How long does it take to climb Mount Meru
Although Mount Meru has been climbed in 1 day and 2 days is very reasonable, the park has a regulation stating that climbs of the mountain will take a minimum of 3 days with a recommendation for 4. You might be wondering How long does it take to climb Mount Meru, and this information should help. The peak can be ascended in 3 or 4 days on the Momela route, which is the only way up to the summit. You don’t need any technical equipment for the climb but you will need to be prepared for the altitude gain. You will hike past wildlife, the landscape is spectacular, and sunrise on the summit has Mountain Kilimanjaro as the backdrop. Mount Meru is a great preparation hike for climbing Kilimanjaro or a spectacular trek for those not compelled to do Kilimanjaro. The climb not only offers spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro but also wildlife on the forested slopes and the summit itself offers an amazing view of small cones and craters, which are probably the results of numerous volcanic activities in the past.
The itinerary for hiking Mountain Kilimanjaro
Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi
We will arrange for a driver to transport you from the airport to your hotel. Orientation regarding your trek will take place at the hotel. Your guides will provide information about the trek and perform a comprehensive inspection of your gear. They will also clarify any further questions.
Day 2: Moshi to Miriakamba Hut
We will depart from the hotel in Moshi in the morning. Our expedition begins with a drive to Arusha National Park which takes approximately one hour. The lively vegetation in the park is extremely versatile. The infamous film Hartari starring Hollywood’s Hardy Kruger and John Wayne were shot in the park. Once we have completed the necessary park formalities, our trek will officially commence close to the Ngarenanyuki River. Our first waypoint is Miriakamba. You will be accompanied by an armed ranger and a professional mountain guide throughout the duration of the walk. During the walk, you will encounter a vast amount of wildlife including buffalo, waterbucks, giraffes, warthogs, zebras, and gazelles. Your guide will identify the different bird species you come across. There is a possibility that you will see leopards or elephants but they tend to be more reserved compared to the ones in the Serengeti. We will stop at the Miriakamba Hut where we will spend the night and enjoy an appetizing dinner.
Day 3: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut
We will start the day with an energy-dense breakfast and then we will follow the steep path to the Saddle Hut. The trek to little Meru can be completed once you arrive at the Saddle Hut. We will return to the Saddle hut and have dinner. Due to the fact that you will wake up at midnight to hike to the summit of Mount Meru, it is recommended that you attempt to fall asleep shortly after dinner.
Day 4: Saddle Hut to Momela Gate to Moshi
We will begin the final leg of our journey to the peak of Mount Meru around midnight. Your headlamp will assist you in the early hours of the hike. Reaching the summit is the most difficult part of the journey due to the fact that the trail is exceedingly steep. We have allocated some time for photos and a moment to comprehend what you have achieved. The scenic view of the mountains as you descend to the Momela Gate is simply mesmerizing. We will briefly stop at the Saddle hut for lunch. The final hours of our journey will be spent trekking to the Momela Gate. You will have a chance to hike amid the Meru cloud forest. This trail tends to be slippery so it is important to step consciously. A Viva Africa Tours vehicle will transport you from the Momela gate back to where you began. You will have the opportunity to purchase sodas and Mount Meru climbing shirts to prove that you conquered the trek.
Day 5: Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport
A driver will bring you to Kilimanjaro Airport; from where you will connect you’re your next destination.
Enclose Africa Safaris recommend you to extend your trip to other northern Tanzania trip like Tarangire NP, Mount Kilimanjaro, Lake Natron, Odoinyo Lengai, Lake Manyara NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater or to Southern Tanzanian’s National parks namely Mikumi NP, Ruaha NP, Udzungwa Mountains, Kitulo NP, Saadani NP, Selous Game Reserve, even have relaxation on the beach of Zanzibar.
In case you are looking to know how long does it take to climb Mount Meru or even to discover the whole Easter Africa, we recommend extending the Mount Meru Hike with Massai Mara in Kenya, Gorilla trekking in Rwanda, or Gorilla trekking in Uganda.