Mt Meru may not be the highest mountain in Africa but it is renowned as one of the toughest treks and is one of Africa’s highest and most beautiful volcanoes. The Mountain itself is a stunning feature of the Tanzania landscape and stands tall above the town of Arusha and the Arusha National Park.

 

The route to the summit passes through parkland, montane forest, a giant heather zone and moorland. Finally, the summit is reached by a narrow, barren ridge which provides stunning views of the ash cone lying several thousand feet below in the crater with Kilimanjaro providing a stunning background.

 

Over 400 species of birds; Elephant, Buffalo, Baboon, Warthog, black and white Colobus Monkey and Antelopes are all found in this ecosystem. Indeed you need an armed Ranger to accompany you on this trek.

 

We use professional porters and guides, excellent equipment and guarantee a range of cuisine that would challenge many restaurants. Our safety systems are tried and tested and trained guides will lead you at all times.

 

Highlights

 

• Challenging 4-day trek on one of Africa’s most beautiful volcano’s.
• 3 mountain nights camping at altitude under the stars
• Summit at dawn to watch sunrise over Kilimanjaro and Tanzania
• 2 complimentary nights in Camp Mbokomu before and after trek to both prepare and to celebrate (applicable to trekkers transfering from other camps)

 

 

Itinerary (5 nights/6 days)

 

Please also note that the timings given in the itinerary to illustrate walking days are approximate, essentially we go ‘slowly slowly’ or 'pole pole' as they say in Swahili.

 

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi, relax and prepare

Depending on where you are traveling from, you will either arrive the night before or by lunchtime on day 1. The Hotel is based in the foothills of Kili and if the clouds clear you are rewarded with a stunning view of the challenge ahead. Day 1 is an opportunity to relax after your journey and sort out your equipment. The Head Guide will visit you in the afternoon to brief you on the trek and introduce you to some of his team. They will check on any particular issues regarding diet and medical conditions and of course answer any questions you have. We suggest an early night complete with butterflies in your stomach.

 

Day 2: Hotel to Momela Gate and overnight Miriakamba Hut (2,470m)

The drive to Momela Park Gate (1,500m) takes approximately 1 ½ hours but is in itself a scenic start to your trip. On arrival at the gate the porters and guides will organise themselves and you will be allocated an armed ranger who will accompany you as you walk through game filled Parkland up to Miriakamba Hut (2,470m). The first days walk takes approximately 3 hours and you will arrive with plenty of time to relax before a hot dinner and an early night.

 

Day 3: Miriakamba to Saddle Hut (3,500m)

After breakfast we follow the path that passes through fine forests and heather to the Saddle Hut, at 3,500m. The walk takes approximately 3 hours. An ascent of little Meru is possible in the afternoon, then back to Saddle Hut for dinner and overnight.

 

Day 4: Acclimatisation Day at Saddle Hut (3.500m)

We build in an extra day on all or our climbs to take the pressure off and allow your body time to adapt to the high altitude conditions. The standard trek on Meru is 3 days but we like you to take this extra time to either relax and enjoy the mountain or take a short walk to higher altitude before returning to the same camp. It all helps your chances and maintains our excellent summit record as a company!

 

Day 5: Saddle Hut to Summit (4,566m)

 

then return to Momela Gate, transfer to Hotel. A very early start after breakfast will take you first to a superb viewpoint on the crater rim and then onto an airy ridge that leads up to the summit at 4,566m. After a successful summit and no doubt lots of photos we return to Miriakamba Hut for a light lunch. We then walk for a final 2 hours back to the Park gate followed by a drive back to the Hotel for a hot shower, presentation of certificates and celebration dinner.

 

Day 6: Depart for Home or another experience with Camps

 

We would probably be lying if we said that you would be sad to say goodbye to the mountain. In fact you may be thinking that you would be happy to never see another mountain again in your life. Either way we are confident you will have just experienced an amazing week. Transfers back to the airport will be organized to tie in with your flights or you may choose to come on safari or join/rejoin one of our community and wildlife projects.

 

Safari:

 

(Optional Camp Kenya & already included in Camp Tanzania programmes)

 

It is widely recognised that Northern Tanzania provides a backdrop for possibly the best safari experience in Africa and we haven't cut any corners. On completion of your Mountain trek, we can take you on a camping safari to some of the best National Parks. The word 'safari' is Swahili for 'journey' and you will spend 3 rough, dusty and thrilling days exploring the different habitats that each park has to offer. If you have never been on safari this will be something that you will remember for the rest of your life. We use experienced professional guides for all our trips and they will work hard to ensure you see as much variety of wildlife as possible.

 

Fitness:

 

As you can probably imagine, a generally good level of fitness is required. Please consult your GP first and then train for the climb! A word of caution, don’t overdo it, no need for superheroes. If you are a regular walker and are moderately fit, there should be no problems in the ascent and a regular routine of jogging, cycling or walking three times a week will help with your fitness. The fitter you are the more you are likely to enjoy the experience.

 

 

Inclusions:

 

• Briefings
• Staffing and participation : Fully escorted by qualified professional local guides and porters within National Parks and Reserves.
• Return transfers to mountain
• Transfers to and from the mountain included for all treks originating from Camp Moshi
• Full Board Accommodation
• Mountain Rescue Fees

 

Price Does Not Include:

 

• International and domestic flights
• Arrival and Departure transfers (on application) *see table below
• Arrival and departure fee (if applicable)
• Insurance
• Vaccinations
• Tourist Visa (typically US$ 50)
• Porter's Tips ($75 - $100 US recommended)
• Personal equipment
• Spending money
• Drinks
• Personal laundry
• Meals other than those listed
• Exclusive accommodation available with 40% single supplement charge.
• Entrance Park Fees payable on arrival in US Dollars, see local payment.

 

Travel Dates:

 

There is availability throughout the year and often to suit you. Please contact us for more information.

 

Price:

 

£725

 

(Note re Local Payment: Park Fees are subject to change at short notice but every effort will be made to provide you with notice of changes as they happen. To )

 

Transfers:

 

Flights & Airport transfers (RETURN)

 

Camp Kenya – Mombasa airport £40 per taxi

Mombasa – Kilimanjaro £215 per person.

Available all days except Thur & Sat.

Kili Airport – Hotel from £56 per taxi (1-5 sharing) to £115 per minibus (6-25 sharing)

 

Kenya Overland Transfers (RETURN)

 

From £280 per taxi (1-4 sharing) to £340 per private van (4-7 sharing)

 

Tanzania Overland Transfers (RETURN)

 

From £115 per Landrover (1-5 sharing) to £135 per minibus (6-25 sharing)

 

* Please note that Camp Kenya can book the above transfers free of charge but do not guarantee the prices, as service providers can increase them without prior warning.

 

NB: Due to seasonality and availability, we are unable to guarantee that you will be trekking with others from your programme.

 

 

It has opened my eyes to a different world and I hope this knowledge will stay with me in whatever I do.

Georgia Rodgers