Things You Need To Know Before Climbing Mt. Meru In Tanzania

Things You Need To Know Before Climbing Mt. Meru In Tanzania : One of the rewarding African Safari challenge is ascending Tanzania’s Second Largest Mountain, Mount Meru. It’s frequently done as a warm-up trek for climbing Africa’s largest mountain, Kilimanjaro. These famous sites are barely 70 km (43 mi) apart, and climbing one will reward you with stunning views of the other. There are further reasons you might desire to summit this lesser-known peak, in addition to the fact that a hike up Mt. Meru will lower your risk of altitude sickness when ascending its greater sibling. Here is everything to know before climbing Mount Meru:

WHY CLIMB MOUNT MERU?

One of the most breathtaking journeys in East Africa is up Mount Meru. And whereas the majority of the Kilimanjaro roads are congested, Meru has virtually no foot traffic. The forested slopes are home to a wide range of wildlife, including buffalo, leopards, Harvey’s red duikers, bushbucks, Kilimanjaro colobus, and blue monkeys. You’ll be going through a variety of vegetation zones. There are approximately 400 species of birds, which is a fantastic amount of bird life.

HOW HIGH IS MT. MERU?

Mt. Meru is Africa’s fifth-highest mountain and Tanzania’s second-highest at 4,562 meters (14,967 feet). At this level, you’re unlikely to encounter major altitude sickness, but your body will adjust well enough that climbing Meru is a fantastic way to prepare for climbing Kilimanjaro.

HOW CHALLENGING IS MOUNT MERU TO CLIMB?

Never undervalue a climb up Mount Meru. It requires a good level of fitness because it is quite steep and tricky. The Momella Route is the sole available ascent route. It begins on the mountain’s eastern side and climbs along the northern rim of the crater to Socialist Peak’s top.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CLIMB MT. MERU?

Normally, it takes four days and three nights to climb Mount Meru. It can also be completed in three days and two nights. The three-day option will cost you less money, but we do not advise it. Both itineraries start with the same two days; however, the shorter version combines days three and four into one. In order to avoid the overnight stop along the way, you must climb at sunrise and then descend more than 3,000m to the park entrance on the third day.

WHAT IS THE TYPICAL ITINERARY OF A MT. MERU CLIMB?

With only one way up and down the mountain, a Mt. Meru climb has a standard four-day itinerary (see below).

 Day One

At Momella Gate, the starting point for a trip up Mount Meru, your guide will organize your papers. Your mountain crew, which consists of porters and a park ranger, will be waiting for you here. Before the actual climbing begins, you’ll hike through wide grassland. Along the route, you might spot some creatures, such as buffalo, giraffes, and zebras. As you ascend, the landscape keeps changing, and soon you’ll be encircled by a thick forest—the ideal environment for Harvey’s red duiker and Kilimanjaro colobus.

• Hike from Momella Gate (1,500 m/4,921 ft) to Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m/8,248 ft).
• Walking time: 4 to 6 hours

Day Two

Even though the second day’s hike isn’t particularly lengthy, the steep rise makes it very difficult. You will reach Elephant Ridge, which is the halfway point and offers (weather permitting) stunning views of the crater. In the afternoon, if you’re still up for it, you can go on an out-and-back acclimatization hike from Saddle Hut to Little Meru (3,801 m/12,533 ft). You will benefit from the extra altitude acquired by choosing the optional Little Meru climb on summit day, and as a bonus, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Arusha National Park. You can also decide to rest your legs for summit day.

• Climb from Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m/8,248 ft) to Saddle Hut (3,570 m/11,713 ft).
• Walking time: 3 to 5 hours

Day Three

For a sunrise peak, your walk will begin at about 2 a.m. This route’s first leg involves a 3,850 m (12,631 ft) ascent to Rhino Point. From here, a small slope will lead you to the summit, where you will be rewarded with unending vistas in all directions. You’ll travel all the way back to Miriakamba Hut to spend the night after reaching Socialist Peak. The hardest day by far is today.

• Climb from Saddle Hut (3,570 m/11,713 ft) to Socialist Peak (4,562 m/14,967 ft) and descend all the way back down to Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m/8,248 ft).
• Walking time: 10 to 12 hours

Day Four

The final day is basically a stroll in the park. After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll make your way back to Momella Gate, where the tour comes to a close. You have a choice between taking a brief diversion to see the ash cone and returning through the direct route. You’ll get an opportunity to witness more wildlife as you descend the mountains. If you’re lucky, you might even see elephants.

• Hike from Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m/8,248 ft) to Momella Gate (1,500 m/4,921 ft).
• Walking time: 2 to 3 hours

WHAT ARE THE HUTS LIKE ON MT. MERU?

On Mount Meru, there are two well-equipped huts for climbers. Both Miriakamba and Saddle Hut have dorm rooms. Up to four individuals can sleep in bunk beds in each dorm room. Both the restrooms and the dining area are shared. Additionally, there are tables outside.

WHAT DO I NEED TO PACK FOR A MT. MERU HIKE?

Your trip’s equipment can make or break it. When preparing to climb a mountain, a packing list is especially crucial. Here are some necessities to get you started, but your tour operator should provide a comprehensive list:

• A waterproof duffel bag (to be carried by a porter, assuming you will have one)
• A daypack (which you will carry yourself)
• Warm, lightweight, quick-drying clothing (no cotton)
• A waterproof jacket
• Good hiking boots. Don’t ever skimp on these, and make sure to break them in at home.
• Good-quality socks
• Comfortable shoes or sandals for around camp (to give your feet a break from the boots)
• A very warm sleeping bag and anything else you need for a good night’s rest
• Toiletries and any medical stuff you might need, including plasters
• Water bottles to fill and put in your daypack
• Sunscreen and maybe sanitizer and/or wet wipes (to put in your daypack too)
• A few favorite hiking snacks (even if you’re booking an organized climb and your food will be taken care of)

DO I NEED A GUIDE FOR A MT. MERU HIKE?

You must, at the very least, hire a ranger with a gun for your climb up Mount Meru. This is to safeguard you from any wildlife that may be present along the road. You could choose to climb Mt. Meru alone, aside from the ranger; however, it is typically advised that you arrange your trip with a registered operator such as Focus East Africa tours. All the fees, meals, supplies, transportation, porters, guides, and park rangers will be handled by them.

ARE THERE DAY TRIPS ON MT. MERU?

A day excursion is a fantastic substitute if hiking Mt. Meru is too time-consuming, expensive, or simply too intimidating for you. Driving through a stunning primary forest, you’ll encounter the Fig Tree Arch, a massive strangler fig with a passageway big enough for a land cruiser. The Meru Crater and its ash cone are reached after a two- to four-hour climb from Kitoto Viewpoint (2,500 m/8,202 ft), where the road ends.

WHAT IS THE COST FOR CLIMBING MT. MERU CLIMB?

A four-day hike up Mount Meru can cost between US$850 and US$1500. This often includes transportation to and from your lodging in Arusha or Moshi to Arusha National Park. However, tips for the mountain crew (the guide, cook, park ranger, and porters) are not included in the price of the food, permits, or overnight stays in mountain huts.

 Because everyone stays in the same huts, tours don’t change significantly despite the vast range of pricing. There is also the option of camping, but the costs are the same. The quality of the guide and the meals are where there are the biggest differences. Mt. Meru three-day climbs cost almost the same.

 WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO CLIMB MT. MERU?

Although you can climb Mount Meru at any time of the year, the best weather is from June to February, when it is typically dry and mild. December through February are the best months to visit if you want to see Mt. Kilimanjaro under clear skies.