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TANZANIA SAFARIS -
Mount Meru Climbing & Mt Kilimanjaro Trekking
12 Days Mount Meru Climbing Combined With
Mt Kilimanjaro Trekking, Tanzania Mountains
- Summary:
Mount Meru:
Duration: 4 Days/3 nights
Location: Mount Meru, Arusha, Tanzania
Mount Meru is Mount Kilimanjaro's little sister, standing at 4,566m
compared to 5,895m, but is still an impressive freestanding volcano,
which makes a superb four day climb to the top. It last erupted in
1910 therefore can be classified as an active volcano. The first
ascent was made by Dr. Fritz Jaeger, 1904. The town of Arusha lies
at the base of Mount Meru Trekking, loads of trek companies do this
trek. Wild animals are frequently found on this mountain therefore
an armed ranger usually accompanies the trekkers.
Grade C a strenuous climb so you need to be very fit in order to
achieve this trek, you should be use to long trekking and had some
high altitude experience.
Accommodation
You can be booked into a hotel in Arusha or Moshi in order to climb
Mt Meru. You can also fly into Nairobi or Kilimanjaro and catch the
shuttle bus to either town. Mount Meru is easily accessible from
Arusha.
From Kilimanjaro airport to Moshi is about 45 mins and one and a
quarter hours to Arusha. From Nairobi airport it is about 5 hours
drive to Arusha which is an interesting drive and gives you a good
feel about the place and the way people live. Well worth the trip!
This trek is often done as a warm up and acclimatisation climb for
Mount Kilimanjaro. Many tour companies offer a combination package.
The mountain is un spoilt and less congested as compared to it's
Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya counterparts.
Kilimanjaro: 6 Days Marangu Route
Total hiking distance: About 96 km's
(Excluding any acclimatisation hikes on day 3)
Affectionately known as the "Coca-Cola route", Marangu is by far the
most popular route to the summit of Kilimanjaro. This could partly
be as a result of the fact that the Marangu is the least expensive
route, but more so, perhaps the fact that it is possible to do the
Marangu route in 5 days, thereby getting to the summit one day
earlier than on the Machame route. This is not always the best way
due to a shorter acclimatisation period. The Marangu route does
however offer you the option of spending an extra acclimatisation
day on the mountain. This extends the route to a 6-day march,
greatly increasing your chances of success. Hut accommodation on the
Marangu route forms one of the main differences, compared to the
other routes. It offers you the relative luxury of being able to
sleep in huts along the entire route. Mineral water, soft drinks,
chocolates and beers are also sold at all the camps on this route.
All your equipment and supplies are portered and a cook prepares all
your meals. For the 5-day route, simply exclude the additional
acclimatisation day at Horombo hut - day 3 on the itinerary below.
Day 1: Arrival - Arusha
On arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, met and assisted. Transfer to SG
Resort for an overnight rest on bed and breakfast in readiness for
the next day's hit to Mount Meru, climbing and trekking.
Day 2: Arusha/Mariakamba Hut
Mt.Meru Park Gate - Mariakamba: 4-5 hours
Drive from Arusha to the Mt. Meru park gate where you will be met by
our game ranger and porters. Hike for the few hours to Mariakamba
Hut at 8,500 ft. From here you may wish to take an evening walk on
the slopes to view wildlife at one of the watering holes in the
crater. Dinner and overnight rest at Mariakamba Hut, L,D
Day 3: Mariakamba Hut - Saddle Hut
Mariakamba - Saddle Hut: 3-4 hours
After breakfast hike to up to 11,500 ft to arrive at Saddle Hut. If
time permits you can climb a little further on Mount Meru for a
scenic view of the 'Roof of Africa', Mount Kilimanjaro. This will
also be part of more acclimatization. Overnight at Saddle Hut, B,L,D
Day 4: Saddle Hut - Summit - Mariakamba Hut
Saddle Hut - Summit: 4-6 hours
An early rise to hike all the way to the summit before the afternoon
clouds cover the summit. From the summit, descend back to the 11,500
ft Saddle Hut in time for lunch. After lunch, hike down to
Mariakamba Hut for dinner and overnight, B,L,D.
Day 5: Mariakamba Hut - Arusha
Breakfast at the camp and a leisurely morning. Descend to the park
gate to connect with your waiting transfer vehicle back to your
Arusha Hotel, SG Resort on bed and breakfast, B.
Day 6: Marangu Gate (1980m) - Mandara hut (2700m)
Hiking time: 5 hours | Distance: About 12 km's | Habitat: Montane
forest
The drive from Moshi to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate, takes
about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Marangu,
which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once you reach
the park gate, all hikers are requested to sign in at the Park
office and make their final preparations for the climb. Porters will
be seen arranging and loading their packs, containing the food,
water, cooking gas as well as most of your equipment. Make sure that
you have all your daypack items (containing at least drinking water,
your lunch pack and extra clothing) with you as the porters ascend a
lot quicker than the hikers. Our guides will be available to assist
with any additional information or needs you might have. You now
leave the Park gate and ascend on a cleared ridge trail through the
rain forest. The forest, suffused with mist and dripping with beards
of moss, is also where most of Kilimanjaro's animals are found. (An
alternative and more scenic parallel forest trail, branches off to
the left a few minutes after the gate. This trail follows the edge
of a stream through the undergrowth and offers you the option to
rejoin the main trail either, after 1½ hours hiking, or 1 hour
before Mandara hut.)
Your first night stop, Mandara hut, is a group of wooden A-framed
huts in a forest clearing. Each hut features 6-8 sleeping bunks with
solar generated lighting. The total capacity of the camp is 60
climbers. Water is piped into the camp from springs above and there
are flush toilets behind the main hut.
Day 7: Mandara hut (2700m) - Horombo hut
(3720m)
Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 15 km's | Habitat: Moorland
From Mandara hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest,
then 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 from here you reach the Horombo hut, where you
will have hot washing water, rest; an evening meal and overnight.
Day 8: Horombo hut (3720m) -
Acclimatisation day
Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with
buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120
climbers! Normally bustling with hikers, guides, porters and with an
atmosphere of adventure and excitement. You will meet both ascending
and descending hikers here. This extra day and night at Horombo is
for additional acclimatisation. A hike towards the Mawenzi hut,
passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1.5 hours
down), is strongly recommended. This hike will further assist with
the process of acclimatisation. Remember to drink enough water and
move slowly! All meals for the day are provided at the hut. Retire
to bed early and get a last good night's rest.
Day 9: Horombo hut (3720m) - Kibo hut
(4700m)
Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 15 km's | Habitat: Alpine
desert
After breakfast you now continue your ascent into the Alpine desert
habitat. From Horombo there are two trails to the "Saddle" (which
refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo).
There is an upper route (right hand fork) and lower route (left hand
fork) to choose from. The upper route (right hand fork) will be very
familiar, as you will have climbed most of it the previous day
towards Mawenzi hut. It is very stony and eroded.
The recommended lower route (left hand fork) is much easier and
nearly an hour and it also passes the last watering point at 4130m.
You will have to fill your water bottles with all the water you will
need until your return to Horombo hut in two night's time (unless
you are willing to buy Mineral water at Kibo hut). Once again
remember to slow down and drink enough water!! Situated in the
barren Alpine desert is Horombo hut, a stone build block house which
has bunk beds for 60 climbers, but no streams with water nearby. It
is however possible to buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp
office.
There are platform toilets behind the hut. The summit is now a
further 1195m up and you will make your final ascent the same night.
Prepare your equipment, ski-stick and thermal clothing for your
summit bid. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and
camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as
well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a
thermal flask. Go to bed at round about 19h00 and try to get as much
rest and sleep as possible.
Day 10: SUMMIT ATTEMPT, Kibo hut (4700m) -
Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Horombo hut (3720m)
Hiking time: 8 hours to Uhuru - 6 hours to descend to Horombo |
Distance: 6 km's ascent - 21 km's descent | Habitat: Stone scree and
ice-capped summit
You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you
shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets
tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to
the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then
zigzags up to Gillman's point (5 681m), which is located on the
crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree,
requiring a great physical and mental effort. Probably the most
demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move
slowly.
From Gillman’s Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up
to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total
exhilaration and satisfaction - you made it. Weather conditions on
the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking
photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a
short rest you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent
and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The
return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the
ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours,
so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy
your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp
office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with
memories and stirring emotions.
Day 11: Horombo hut (3720m) - Marangu Gate
(1980m) - Arusha
Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 27 km's
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the
Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. At Marangu gate you sign your
name and details in a register. This is also where successful
climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who
reached Gillman's Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates
and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates.
You now drive back to Arusha for a long over due hot shower, dinner
and celebrations!! Overnight at SG Resort, B,L.
Day 12: Departure
Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight back home or
continue with your safari schedule. End of services. B
Tour price: US$ 2,150 per person
sharing. Single room supplement: US$ 105
The above price is inclusive of:
-Guarantee price/guarantee trek on confirmation
-Transfers from/to Kilimanjaro Airport
-All ground transport and transfers as per the itinerary
-Full board accommodation whilst on the trek
-Mount Meru Climb and Marangu route on Mt Kilimanjaro
-Meal plan as described, B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner
-Accommodation on the mountain in huts as shown.
-Bed and breakfast accommodation in Arusha
-All park entrance fees to include government taxes
-Transfer to and from the base of the mountains
-Service of an English speaking professional guide, driver, porters
and skilled cook
-Treated water on the trek.
-Chemical toilet on the mountain
-Group maximum of 12 climbers for personalised service
Excluded:
-Laundry, tips, sleeping bags, climbing gear and drinks
-International flights and taxes
-Emergency Oxygen, available on request at $200 per group (MUST BE
REQUESTED IN ADVANCE)
-Passports and Visas
-Traveler’s insurance and medical evacuation insurance
-Passports and visas
-Items of personal nature and any other extras not detailed in the
above itinerary
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- To reserve this tour,
please contact us now!
Enjoy 12 Days Mount Meru Climbing
Combined With Mt Kilimanjaro Trekking
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