MT. MERU – OVERVIEW
Mt. Meru Located to the east of Arusha town, about 20 kilometers drive from Arusha; Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania. The mountain stands at an altitude of 4566 meters above sea level inside the Arusha National Park.
Meru has one route to the top and can be attempted for three days but we highly recommend doing for four days for acclimatization. Most alpines use Meru for acclimatization before the Kilimanjaro climb. The mountain has less snow formed at the volcano eruption.
Unlike Kilimanjaro when you are climbing the Mount Meru you have to be escorted by an armed ranger(s) as you pass through the Arusha National Park. It is at this time when you will enjoy the walking safari as you pass the groups of African buffaloes, Zebras, Black and white colobus monkey just little wildlife to mention.
The Momela and Ngurdoto Lakes are rich in birdlife as you trek to the mountain; birds like Pelicans and Flamingo are closely seen.
ITINERARY:
Thanks for Choosing Alpine chat adventure a local tour company in Moshi Tanzania feel at home and enjoy your Africa adventure, upon arrival to Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met with Alpine chat adventure representative and transferred for overnight accommodation at HOTEL IN MOSHI B&B. Your head guide will meet you for your briefing, gear check and arrange for you to hire any equipment you may need.
Day 1: MOMELA GATE -MIRIAKAMBA HUTS: 13.8km/ 8.6 mi
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met with an Alpine Chat Adventure representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our Professional Mountain guide, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.
Day 1: Marangu Gate - Mandara Huts
A guide and support crew will meet you for orientation before traveling to Marangu Gate. Obtain permits and register before trekking to Mandara Hut through the rainforest. Bring raincoats, spare clothes, gaiters, and trekking poles for the muddy trail. At camp, the crew will prepare lunch. Drink over 3 liters of water daily and consider altitude medicine. Inform your guide of any altitude sickness symptoms.
DAY 2: Mandara Huts - Horombo Huts
After breakfast, you will leave the rainforest and ascend through heathland, looking for giant lobelias and groundsels, and proceed into the moorlands. Midway, you’ll stop for lunch. An acclimatization hike towards Kibo Hut follows, gaining 200 meters before returning to Horombo Hut for dinner and views of Mawenzi. The acclimatization hike is crucial to prevent altitude sickness. The day’s details are 11 km (3 mi) covered over 5-6 hours, from 2,740 m (9,000 ft) to 3,720 m (12,100 ft).
DAY 3: Horombo Huts - Kibo Huts
After breakfast, the trek continues through heathland to the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. Maintain a steady pace to conserve energy for the summit. Upon reaching camp, have lunch, rest, avoid strenuous activity, and stay hydrated. The day’s journey covers 10 km (6 mi) over 6-8 hours, with an elevation gain from 3,690 m (12,100 ft) to 4,700 m (15,400 ft).
DAY 4: Kibo Huts -Summit Uhuru Peak - Horombo Huts
Excitement builds as we prepare for an early start, beginning the most challenging part of the trek in a switchback ascent toward the summit. We climb through scree and possibly snow to reach Gillman’s Point on the crater rim, where a magnificent sunrise awaits. The final hour to Uhuru Peak, likely through snow, brings the reward of reaching the highest point in Africa. After celebrating, we descend steeply back to Horombo Huts, stopping at Kibo for lunch. The day covers a 4 km (2.5 mi) ascent in 5-7 hours from 4,700 m (15,400 ft) to 5,895 m (19,340 ft), and a 14 km (9 mi) descent in 5-6 hours back to 3,720 m (12,100 ft).
DAY 5: Horombo Huts - Marangu Gate – Moshi, overnight stay at Chanya Lodge.
You will have a warm breakfast in the morning before heading to Marangu Gate (1,830 m / 6,462 ft). After a ceremony with your crew, we begin our descent, stopping briefly at Mandara Huts. The descent is wet, muddy, and steep, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, you’ll receive summit certificates and have the chance to share your trip experience. A vehicle will then take you back to your hotel in Moshi for a hot shower, dinner, and celebrations. You’ll stay overnight before being transferred to your next destination.
DAY 0: Departure transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport
Today marks the bittersweet culmination of your extraordinary journey with us. If you wish to extend your adventure, we offer enriching day trips before your departure, tailored to your interests. As you depart for Kilimanjaro International Airport, carry with you the indelible moments and triumphs of conquering Kilimanjaro. It has been our privilege to guide you, and we sincerely thank you for choosing Alpine Chat Adventure. Safe travels and warm wishes until we meet again!
Low Season (April 1st – May 19th)
| Type of Accommodation | 2 persons | 4 persons | 6+ persons |
|---|---|---|---|
| SILVER | $3,048.00 USD* | $2,469.00 USD* | $2,275.00 USD* |
| GOLD | $3,615.00 USD* | $3,006.00 USD* | $2,803.00 USD* |
| PLATINUM | $4,300.00 USD* | $3,701.00 USD* | $3,501.00 USD* |
* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets
Mid Season (The Rest of the Year)
| Type of Accommodation | 2 persons | 4 persons | 6+ persons |
|---|---|---|---|
| SILVER | $3,245.00 USD* | $2,599.00 USD* | $2,384.00 USD* |
| GOLD | $3,971.00 USD* | $3,294.00 USD* | $3,069.00 USD* |
| PLATINUM | $4,699.00 USD* | $4,033.00 USD* | $3,811.00 USD* |
* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets
