5 Days Mount Meru Climb

Day 1:

Mount Meru Game Lodge, Usa River

Arrive Kilimanjaro International Airport, after clearing customs and immigrations you will be meet by your driver guide and transfer to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Set 23 kilometres east of Arusha, Usa River is the capital of Tanzania’s Meru District and lies between the Ndurdoto Crater and Arusha National Park. Dotted with numerous eco-lodges and other accommodation options, the town provides an ideal base for exploring the magnificent surrounding natural landscapes. Visit the seven Momela Lakes to see vast swathes of pink flamingos, and look out for buffalos and waterbuck. The park offers an array of safari tours and the chance to see unique primates such as blue monkeys, albino baboons, and colobus monkeys (this is the only place in Tanzania’s northern safari circuit where they can be found). The spectacular Mount Meru is a fantastic achievement to climb and provides unparalleled vistas of Kilimanjaro. At Usa River’s Cultural Arts Centre, take part in drum-making and Tanzanian cooking classes or visit traditional Maasai and Meru bomas.

Overnight: Mount Meru Game Lodge

Set in beautiful and tranquil surroundings, the Mount Meru Game Lodge is nestled between the Usa river and the sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to water buffalo, birds and monkeys, including the elusive Colobus monkey.

Conveniently located just 30 minutes from Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), the lodge is an ideal starting point for your safari.

The lodge & sanctuary date back to 1959 when Dr. Von Nagy bought the property as a family home. The main building dates back to the 1930's and was originally the farm manager's house. In the first half of the 1900's most of the area on the southern slopes of Mount Meru were coffee plantations.

Dr. Von Nagy's was passionate about animals and he quickly turned his family home into an animal sanctuary and orphanage. He setup the Mount Meru Wildlife Reserve in order to protect the wildlife on Mount Meru, what is now part of Arusha National Park. He also helped the government to establish the Wildlife Collage and used his animal sanctuary and orphanage as a training facility for the students. His home and passion attracted visitors from far and wide, rooms were added to accommodate his visitors and the lodge was born.

Day 2:

Miriakamba Hut, Arusha National Park

After breakfast depart check at 0830am with lunch boxes and drive to Momella gate. Make payment and start the climb with picnic lunch to the first hut called Miriakamaba hut. Dinner and overnight - Miriakamba hut (3 ½ hrs).

Situated in northeastern Tanzania, the Arusha National Park is set against the spectacular backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. This 552 square kilometre park is renowned for its other-worldly scenery and excellent choice of trekking possibilities. This beautiful area is divided into three parts: Mt. Meru, a spectacular volcanic cone; the Ngurdoto Crater, with its lost-world feel; and the multi-hued Momela Lakes. The park features a wide range of habitats that provide a home to an array of wildlife and plant species. Commonly spotted animals include Cape buffalo, giraffe, zebra, warthog, monkey, flamingo, lion and elephant.

Overnight: Miriakamba Hut

Located in Tanzania, Miriakamba Hut is the first camp encountered along the only route to Mount Meru's summit. Accommodation consists of lodges and houses that are split into several dormitory-style rooms. Additional amenities include a mess hall, guide and porter accommodations, and a camp ranger's office.

Day 3:

Saddle Hut, Arusha National Park

Mandara hut (2715m) – Horombo hut (3705m)

Hiking time: 6h

Distance: Approximately 11.6 km

Habitat: Moorland

From Mandara hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, skirts the base of the Maundi Crater and then emerges into the transition from rain forest to moorland. It is well worth a short detour to scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater for your first really impressive view of the Kibo Crater. On a clear day, Kibo will glimmer in the distance, showing off her majestic glaciers in the morning sun.

Once you are in the open moorland you will get the chance to see some of Kilimanjaro’s most spectacular plants – the endemic giant lobelia which grows up to 3 m in height and the giant groundsel (Senecia Kilimanjari), which can reach heights of 5m! After about 6 hours trek from here, you reach the Horombo hut, where you will have a hot bowl of washing water, rest; an evening meal and overnight.

Overnight: Horombo Huts & Campsite

The Horombo Huts & Campsite is set along the Marangu Trail on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. This site can accommodate up to 120 campers spread across a mix of cabins and tents. Facilities include a kitchen for cooking, a dining area, and a rangers office. Guests will also have access to an abundant water source near the campsite.

Day 4:

Saddle Hut, Arusha National Park

Wake up at middle-night and have a cup of tea before starting attempt big Meru peak. Proceed to summit crossing rocky path and back to Saddle hut for full breakfast. The day will be spent resting . Lunch, dinner and overnight at Saddle hut.

Overnight: Saddle Hut

Located in Tanzania, Saddle Hut is situated on the saddle between Little Meru and mount Meru's main peak. Saddle Hut is the second camp encountered along the only route to Mount Meru's summit, consisting of lodges and houses that are split into several dormitory-style rooms. Additional amenities include a mess hall, guide and porter accommodations, and a camp ranger's office.

Day 5:

End of Itinerary

Leave Saddle hut and descend down to Momella gate via first hut (Miriakamba) where you will be transferred to Arusha/Moshi/ Kilimanjaro International Airport. Ends of our service.