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Tanzania · Trekking
The journey
Mount Meru is a dormant stratovolcano in Arusha National Park, about 70 kilometres west of Mount Kilimanjaro and Tanzania's second-highest mountain at 4,566 m. This 5-day trek takes you through montane forest, moorland, and alpine desert, with abundant wildlife from day 1 of the climb and a sunrise summit attempt with possible views of Mt. Kilimanjaro above the clouds. Accommodation on the mountain is in dormitory-style huts, making this a rewarding and immersive trekking experience. It is also an excellent acclimatization climb before trekking Mt. Kilimanjaro.
You reach the summit at 4,566 m in time for sunrise, with the possibility of seeing Mt. Kilimanjaro's peak above the clouds.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you will be picked up and transferred to Springlands Hotel or a similar property for your overnight stay.
Overnight at Springlands Hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis, or similar.
Altitude: 1,500 m - 2,541 m
Hiking time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 10 km
Habitat: Montane Forest
Drive from Moshi to Momella Gate. After a short registration at the gate, your walk begins with a fully armed ranger escorting you on the hike. Along the way, you may see wild animals including buffalo, zebras, giraffes, monkeys, antelopes, and often elephants. Dinner and overnight at Miriakamba Hut.
Altitude: 2,541 m - 3,570 m
Hiking time: 3-5 hours
Distance: 8 km
Habitat: Forest and Moorland
The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a short day, but it is a steep climb. The trail takes you slowly along the ridge for spectacular views of the Meru Crater and the impressive Ash Cone. After a hot lunch at Saddle Hut, you can briefly climb to the summit of Little Meru (3,820 m) for superb views just before sunset. Dinner and overnight at Saddle Hut.
Altitude: 3,570 m - 3,600 m - 4,350 m - 4,566 m - 1,500 m
Hiking time: 12-14 hours
Distance: 5 km ascent and 13 km descent
Habitat: Alpine Desert, Moorland and Montane Forest
Start early at around 1:30 am for a steep climb to Rhino Point (3,800 m) and Cobra Point (4,350 m). You reach the summit at 4,566 m in time for sunrise, with the possibility of seeing Mt. Kilimanjaro's peak above the clouds. The final part of the climb follows a spectacular narrow ridgeline between the sheer inner cliffs and the sloping outer wall of the crater.
After a short rest and brunch at Saddle Hut, continue the descent to Momella Gate. Once at the gate, it is time to tip your porters, guide, cook, and game ranger. After that, your driver will be ready and waiting to transfer you back to Springlands Hotel in Moshi for refreshments, dinner, and overnight.
Note: In icy conditions or strong winds, it is not necessarily possible to pass the ridge between Rhino Point and the summit. Your guide will decide whether the conditions are good enough to continue.
Overnight at Springlands Hotel (dinner, bed and breakfast) or similar.
After breakfast, enjoy some leisure time at the hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you will then be transferred to the airport to catch your departure flight home.
Where this trip takes you
Saddle Hut ridge, Socialist Peak sunrise, Mount Kilimanjaro views, Momella Gate montane forest
The route
The fine print
Logistics
Your 5 days finish where they began, in Moshi.
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