The ascension to the volcano Mt. Meru is a perfect preparation for the conquest of Kilimanjaro. You can get used to the heights (around 15.000 feet) and it is possible to test out the equipment, so that you will be able to correct and improve it at the rest day that lies between the climbing of Kilimanjaro. But the most important thing is to practice ascending at night, since it is not very pleasant to do this in the almost dark, when it is quite cold.
We recommend a three day tour. You will spend the nights in so called “Swiss” huts, which nobody would expect to find in Africa. Even to the top of the volcano animals roam, especially buffalo. At the foot of Mt. Meru you often meet with giraffes, elephants, wild hogs, antelopes, baboons and a great variety of birds.
To ensure your safety the group is accompanied by an armed ranger. On the tour you will cross many different vegetation zones, as there is open grassland, mountain forest, swamp, giant heather and penurious rocks, therefore you have the chance to experience.
Itinerary
DAY 1:MOMELA GATE -MIRIAKAMBA HUTS : 13.8KM/ 8.6 M
Elevation:1597m/5240ft to 2503m/8212ft
Altitude gained: 906m
After breakfast depart Moshi about 8:30 a.m drive to Momella gate. Make payment and start the climb with picnic lunch to the first hut called Miriakamba hut. Dinner and overnight – Miriakamba hut (3 ½ hrs).
DAY 2: MIRIAKAMBA HUTS – SADDLE HUTS: 6.1KM/ 3.8MI | 2.5 HRS
Elevation: 2503m/8212ft to 3560m/11,680ft
Altitude gained: 1057m
After breakfast we proceed with a climb to second hut called Saddle. This is too steep part compared to the first part (2 ½). During the afternoon, client can decide to attempt climbing little Meru peak and back. Dinner and overnight – Saddle hut.
DAY 3: SADDLE HUT- SUMMIT : 5.5KM/ 3.4MI :DESCEND TO SADDLE HUT
Elevation: 3560m/11,680ft to 4566m/14980ft
Altitude gained: 1006m
Descent to 3560m/11680ft
Altitude lost: 1006m
Wake up at middle-night and have a cup of tea before starting attempt big Meru peak. Proceed to summit crossing rocky path and back to Saddle hut for full breakfast. The day will be spent resting. Lunch, dinner and overnight at Saddle hut.
DAY 4: SADDLE HUT – MOMELLA GATE : 6.5KM/4MI
Elevation:3560m/11,680ft to 1597m/5240ft
Altitude lost:1963m
Leave Saddle hut and descend down to Momella gate via first hut (Miriakamba) where you will be transferred to Arusha/Moshi.
