Mount Meru Trekking – 6 Day Package

Vijiji Center Lodge & Safari

Karibu – welcome – to Tanzania.   Our driver will meet you at the airport outside of Arrivals and bring you to The Vijiji Center for dinner and overnight, as well as a briefing by your mountain guides.

Arusha National Park, Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut

(Elevation:  1500m to 2500m; Duration: 5-7 hours)

After early morning breakfast at The Vijiji Center, you will leave for Arusha National Park.  Here, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register at the Park Headquarters.  Once registered, you travel a short distance to the  Momella Park Gate to begin your ascent.  The first day of hiking is similar to a walking safari.  The trail begins by winding its way through montane forests where you can expect to see giraffes, zebras, antelope, buffalo, and possibly elephants near the trail.  But not to worry – an armed National Park ranger will accompany you throughout the trek!  As you continue hiking, you pass the Ngarenanyuki River and a beautiful waterfall at the base of Mt. Meru. The first day of trekking ends when you reach Miriakamba Hut where your chef will prepare your dinner. Enjoy the beautiful sunset and overnight.

Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut

(Elevation:  2500m to 3550m; Duration: 3-5 hours)

After breakfast, you begin ascending up the steep trail along the ridge of the saddle.  Watch for wildlife along the way and notice, too, the air is getting a little cooler and a little thinner.  The trail has views of Mt. Meru Crater and the Ash Tray. You will reach Saddle Hut by early afternoon.  When you arrive at camp, you have the option of hiking Little Mt. Meru (3820m) with your guide to further acclimate. You will be served an early dinner, so you can get ample rest before your midnight summit attempt.

Saddle Hut to Summit to Miriakamba Hut

(Elevation:  3550m to 4265m to 2500m; Duration: 10-12 hours)

Your ascent to the summit of Mt. Meru begins in the middle of the night.  Your guide will wake you shortly after midnight for tea and biscuits, and you begin your summit attempt at 1:30 am.   The trail starts off on a steep grade to Rhino Point (3820m) then to Cobra Point (4350m). For last hour of the hike, you scramble along a rocky ridge between the crater and inner cliffs of Meru. You will reach the summit of Meru (4562m) at sunrise with spectacular views of Mt. Meru Ash Tray and Mt. Kilimanjaro.  Enjoy your views then descend to Saddle Hut for a short break, and then downwards to Miriakamba Hut for dinner and overnight.

Miriakamba Hut to Vijiji Center

(Elevation:  2500m to 1400m; Duration: 2-3 hours)

The fourth and final day is an easy-going one!  After a long rest and breakfast, you begin your final descent to Momella Gate, with a hike through the montane forest and meadows where you may spot more wildlife.  Our driver will be waiting to greet you at the base of Mt. Meru and take you back to The Vijiji Center for dinner and overnight.