Mount Meru Arusha Tanzania

	mount meru arusha tanzania mt meru
home flights hotels safaris car hire tours offers honeymoons northern circuit safari southern circuit safari Meru is admittedly no substitute for Kilimanjaro for achievement-orientated travelers, however on the other hand, those who climb both mountains invariably enjoy Meru more. Also going in its favor, Meru is less crowded than Kilimanjaro, considerably less expensive to climb, an – although steeper and almost as cold – less likely to engender the health problems associated with Kilimanjaro’s greater altitude. Meru is just as interesting as Kilimanjaro from a biological point of view and, because comparatively few people climb it, you are more likely to see forest animals. A lot of big game can be seen on the lower slopes just opposite Hatari Lodge, your very own mountain lodge which we believe can be and will be one of the other attributes that Kilimanjaro is missing! For the first two –as well as last night this will be your base with a full on view on the panorama of the mountain in front of you…. …the beauty is to just simply put on your walking boots, lock the door behind you and start walking towards the slopes of the mountain ready for your climb! Resorts, Camps and Lodges around Mt Meru: hatari lodge ngare sero mt lodge mount meru game lodge southern circuit safari northern circuit safari Wedding Information Some of the fascinating places in tanzania include: zanzibar, kilimanjaro, ngorongoro, serengeti, lake manyara, ruaha, selous, mikumi, rubondo, mafia island, pemba island, scenic flying safaris arusha town tanga dar es salaam rubondo arusha np tarangire Zanzibar Magic currently takes bookings on: info@zanzibarmagic.com	"Mt.Meru lacks a lot of the things Kilimanjaro has in abundance: high price, altitude sickness, droves of tourists. No wonder it's so worthwhile." (by Graydon Hazenberg) The "Hatari!" Mt Meru climb...it's dangerous, its adventurous, its romantic and very luxurious !!! A 6 nights/7 days experience - all inclusive - Itinerary courtesy of Hatari Lodge Mount Meru, the rain god for the Arusha and Meru people, is often overlooked by travelers and mountaineers because it is “only” the forth highest mountain in Africa.
		Lodge & Mountain Program: Day 1: - Arrival by KLM at Kilimanjaro airport and transfer by road through the Arusha National Park to Hatari Lodge. (This transfer takes 1 hour) Upon arrival at Hatari Lodge, light dinner before retiring for the1st night in Africa between Africa’s two dominant mountains: Mt Meru and Kilimanjaro.
	- Arrival from safari, Dar es Salaam, Arusha airport or Nairobi for tea/coffee and cake at Hatari Lodge in the afternoon. Depending on the arrival time, sundowners either at the lodge on the wooden platform within the Momella meadow and view on Kilimanjaro or on a canoeing safari on the Momella lakes with hippopotamus, wetland water birds, ducks and flamingos. Dinner and overnight at Hatari Lodge. Day 2: Full day game drive in the National Park to Ngurdoto Crater reaching Buffalo Viewpoint before midday.
		From here we have an excellent view over and into Ngurdoto Crater and the sun light volcanic walls of Mt. Meru. To watch Colobus and Sykes monkey waking up on their favorite night resting branches is quiet common. The crater floor, home to herds of buffalo, giraffe, warthog as well as elephant is a reserve within a reserve.
	To nature’s advantage, humans are not allowed on the floor however due to the walls not being as steep as Ngorongoro you can easily look into the crater and watch all the animal movements with your naked eye. For the active we walk along the crater rim to the northern side with great views on Kilimanjaro. Here a picnic lunch is served. We return via Little Serengeti with zebras and bushbuck ever common to Hatari Lodge for afternoon tea/coffee and cake.
		Day 3: Momella Gate (1,500m) to Miriakamba Hut (2,514m) Elevation Gain: 1,014 meters Time: Three to seven hours Early morning breakfast and together with your mountain chef and mountain guide, you shall leave Hatari Lodge on foot for the slopes of Mount Meru.
	A ranger and some porters will meet us on the other side of the river. From there it is a relatively gentle three-hour ascent to Miriakamba Hut (2.600 m). On the way we pass through well-developed woodland – keep your eyes on the treetops as there is a good chance to spot a troupe of black and white colobus monkeys. At an altitude of about 2000m we enter the forest zone. If time allows our ranger takes us on a thirty minute detour to a waterfall that lies about fifteen minutes off the main trail.
		Here we cross a mountain stream where you can relax, bird watch and eat a snack. After passing the stream, enter denser woodland where you'll see many wildflowers and moss-covered trees. We continue climbing through the woodland until we reach the exposed rock on which we take a break and eat lunch. After lunch, continue hiking in the woodland until we arrive at Miriakamba Hut. In the afternoon you have ample of time to explore Meru Crater.
	The 1500m cliff rising to Meru Peak overlooks the crater. The 3667m high ash cone in the crater is an hour from Miriakamba Hut and can only be climbed with special permission. Miriakamba Hut consists of two well-built, well-maintained dormitory style houses which can accommodate up to forty guests. The Hatari mountain Team shall prepare your beds and in the separate kitchen and lodge facilities we are preparing your dinner and breakfast. There are toilet facilities, a water source and new solar panels provide electricity in the evening. Day 4: Miriakamba (2,514m) to Saddle Hut (3,570m) Elevation Gain: 1,056 meters Time: 3 to 5 hours
	The hike from Miriakamba to Saddle is a relatively short but very steep climb, through montane forest and scrubland. After breakfast, we leave Miriakamba and briefly walk along flat land before entering the montane forest. Here we start the steep ascent through the forest filled with moss-covered trees and many species of wildflowers. Watch your step during this climb as there are many fresh piles of buffalo dung and columns of biting army ants.
	We continue hiking the steep trail until we reach a brief opening in the woods called Elephant Ridge. On a clear day, you'll see excellent views of the surrounding area. We break for a little while before continuing the climb through scrub bushes and heather trees. The soil becomes more sandy and dry and there are new species of wildflowers. We reach Saddle Hut in time for lunch and spend a few hours relaxing in the sun.
	The more energetic can hike to the summit of Little Meru (3,820m) for breathtaking views. On a cloudy day you will see cloud formations below and the peaks of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro above. On a clear day you can look out on the Rift Valley and the forests of Arusha National Park. The hike takes one to two hours round-trip. We suggest a 4:00pm hike which puts you at the top in time to relax for a while and watch the sun set above the clouds (6:45 pm). It does get cold on top of Little Meru so bring a jacket, gloves and a hat to wear while you wait for the sunset. We might be hiking through mist and fog on day two but usually come out of the clouds at Saddle Hut.
		The normal cloud cover of Arusha National Park burns off at about 3,200 meters. Saddle Hut lies at 3,570 meters. Saddle Hut is very similar to Miriakamba Hut, and is extremely well-maintained, with separate facilities for mountain staff and tourists. The only difference is that sleeping quarters at Saddle are divided into rooms with four beds each. The rooms have locking doors and are often warmer than the large rooms at Miriakamba.
	Day 5: Saddle Hut (3,570m) to Socialist Peak (4,566m) to Saddle (3,570m) or Miriakamba (2,514m) Elevation Gain and Loss: 996 meters (Saddle Hut) Time: Eight Hours After an early breakfast at 3:00am we begin the hike to Mount Meru's summit, Socialist Peak. We start off the morning with a steep climb up to Rhino Point (3,800m), reaching the top of Rhino around sunrise. While descending we cross a small rock bridge, and then continue going up and down over the mix of rocky and sandy trail. The trail involves some rock scrambling. We continue along the trail climbing through sand. This section of the trail can be frustrating for those who wish to hike quickly and scary for hikers who suffer from vertigo. There are steep drops to both sides of the trail and in some places and you must watch your step and follow the green trail markers and your national park guide!
	We reach the crater rim with sunrise and begin the hike around the crater wall to the peak of Meru. The views are spectacular from here to the summit, offering close looks at the crater's sheer walls, the ash cone, Kilimanjaro, crater cloud formations and the surrounding forest and park. The hike to the summit is slow-going due to the sandy trail conditions, high winds and altitude. You will get energy snacks to eat along the way, and be prepared to feel tired. We reach the summit early morning, have some time to snack, take photos and relax before making our way back down to Saddle Hut. We reach Saddle Hut at around noon, eat a big lunch, and recover for the rest of the afternoon
	Day 6: Saddle (3,570m) or Miriakamba (2,514m) to Momella Gate (1,500m) Elevation Loss: From Saddle: 2,070 meters, From Miriakamba: 1,014 meters Time: Four to seven hours from Saddle, Two to three hours from Miriakamba We descend to Momella Gate from either Saddle or Miriakamba Hut. The descent is fast unless it has rained on the trail. We first pass through scrubland, then descend into the montane forest and finally into the open grassland. There is a good chance we will see wildlife on our way down. If the trail is wet, you will probably slip a few times. Be sure to have a walking stick. We could also choose to descend from Miriakamba via the mountain trail. If you have bad knees, you may want to choose this option for day three and descend using the road on day four.
	Once we arrive at Momella Gate, proceed to the front desk from where you will receive certificates for reaching the summits of Mount Meru and Little Meru. After thanking your national park guide and mountain staff for the last time, we head off to Hatari Lodge for dinner and overnight. The animals are the reason why hikers need a game warden, armed with a rifle, as a guide; buffalo are aggressive and territorial animals.
	Day 7: After a leisurely breakfast you will meet your safari guide who shall take you to your next destination in Tanzania. For all KLM arrivals we suggest a dayroom at Hatari Lodge and possible extra activities! (The costs for dayroom and extra activities are separate!) Price: Minimum 2 pax: Daily Climbs $ 1590,00 USD Extra costs: Additional night at Hatari Lodge – FB without activities and park entry fees: USD 185 per person Airport transfer: USD 150 per vehicle (min 2 people) – one way Dayroom at Hatari including lunch & dinner: USD 115 per person
	The package includes: - 3 nights including FB and activities at the Hatari Lodge as mentioned above Canoeing on little Momella lake on the 1st day for all arrivals in time for lunch or coffee/cake and on the 2nd day for all KLM arrivals. - Mt.Meru: Meals from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 4, all park fees, hut fees, rescue fees, and eco-tourism fees, ranger fees, porter fees, English speaking guide(s), armed Ranger for security, porters to carry bags, food, fuel, and cooking equipment, telephone contact between the mountain and the Arusha base, a stretcher in case of evacuation, any other government taxes and levies. Guides carry cell phones with extra batteries for emergency contact, and a mountain rope if needed.
	The package does not include: - international flights, airport transfer to Hatari Lodge, Visa costs, drinks at Hatari, staff tips activities on the last day at Hatari, dayroom at Hatari and any expenses of personal nature Price options: Bottled mineral water: 4 days: 12 liters per person: $40 per person Mountain gear: The porters shall carry your luggage of max. 12 kg however for all your personal belongings (daily cloths to change, photo equipment) you would need to bring your own backpack of around ca. 35l volume + you need to bring your own walking boots and warm cloths ( wind & weather proofed trouser, wind jacket, warm socks and gloves), water bottle x 2, sun crème and torch!
	MOUNT MERU # DAYS MOUNTAIN CLIMB P R O G R A M COST $600.- USD per PERSON includes Hotel maccommoadation on first and last day in aArusha before and after climb.
	Mount Meru is the 2nd highest mountain in Tanzania standing at 14,979ft (4,566 meters) above sea level. Although it is overshadowed by Kilimanjaro - its famous neighbor. This four thousand meter peak can not be ignored. The ascent of this mountain is more physically demanding than the normal route to Kibo. Located in Arusha National Park circa 30kms from Arusha town. On the hike through the park you can see herds of Elephants and above all herds of Cape Buffaloes, amongst Giraffe, Impalas etc. Climbing Mt Meru before Kilimanjaro helps you considerably to acclimatize your body to give one the best possible chance of success if one intends to climb Mt Kilimanjaro. Walking on the horseshoe shaped crater rim is the highlight of the climb, on this Africas fifth highest mountain. Hikers are accompanied by an armed park ranger because of the cape buffaloes, and porters are hired to carry the camping and cooking equipment. - DAY BY DAY ITINERARY - DAY 1. • BABYLON LODGE/ARUSHA TO MIRIAKAMBA HUT • Transfer from Babylon lodge or your hotel in Arusha to the National park Gate in Momella. • After the park formalities the hiking starts through the lush forest. • Beginning at Momella gate, the path is not especially steep, and meanders though a pleasant landscape. • In the lower regions we will see elephant, giraffes and herds of cape buffaloes. • The path becomes increasingly steeper, and above 2,000m it enters dense rain forest. • We cross the Ngare-Nanyuki river. Than we reach Miriakamba hut. • Dinner and overnight at Miriakamba Hut (8,400 ft) Mount Meru Crater DAY 2. • MIRIAKAMBA HUT TO SADDLE HUT • Leaving Miriakamba hut the path becomes steeper and the landscape more varied. Just before Saddle hut the rain forest gives way to a moorland/bush vegetation. The fauna is more varied and interesting. • The path continues to ascend steeply through the pleasant forest Glades and giant heather up to Saddle Hut. • A pleasant hiking trail leads us from the gap to Little Meru (3,800m). The view is said to be as beautiful as that from big Mt Meru. • Dinner and overnight at Saddle Hut (11,500 ft). DAY 3. • SADDLE HUT TO THE PARK GATE • To ascend the main peak we start out very early. • From Saddle hut a steep ascent in short loops, leads us to the gap between Little and Big Mt Meru, from there we continue to rhino point. • Passing through rock and rubble we reach the main peak (no climbing and easy going). • When the weather is fine we have a fantastic view of Mt Kilimanjaro and of Arusha National park. • The same route leads us back to Miriakamba hut and then to the Momella Gate. • Transfer back to Babylon lodge or hotel in Arusha.
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