Mount Meru
Mount meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania and the third highest mountain in Africa standing at 4565m. Mount meru is located to the north of the city of Arusha in Tanzania. It is an active volcano about 70km west of Kilimanjaro and our trek is about six days to reach to the summit and come back. The mountain is the centrepiece of Arusha National Park and its fertile slopes rise above the surrounding savanna and support a forest that host diverse wildlife including 400 species of birds, monkeys, antelope and more.
| Day | Destination | Elevation (maximum) |
Distance | Hiking Time | Vegetation Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arusha Town | - | - | 1 hour (driving) | - |
| Day 2 | Miriakamba Hut | 1500m | 10km | 4-6 hours | Montane forest |
| Day 3 | Saddle Hut | 3570m (3820m) |
8km | 3-5 hours | Forest & moorland |
| Day 4 | Momella Gate | 4565m | 5km up, 13km down | 12-14 hours | Alpine desert, moorland and montane forest |
DETAILED INTENARY
Day 1: Kilimanjaro International Airport -> Arusha Town
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) you will meet a Mariga Adventures representative who will transfer you to your hotel in Arusha Town. You will meet the Mariga Adventures manager and your Kilimanjaro guides for a pre-trek briefing. Depending on your arrival time, this will be in the afternoon, evening or the following morning.
Day 2: Arusha Town -> Momella Gate -> Miriakamba Hut
After an early breakfast you will depart Arusha for the drive to the Momella gate at Arusha National Park. After completing the park registration you will begin the trek. The trek this day is like a walking safari because you will pass between the pastures of animals like giraffes, antelopes and buffalos. You will also see waterfalls and Grarinanyuki River before making your way to camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Miriakamba Hut -> Little Meru summit -> Saddle Hut
Soon after breakfast you will ascend to Saddle Hut, just below Little Meru. This is a short day, but with steep climbing. The walk will take us slowly along the ridge for a spectacular view of Meru crater and ash cone. After a hot lunch at Saddle Hut we will do an acclimatisation climb in the evening to the summit of Little Meru. Dinner and overnight stay at Saddle Hut.
Day 4: Saddle Hut -> Summit -> Momella Gate
We start early at around 1:00am to climb steeply to Rhino point (3800m) and on to Cobra point (4350m). Finally we reach the summit (4565m) for sunruse. There it is possible to see Kilimanjaro peak above the clouds. After some time for pictures and enjoying the beauty of the summit, we will descend to Miriakamba Hut. We take a short rest at and brunch at Saddle Hut before continually descending to Momella gate.
Day 5: Continue your journey
After breakfast you can continue your journey to climb Kilimanjaro, wildlife safari or transfer to Kilimanjaro airport.
PRICING
1 pax = $1645
2 - 3 pax = $1300 pp
4 - 7 pax = $1000 pp
7+ pax = $960 pp
Recommended Tipping Guide
Tipping is customary for all members of your crew when climbing Mt Kilimanjaro. Although they receve a fair wage they rely on tips for a total fair compensation as set by the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project's Partners for Responsible Travel.
Lead guide: $20 per day (×3 = $60)
Assistant guide: $20 per day (×3 = $60)
Cook: $15 per day (×3 = $45)
Special Porter, waiters and summit porters: $10 per day (×3 = $40)
Porter: $8 per day (×3 = $24)
The standard crew for an expedition of 2-4 clients is:
1 leading guide
1 assistant guide
1 cook
2-3 special porters
Average of 4-6 porter per client for the trek.
Therefore the total tipping recommended amount per client for the trek package range $341 - $429,
depending on the trekking package and trekking group.