4 days Mount Meru Trek

ARRIVAL & BRIEFING

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be transferred to your accommodation where your guide will meet you for a full briefing and equipment check. Overnight Airport Planet Lodge

Day 1: Airport Planet Lodge to Momella Gate (1,580m/5,180 ft) to Miriakamba Hut (2,500m/8,200ft)

• Elevation Gain: 920m/3,020ft
• Overnight Miriakamba Hut

In the morning you will be transferred to Arusha National Park to register before setting off with your guide and ranger, required because there is an abundance of wildlife in the forests! Walking through the grasslands towards the acacia forest on the southern route, you may spot giraffes and buffalo. After roughly 2 hours you will reach the Maio Falls, where you can enjoy a break, then continue through ‘fig tree arch’. After approximately 4-5 hours of trekking, you will reach a spectacular viewpoint, before heading on to the huts.

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut (2,500m/8,200ft) to Saddle Hut (3,550m/11,650ft)

• Elevation Gain: 1,050m/3,450ft
• Overnight Saddle Hut

Continue your trek along a steep track reaching “Mgongo wa Tembo” (elephant back) after approximately 2 hours. Low-lying clouds often shroud the rainforest in mist, creating a moody atmosphere. Take in the scenery before heading to Saddle Hut. The vegetation changes from rainforest to heather and moorland. After lunch you may choose to hike Little Meru (3,820m), taking approximately 1½ hours. This is great for acclimatization and, weather permitting, will reward you with fantastic views over Arusha National Park and Kilimanjaro. A warm meal and early night await you back at the huts.

Day 3: Saddle Hut (3,550m/11,650ft) to Socialist Peak (4,562m/14,968ft) then descending to Miriakamba Hut (2,500m/8,200ft)

• Elevation Gain: 1,012m/3,318ft
• Elevation Loss: 2,062m/6,768ft
• Overnight Miriakamba Hut

You will be awakened around midnight to start your final ascent. Headlamps light your way as you follow the trail through bush to Rhino Point (3,821m) where the path becomes more challenging. Occasionally some scrambling will be required. Following the crater rim, you will walk on frozen volcanic ash and rocks before reaching the summit after approximately 4 to 5 hours. Enjoy breathtaking views of sunrise behind Kilimanjaro and look deep into Mount Meru’s crater. Start your descent via the same route to Saddle Hut where you can recuperate with hot soup and tea. Once rested, continue to Miriakamba Hut.

Please note, the summit stage contains a few easy but unsecured scrambling passages. A good head for heights and sure-footedness is necessary. In adverse weather conditions, the park ranger may call off the summit attempt.

Day 4: Miriakamba Hut (2,500m/8,200ft) to Momella Gate (1,580m/5,180 ft)

• Elevation Loss: 920m/3,020ft
• Overnight Airport Planet Lodge

After breakfast starts your final stretch on Meru, via the ‘northern route’ to Momella Gate. On this 2 to 3-hour trek, you may once again be lucky enough to see giraffes, buffalo, and elephants, as well as black and white Colobus monkeys. Arriving at the gate, say farewell to your hiking crew and travel to your accommodation to rest for the night.