5 Day Mt Meru Trekking

Early in the morning you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the Momella Gatein Arusha National Park. At this time, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for thehike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). The first dayof 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 theduration of the hike. As you continue hiking, you will pass the Ngarenanyuki River and abeautiful waterfall at the base of Mt. Meru. Upon arriving to Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m), yourchef will prepare a hot dinner and warm water for you.At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude,because of a reduction in your breathing pattern at night, your body gets less oxygen thanduring the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick andexperience a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feelingany symptoms of altitude sickness.

After breakfast, you will start ascending up the steep trail along the ridge of the saddle. Youmay see various wildlife along the way! The trail has amazing views of Meru Crater and the AshCone. When you arrive at camp, you have the option of hiking Little Meru (3,820 m) with yourguide to further acclimate. You will be served an early dinner, so you can receive full rest beforeyour midnight summit attempt.

Summiting has an early start at around 00:00. There is a 1-hour steep climb to Rhino Point(3,800 m), and then the path continues along a ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point(4,350 m). The summit of Meru Peak (4,562 m) is an hour further on a steep path withmagnificent views of Kilimanjaro. Depending on your speed, you can enjoy sunrise at CobraPoint or the summit. The views are stunning: the cliffs of the Crater rim, the Ash Cone risingfrom the crater floor, Kilimanjaro floating on the morning clouds, and the Rift Valley. The routeback to Rhino Point in the morning light along a narrow ridge between the sloping outer wall ofthe crater and the cliffs of the inner wall is one of the most dramatic and exhilarating walks inAfrica. Brunch and a brief rest is taken at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to MomellaGate. After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, and then you will betransferred to Moshi or Arusha town for your rest and wait for your flight.

Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.