You are looking to do your Mount Meru Climb? It doesn’t matter whether you are climbing Mount Meru in preparation for big brother Kilimanjaro or you just want to tick the 5th highest peak of Africa of your list. Mount Meru in Tanzania is marvelous. Kilimanjaro is the popular guy in school but Mount Meru may well be way too cool for school. Mount Meru is a highly underrated mountain and if you want to climb a mountain in true African style, then you would be very happy climbing Mount Meru.
When you climb Kilimanjaro, you are not going to see any wildlife. This is something that people only realize when they are already on their way to the rainforest on the lower slopes of the Roof of Africa. There is no wildlife on or around Kilimanjaro. Sure, some monkeys and snakes, but you are not going to see giraffe, elephant or buffalo. That is a completely different story on Kili’s little brother, Mount Meru. Your trek to Socialist Peak will be packed with wildlife
What is the best season to conquer Mount Meru?
What to Pack for your Mount Meru climb?
How do I prepare for my Mount Meru climb?
Fair enough, Mount Meru isn’t Kilimanjaro. But if it wouldn’t be standing next to Kilimanjaro, it probably would have gotten a lot more credit than it is getting now. Mount Meru is 4,565m high and the fifth highest peak of Africa. You can climb Mount Meru to warm up for your Kilimanjaro ascent, but don’t think that Mount Meru is a walk in the park. You will need decent fitness when you want to do a Mount Meru climb. Take note of the following:
- Aerobic fitness: You best get moving as soon as you have your mindset on your Kilimanjaro climb. With the right aerobic fitness, you will have an improved heart rate, healthy muscles, and great lung capacity. Do power walking, running, hiking, trekking, cycling and/or swimming. Don’t worry. you don’t need to train for a marathon. One hour, 3 to 4 times a week is plenty of exercise.
- Endurance: When you are comfortable doing exercise a few times a week, you can fire it up by doing some longer sessions. The best thing you can do is walking long distances, at least once a week. If you can hike comfortably for a prolonged time, you are good to go.
- Altitude: If you can, you can mimic the altitude by hiking and trekking in the hills and mountains. If you do not live in the right area for that, then don’t panic. The first two points are most important.
Day 1: Momella Gate (1500m) to Miriakamba Hut (2500m)
You will depart the hotel at 0800hrs and head to the Momella gate which is the starting point of the trek. The drive to the gate is roughly an hour and a half. After the registration, you will start your trek accompanied by an armed ranger. Along the route, you will catch spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the Momella lakes. You will encounter animals such as cape buffaloes, giraffes, warthogs, and bushbucks, to name a few. Your trek will end up at Miriakamba Hut where you will be spending the night.
Distance covered: 6km / 3.5mi
Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut (2500m) to Saddle Hut (3500m)
Today’s trek takes you through the steep path along the ridge of the saddle. Amazing views of the Meru crater, the ash cone, and little Meru can be seen along the way. While trekking through the forest keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and the attractive wildflowers. Common animals include buffaloes and the black and white Colobus monkey. Your trek will end up at Saddle hut where you will be spending the night. After resting at the camp you will set off on an hour acclimatization trek to little Meru (3810m) then head back down to Saddle hut.
Distance covered: 6.5km / 4mi
Approx. time taken: 3 – 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 3: Saddle Hut (3500m) to Socialist Peak (4562m) to Miriakamba Hut (2500m)
You will wake up just after midnight for a light meal then start your final ascent to Socialist Peak at the top of big Meru. The trail to the summit is steep and you will be climbing through gravel and rocky ridges. While at the summit you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Meru crater and ash cone. Occasionally, animals such as Klipspringers and mountain reedbucks can be seen over the rocky terrain. After the summit, you will then descend to Miriakamba Hut where you will be spending the night.
Distance covered:19km / 12mi
Approx. time taken: 10 – 12 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 4: Miriakamba Hut (2500m) to Momella Gate (1500m)
After breakfast, you will begin your final descent to Momella gate. You will be using the southern route to descend. During your descent, you will pass through the montane forest where you will pass the amazing Fig Tree Arch. Upon arrival at the Momella gate, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel back in Moshi town.
Distance covered: 14km / 8.5mi
Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
