From the Miriakamba hut the path leads through dense forest with mosses and beard lichens - an area called Topela Mbogo (buffalo swamps) - to the Mgongo wa Tembo (elephant back) viewpoint at about 3,200 m, about 2 to 3 hours away. From there we have a wonderful view of the large, blasted crater. With a little luck we can also see the nimble klipspringer antelopes here, which like to hang

out in this alpine vegetation belt made of giant heather bushes. We walk another 1-2 hours to the 3,566 m high Saddle Hut. After a short break, we should go on an acclimatization hike to the 3,801 m high summit of Little Meru (an additional 235 m ↑ ↓, approx. 1 hour walking time). Especially in the late afternoon,

1075 m

Time: about 4 -5 hours.

Walking distance: approx. 6.3 km

Multi-bed hut (F, M, A)

Character of the tour and requirements

Profile:

During the ascent of Mt. Meru you will cross all climatic zones within a few days. You start in the dry savannah, pass the rainforest, and walk through heather and moorland until you reach the high alpine zone. Please consider that the rainy seasons and snowfalls on Mt. Meru can meanwhile be subject to similar changes and shifts as the seasons in our latitudes.
You cross several mountain ridges and follow mountain paths. Please keep in mind that your body has to get used to the altitude gradually, so it is essential that you walk slowly and steadily when climbing the mountain.

Requirement:

The ascent of Mount Meru is a bit more demanding than that of Kilimanjaro. The summit stage in particular is steep, criss-crossed by scree and in some places a minimum of a head for heights is required. Nevertheless, the ascent of Mount Meru does not pose any special technical, mountaineering requirements. A good overall physical condition, stamina, surefootedness (safe walking in different terrain) and climate compatibility are important prerequisites for participating in this tour. Before starting your journey, please consult your doctor and have your cardiovascular system checked.

Height:

Due to staying at altitudes above 2,500 m, there is the possibility of altitude sickness (AMS). Symptoms range from headache and dizziness to threatening brain or pulmonary edema. In order to reduce the risk, the itinerary is designed in such a way that at the beginning of the trip there is an opportunity to adapt and the body can get used to the changed circumstances. This includes slow and steady walking and drinking enough fluids. Nevertheless, it is still a burden for the body and we ask you to consult your family doctor before departure. In addition, Hypoxicum, the institute for altitude training in Munich, offers the opportunity to prepare carefully and precisely for the stay at altitude. The altitude tolerance test offered there

provides information about

Accommodation:

At Mt. Meru you are accommodated in multi-bed camps in simple mountain huts. Before and after the climb in a mid-range hotel in Moshi

Catering:

On the trekking days there is an invigorating breakfast (egg, pancakes, fruits, muesli, and sausage at the beginning). At lunchtime there is usually a rich packed lunch with a sandwich, boiled egg, samosa, biscuit and fruit. In the evening there is a starter soup, then often meat and vegetables with pasta or rice. If you want, you can also taste the East African maize porridge ugali, which your escort team prepares for you. Please understand, however, that the food is not overly varied, as all catering must be borne. Drinking water is boiled and filled hot in the bottles or bladders you have brought with you in the morning and in the evening, sometimes also at noon (please bring a capacity of at least 3 liters per person). The boiled water can be drunk without hesitation, no additional water disinfection tablets are necessary. A rich breakfast buffet and dinner are available at the hotel in Moshi. Apart from climbing the mountain, you get drinking water in sealed water bottles (make sure that the seal or the cap is unopened). In the interests of your health, please brush your teeth with the drinking water.

Sustainability:

On this trip, you will be accompanied by people carrying your luggage and other necessary equipment. For these so-called sponsors we have developed the Safaria Porter Policy, which ensures that the working conditions for this profession are humane and fair. We want your porters to be well equipped, to have medical care in the event of illness and to be insured against loss of earnings, that the weight to be carried is limited and that suitable accommodation and adequate meals are provided during the trek. 

Useful information:

At 4,565 m, Mt. Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania, the fifth highest in Africa and - like Kilimanjaro - a volcano. Originally, Mt Meru was higher than it is today (probably even higher than Kilimanjaro). About 250,000 years ago, there was a huge explosion that blew away the eastern rim of the crater. Masses of mud and lava flowed down the slope forming the landscape around the seven Momella lakes. Further eruptions since that time (the last one in 1879) have raised a high ash cone in the main crater, the inner wall of which is over 1,500 m high. Fumaroles (crevices from which sulfur gases escape) and the sometimes warm water of the crater river show that Mt. Meru is still active.

Travel price

1 Participant in a single room $ 1,475.00

2 participants: $ 1,195 pp; 

3-4 participants: $ 1,095, - pp,

5-10 participants: $ 995, - pp