4 days Mount Meru hike : Mount Meru hike is an exciting hiking adventure that takes place in Arusha National Park where the second highest peak in Tanzania is found.
Overview
During the hike, you will encounter wildlife species such as giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and colobus monkeys among others on foot as you explore the crater floor and trek through rainforest, heath, and Alpine desert zones to get to the Socialist peak which is the highest point on Mount Meru.
You will also enjoy the views of Mount Kilimanjaro from the summit of Mount Meru and the hike will start from Momella gate to Miriakamba hut, to the saddle hut and the summit, and back to Momella gate via Miriakamba hut.
Highlights
Day 1: Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut
Day 3: Saddle Hut to Summit to Miriakamba Hut
Day 4: Miriakamba Hut to Momella Gate
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Momella gate to Miriakamba Hut
Elevation: 1500 m to 2514m
Hiking time: 4 to 6 hours
Distance: 14 km
Habitat: Rainforest
You will start your hike from Momella gate where you will register and take part in other formalities and start the hike through open grassland in Arusha National Park where you will encounter wildlife species like giraffes, zebras, buffalos, and antelopes among others.
You will hike through the rainforest and continue to the Miriakamba hut where you will have dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut
Elevation: 2514 m to 3570 m
Hiking time: 3 to 5 hours
Distance: 6 km
Habitat: Rain Forest and Moorland
After breakfast, you will hike from Miriakamba hut to Saddle hut for about 3 to 5 hours through the rainforest and moorland vegetation and through the ridge where you will view the Mount Meru crater and the Ashtray.
You will spend the night at Saddle Hut as you acclimatize.
Day 3: Saddle Hut to summit to Miriakamba Hut
Elevation: 3570 m to 4565 m to 2514 m
Hiking time: 4 to 6 hours (Saddle Hut to Summit), 4 to 6 hours (Summit to Miriakamba Hut)
Distance: 6 km (Saddle Hut to summit), 12 km (Summit to Miriakamba Hut)
Habitat: Alpine Desert and Heath
You will hike to the summit on this day from Saddle Hut which will take you about 4 to 6 hours. This hike is steep and starts as early as midnight to get to the Socialist peak where hikers can enjoy watching the sunset and views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
After reaching the summit, you will hike to Miriakamba Hut where you will spend the night.
Day 4: Miriakamba Hut to Momella Gate
Elevation: 2514 m to 1500 m
Hiking time: 2 to 4 hours
Distance: 7 km
Habitat: Rainforest
From Miriakamba hut, you will continue the descent to Momella gate which will take about 2 to 4 hours as you hike through the rainforest to the Momella gate where you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel in Arusha.
End of hike
Note: Mount Meru can also be climbed in 3 days but that is hectic. 4 days are more recommended.
In case you are interested in this trip, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@wildlife-encounters.com for more information.