Mt. Meru Route

4 Days

ZRMM - Tanzania

Mount Meru is one of Africa's highest and most beautiful volcanoes. The route to the summit passes through parkland, montane 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, flamingoes and other wildlife, is an unforgettable experience. The group will be accompanied on Mount Meru by a Park Guide and porters.  On the mountain we use dormitory style huts. A sleeping bag and mat are required for the huts.  Accommodation at Momella Lodge is an optional extra.  Momella lodge is located in Arusha Park.  This is a tough walking trip with some steep terrain.

Available dates:

Sept 3 - Sep 10, 2005 Sept 17 - Sept 24, 2005 Oct 1 - Oct 8, 2005 Oct 9 - Oct 16, 2005 Oct 22 - Oct 29, 2005 Nov 12 - Nov 19, 2005 Nov 27 - Dec 4, 2005 Dec 10 - Dec 17, 2005 Dec 24 - Dec 31, 2005 Jan 1 - Jan 8, 2006 Jan 14 - Jan 21, 2006 Jan 19 - Feb 5, 2006 Feb 11 - Feb 18, 2006 Feb 25 - Mar 4, 2006 Mar 12 - Mar 19, 2006 Apr 8 - Apr 15, 2006 Apr 16 - Apr 23, 2006 June 17 - June 24, 2006 June 25 - Jul 2, 2006

Costs

$699.00 USD / $859.00 CAD
$20 Single supplement

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Itinerary

Day 1 Start from Momella Gate {1’500 m.} in late morning, the track soon passes some open grassland, and have some game viewing. You can see Buffalo , Warthog, Elephants, etc. and then continue as a steady climb through montane forest. You can have your lunch at the famous “Fig tree”. After lunch the trek continues through less dense forest, where there are a lot of birds and monkeys including the black and white colobus. By mid afternoon, there are the first closer views of the towering cliffs and the Ash Cone. Miriakamba Hut (2’514 m.), situated in idyllic grassy glade, is reached in time to enjoy the last of the afternoon sun and beautiful views over the surrounding plains towards Kilimanjaro. It takes about 4 to 6 hours walking. Ascent is 1’014 m.

Day 2 The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a short day but a steep sustained climbing all the way. Starting through attractive, open and lush montane forest, the path continues beyond the halfway point of Elephant ridge and carries on uphill through the giant heather and other moorland vegetation to reach Saddle Hut {3’570 m} and lunch. The afternoon is free to rest and enjoy the views.

For energetic ones, you can make the short climb to the nearby summit of Little Meru {3’820 m} for superb views just before sunset. It takes about 3 – 5 hours walking. The ascent is 1’056 m. Saddle Hut is similar to Miriakamba Hut but water is collected from a stream about 10 minutes away.

Day 3 An early start at around 0200 hrs to climb steeply to Rhino Point. {3’800 m} the path continues along an undulating ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point {4’350 m.} at 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 the Rift Valley if the weather is clear. The summit of Socialist Pak {4’566 m} is an hour more on a superb but often steep path. The route back to Rhino Point in the sharp morning light along 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.

Brunch and a well-earned rest is taken at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to Miriakamba Hut {2’514 m}. It takes 10 to 12 hours. Ascent 996 m. Descent 2’052 m.

NB : 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 Point.

Day 4 A fast descent 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. Momella Gate is reached by late morning. It takes about 2 to 3 hours walking. Descent 1’014 m.

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