The climbing of Mount Meru in Tanzania, the fifth highest peak in Africa, is more affordable than Kilimanjaro. Some travelers choose to climb Mount Meru for acclimatization and then go to climb the Kilimanjaro.
Mount Meru is in Arusha National Park and is one of the most beautiful volcanoes in Africa and with its 4.566 meters is certainly the best viewpoint of Kilimanjaro.
The first sections of the climb are a real safari for the variety of wildlife that can be found, such as buffaloes, rhinos, elephants, monkeys and antelopes, while the path leads surrounded by wooded areas and dense vegetation.
INCLUDED
- Assistance and Private Transfers arrival and departure airports.
- Expert porters speaking English or Spanish.
- Transport on SUV specially for safari where necessary.
- All entries and fees to parks and reserves described in the itinerary.
- Bed and breakfast in Arusha; rest of the climbing meals on route and accommodation in camping or huts.
NOT INCLUDED
- International Flights.
- Travel and accident insurance. Advisable
- Beverages, various tips (waiters / porters)
- Personal expenses (phone, laundry, etc).
- Entry visa on arrival or at the Embassy (40 Euros or 50 dollars, fluctuate)
- Optional activities.
- Gratuity to the driver/guide/porter at the end of the climbing.
* The route map is provisional and could be changed on the ground some days when circumstances require.
Day 1: Arrival
We will pick you up at the airport on arrival and transfer to the hotel where we stay. Depending on arrival time, we will stay straight, or if we have enough time, we can make a visit to the city, or even visit Arusha NP.
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut (2514 m)
Early morning departure to Momella Gate, in Arusha NP. After the park entrance formalities, we start our ascent in a journey of about 3 or 4 hours by a very comfortable way, and we can see buffaloes, giraffes and elephants. We will overnight at Miriakamba Hut. This refuge is quite comfortable.
Day 3: Saddle Hut (3570 m)
This route is a bit harder because the slope is strong. All the way go through tropical forest, and will take us about 4 or 5 hours reaching Saddle hut, where we will have magnificent views of the Mount Kilimanjaro.
Day 4: Mount Meru (4566 m) – Miriakamba Hut
We wake up still at night to finish Mount Meru at dawn. The first hour walk is has a considerable slope to Rhino Point in high mountain area without vegetation. From here we descend a bit and then take the long ridge that will take us to the summit, whose last meters become a bit hard because of the altitude. This climb will take us 5-6 hours, and we will be rewarded by reaching the summit and seeing the world beneath our feet, with images that leave us speechless. To think that only a few have come this far and be lucky enough to observe the wonderful scenes we will have before us makes this experience much worth it.
After a break, we will descend for 2 hours to Saddle hut, where we eat and continue down to the Miriakamba hut, where we sleep.
Day 5: End of the climbing
In the morning we descend to Momella Gate in a comfortable walk of about 3 hours. There our guide will be waiting for us to take us to Arusha or to continue our safari or extension to the beaches.
