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- ARUSHA - TANZANIA
With its 4566m, Mount Meru is the fifth highest mountain on the African continent and the second highest in Tanzania. About 250,000 years ago, a massive volcanic explosion swept away the entire eastern flank of the mountain and left it with the distinctive and distinctive appearance it has today. Last eruption: 1910.
The ascent of Mount Meru passes through different areas of vegetation: the forest in the lower part gives way to a dense mountain rain forest which, finally, turns into a bush.
Towards the top of the mountain, the vegetation is formed by moorland which is replaced by the wonderful alpine deserts.
As flora changes, fauna also does the same: during the ascent, you will encounter large mammals such as elephants and buffaloes, but you may also encounter leopards.
For this reason it is mandatory to be accompanied by an armed park ranger during the tour.
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Arusha town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
Momela Gate (1500m) to Miriakamba Hut (2500m)
In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and, after 45 minutes by car, you will arrive at the Arusha National Park Gate.
At the entrance gate, the guide will complete the mandatory registration forms (it is possible to consult the national park information sheets). Once the formalities have been completed and the team of hikers has been formed (also made up of porters from the surrounding villages), the ascent will begin. A park ranger, armed, will accompany you as you begin your excursion and you will have the opportunity to have a first look at the wonderful giraffes and buffaloes.
Once you leave these herds behind, you will enter the acacia forest following the Southern Route.
After a constant 2 hour climb, you will reach the Maio waterfalls and some picturesque meadows which are the perfect place for a picnic.
After a rest, you will be back on the road and soon you will reach the famous “Arched Fig Tree”. Here the park ranger will tell you about the formation of this tree and how it got its arch shape on the path.
After another 2 hours, you will arrive at the Miriakamba refuge.
Dinner overnight at the Miriakamba hut
Miriakamba Hut (2500m) to Saddle Hut (3550m)
In the morning, you will leave the Miriakamba refuge and follow a steep path with wooden steps to the top.
Due to the altitude increase, it will be significantly cooler than the previous day so the hike will seem easier.
Clouds are also often found in the rainforest and immerse the lush vegetation in a special atmosphere.
After about 2 hours, you will reach the ‘Mgongo wa Tembo’ (elephant’s back) viewpoint at an altitude of 3,200 m, where you can enjoy a well-deserved break.
After another long walk where you will see the vegetation transform from the rainforest into an airy woodland, you will reach Saddle Hut (3,550 m) around noon and there you can relax and have lunch.
During the afternoon, you have the opportunity to take a trip to Little Meru (3,820 m), which lasts about an hour and a half and from where you can enjoy a splendid view of the Arusha National Park and Kilimanjaro (about 80 km away) .
Back at the refuge, a hot dinner awaits you before starting the last speech in view of the climb the day after the summit.
Dinner overnight at the Saddle hut
Saddle Hut (3550m) to Socialist Peak (4562m) to Arusha 1460m
The alarm will be at night, breakfast with tea and biscuits, you will leave for the top at 02:00.
In the light of the torches, you will follow the path through the bush to the so-called rhinoceros point (3,821 m) where the path turns into a slightly more demanding trek with occasional lighter climbs.
You will follow the north ridge to the top where you will walk on a ground formed by lava and rock ash. After about 4/5 hours, you will begin to glimpse the top and the flag of Tanzania.
From the top, you can enjoy the sun rising over Kilimanjaro and the fantastic view of the crater of Mount Meru with its steep sides and the “Ash Cone” in the middle.
The descent follows the same path up to the to Momella Gate.
At the gate, you will say goodbye to your team of hikers and your driver will take you back to Arusha.
Note:
The climb to the summit contains some simple, but unsafe climbing steps. A good habit of heights and firm feet are absolutely necessary.
In adverse weather conditions (heavy rains, rocks and icy paths or dense fog) the park ranger can postpone the climb to the summit.
We do not recommend climbing in the rainy season (April and May)
Your chance to make an impact by helping the less fortunate through love and care while on a life changing adventure.