Mount Meru
Mount Meru is one of Africa's highest and most beautiful volcanoes. The route to the summit passes through parkland, mountain 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 and Kilimanjaro in the background. Over 400 species of birds, rhino, elephant, buffalo, baboon, warthog, black and white Colobus monkey and duiker are all found in this delightful 'gem amongst parks'. The visit to the Ngurdoto crater and Momella lakes, with their superb scenery, flamingoes and other wildlife, is an unforgettable experience. This is a tough walking trip with some steep terrain and dormitory style huts.
Sample Itinerary (4 Days/3 Nights)
DAY 01:
MOMELLA GATE TO MIRIAKAMBA HUT
You start walking through the forest to the crater floor and then turn steeply up to Miakamba Hut a possible diversion to the crater floor. after ascending 1,000m and walking 10km about 5-6 hrs you arrive at Miriakamba Hut.
DAY 02:
MIRIAKAMBA HUT TO SADDLE HUT
Starting with a gentle hill you turn on a path which climbs steeply through a pleasant gladded forest. After crossing several streambeds you will reach the saddle Hut at 3,570m. You will ascend 1,050m in 4km of walking (Usually abiut 2-4 hrs). Clients may walk another 2 hrs to and from little Meru Peak for acclimatization.
DAY 03:
SADDLE HUT TO MERU SUMMIT AND BACK
You will wake early for 0200 hours departure. the walk up to the summit takes a very narrow ridge along the slope of outer wall of te crater and the sheer cliff of the inner wall. This is one of most exhilirating and dramatic sections of hiking. You reach the peak after 1,000m vertical in 5km of hiking (About 4-5 hrs). The descent back down to the saddle Hut takes approxomately 2-3 hours.
DAY 04:
SADDLE HUT TO MOMELLA GATE
You start by retracting your route to Miriakamba Hut. after an altitude loss of 2,000m you arrive back at Momella Gate.
MOMELLA GATE TO MIRIAKAMBA HUT
You start walking through the forest to the crater floor and then turn steeply up to Miakamba Hut a possible diversion to the crater floor. after ascending 1,000m and walking 10km about 5-6 hrs you arrive at Miriakamba Hut.
DAY 02:
MIRIAKAMBA HUT TO SADDLE HUT
Starting with a gentle hill you turn on a path which climbs steeply through a pleasant gladded forest. After crossing several streambeds you will reach the saddle Hut at 3,570m. You will ascend 1,050m in 4km of walking (Usually abiut 2-4 hrs). Clients may walk another 2 hrs to and from little Meru Peak for acclimatization.
DAY 03:
SADDLE HUT TO MERU SUMMIT AND BACK
You will wake early for 0200 hours departure. the walk up to the summit takes a very narrow ridge along the slope of outer wall of te crater and the sheer cliff of the inner wall. This is one of most exhilirating and dramatic sections of hiking. You reach the peak after 1,000m vertical in 5km of hiking (About 4-5 hrs). The descent back down to the saddle Hut takes approxomately 2-3 hours.
DAY 04:
SADDLE HUT TO MOMELLA GATE
You start by retracting your route to Miriakamba Hut. after an altitude loss of 2,000m you arrive back at Momella Gate.
Elevation: 4,562 m/14,968 ft.
Location: Northern Tanzania, 70 km (43 miles) west of Mount Kilimanjaro. |
