Article Published On - 07-08-2024
Mount Meru stands out as a hidden treasure that provides thrill-seekers with an exhilarating climb. Tanzania’s second-highest peak stands at 4566 meters (14,979 ft), offering visitors the unique experience of high-altitude trekking without a long commitment. Eruptions last took place here back in 1910! Meru offers an ideal three to four-day trek for anyone wanting a taste of mountain trekking before or after their safari, or as preparation for Mount Kilimanjaro. Although its duration may be shorter, proper acclimatization must still take place to reach its summit. An armed park ranger will lead your group on an amazing experience through Arusha National Park via the Momella Route, with wildlife such as baboons, giraffes, zebras, and monkeys waiting to be spotted along its length. From lush forests to desert environments are traversed before culminating at Socialist Peak for breathtaking views over an impressive crater created during the 1910 eruption, and explore its stunning ash cone formation.
Booking air travel to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is your responsibility as a trekker, and upon arriving we will provide a private vehicle for transporting you directly to your accommodation. Later that evening or the following morning, a Kandoo representative will welcome and provide an extensive briefing in preparation for the climb ahead.
After breakfast, we will collect you from your hotel and travel by vehicle to Arusha National Park’s administrative office to complete our arrangements for this tour. From there, we’ll travel by vehicle to Momella Park Gate as our starting point. A trained park ranger will accompany us as an added safety measure should any wildlife encounters arise during this trek through lush forest, waterfalls, and unusual trees on our journey towards Miriakamba Hut.
As we ascend Mount Meru, the air will become gradually cooler and less dense as we head upward. Our goal for the day is to reach Saddle Hut at 3550m; once there, a shorter trek to Little Meru 300m higher should help your body adapt to high altitude conditions more easily. Be sure to bring a camera as we gaze upon Mount Kilimanjaro visible over 80km away!
At 2 AM, we commenced our ascent of Rhino Point at an elevation of 3820 metres through scrubland terrain to Rhino Point’s summit at an altitude of 3820 metres. From here, our journey becomes increasingly difficult as we navigate along a narrow crater ridge en route to Socialist Peak for approximately 4-5 hours of summit observation and Meru’s crater and ash cone explorations. Once back on Momella Gate, we begin our descent back down towards Saddle Hut, Miriakamba Hut, and Momella Gate, where a warm shower awaits before transfer back to your hotel, where celebratory festivities await upon our return home!
Once your stay has concluded, we will say farewell and begin our day. If your scheduled airport transfer or safari/Zanzibar excursion requires it, we will collect you the next morning for your journey ahead.
Beginning and End Point of Arusha National Park Trek: Momella Gate
By Air: To arrive by air, fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Travel time from Nairobi is approximately 1.5 hours to Arusha.
From Arusha, Momella Gate can be reached in a 45-minute drive.
By Road: When traveling by car, you can access Moshi or Dar es Salaam.
Best Dry Seasons- From June to October and December through February (for clear skies with excellent Kilimanjaro views).
Operations Manager
Nanda Rawat holds a Master’s degree in Tourism & Hospitality and brings over 16 years of experience in adventure and leisure travel. He has led multiple Himalayan expeditions, contributed to ATOAI, and is trained in first aid by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation. A strong supporter of sustainable and ethical tourism, he plays a key role at Trekup India. Write to him at: nanda@trekupindia.com
