Join our five-day soft adventure tour! Our Mount Meru Climbing itinerary will take you up to the summit of this magnificent mountain, whilst also giving you the opportunity to spot wildlife on its lower slopes. 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 the Rift Valley. All guides have "Wilderness First Responder" and "Wilderness First Aid" certificates, along with over 7 years of experience in climbing. At the end of the tour, you will receive an International certificate for a successful ascent!
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Mount Meru: not far away from Mount Kilimanjaro is its smaller counterpart, Mount Meru, which at 4565 metres is still a feat to conquer and is Africa’s fifth highest peak.
Day 1: ARRIVAL KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – MOSHI (40km – 1hr)
Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by our representative, and transferred to the hotel. In the evening, join the briefing with the climb representatives, who will share various information or you upcoming climb and ensure you are ready to embark on your adventure (For the kit list please refer to the ‘What do I need to bring’ section). Please note the check-in starts at 02:00 pm.
Overnight in Moshi.
Day 2: MOSHI – MOMELLA GATE / MIRIAKAMBA HUT (hiking 10km – 4/5hrs)
Wake up to an early breakfast and shortly after you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the Momella Gate (1,500m) in Arusha National Park. The porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). The first day of hiking is similar to a walking safari; you should expect to see giraffes, zebras, antelope, buffalo, and potentially elephants near the trail. Due to the high possibility of spotting wildlife, an armed ranger, hired through the National Park, is required to hike with our team for the duration of the hike. As you continue hiking, you will pass the Ngarenanyuki River and a beautiful waterfall at the base of Mt. Meru. Upon arriving at Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m), your chef will prepare a hot dinner and warm water for you. Change in Elevation: Momella Gate (1,500 m) — Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m). Hiking distance: 10 km. Hiking time: 4–5 hours.
Overnight in Miriakamba Hut.
Day 3: MIRIAKAMBA HUT – SADDLE HUT (hiking 5km – 3/4hrs)
After charging your batteries with breakfast, you will start ascending up the steep trail along the ridge of the saddle. You may see various wildlife along the way! The trail has amazing views of Meru Crater and the Ash Cone. When you arrive at camp (3,550 m), you have the option of hiking Little Meru (3,820 m) with your guide to further acclimate. You will be served an early dinner, so you can receive ample rest before your midnight summit attempt. Change in Elevation: Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m) — Saddle Hut (3,550 m). Hiking distance: 5 km. Hiking time: 3–4 hours.
Overnight in Saddle Hut.
Day 4: SADDLE HUT / SOCIALIST PEAK / MOMELLA GATE DESCENT (hiking 16 km – 12/14hrs) – MOSHI
Summiting has an early start at around 00:00. There is a 1-hour steep climb to Rhino Point (3,800 m), then the path continues along a ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point (4,350 m). The summit of Socialist Peak (4,562 m) is an hour further on a steep path with magnificent views of Kilimanjaro. Depending on your speed, you can enjoy sunrise at Cobra Point or the summit. 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 the Rift Valley. The route back to Rhino Point in the morning light along a narrow ridge between the sloping outer wall of the crater and the cliffs of the inner wall is one of the most dramatic and exhilarating walks in Africa. Brunch and a brief rest are taken at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to Momella Gate (1,500m). After your descent, the whole group will gather to congratulate you, and then you will be transferred to Moshi town. Change in Elevation: Saddle Hut (3,550 m) — Socialist Peak (4,562 m) — Momella Gate (1,500 m) Hiking distance: 16 km. Hiking time: 12–14 hours. Alternatively, you can choose to add an extra acclimatization night (upon an additional cost):
Extra Acclimatization Night (Between Day 4 & Day 5): Please note that if you select this option, the services will be moved one day ahead.
Overnight in Moshi.
Day 5: MOSHI – DEPARTURE KILIMANJARO (40km – 1hr)
Indulge in a tasty breakfast and then transfer to the airport. Please note that the hotel check-out is at 11:00 am. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee (available as an optional extra).
Passengers arriving in Tanzania may be asked to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. Travellers’ cheques are generally not accepted in East Africa. US banknotes cannot be older than 2004 and must have the latest security markings (large portrait of the president).
KIT LIST:
- Small backpack (20–40 litres) for your daily necessities
- Large duffel bag for your belongings, which will be carried by a porter (80–120 litres)
- Sleeping bag (designed for up to −15°C)
- Rain poncho, a waterproof covering for your backpack
- Hiking boots with a water-repellent layer and good protector
- Gym shoes for the first days of the climb and to change at the camp
- Hiking pants for the first days of the climb (2 pairs)
- Waterproof pants
- Warm ski pants (designed for −15°C)
- T-shirts, long sleeve shirts (4–5 pieces)
- Soft-shell or fleece jacket
- Windproof jacket
- Insulated jacket for −15°C is an absolute necessity for the final ascent to the summit
- Thermal underwear for active sports (preferably 2 pairs)
- Light trekking gloves
- Mittens/gloves designed for −15°C for the final ascent to the summit
- Hiking socks (4–5 pairs)
- Gaiters for protection against dust/snow
- Cap/Panama hat/hat to protect your face and neck against the equatorial sun
- Fleece hat
- Balaclava for wind protection during the final summit ascent
- Good quality alpine sunglasses or googles
- Headlamp + extra batteries
- Trekking poles
- Water flasks (2 litres in total); the flask may be substituted by a water bladder installed in your backpack
- SPF 40-50+ sunblock
- Lip balm
- Towel, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush
- Personal medication in case of a chronic disease
- Snacks and energy bars, chocolate and nuts
