Overview
Upon your arrival you will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) with our representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do the equipment final check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Meru is a great preparation hike for climbing Kilimanjaro or a spectacular trek for those not compelled to do Kilimanjaro. You will hike past wildlife, the landscape is spectacular, and sunrise on the summit has Kilimanjaro as the backdrop. While typically done in only 4 days, it is not an easy peak to summit. To reach the top, there is some scrambling on rocks in the dark and at high altitudes. You should be prepared for at least 10 hours of hiking on summit day. For an easier hike, you can climb just to Rhino Point for sunrise and then descend. Any additional Day on the Mountain will cost you an extra 220 USD
Day by day
Day 1 — Arusha – Momella Gate – Mariakamba Hut (4,921ft – 8,250ft)
Distance: 10 km Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Montane Forest After getting our breakfast from our lodge in Arusha we drive to Momela Gate. After a short registration at the Gate, our walk will begin with a fully armed ranger escorting us, simply we can see along the way the wild animals including elephants, zebras, giraffes, monkeys, antelope, and often elephants along the route, dinner, and overnight night at Miriakamba Hut. Meals: Full Board.
Day 2 — Mariakamba Hut – Saddle Hut (8,250 ft – 11,712ft)
Distance: 8 km Hiking Time: 3-5 hours Habitat: Moorland After breakfast we 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 (12,533ft) for superb views just before sunset, dinner, and overnight night at Saddle Hut. Meals: Full Board.
Day 3 — Saddle Hut – Socialist Peak – Mariakamba Hut – Arusha (11,712ft – 14,977ft – 8,250ft – 4,921ft)
Distance: 5 km ascend, 23km descend, Hiking Time: 4 – 6 hrs ascend, 6 – 10 hrs descend Habitat: Alpine Desert We start early at around 12:00 a.m. or 1:30 a.m. to climb steeply to Rhino Point (12,467ft) and onto Cobra Point (14,272 ft). We reach the summit (4,566 m / 14,980ft) 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 ridge line 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 Momella Gate. Our vehicle will be waiting at the Momella Gate to pick us up in Arusha for dinner and overnight in our hotel/lodge. Meals: Full Board.
Included
Two nights' accommodation at Hotel in Arusha double or triple occupancy (before and after the climb) The first night includes breakfast Last night includes dinner & breakfast Qualified guides with mountain crew National park fees Hut/camping fees and tents Tents foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and (Cutlery / Crockery) eating utensils. Rescue fees (required by the National Park) Pulse oximeters First aid kit Guides, porters, cook, waiter salaries Boiled water on the mountain Airport transfers (JRO - Kilimanjaro International Airports) All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner) Guides, porters, waiter, cook accommodation, and entry fees on the mountain
Not included
Single rooms supplement at Hotel. Guides, Porters, Cook & Waiters tips Meals and drinks not specified Mountain equipment (eg sleeping bags) Gear for your climb, Some equipment is available for rent. See our rental price list. Car Supplement USD$145 per car for clients who go through Lemosho/Rongai/Shira Routes Items of personal nature (expenses) Emergency Oxygen Additional nights beyond the two standard hotel nights included Extra activities (waterfall tour, cultural village visit). Visa fees & travel insurance. Flight tickets.