Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania rising 4,565m above sea level. It is located within the heart of Arusha National Park, 70km west of Mount Kilimanjaro. This well proportioned peak forms a dramatic horseshoe-shaped volcanic crater with a strikingly narrow ridge providing eye-catching African panoramic views. 

Meru’s fertile slopes rise above the surrounding African savanna and support an enchanting thick highland forest that hosts diverse wildlife including the native Colobus monkey, leopards, elephants, giraffe, warthog and almost 400 species of birds. In addition to this, Mount Meru sustains an extensive array of tree and plant life, adding significantly to the attraction of climbing the mountain. 

The impressive crater of Mount Meru is often neglected and underrated in favour of its famous neighbour to the east, Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m).  However, climbing Mount Meru  is an awe-inspiring experience and certainly a mountain not to be overlooked.

The achievement will be an enriching reward and leave you with amazing memories you will never forget and a sense of adventure that will lead to other challenging trekking ventures.

This majestic mountain standing alone at an altitude of over 4,500m repeatedly captivates Kilimanjaro trekkers with a stunning portrait on a clear day and inspires them to set Mount Meru as their next climbing goal. It is a truly alluring silhouette of a mountain.

Mount Meru’s extinct and far-reaching volcanic base gives way to a perfectly formed crater. The engrossing cliffs of the inner wall below the summit are over 1,500m high and inside the caldera are a subsidiary peak called the Ash Cone (3,670m) that last erupted only 100 years ago.

As you climb the impressive volcanic slopes a remarkable visual attraction including the beautiful Momella Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater will be right before your eyes. The short four day ascent climbing to the roof of Mount Meru delights the senses with stunning diversified views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the Ngorongoro highlands.

Accommodation for trekkers during the climb is in permanent huts that are shared with fellow climbers. The panorama of Arusha town below is enchanting. Standing on the summit of Mount Meru is a meritorious achievement on its own merits but is also an exciting way to top off a challenging Kilimanjaro/Meru Combo climb and fulfilling African adventure.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Kilimanjaro National Airport (JRO), Tanzania –  Ilboru Safari Lodge, Arusha (1,387m)
Drive time: 1 hour
Meal Plan: Dinner at Ilboru Safari Lodge

Day 2: Ilboru Safari Lodge, Arusha (1,387m) – African time zone acclimatisation day in Arusha. Climb orientation with Cherie & African guides. Clothing & equipment check.
Meal Plan: Breakfast/Dinner at Ilboru Safari Lodge

Day 3: Ilboru Safari Lodge, Arusha, (1,387m) – Momella Gate (1,500m) to Miriakamba Hut  (2,750m)
Meal Plan: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Drive time: 2 hours driving from Arusha
Walking time: 4-5 hours

Day 4: Miriakamba Hut  (2,750m) – Saddle Hut (3,750m)
Meal Plan: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Walking time: 3-4 hour

Day 5: Saddle Hut (3,750m) – Summit Mount Meru (4,566m) – Miriakamba Hut (2,750m)
Meal Plan: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Walking time: 8-10 hours

Day 6: Miriakamba Hut – Momella Gate – Ilboru Safari Lodge, Arusha (1,387m)
Meal Plan: Breakfast at Miriakamba Hut/Dinner at Ilboru Safari Lodge
Walking time: 2-3 hours

Day 7: Ilboru Safari Lodge, Arusha – Kilimanjaro National Airport (JRO), Tanzania
Meal Plan: Breakfast at Ilboru Safari Lodge
Drive time: 1 hour

* Itinerary subject to change
* Single room/tent supplement available at additional cost of $400USD
* Detailed trek itinerary and information (clothing & equipment list; medical information; FAQ’s) issued upon booking

Trek Inclusions:

• Arrival/Departure transfers on both domestic and international flights
• Professional African mountain guides (Cherie’s assistants)
• Professional Ranger for mountain climb
• Experienced camping chef, kitchen assistants and porters for the trek
• Camping and
• Catering equipment
• Hut accommodation on the mountain
• Meet and Greet
• Trip briefing
• AMREF: Emergency Medical Evacuation
• Quality Hotel accommodation in Arusha before and after the trek (twin-share)
• Three unlimited meals per day during trek
• Breakfast and dinner in Arusha before and after the trek
• All National Park fees
• All government taxes for indicated services
• Rescue fees on the climb
• 1.5 litre bottled water on the first day of trek and 4-5L boiled water each day during the trek
• Transfer to and from Momella Gate
• Transfers from and to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
• Cherie Horne Adventure Trekking (CHAT) duffle bag 
• Corporate discount on trek clothing and equipment with Kathmandu Clothing & Equipment Store (Australian residents only)
• Professional & experienced African trekking co-guide & assistant guides well trained in Wilderness First Aid
• Porters to carry all personal gear and group camping equipment
• Comprehensive First Aid Kit
• Portable Oxygen Cylinder
• Climb Achievement Certificate

 Trek Exclusions:

• Internal and International flights
• International airport departure taxes
• Tips to African guides & porters
• Drinks (other than boiled water during trek)
• Lunches at Ilboru Safari Lodge, Arusha
• Single room supplement in hotel ($500USD)
• Visa and travel insurance
• Vaccinations and malaria medication
• Any add-on tours or activities not mentioned in the program
• Sleeping bag
• Flat sleeping mattress
• Expenses of personal nature (laundry, phone calls)
• Pre-Trek Simulated Altitude & Group Training program  

Safari Tour I can arrange a Safari tour for climbers that will take place immediately after our Meru climb. Please inform me if you wish to see the full itinerary and prices.