautiful views over the surrounding plains towards Kilimanjaro.

Starting from Momela Gate, the track passes through open grassland with cape buffalo and warthogs. With luck, you may also see giraffe and elephants. Continue a steady climb through montane forest. You can have your lunch at the famous “Fig tree”. After lunch, the trek continues through less dense forest, where there are lots of birds and monkeys including the black and white colobus. By mid-afternoon, you will have your first close views of the towering cliffs and the Ash Cone. Miriakampa Hut, situated in idyllic grassy glade, is reached in time to enjoy the afternoon sun and beautiful views over the surrounding plains towards Kilimanjaro.

14km/9mi | 4–6hrs | Rainforest Elevation: 1,500m/4,921ft to 2,500m/8,250ft

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Budget Accommodations: Miriakampa Hut

Day 3: Hike Miriakampa Hut to Saddle Hut, afternoon hike up Little Meru (BLD)

The walk from Miriakampa Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a steep sustained climb all the way. Starting through beautiful and lush montane forest, the path continues beyond the halfway point of Elephant Back Ridge and carries on uphill through the giant heather and other moorland vegetation to reach Saddle Hut for lunch.

In the afternoon, you can make the short climb to the nearby summit of Little Meru (3,820 m / 12,533 ft) for superb views. It takes about 1 hour to walk up and 30 minutes to walk down.

6km /3mi | 3–5hrs | Heath Elevation: 2,500m/8,250ft to 3,570m/11,712ft

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Budget Accommodations: Saddle Hut

Day 4: Hike to Summit then down to trail head, return to Moshi (BL)

Summit day has an early start at around 12:00AM. There is a 1 hour steep climb to Rhino Point (3,800m / 12,467ft), then the path continues along a ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point (4,350m / 14,272ft). The summit of Socialist Peak (4,566 m) is an hour further on a steep path with magnificent views of Kilimanjaro. Depending on your speed, you can enjoy sunrise at Cobra Point or the summit. 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 the Rift Valley. The route back to Rhino Point in the sharp morning light along 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. Brunch and a brief rest is taken at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to Miriakamba Hut.

NOTE: For an easier climb, you can start the trek at 05:00 A.M., hike for about 1 hour, and enjoy sunrise at Rhino Point before going back to Saddle Hut for breakfast and then descending.

NOTE: In icy conditions or in strong winds, it may be impossible for anyone to progress beyond Rhino Point.

There are two ways down from here. You can descend the route you came up or walk down the jeep road, which descends to the lower crater floor. You pass through the well-known Fig Tree Arch and can visit an impressive waterfall hidden in a ravine not far from the road.

A fast descent 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’ll have lunch on the way down. Momela Gate is reached by mid-day or afternoon.

6km /3mi & 4–6hrs up | 12km/7mi & 4–6hrs down | Alpine Desert Elevation: 3,570m/11,712ft to 4,565m/14,977ft to 1,500m/4,921ft

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel or Lodge

If you are starting a safari today, your guide will meet you at your hotel. We can also a

Day 5: Depart Arusha (B)

If you are starting a safari today, your guide will meet you at your hotel. We can also arrange a transfer to the Kilimanjaro Airport.

Meals included: Breakfast

Trip Include / Exclude

Include

All accommodations per itinerary

All meals per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

All tours and entrance fees per itinerary (unless listed as excluded)

All transportation and transfers per itinerary

National Park gate fees

Transport from Arusha/Moshi to trail head and return

Hut fees

Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides

National Park ranger (required by Arusha National Park)

Porters’ salaries

Cooking equipment and eating utensils

Exclude

International and domestic flights

Meals not listed

Beverages and alcohol

Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff

Optional tours

Single room supplement

Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, etc.)

Tips for guides, ranger, and porters

Personal items

Lets Plan Your Trips

Ready to explore the wonders of Zanzibar? We’re here to help you plan the perfect adventure. Whether you have questions about our tours, need travel tips, or want a custom itinerary, our team is just a message away.

Address:Visit P.O Box 16614 Moshono Diwani Road Arusha, Tanzania

Email Us: [email protected]

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