Mount Meru
Mount Meru, the fifth-highest peak in Africa measures 4556 m above sea level. As it consists of a National park and the mountain, it provides the best opportunities for wildlife spotting, Momela Lake, and Mount Kilimanjaro view If the sky is clear.
If you want to climb both Meru and Kilimanjaro the best option is to start with Meru. This lovely mountain is a perfect acclimatization peak for Kilimanjaro.
Mount Meru standing at 4566 meters is one of Africa’s most beautiful volcanoes, it is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania after Kilimanjaro it is also the fifth-highest peak in Africa.
Mount Meru is located in Arusha National Park, trekkers to this mountain will get the opportunity to see different animals in the park. The ascent is quite steep in places and the route to the summit passes over several streams.
As you ascend, similar to Kilimanjaro, you pass from the equator to what feels like the Arctic, moving through grasslands, tropical rainforests, alpine meadows, moorlands, and desert uplands to snow and ice.
Meru summit is reached by a narrow, barren ridge, which provides stunning views of the Ash Cone lying several thousand feet below in the crater.
If the weather is clear, you can see Mount Kilimanjaro. There are two routes all beginning from the park gate. One route is long and the other is short.
Unlike Kilimanjaro, every group must be accompanied by armed rangers to protect climbers from dangerous animals during the hike because the trail leading to the mountain cross inside Arusha National Park.
One of the attractions you can see during your hike before reaching the first camp is a Fig Tree Arch, It is a parasitic wild fig that originally grew around two other trees, eventually strangling them. Nowadays the fig tree remains with its distinctive arch large enough to drive a car through.
Scope
- Duration: 5 days
- Price: From US $860 Price per person sharing
- Destination: Mount Meru
- Activities: Trekking
- Mount Meru is located in North Arusha, inside Arusha National Park
- It is the perfect acclimatization peak for Kilimanjaro
- Mount Meru is the best choice for people who want to experience both trekking and wildlife at the same time
- Trekker spends only three to four days on the mountain
- Unlike Kilimanjaro, every group must be escorted by the armed rangers
- The mountain has two peaks, the Little Meru Peak 3820 m, and the Socialist Peak 4566 m
- Mount Meru is the second-high mountain in Tanzania and the Fifth high in Africa
- Mount Meru is an active volcano but dormant
- Trekkers to Mount Meru use huts for accommodation
Imagine waking up early in the morning, enjoying breakfast while waiting for your team at the hotel ready for the Mount Meru adventure. After breakfast, spend your time taking memory photos together with your guides, cook, and porters before starting your journey. Within 40 minutes, you will reach the first gate in Arusha National Park known as Ngongongare Gate. After check-in at the Ngongongare gate, you keep on driving an hour and a half to Momella gate (starting point) where registration formalities will be completed. From there the ranger will escort the group, expecting to see different species of birds and animals such as Buffaloes, Elephants, Zebras, Giraffes, Monkeys, and Antelopes. You will gate to the first camp (Miriakamba camp) after 4 hours of hiking.
| Day | Starting Camp | Altitude | Finish Camp | Altitude | Time | Distance |
| 1 | Momella Gate | 1500 m | Miriakamba Hut | 2500 m | 4 hrs | 7 km |
| 2 | Miriakamba Hut | 2500 m | Saddle Hut | 3500 m | 5 hrs | 6 km |
| 3 | Saddle Hut | 3500 m | Meru Summit | 4566 m | 7 hours | 5 km |
| Meru Summit | 4566 m | Momella Gate | 1500 m | 14 hrs | 13 km |
3 Days Mount Meru Trekking Itinerary
Meet your driver at Kilimanjaro International Airport and drive to Hotel in Arusha for lunch/dinner and relaxation after the long flight. Depending on your program, your mountain guide will meet you in the hotel for briefing and equipment checking.
Accommodation: Tulia Hotel & Spa
After breakfast, spend your time taking memory photos together with your guides, cook, and porters before starting your journey. Within 40 minutes, you will reach the first gate in Arusha National Park known as Ngongongare Gate. After check-in at the Ngongongare gate, you keep on driving an hour and a half to Momella gate (starting point) where registration formalities will be completed. From there the ranger will escort the group, expecting to see different species of birds and animals such as Buffaloes, Elephants, Zebras, Giraffes, Monkeys, and Antelopes. before you will reach the first camp Miriakamba.
Hiking Time: 4 hours to Miriakamba hut 7km
The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a short day but a steep climb. You will continue hiking slowly along the ridge for a spectacular view of the Meru Crater and the impressive Ash Cone. After lunch at Saddle Hut, you will take a short hike of about 45 minutes to Little Meru (3,820 m) At the top before sunset, you can get a superb view of Rhino’s point, Meru crater, and the peak of Kilimanjaro in the distance. Return to the camp for an early dinner and get rest for the summit night.
Hiking time: 5 hours, distance 6 Kilometers
Wake up around 11 pm and get ready for the summit. After breakfast, leave the camp around midnight, start hiking slowly to Rhino Point 3800 m, after the short break from Rhino point, proceed on a hike through the crater ridge where the trail turns narrow and harder. Remember to drink your water whenever you stop. You might be physically exhausted before reaching the summit but don’t give up, keep moving as you will soon reach the top and make your dream true. You will probably reach the summit of Meru 4,566 m during the sunrise, if the weather is good, you can see Kilimanjaro Peak above the clouds. Take many photos and descend back to Saddle hut for lunch before proceeding down to Momella Gate where you will collect your certificates and drive back to your hotel or lodge in Arusha for a shower and celebrations.
Hiking time: 7 hours, distance 5 kilometers
Accommodation: Tulia Hotel & Spa
This tour ends after breakfast in the hotel, our driver will collect you from the hotel at the arranged time to take you to the airport. However, it is possible to extend your trip to Tanzania to visit Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater or you may decide to visit cultural Tourism programs near Arusha before your departure time to Airport.
Costs & Inclusions
4 Days Mount Meru climbing price
| Pax | 1 pax | 2 pax | 3 pax | 4 pax+ |
| Price | $1,200 | $1,000 | $920 | $860 |
- Airport Transfers (upon Arrival and Departure)
- Two nights accommodation in Tulia Hotel & Spa
- Transport to and from Arusha National Park
- Clean, purified drinking water
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Accommodation for all days on Mount Meru (Hut)
- Mount Meru entrance fees/conservation fees
- Rescue Fees and all taxes.
- Fair salaries for Porters, Cook, and Guides
- International and local airfare.
- Optional tours
- Personal expenses example Laundry, beverages, etc.
- Yellow fever vaccinations
- Items of a personal nature such as passport, visa, and traveler’s insurance.
- Sleeping Bags and walking poles.
- Tips for Porters, Cook, and Guide
Booking Process
HOW TO MAKE PAYMENTS
| BRANCH NAME | NEW ARUSHA MARKET |
|---|---|
| BANK NAME | NMB BANK PLC |
| SWIFT CODE | NMIBTZTZ |
| ACCOUNT NAME | BLESSING SAFARIS LIMITED |
| ACCOUNT NUMBER | 42710042425 |
| CURRENCY TYPE | USD |
We accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express
If you decide to use this mode of payment, a 3.9% bank surcharge has to be added on top of the original amount. The 3.9% charge does not come from Blessing Safaris Limited, it is a bank surcharge for credit card transactions
Sometimes the gateways or your bank may request additional documents to approve the transaction, bear in mind that it is for your financial safety.
You can pay through Pesapal (PCi DSS & PCi PTS compliance)
When you make a booking, you will be supplied with an unpaid invoice showing the amount you have to pay and the company bank account details and after payment, you will receive the paid invoice. This will act as payment evidence.
General Travel Information
- Mount Meru is located in North Arusha, inside Arusha National Park
- It is the perfect acclimatization peak for Kilimanjaro
- Mount Meru is the best choice for people who want to experience both trekking and wildlife at the same time
- Trekker spends only three to four days on the mountain
- Unlike Kilimanjaro, every group must be escorted by the armed rangers
- The mountain has two peaks, the Little Meru Peak 3820 m, and the Socialist Peak 4566 m
- Mount Meru is the second-high mountain in Tanzania and the Fifth high in Africa
- Mount Meru is an active volcano but dormant
- Trekkers to Mount Meru use huts for accommodation
The first day of your trekking
Imagine waking up early in the morning, enjoying breakfast while waiting for your team at the hotel ready for the Mount Meru adventure. After breakfast, spend your time taking memory photos together with your guides, cook, and porters before starting your journey. Within 40 minutes, you will reach the first gate in Arusha National Park known as Ngongongare Gate. After check-in at the Ngongongare gate, you keep on driving an hour and a half to Momella gate (starting point) where registration formalities will be completed. From there the ranger will escort the group, expecting to see different species of birds and animals such as Buffaloes, Elephants, Zebras, Giraffes, Monkeys, and Antelopes. You will gate to the first camp (Miriakamba camp) after 4 hours of hiking.
What will you expect to see on Mount Meru?
Blessing Safaris offers 3 and 4 days Mount Meru trekking experience, the mountain is lying within Arusha National Park so expect to see animals such as buffaloes, giraffes, warthogs, elephants, and impalas browsing and grazing a few meters away from you. Your hike passes through different vegetation zones where you can see the different types of plants, trees, different species of birds such as Cuckoo, lanner falcon, crowned eagle, and flamingos. The mountain also has the best view of lake Momella and Mount Kilimanjaro.
The summit night tips
Make sure you wear proper gear for the summit, keep as many layers as you can, you might feel warm at the beginning but you will need additional clothes as you go higher. Avoid wearing wet clothes, wear fresh and dry clothes for the summit night especially the inner layers to make sure you are always warm enough. Remember to cover your Cell Phone, Camera, spare batteries, and water bottles because they can freeze. Make sure you turn ON your headlight always to see the road, follow your head guide’s pace, he/she will lead the way, don’t rush, always stay behind him/her. Avoid too many stops because you can become much colder and tired. Your walking poles are also very important for both ascending and descending, don’t leave them at the camp, make sure you set the right size before the start of your journey as it might freeze and get stuck. Try to drink a lot of water, especially at the beginning (first hours) because it can freeze on your way up, don’t also forget to blowback the pipe after drinking your water to avoid water freezing.
The recommended gears to bring for your Meru trek
To have a successful climb on Kilimanjaro, we remind you to bring quality personal climbing gear. Proper layering is necessary to keep you dry, warm, comfortable. Before packing, make sure your gear selection depends on the weather of the season you plan to climb; however, the weather on Kilimanjaro is unpredictable. Mid-March, May, and early June is the long rainy season, the short rainy season is from November to early December, so make sure your outermost layer must be warm and made of waterproof materials to protect you from rain, wind, and sometimes snow.
Rain Geers
- Poncho, Waterproof Jackets, Waterproof trousers, Rucksack rain cover, Waterproof gaiters, Warm Clothing
Body covering:
- Underwear, Fleece jackets, Down jackets, Fleece trousers, Hiking pants, Shorts, T-shirts, Fleece shirts
Head, neck & face Covering:
- Buff ,Balaclava,Mask,Hat
Hands covering:
- Fleece gloves, Waterproof mittens
Feet covering:
- Pairs of wool socks, Gaiters, Waterproof hiking boots, Sneakers
Other important Equipment and accessories
- Sleeping bag, Sunglass, Sun cream, Sun hat, Headlamp, Trekking Poles, Water bottle, Camel bag, Camera and spare battery, Powerbank, Towel, Backpack for day hiking use, Duffle bag/kit bag for porters to carry your staffs, Snacks for high energy and calorie gain, Passport, Visa
What do we advise?
Careful packing
- Make sure all your gears are warm and lite, don’t pack jeans, avoid cotton as cotton material traps moisture, and also avoid overweight packing.
- Pack your bags the night before your trek, don’t wait until the morning to avoid rushing.
- Don’t pack anything that shouldn’t be there, you may leave unwanted staff for the mountain at your hotel or feel free to leave at our office.
- You won’t need laptops, there is no electricity on the mountain.
- Your day pack is very important, pack all important documents and everything you think you will need on the way before getting to the camp. Example: Camera, Phone, sun cream, hut, passport, sunglasses, poncho, etc.
Listen to your guides
It is time to make your dreams in reality so it is very important to listen and follow the instructions from your guides. All our guides have a long-time guiding experience, they are well-trained and licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. Tanzanians are very friendly, enjoy being with your team, and believe you will reach the top safely.
The trash in trash out
Is a BIG rule of Tanzania’s National Park. Avoid throwing anything on the way, there is no waste container on the road so try to collect all rubbish in your bag until you reach the camp.
Climb slowly (Pole-pole)
Avoid rushing, try to set a slow pace even if you feel strong, it is better to save your energy for the Summit night. Take your time, take many photos, enjoy your holiday, and the beauty of Mount Meru.
To have a successful climb on Kilimanjaro, we remind you to bring quality personal climbing gear. Proper layering is necessary to keep you dry, warm, comfortable. Before packing, make sure your gear selection depends on the weather of the season you plan to climb; however, the weather on Kilimanjaro is unpredictable. Mid-March, May, and early June is the long rainy season, the short rainy season is from November to early December, so make sure your outermost layer must be warm and made of waterproof materials to protect you from rain, wind, and sometimes snow.
Rain Geers
- Poncho, Waterproof Jackets, Waterproof trousers, Rucksack rain cover, Waterproof gaiters, Warm Clothing
Body covering:
- Underwear, Fleece jackets, Down jackets, Fleece trousers, Hiking pants, Shorts, T-shirts, Fleece shirts
Head, neck & face Covering:
- Buff ,Balaclava,Mask,Hat
Hands covering:
- Fleece gloves, Waterproof mittens
Feet covering:
- Pairs of wool socks, Gaiters, Waterproof hiking boots, Sneakers
Other important Equipment and accessories
- Sleeping bag, Sunglass, Sun cream, Sun hat, Headlamp, Trekking Poles, Water bottle, Camel bag, Camera and spare battery, Powerbank, Towel, Backpack for day hiking use, Duffle bag/kit bag for porters to carry your staffs, Snacks for high energy and calorie gain, Passport, Visa
Make sure you wear proper gear for the summit, keep as many layers as you can, you might feel warm at the beginning but you will need additional clothes as you go higher. Avoid wearing wet clothes, wear fresh and dry clothes for the summit night especially the inner layers to make sure you are always warm enough. Remember to cover your Cell Phone, Camera, spare batteries, and water bottles because they can freeze. Make sure you turn ON your headlight always to see the road, follow your head guide’s pace, he/she will lead the way, don’t rush, always stay behind him/her. Avoid too many stops because you can become much colder and tired. Your walking poles are also very important for both ascending and descending, don’t leave them at the camp, make sure you set the right size before the start of your journey as it might freeze and get stuck. Try to drink a lot of water, especially at the beginning (first hours) because it can freeze on your way up, don’t also forget to blowback the tube after drinking your water to avoid water freezing.
Careful packing
- Make sure all your gears are warm and lite, don’t pack jeans, avoid cotton as cotton material traps moisture, and also avoid overweight packing.
- Pack your bags the night before your trek, don’t wait until the morning to avoid rushing.
- Don’t pack anything that shouldn’t be there, you may leave unwanted staff for the mountain at your hotel or feel free to leave at our office.
- You won’t need laptops, there is no electricity on the mountain.
- Your day pack is very important, pack all important documents and everything you think you will need on the way before getting to the camp. Example: Camera, Phone, sun cream, hut, passport, sunglasses, poncho, etc.
Listen to your guides
It is time to make your dreams in reality so it is very important to listen and follow the instructions from your guides. All our guides have a long-time guiding experience, they are well-trained and licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. Tanzanians are very friendly, enjoy being with your team, and believe you will reach the top safely.
The trash in trash out
Is a BIG rule of Tanzania’s National Park. Avoid throwing anything on the way, there is no waste container on the road so try to collect all rubbish in your bag until you reach the camp.
Climb slowly (Pole-pole)
Avoid rushing, try to set a slow pace even if you feel strong, it is better to save your energy for the Summit night. Take your time, take many photos, enjoy your holiday, and the beauty of Mount Meru.
Travel insurance is very crucial once it comes to travel around the world, for any traveler. Getting travel insurance in Tanzania made easy through third parties companies which are dealing specifically with evacuation in case of any emergency during your tour, we do not sale it but we will be happy to recommend reliable compressive travel insurance that covers things like emergency helicopter rescue, medical evacuations expense it will be assisted protection tour to cover personal injury, repatriation expenses, and any kind of possibility illness will be covered. Having good travel insurance guarantees peace of mind while traveling, safety comes first.
Packing for a Tanzania safari is vastly different from packing for just about any other trip, and it offers a different challenge depending on whether you’re a solo traveler, family or couples. Not only do most safari-goers have weight restrictions on bush flights (a typical weight restriction is 15 kilograms or 33 pounds total per person, including camera equipment and carry-ons), but you also have the challenge of knowing which types of clothes to wear on safari are appropriate. We’ve been leading tours for years in Tanzania, and have put together our tips for what to pack for an African safari.
Duffel or soft-sided bag, TSA approved clear toiletry case,2 pairs of pants in the breathable fabric in earth tones,1 – 2 long sleeve shirts in chambray or earth tones,3 layering tanks or T-shirts, Utility jacket, Light scarf, Sports bra, Wide brim hat with chin strap, Closed-toe shoes like trail runners or fashion sneakers with good traction, Waterproof dry bag, Moisturizer, Sunscreen, Insect repellent with Deet, conditioner, Lip balm, Plug adapters/converters, USB flash drive, Memory cards for your camera and First aid kit
As any other endeavor challenges are part of the journey, you may experience congestion while arriving or you may experience network outage in most of the areas while on safari. Bear in mind that there are challenges which we can control as human beings but in case of natural disasters that we do not wish to happen if we are supposed to stop your tour, immediate actions are necessary to save a life.
This comes not actually from the company side but has something to do with yourself, you may wish to support locals by buying souvenirs or you may arrange some extra tours around the city or tipping to your team. Is the best way to acknowledge others as one of the best practices in life. Feel comfortable to discuss with your tour planner anytime
Climate. Tanzania climate is tropical and there are two rain seasons the longer being March through May and the shorter between October and November. The dry season lasts from July through October with clear sky and sunshine the whole day. The weather is suitable for beach vacations. The coastal area is normally hot and humid.
Visa: Coming to Tanzania has been made easy for visitors. It is easy to obtain a Tanzanian visa and there are three ways to obtain it: You can get a visa from a Tanzanian Embassy or High Commission from your country or upon arrival at the port of entry or you can apply online via Tanzania Immigration site, that is, the airport or at the border port. The above procedure applies to North American and European citizens. For more details about visas please contact the nearest Tanzanian Embassy or High Commission in your area.
Tanzania’s International Airports: Tanzania has two international airports, one outside the commercial capital Dar es Salaam (airport code: DAR) and the other near Arusha (and Mount Kilimanjaro) called Kilimanjaro International Airport (airport code: JRO). Charter flights and some international operators fly directly to Zanzibar Island (airport code: ZNZ)
Getting to Tanzania: If you’re planning to visit Northern Tanzania, the best airport to arrive at is Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA). KLM has daily flights from Amsterdam. Ethiopian and Kenya Airways / Precision Air also fly into KIA.
If you’re planning to visit Zanzibar, southern and western Tanzania, it is ideal to fly to the capital city of Dar es Salaam. European carriers that fly into Dar es Salaam include British Airways, KLM and Swissair(which share codes with Delta). There are long-distance bus services between Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
Attractions: The country has a lot to offer educationally, historically, for leisure and adventures. These adventures are safaris (game) driving in the National Parks like Serengeti, Manyara, and Tarangire to see wildlife, historical sites such as museums, landscapes, mountains, beaches, lakes, rivers, and culture.
Social life: The country has more than 120 tribes. Each tribe has its own vernacular. Although there are many languages “Swahili” was adopted as the national language in 1961 right after independence. The language has spread and is being used in the neighboring countries of Uganda, Kenya, and Central Africa. English is the second official language of the nation. You will find that Tanzanians are very welcoming and friendly.
Political system: Tanzania is perhaps the leading country on the continent of Africa for its political stability, peace, and tranquility. The political system is multi-party and the government is democratic. Political and religious conflicts are resolved through dialogue. In short, religious and tribal conflicts are very rare in this country because every citizen is free to worship as he/she pleases provided that one does not violate the law of the land
Currency: The national currency of Tanzania is the “shilling” (Tshs). Exchange rates vary and are subject to change anytime. Credit cards such as Euro-card, American Express, Master Card, Access, and Visa are accepted by most tourists’ hotels, carving shops, bureau de change, and banks. Also, Traveler’s Cheques in sterling pounds and US dollars are acceptable.
Religions: Because of its historical diversity Tanzania is a land of various religions. Nevertheless, the major religions are Christianity, Islam, Hindu, and African Traditional Religions. On the east coast – Dar es salaam, Bagamoyo, Zanzibar, and Tanga – the dominant religions are Islam and Hindu. This is due to the advent of Arabs and Eastern Indians which led to the spread of the two religions. The mainland is dominantly Christian and this is since European colonists, like Arabs, spread the Christian religion to the indigenous people.
Infrastructure & Accessibility: Major roads are paved and accessible throughout the year. Side roads and those around and within the National Parks are muddy and rough. For this reason, a 4WD car is required for safaris. Four-wheel cars include Toyota Land Cruisers, Land Rovers, and Toyota Hiace 4WD. These are the cars commonly used. The railway is also used in the eastern, southern, central, and western parts of the country.
Time: The time zone is GMT + 3 and the electricity is 220 – 240 V AC, 50 Hz.
Frequently Asked Questions
It takes a few days to finish your trek, you’ll spend 3 to 4 days only on the mountain.
Mount Meru is very short but somehow challenging to the summit night, the climbers must be very careful while hiking in the night because some part of the trail is dangerous.
Mount Meru is a stratovolcano that has had four eruptions, the last eruption occurred in 1910. Lava erupted from Meru varies from thin flows to thick intrusive domes
Yes, you can get a nice view of Kilimanjaro while on mount Meru if it is not clouded.
Why not? We offer private tours whether you’re alone or with family and friends celebrating a special anniversary or planning a reunion of family and friends you can discuss with us. We can create a special itinerary away from traffic, travel in style with the itinerary specifically shaped to your requirements.
Memorable meals are one of the hallmarks of an excellent holiday. With the support of the best cooks, the quality of food and drink service is guaranteed. Depending on the service level or type of tour you have chosen, pre-discussion with your tour planner is a win-win situation for an enjoyable diet. Other tours are accompanied by our cook and others are inclusive service from our accommodation partners including hotels, private camps, and luxury lodges.
The answer is absolutely yes! The areas where safaris are organized are safe and free of political chaos. We conduct safaris in places that are politically stable to assure our clients’ safety and enjoyment.
Help us to help you by organizing even better tours, and save money. If you contact us in advance you will save a big deal in terms of price as you have the best time for negotiation and customization of the tour with safari planner and save more.
This aspect is much overstated. You will rarely see a snake, but if you do, it will most likely be from the safety of your safari vehicle. Tents and lodges all have bug screens fitted to windows and doors. In most areas where bugs or mosquitoes are prevalent, rooms and tents are also equipped with mosquito nets, adding to the idealistic ambiance. Bear in mind that malaria is a threat in most wildlife areas, and it is necessary to consult your doctor for advice before embarking on your safari.
Tanzania destinations are accessible throughout the year but we advise you to take your tours during the dry session for the safari so as you can enjoy the best sightings at this time as the grasses and bush are at their least dense. July to October and December through February. The green session includes March through June. Discuss with us for the best option if you have also a plan to coincides with Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park
Although more than 200 languages and dialects are spoken throughout Africa, this presents no problem as English is spoken throughout East and Southern Africa. Apart from English, all our professional guides are multilingual so we get you covered
