|
Climbing
mt meru in Arusha Tanzania is a good trekking mountain for acclimatization
for Mt kilimanjaro climb. Mt Meru trekking is an adventure with close contact
with wildlife
Climbing Mount Meru 4 Days / 3 Nights
Meru is a stratovolcano in Tanzania. It has quite an explosive history, having erupted four times. The most recent eruption occurred in 1910. Lava eruption from Meru varies from thin flows to thick intrusive domes. 
The main cone of the volcano has a caldera which is 2.2 miles (3.5 Km) in diameter. It has a huge breach on its eastern side. A graben runs down the side of the volcano from this breach. Many debris flows came through the breach in the caldera. These cover 1500 sq km to the north-east, east and south-east. Following the eruption of this debris, a lava dome and ash cone grew on the floor of the caldera.
The route to the summit of Mount Meru passes through Arusha National Park. Over 400 species of animals roam the lower slopes of the volcano; these include birds, elephant, buffalo, baboon, warthog, black and white colobus monkey and duiker. A visit to Ngurdoto Crater and Momella Lakes offers superb scenery with flamingos and other wildlife. Accommodation on this ascent is in dormitory styled huts. Hiking to the summit of Mount Meru is over terrain which is often steep and could prove to be a tough challenge for some.
Day 1 – Park's gate to Miriakamba Hut (2470 m)
After entering the main park's gate on the outskirts of Arusha, your adventure starts with a walk through Arusha National Park. For safety reasons a ranger will accompany you as buffalo, and even elephant roam the lower slopes of Meru. Porters and guides will carry all your gear and meals as you gradually ascend towards the first camp, Miriakamba (2470 m). This day presents numerous opportunities for photographs and game viewing. Encounters with some of the animals grazing a few meters away from the man path are quite common. Ablution facilities are clean, with bunk beds available for a good nights rest. On a clear day, there are spectacular views of Kilimanjaro.
Day 2 – Miriakamba Hut (2470 m) to Saddle Hut (3500m)
After breakfast the steep ascent towards Saddle Hut (3500 m) passes through fine forest and the heather zone. A half way stop allows for a short rest and lunch, and the location also offers spectacular views of Meru towering above. After reaching camp you have two options, rest or walk to Little Meru for breathtaking sunset pictures. After dinner is served, take time to prepare your gear for a midnight assault on the Socialist Peak (4562 m).
Day 3 – Saddle Hut (3500 m) to Socialist Peak (4562 m)
Around midnight you head into the dark cold night towards the summit. The route is generally in good condition with stairs on steeper, rocky sections of the ascent. Before reaching the summit you will cross an exposed but not too technical knife edge ridge with drops on both sides. Once you have absorbed the spectacular views and have taken your summit pictures, care should be taken on the sometimes strenuous descent. You will now return to Miriakamba (2470 m) for a well-deserved rest. Some of the stronger hikers will continue all the way to the park's gate, so ending another exciting chapter in their lives.
Day 4 – Miriakamba Hut (2470 m) to Park's Gate
This is a very short day that offers the best opportunity to view game and take pictures. You will be transferred from the park's gate to the hotel for a refreshing shower, thereafter rewarding yourself with an ice-cold soda or beer.
Price
US$ 780 per person:
Any additional day is US$ 200
The price is inclusive
of:-
2 transfers from Moshi/Arusha to Mount Meru park gate -return
3 meals per day while trekking - Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian
4 days Mount Meru trek
3 nights accomodation in huts while trekking Mount Meru
First and Last night accommodation at hotel Arusha -Bed and Breakfast.
All park entrance fees and government levies
English speaking mountain Guide and assistant guides
Porters- a maximum of 2 per client
The Price does not include:
Gloves, Sun glasses,
Sleeping bag, Hats, Rain suits, Warm Jacket,
Heavy boots, Scarf's, Rain Trousers, tents
Note: All the
above items can be hired at a reasonable price
|
