Mount Meru is the best for acclimatization prior to Mount Kilimanjaro climb; The Mountain is the third highest peak in Africa and is the second highest mountain in Tanzania at 4,568m.
Mount Meru is the topographic centerpiece of Arusha National Park. Its fertile slopes rise above the surrounding savanna and support a forest that hosts diverse wildlife, including nearly 400 species of birds, and also monkeys, and leopards.
Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International or similar Airport, pick up, and transferred to the hotel in Moshi or Arusha for overnight bed and breakfast.
Day 1: Momela-Gate to Miriakamba Hut (Full board
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut (Full board)
Day 3: Summit Day (Full board)
Day 4: Meriakamba Hut to Momella Gate to Arusha/Moshi (Half board)
We drive from Arusha to Momela-Gate. After a short registration at the Gate, our walk will begin with a full armed ranger escorting us, simply we can see along the way the wild animals including elephants, zebras, and giraffe, monkeys, antelope, and often elephants along the route. Dinner and overnight night at Miriakamba Hut.
Elevation (m): (1,500 m to (2,500 m)
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest.
The walk from Miriakamba-Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a short day but a steep climb. The walk will take us slowly along the ridge for a spectacular view of the Meru Crater and the impressive Ash Cone. After hot lunch at Saddle Hut, we can make a short climb to the summit of Little Meru (3,820m) for superb views just before sunset.
Dinner and overnight night at Saddle Hut
Elevation (m): 2,514 m to 3,570 m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Habitat: Forest and Moorland
We start early at around 1:30 a.m. to climb steeply to Rhino Point (3,800 m.) and on to Cobra Point (4350m). We reach the summit (4,566 m) on time for sunrise there is a possibility to see Kilimanjaro Peak above the clouds. The final part of the climb is along a spectacular narrow ridgeline between the sheer inner cliffs and the sloping outer wall of the crater. We take a short rest and brunch at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to the Miriakamba Hut.
Elevation (m): 3,570 m to 4,565m to 2,514m
Distance: 5 km up 13 km down
Hiking Time: 10 – 12 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert Moorland and Montane forest.
We take a short and fast descent way through open grassland and mixed forest, with a possibility of seeing wildlife before reaching Momella Gate in the late morning. The returning transfer will be waiting at Momella Gate to pick you at your hotel in Arusha/Moshi.
Elevation (m): 2,514 m to 1,500 m to 1,387 m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking time: 2-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest.