Mount Meru Trek 4 Days

This morning we take a leisurely breakfast at our hotel, before setting out in our vehicle at around 08.00 to allow for a scheduled arrival at Momela Gate 1500 meters at 10.00. Before reaching that start-point, we stop at Momela park entrance to complete formalities; from, there it is a further 15km drive to Momela. You will be introduced to your expert mountain team: the guides, porters and everyone else who will take you safely up the mountain. And crucially, we will be accompanied by an armed ranger – proof indeed that the wildlife is close by!

Today’s walk is a fairly long one: in pure numbers, you gain just over 1000 metres in altitude during your 14km/9miles of walking. Keep your eyes peeled in the first hour or so, as the wildlife here is abundant. Maybe you’ll spot a troop of baboons, or some dik-dik. The scenery is varied as you ascend, with forest and the well-known Meru’s Garden marshland, as well as the extraordinary Arched Fig Tree and then the Maio Falls further on.

Although today’s stage is much shorter in distance, we will ascend significantly to Saddle Huts 3500 meters. Shorter and steeper than yesterday, today will be a challenge, so we will obey the golden rule of the mountain: pole pole, or ‘slowly, slowly.’

We will transition today from rain forest into heathland, and views of the marvellous Meru Crater, distinctive Ash Cone and the stunning white-capped peak of Kilimanjaro in the distance will provide us with some highlights. And don’t be surprised to see an elephant today, even at this increased altitude.

This afternoon, if you have some energy to spare, you will have the option to hike up Little Mount Meru, thus helping you to acclimatize. At 3820 metres, it is not really that little and you’ll get some super views from its summit.

Today is the day: ‘summit day’ of course! To make the most of our summit experience, we will be awake early – around midnight – with another short and very steep ascent. First, you will notice that we leave the large vegetation specimens of yesterday behind as we cross the saddle and reach Rhino Point at 3874 metres. Briefly, the stage profile flattens, before we ascend once again towards the peak at 4566 metres. After we have achieved our goal and of course, celebrated the moment – we will descend once more to overnight at the familiar Miriakamba Huts.

After the exertions and exhilarations of yesterday’s summit, today should be comparatively leisurely, with a short but steepish decent back down to the Momela Gate 1500 meters. Note that the route today is different to the one you took while ascending on Day 2. You still have to descend over 1000 metres, of course, but we will do this in about half the distance you took on the upward journey.

Walking time will be a little over two hours, though your guide may choose to Tululusia Falls which are only a short distance from your path. Towards the end of this short stage, you will cross the Meru Plain, on the lookout for warthog and the grumpy buffalo who call this place home.Momela Gate 1500 meters will be where you are given your certificate to show that you have really conquered Tanzania’s second-highest mountain.

It’s also time to tip your porters and guides. The only question left to answer may be: ‘Have you now got the appetite for Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak?’That’s perhaps something to ponder while your vehicle takes you back to Arusha and the comfort of your hotel!