**MOUNT MERU CLIMBING**
Overview of the Tour
- **Elevation: ** 4,565 m / 15,000 feet (steep slope)
- **Location: ** Arusha National Park
- **Hiking Duration: ** 3 to 4 days
- **Acclimatization: Evening at Saddle Camp, Little Meru
- **Guided by an armed ranger
- **Accommodation: Mountain cabin/hut (comfortable)
- **Climate: Rainforest, moorland, and savannah
The trail winds through forest and moorland in a national park, crossing several streams and offering clear views of wildlife in the lowlands. Animals you may see include zebras, waterbucks, bushbucks, black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, buffalo, warthogs, and duikers. You’ll also enjoy stunning views of the Small and Big Momella Lakes, the Ngurudoto Crater, and the sunrise from Mount Kilimanjaro. An additional game drive is available on the final day before exiting the park.
**DAY 01: Drive from Moshi/Arusha to Momella Gate—Miriakamba Hut
- **Distance: 10 km
- **Habitat: Forest Zone
- **Hiking Time: ** 5-6 hours
The day begins with a two-hour drive from Moshi to the Arusha National Park, entering at Momella Gate 1, where registration and payment will be processed. Once completed, you’ll continue to Momella Gate 2, where porters will sort and weigh your luggage. While this is happening, you can enjoy sightseeing as the ranger prepares for the hike.
After all procedures are finished, you'll start your 5-hour hike to the first camp, Miriakamba Hut. Along the way, look out for wildlife such as buffalo, zebra, and warthogs. Upon reaching the camp, you can rest, enjoy dinner, and spend the night.
**DAY 02: Hike from Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut, acclimatization at Little Meru
- **Distance: 5 km
- **Hiking Time: 4 hours
- **Relief: Steep slope
- **Habitat: Forest and moorland zone
This hike is slightly steeper, traversing beautiful, lush mountain forest before entering the moorland zone and crossing Elephant Back Ridge to reach the Saddle Hut. At the camp, you’ll have dinner and rest. Later, you’ll hike to Little Meru (3,820 m / 12,533 ft) for acclimatization before returning to the camp for dinner and overnight accommodations.
**SUMMIT NIGHT:
Around 1:00 AM, you’ll begin your attempt to summit Meru Peak, a 5 km trek from the Saddle Hut, passing through Rhino Point (3,800 m / 12,467 ft) to Cobra Point (4,350 m / 14,272 ft) and finally reaching Meru Socialist Peak (4,566 m).
**DAY 03:** From the Summit to Saddle Hut to Momella Gate, Exit the Park
- **Distance: 15 km
- **Hiking Time: 6 hours
On the dawn of the third day, you’ll be at Meru Socialist Peak, capturing beautiful photos of your adventure while enjoying the sunrise view of Mount Kilimanjaro. You’ll slowly hike back down to the Saddle Hut for breakfast and a short rest before packing up to exit the park. A brief game drive can be arranged as you leave the park.
**PRICE INCLUSIONS: **
- Private transport from the hotel to the Mount Meru starting point
- Park entrance fee
- Park accommodation fee
- Guide, cook, and crew
- Food: 3 meals a day
- Non-personal hiking equipment
- Armed ranger escort
- Salary for guide, cook, and all crew members
**PRICE EXCLUSIONS: **
- Personal expenses
- Tipping
- Personal hiking equipment and gear