Mount Meru 4566m. is one of Africa's highest and most beautiful volcanoes. The route to the summit passes through parkland, mountain forest, a giant heather zone and moorland. Finally, the summit is reached by a narrow, barren ridge which provides stunning views of the Ash Cone lying several thousand feet below in the crater and Kilimanjaro in the background. Over 400 species of birds, rhino, elephant, buffalo, baboon, warthog, black and white Colobus monkey and duiker are all found in this delightful 'gem amongst parks'. The visit to the Ngurdoto crater and Momella lakes, with their superb scenery, flamingos and other wildlife, is an unforgettable experience. This is a tough walking trip with some steep terrain and dormitory style huts.
Meru is a great preparation hike for climbing Kilimanjaro, or a spectacular trek for those not compelled to do Kilimanjaro. You will hike past wildlife, the landscape is spectacular, and sunrise on the summit has Kilimanjaro as the backdrop. While typically done in only 4 days, it is not an easy peak to summit. To reach the top, there is some scrambling on rocks in the dark and at high altitude. You should be prepared for at least 10 hours of hiking on summit day. For an easier hike, you can climb just to Rhino Point for sunrise, and then descend. Itinerary. Detailed Itinerary: Mt. Meru 4 Days. Day 1. We start from Momella Gate (1,500m.) in late morning. The track soon passes some open grassland, with a good chance of seeing buffaloes and warthogs, and then continues as a steady climb through mountain forest. We take lunch there, or near, the Fig Tree Arch, which is big enough to drive a car birds and monkey. The black and white coleus monkeys are particularly fascinating to watch. By mid-afternoon, there are the first closer views of the towering cliffs and Ash Cone. We reach Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m.), situated in an idyllic grassy glade, in time to enjoy the last of the afternoon sun and beautiful views over the surrounding plains towards Kilimanjaro (5-6 hours walking). Day 2. The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a short day but a steep and sustained climb all the way. We walk through attractive, open, and lush mountain forest to reach the halfway point of Elephant Ridge. This has excellent views of the summit ridge and across most of the crater floor. Whilst resting, you might spot elephants or other animals from here. The path continues uphill through giant heather and other moorland vegetation to reach Saddle Hut (3,570 m.), where lunch is waiting for us. The afternoon is free to rest and enjoy the views. The more energetic can make the short climb to the nearby summit of Little Meru (3,820 m.) for superb views just before sunset. (3-6 hours walking). Day 3. An early start at around 2 a.m. to climb steeply at Rhino Point (3,800 m.), and Then continue along an undulating ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point (4,350 m.) around sunrise. 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 west towards the Rift Valley if the weather is clear. The summit of Socialist Peak (4,566m.) is an hour more on a superb but often steep path. The route back to Rhino Point in the sharp morning light on 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. We rest, and have brunch at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to Miriakamba Hut (2,514m.). (10-12 hours walking). Note: The ridge between the summit and Rhino Point is not suitable for those suffering from vertigo. In icy conditions or in strong winds, it may be impossible for anyone to progress beyond Rhino Point. Sunrise from here is equally as spectacular as from Cobra Pt. Day 4 We take the direct route down towards Momella 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 should reach Momella Gate by late morning. (2-3 hours walking). Our driver will meet you at the gate to drive back to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha. END OF TREK! Inquire Now! |
Other activities in Arusha National Park
GAME DRIVE, WALKING SAFARI AND CANOEING
Best travel period: all year round A combined walking and jeep safari tour as a day tour, gives you a wonderful varied view of the Arusha National Park. "Safari Haraka Haraka" Means quick safari Day Trip safaris with lots of Camera actions!! After a confirmed booking, In the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel and drive to Arusha National Park. The park has an incredible variety of fauna and flora, which cannot fail to impress. Hollywood also chose this region to film the movie "Hartari" in which Hardy Kruger starred alongside the legendary John Wagne. Your day trip will include a visit to the Ngurdo Crater, often labelled as the little Ngorongoro and is called the "Little Serengeti". Buffaloes, waterbucks, giraffes, warthogs, zebras and Guereza can be seen all year round as well as many different bird species. The elephants are a little shyer than the elephants in the Serengeti but can also be seen at Arusha National Park. Occasionally, one may also spot a leopard. At the Momella Gate, an armed ranger will be waiting for you to accompany you on your walking safari that will give you the chance to experience the wildlife up-close. Only a few other national parks in Tanzania give you such an opportunity and it is something that should not be missed. Lunch will be taken at a picnic place and in the afternoon, you will continue your tour in the safari vehicle through the Arusha National Park. After plenty of time allocated for you to observe the wildlife, we will drive you back to Moshi. Inquire Now! |