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After Climb

AFTER CLIMB

Safari

Having conquered the summit of Kilimanjaro there is nowhere better to go than on safari in Northern Tanzania. The iconic features and stunning landscapes of East Africa are what make a Tanzanian safari so special. Huge herds of wildebeest sweeping across the plains of the Serengeti, stunning views across Ngorongoro Crater, tree sleeping lions in Lake Manyara and the chance of a lifetime to view all of the game from a balloon. If you have the time a safari while you are in Tanzania is really not to be missed.
All the big names of Tanzanian safaris are located in the north of Tanzania and the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara  and Tarangire national parks can easily be combined into a fantastic safari at the end of a Kilimanjaro climb
All of Big Time Kili safaris are tailor-made. You have your own 4×4 vehicle, your own guide and can create your own safari adventure. No shared mini-buses, no having to fit in with someone else’s plans. Spoil yourself and do it your way.
More information
Tanzanian safaris offer quite sensational game viewing locations and Tanzania is one of the best countries in Africa in which to take a safari.
All the big names of mainstream Tanzanian safaris are located in the north. On a northern circuit safari, travelers depart from ArushaLake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park are little more than three hours away and are often incorporated as part of a longer safari. The most visited part of the northern circuit is the Ngorongoro Crater, where wildlife grazes and hunts in one of the largest volcanic craters in the world.
If you are traveling from December to April, the annual wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park is definitely not to be missed. A longer trek through the Ngorongoro Crater Highlands is also a beautiful way to explore northern Tanzania at a leisurely pace. Day-trips from Arusha to Mt. Meru and the Momela Lakes, located in Arusha National Park, incorporate short forest hikes and canoeing trips as a break from standard vehicle game drives.
Arusha National Park
A popular day trip for visitors about to embark from the town of Arusha on longer northern circuit safaris, Arusha National Park is a gem of varied ecosystems and has spectacular views of Mt. Meru, the crater that gives the region its name. The small national park includes the summit of Mt. Meru, the Momela Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, and the lush forests that blanket its lower slopes. Game viewing around Momela Lakes is leisurely and while passing through the forest many visitors stop to search for troupes of rare Colobus monkeys. Ancient fig tree forests and crystal clear waters cascading from mountain streams are the attractions and pleasures of Arusha National Park.
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park has some of the highest population density of elephants anywhere in Tanzania, and its sparse vegetation makes it a beautiful and special location. Located just a few hours’ drive from the town of Arusha, Tarangire is a popular stop for safaris travelling through the northern circuit on their way to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. The park extends into two game controlled areas and the wildlife is allowed to move freely throughout.
Before the rains, droves of gazelle, wildebeest, zebra, and giraffes migrate to Tarangire National Park’s scrub plains where the last grazing land still remains. Tarangire offers unparalleled game viewing and has more elephants than any other park. Families play around the ancient trunks of baobab trees and strip acacia bark from the thorn trees for their afternoon meal.
Lake Manyara National Park
Located beneath the cliffs of the Manyara Escarpment, on the edge of the Rift Valley, Lake Manyara National Park offers varied ecosystems, incredible bird life, and breathtaking views. Located on the way to Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, Lake Manyara National Park is well worth a stop in its own right. Its ground water forests, bush plains, baobab strewn cliffs, and algae-streaked hot springs offer incredible ecological variety in a small area, rich in wildlife and incredible numbers of birds.
The alkaline soda of Lake Manyara is home to an incredible array of bird life that thrives on its brackish waters. Pink flamingo stoop and graze by the thousands, colourful specks against the grey minerals of the lake shore. Yellow-billed storks swoop and corkscrew on thermal winds rising up from the escarpment, and herons flap their wings against the sun-drenched sky. Even reluctant bird-watchers will find something to watch and marvel at within the national park.
Lake Manyara’s famous tree-climbing lions are another reason to pay this park a visit. The only kind of their species in the world, they make the ancient mahogany and elegant acacias their home during the rainy season, and are a well-known but rather rare feature of the northern park. In addition to the lions, the national park is also home to the largest concentration of baboons anywhere in the world – a fact that makes for interesting game viewing of large families of the primates.
Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti National Park is one of world’s greatest game parks. Meaning “endless plains” in the Maasai language, the Serengeti continues to be an ongoing source of inspiration to writers, filmmakers and photographers alike.
It is Tanzania’s oldest game reserve and is world-famous for the role it plays in the annual Great Migration, when an estimated two million herbivores – mostly wildebeest – migrate from the Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve. Hundreds of thousands of animals die along the way and the drama of this epic seasonal journey is a gripping, deeply moving experience and a wonderful photographic subject.
Its far-reaching plains of endless grass, tinged with the twisted shadows of acacia trees, have made it the quintessential image of a wild and untarnished Africa. Its large stone kopjes are home to rich ecosystems, and the sheer magnitude and scale of life that the plains support is staggering. Large prides of lions laze easily in the long grasses, plentiful families of elephants feed on acacia bark and trump to each other across the plains, and giraffes, gazelles, monkeys, eland, and the whole range of African wildlife is in awe-inspiring numbers.
The annual wildebeest migration through the Serengeti and the Masai Mara attract visitors from around the world, who flock to the open plains to witness the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet. More than a million animals make the seasonal journey to fresh pasture to the north, then the south, after the biannual rains. The sound of their thundering hooves, raising massive clouds of thick red dust, has become one of the legends of the Serengeti plains. The entire ecosystem thrives from the annual migration, from the lions and birds of prey that gorge themselves on the weak and the faltering to the gamut of hungry crocodiles that lie in patient wait at each river crossing for their annual feed.
But it’s not just the wildebeest that use the Serengeti to migrate. The adjacent reserves of Maswa and Ikorongo, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya all allow the animals and birds of the area a free range of movement to follow their seasonal migrations. Indeed, in the wake of the wildebeest migration, many of the less attention-grabbing features of the Serengeti are often overlooked. The park has varied zones in which each ecosystem is subtly different. Serener in the centre of the park is the most popular and most easily visited area. The Grumeti River in the Western Corridor is the location for the dramatic river crossing during the wildebeest migration. Maswa Game Reserve to the south offers a remote part of the park rewarding in its game-viewing and privacy, and Lobo near the Kenyan border offers a change to see plentiful game during the dry season.
Aside from traditional vehicle bound safaris, hot-air ballooning over the Serengeti plains has become a safari rite-of-passage for travel enthusiasts. The flights depart at dawn over the plains and take passengers close over the awakening herds of wildebeest and zebra, gazelle and giraffe. The extra altitude allows guests to witness the striking stretches of plains punctuated only by kopjes. Up in the sky, you have Africa all to yourself.
Ngorongoro Crater
The spectacular landscape of the world renowned Ngorongoro Crater has to be seen to be believed. It forms part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) within the Serengeti ecosystem and the Crater itself is home to more than 25 000 large mammals. Once a large volcano that later collapsed, it is now the largest intact caldera in the world.
The Ngorongoro Crater is often called ‘Africa’s Eden’ and the ‘8th Natural Wonder of the World,’ a visit to the crater is a main draw for tourists coming to Tanzania and a definite world-class attraction. Within the crater rim, large herds of zebra and wildebeest graze nearby while sleeping lions laze in the sun. At dawn, the endangered black rhino returns to the thick cover of the crater forests after grazing on dew-laden grass in the morning mist. Just outside the crater’s ridge, tall Masaai herd their cattle and goats over green pastures through the highland slopes, living alongside the wildlife as they have for centuries.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area includes its eponymous famous crater, Olduvai Gorge, and huge expanses of highland plains, scrub bush, and forests that cover approximately 8300 square kilometres. A protected area, only indigenous tribes such as the Masaai are allowed to live within its borders. Lake Ndutu and Masek, both alkaline soda lakes are home to rich game populations, as well as a series of peaks and volcanoes and make the Conservation Area a unique and beautiful landscape. Of course, the crater itself, actually a type of collapsed volcano called a caldera, is the main attraction. Accommodation is located on its ridges and after a beautiful descent down the crater rim, passing lush rain forest and thick vegetation, the flora opens to grassy plains throughout the crater floor. The game viewing is truly incredible and views of the surrounding Crater Highlands out of this world.
This truly magical place is home to Olduvai Gorge, where the Leakeys discovered the hominoid remains of a 1.8 million year old skeleton of Australopithecus boisei, one of the distinct links of the human evolutionary chain. In a small canyon just north of the crater, the Leakeys and their team of international archaeologists unearthed the ruins of at least three distinct hominoid species, and also came upon a complete series of hominoid footprints estimated to be over 3.7 million years old. Evacuated fossils show that the area is one of the oldest sites of hominoid habitation in the world.
The Ngorongoro Crater and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area are without a doubt some of the most beautiful parts of Tanzania, steeped in history and teeming with wildlife. Besides vehicle safaris to Ngorongoro Crater, Olduvai Gorge, and surrounding attractions, hiking treks through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area are becoming increasingly popular options. Either way you choose to visit, the Crater Highlands are an unforgettable part of the Tanzanian experience.
Throughout the year we run a standard program of open safaris of differing lengths. Our full schedule of safaris by date is below. We are also able to offer tailor-made safaris to fit in with any Kilimanjaro climb.

Beaches

The Zanzibar archipelago is a tropical paradise perfect for relaxing before flying home. After just a short flight from Mount Kilimanjaro you could be celebrating your summit enjoying a cold drink looking out over Zanzibar’s stunning white sands.

There are three main islands, Zanzibar itself which is the largest, and two smaller islands Pemba to the north and Mafia to the South. If you want to just kick back the East Coast of Zanzibar is fabulous and we work with some great boutique hotels that are just perfect.

If you have a little more time and want total tranquility and some world class diving then there is nowhere better than Pemba. Virtually unspoilt and with only two hotels on the island a real Robinson Crusoe experience.

Whatever you choose Zanzibar is not to be missed when you have come so far.

More information about Zanzibar

Zanzibar comprises the Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, 25–50 kilometres (16–31 mi) off the coast of the mainland, and consists of numerous small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, informally referred to as Zanzibar), and Pemba. Other nearby island countries include Comoros and Mayotte to the south, Mauritius and Réunion to the far southeast, and the Seychelles Islands about 1,500 km to the east.

Arab and Portuguese traders visited Zanzibar in early times, and it was controlled by Omanis in the 18th and 19th centuries. Britain established a protectorate in Zanzibar in 1890 that became an independent sultanate in 1963 and a republic in 1964. In April 1964 Zanzibar joined Tanganyika to form a new republic that was renamed Tanzania in October 1964. The capital of Zanzibar, located on the island of Unguja, is Zanzibar City, and its historic centre, known as Stone Town, is a World Heritage Site.

Covering an area of 2,461 km2 (950 sq miles) Zanzibar is a mainly low lying island, with its highest point at 120 metres. Zanzibar is 108 km long and 32.km wide. It is +3 GMT during winter and +2 during summer time. Zanzibar is characterised by beautiful sandy beaches with fringing coral reefs, and the magic of historic Stone Town – said to be the only functioning ancient town in East Africa. The coral reefs that surround the East Coast are rich in marine diversity.

The heat of summer on Zanzibar is seasonally often cooled by windy conditions, resulting in sea breezes, particularly on the North and East coasts. Being near to the equator, the Zanzibar islands are warm all year round, but officially, summer and winter peak in December and June respectively.

Short rains can occur in Zanzibar in November but are characterised by short showers which do not last long. The long rains normally occur in April and May although this is often referred to as the ‘Green Season’ and it typically does not rain every day during that time.

Zanzibar is the ultimate Indian Ocean experience, with its fascinating historical Stone Town and magnificent beaches. Zanzibar’s Indian Ocean offers world class watersports including scuba divingliveaboard diving, snorkelling, deep sea fishing, kayaking, windsurfing, waterskiing and sailing on traditional local dhows.

The beaches in Zanzibar are a paradise, interspersed with picturesque fishing villages, where the people live a simple way of life, unchanged over the years. There are more than 25 fantastic beaches in Zanzibar, and some are so peaceful and remote that the only noise breaking the silence is likely to be the ocean.

At the northern tip of Zanzibar is Nungwi, approached by a road lined by banana palms, mangroves and coconut trees. This is the dhow building capital of Zanzibar Island, so it is a good place to see traditional craftsmen at work.

On the west coast of Zanzibar, Mangapwani beach is worth a visit, and to the east are the beaches of Matemwe, Pwani Mchangani, Kiwengwa, Uroa, Bwejuu and Jambiani, all with stretches of beautiful and uncrowded sands.

Zanzibar also boasts several small offshore islands which are ideal for a day-trip. Prison (or Changu) island is the most popular with tourists because it is only a short trip from Stone Town. Originally, it was used by Arabs to detain recalcitrant slaves, and then a jail was built by the British, but it was never actually used. Visitors to Zanzibar will notice a large population of ancient Aldabra tortoises. Other islets near to Stone Town are Chapwani, Chumbe and Bawe.

Only a few kilometres from Stone Town are several islets such as Chumbe and Chapwani, where good accommodation is available. Bawe and Prison Islands are good for daytrips with excellent snorkelling available. Tumbatu Island, off the north-west coast of Unguja is one of the largest off-shore islands but has no facilities for tourists. Mnemba Island is located near the north-east coast featuring luxury accommodation. Although Mnemba is a private island, it is surrounded by a rich coral reef, which is great for scuba diving and snorkelling and is visited by several watersports centres in the area.

Pemba is Zanzibar’s sister island. Despite many years of isolation from the outside world, Pemba is receiving a small but growing number of foreign visitors. The infrastructure much less than on Unguja, and there are far fewer tourists, but this is seen as a plus by many! Beautiful beaches, natural forests and outstanding diving are just some of the attractions on offer. Misali island, off Pemba’s east coast, is idyllic and excellent for diving in clear blue water.

Mafia, another island in the sun and no relative of the mob, is actually governed by mainland Tanzania but is not far from the Zanzibar archipelago.

Things to do

Stone Town

This tour takes you through fabled Stone Town, where history appears to stand still. With visits to the House of Wonders, the Palace Museum (People’s Palace), Dr Livingstone’s House and the Arab Fort amongst others, it is a fascinating look at the essence of Zanzibar. You will see Zanzibar’s bustling market, winding alleyways, ornately carved and studded doors, two cathedrals and countless mosques! A trip to the site of Sultan Barghash’s harem at Marahubi should also be included and rounds off an insight into Zanzibar’s huge history and vibrant culture. Stone Town has some excellent gifts shops with plenty of souvenirs and handicrafts to choose from.

Spice Plantations

The history of Zanzibar would be incomplete without the cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices which brought the Sultans of Oman and the beginnings of the infamous slave trade. They can be seen in the plantations just outside Zanzibar town, and a good tour includes opportunities to dazzle the senses with fresh spices. A detailed description is given about a variety of spices, and their uses in cooking and cosmetics. Visitors will be fascinated by the sheer number of spices produced and their incredible value for many ailments. This is also the cheapest place to purchase spices and spice oils.

Jozani Forest

The Jozani Natural Forest Reserve is located in the central east region of Zanzibar island and is home to the rare Red Colobus Monkey (pictured opposite), which is endemic to Zanzibar. These monkeys are full of character, and roam freely. They can also be seen at very close quarters just outside the reserve’s perimeter and are incredibly photogenic. Jozani is home to other species including Syke’s monkey’s, small buck and bushpigs. The elusive Zanzibar leopard (last sited several years ago) is said to feed here at night – perhaps this is why the reserve is only open during the day?! Jozani has an excellent nature trail and the guides are well trained and informative.
North Coast

Tours to the unspoilt north coast always end up at Ras Nungwi, a sleepy fishing village on the northern tip of Zanzibar Island. It is the dhow building capital of Zanzibar, so you will be able to see the traditional methods of dhow construction in action. This area of Zanzibar has some fantastic beaches and nearby coral reefs which are ideal for diving and snorkelling. The local villagers have built a turtle sanctuary where injured turtles and other marine animals are nursed back to health before being released back into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

Kizimkazi Mosque & Dolphin Tour

Situated on the southern point of the island, Kizimkazi fishing village is home to several schools of bottle-nosed dolphins which can often be sighted following a short boat trip from the village. If you are lucky, you may be able to swim quite close to the dolphins which can be a very rewarding experience. Kizimkazi is also the site of a 12th century mosque, the earliest evidence of Islam in East Africa, and is thus worth a visit for both natural and cultural reasons.

Prison Island

Once the site of a jail for misbehaving slaves, the island lies just off the old stone town. It is fringed with a beautiful coral reef, ideal for snorkelling, and has a lovely white beach for sun-bathing.
It is also home to a family of giant tortoises, imported from the Seychelles in the late 19th century. This island is ideal for a day-trip with refreshments available throughout the day. It also has a small restaurant where you can enjoy freshly caught fish.

NGORONGORO TREKKING

This is how a family of lions looks on a walking safari in Ngorongoro Highlands – don’t worry you have maasai guides to protect you!

The Ngorongoro Highlands is a jewel in the Tanzanian crown often completely ignored by the vast majority of visitors to the region who flock to the crater itself.

Under the protection of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority is the archaeological site of Odulvai Gorge, and a large area of tropical highland, peppered with dormant and active volcanoes, the climax of which is the starkly beautiful Ol Doinyo Lengai Crater which has seen recent volcanic activity in 2007 and 2008.

The region offers superb long range trekking in an environment that hosts both human and natural interest. It is a landscape of rolling hill country, deep crater lakes and spectacular volcanic peaks. Treks can run from a few days to full coverage of the reserve over the course of 10 days or more.

Features of our treks include:

  • The lake bottomed Empakai Crater with its significant flamingo population, including a long lakeshore hike.
  • Naiyobi Maasai Village and Lerai Forest Camp.
  • A climb to the summit of Ol Doinyo Lengai itself.
  • Lake Natron, a saline lake set in a volcanic landscape and noted for large flamingo population.

On all of our treks you will be accompanied by our walking guide, a park ranger and Maasai warriors to protect you from animals. Donkeys will be carrying your luggage and supplies, and can even assist you if you feel too tired to walk by yourself. Overnight will be in campsites throughout the safari.

CLIMB MOUNT MERU

 

At a height of 4,566 meters (14,980 ft), Mount Meru is a dormant stratovolcano located in Arusha National Park, 70 Kilometres (43 miles) west of Mount Kilimanjaro in the country of Tanzania. Typically Mount Meru Climb takes four days, but it can be done in 3 days to complete a trek to the Summit.

It is visible from Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day, and is the fifth-highest mountain in Africa, dependent on definition. Climb Mount Meru, Second highest Mountain in Tanzania, is great with no traffic and amazing wildlife experience as you hike past wild animals.

 

Mount Meru Route Map

Mount Meru Key facts

1. Tanzania’s second tallest mountain at 4,566m
2. Abundant wildlife sightings on day 1 of the climb
3. Great acclimatisation climb before tackling Kilimanjaro
4. Ascent and descent via the Momela route over 3 days
5. Dormitory style hut accommodation

  • Climbing Mount Meru Itinerary
  • Mount Meru Cost
  • Mount Meru Climbing Safety
  • Items included  and not in Mount Meru Climb

While Mount Kilimanjaro the highest mountain in Africa gets the bulk of the attention when it comes to climbing in Tanzania, there are other peaks that are worth considering too. Most prominent amongst them is Mount Meru, which is found a short distance to the west of Kilimanjaro and serves as a great warm-up trek for those who have the time and are looking for an even bigger adventure. Mount Meru climbing is very rewarding.

The Mount Meru summit at 4566M

Standing 4565 meters (14,980 feet) in height, Mt. Meru is a more approachable climb than Kilimanjaro and serves as a great stand alone hike in its own right. Many trekkers choose to use Mount Meru as an acclimation hike prior to starting their trek up Africa’s highest peak. Doing so increases their chances of a successful summit on Kilimanjaro and can reduce the number of days needed to climb to the summit at Uhuru Peak. 

Visitors to Mount Meru are more likely to spot wildlife along the trail, particularly in the early days of the hike. Often times a ranger will accompany trekking groups on the first day of the journey to ensure they make it safely to the first campsite.

From there, the route wanders up the north side of Meru’s volcanic crater, before approaching the true summit itself. At the top, the views are outstanding, particularly with Kilimanjaro gleaming tantalizingly in the distance.

Typically Mount Meru Climb takes four days, but it can be done in 3 days to complete a trek to the top as even on this lower peak, acclimatization is the key to success. All trekking groups take the same route up the mountain, which begins at Momella Gate.

Hikers will stay in a series of huts on their way to the top, with basic but comfortable accommodations located at two different campsites prior to the going to the summit, which is located at a place called Socialist Peak.

Mount Meru Climbing offers two advantages to travelers. First, it allows trekkers a chance to experience what it is like to climb Kilimanjaro on a smaller scale, providing a grand adventure for those who don’t have a lot of time in their schedule or don’t want to deal with the higher altitude found on Kilimanjaro.

But perhaps more importantly, it truly is a wonderful way to prepare for the larger challenges that they’ll face on Kilimanjaro, taking some of the mystery and acclimatization process out of the picture before ever stepping foot on the mountain. 

Bigtime Kilimanjaro offers Mount Meru 3 day or 4 day Climbs. However, clients from different parties and operators are often combined to walk with the armed ranger on the lower slopes.

Climb Mount Meru Itinerary

Below we have shared a 4 day / 3 nights Meru climb but you can do it in 3 days / 2 nights which we do not recommend due to long walking distance from Miriakamba Hut to the Socialist Peak  and back all the way to Momella Gate.

DAY 1 : MOMELLA GATE (1500 M) –MIRIAKAMBA HUT (2541 M)

WALKING TIME: 4-6 HOURS

 

views of Kilimanjaro from Mount Meru

Leaving early in the morning from your accommodation in Arusha or Moshi and driving to Momella gate in Arusha National Park. Driving takes about 3 hours from Moshi and about 1 hr from Arusha. At the gate you will clear your trekking permits, meet up with your porters, guide, cook and game ranger, and start climbing. You will pass open grassland which will give you a good opportunity to see buffaloes, warthogs and other grazers.

You will cross the Ngare Nanyuki River and continue climbing through mountain forest. There you will have chance to see many different kind of birds and black and white colobus monkeys. Finally you will reach Miriakamba Hut where you will stay overnight.

DAY 2: MIRIAKAMBA HUT (2541 M) – SADDLE HUT (3570 M)

WALKING TIME: 3-5 HOURS

Second day climbing is quite short but demanding. You will start early in the morning and ascent steeply through lush mountain forest full of birds to reach the halfway point of Elephant Ridge. There you can see the crater. After 3 to 5 hours climbing you will reach Saddle Hut where you will have lunch.

In the afternoon you will have another hiking to Little Meru (3794 m) for superb views before sunset. Then you will return to Saddle Hut for overnight. It is good to go to sleep early so that you get enough rest for the next day’s hiking.

DAY 3 : SADDLE HUT (3570 M) – RHINO POINT (3850 M) – PEAK ( 4566 M) – RHINO POINT (3850 M) – SADDLE HUT (3570 M) – MIRIAKAMBA HUT (2541 M)

WALKING TIME: 10-12 HOURS

You will start climbing between 1 to 2 at night. The route is very steep towards Rhino Point (3850 m) and from there towards the summit along very narrow ridge. You will reach the mount meru summit, Socialist Peak, (4566 m) right at the sunrise.

The sceneries there are stunning; you will see Mount Kilimanjaro in close distance. After taking photos on the summit you will descent back to Saddle hut.
Note: On icy conditions or strong wind it is not necessarily possible to pass the ridge between Rhino Point and summit. You guide will decide if the conditions are not good enough to continue.

 

DAY 4 : MIRIAKAMBA HUT (2541 M) – MOMELLA GATE (1500 M)

WALKING TIME: 2-5 HOURS
You will leave about at 8.00 in the morning and descent to Momella gate. You can choose longer or shorter route down. On the longer way down you have very good changes to see wildlife and the ash cone. Once at the gate, it’s time to tip your porters, guide, cook and game ranger. After that your transportation back to Moshi will be waiting for you.

3 Day Mount Meru Climb quick over view

Day 1: Arusha – Momella gate – Mariakamba HutDrive 1 Hr, Hike Distance 10 km, 4 – 5 hrs, 1000m ascent, Altitude: 2516m

Drive to the Arusha National Park gate at Momella. For the first section of the climb through the lush forest, crossing the Ngare Nanyuki river to reach Miriakamba Hut at 8337ft/2541m for overnight stay. Dinner and overnight Mariakamba Hut.

Day 2: Mariakamba Hut to Saddle Hut
Hike Distance 4km, 2 – 3 hrs, 1050m ascent, Altitude: 3566m

Continue to ascend steeply through the pleasant forest glades and giant heather to reach Saddle Hut at 11,713ft/3570m.
From here it is possible to take a side trek to reach the summit of Little Meru 12,450ft/3794m and return to Saddle Hut in about 2 hours. Dinner and overnight Saddle Hut.

Day 3: Saddle Hut to Meru Summit to Momella Gate
Hike distance 5km ascent + 19km descent, 4 – 5 hrs ascent + 6-8 hours descent, 1000m ascent, Altitude: 4566m

An early start to reach Rhino Point and then on to the summit at 14,981ft/4566m to see the sunrise behind Mount Kilimanjaro, before descending back to Momella Gate to be met and transferred back to your hotel.
Drive 1 hr back to Arusha.

Mount Meru Cost

The price for a 3 day Meru climb is USD 950 Per Person and the price for a 4 day Meru climb is USD 1050 per person. You can climb Mount Meru all year round and you can pick and choose your own travel dates but we recommend you avoid the rainy season. The best time to climb Mount Meru is January to early March and June to October.

Mount Meru Climbing Safety

  •  Be open and honest with us at all time. We’re part of the same team and share the same goal – to reach the top and come back comfortably and safely. Mount Meru waterfalls
  • Never pretend to feel well if you don’t before or during climb.
  • Make sure you are in good physical and mental health before attempting the mountain. We recommend a medical check prior to any climb.
  • Most people will experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness. Your guide is experienced in identifying and dealing with altitude sickness but you should also educate yourself about the symptoms and prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Sickness (HAS), High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).
  • Should you experience any symptoms of AMS, immediate descent is the remedy on Mt. Meru and will be ordered by your guide.

Before Climbing Mount Meru

  • Start your physical preparation (hiking) at least two months before. Decrease efforts the last 2 weeks and rest the final days before the climb so your body can recover properly. We recommend long walks in different terrain, swimming and yoga.
  • Start practicing deep, deliberate breathing. Try Pranayama breathing technique or any other that suits your lungs.
  • Make sure you are properly equipped according to our packing gear list.
  • You should bring some “comfort” food, such as chocolate and energy bars or energy drinks powder. You might need this for a boost on summit night.

During  Mount Meru Climb

  • Be positive and prepared for any kind of weather and surface – rainy, foggy, snowy, dusty, muddy, loose surface.
  • Ascend slowly. Don’t overexert yourself.
  • Take deep, deliberate breaths.
  • Communicate openly with your guide and follow his instructions at all times. He is the most experienced  person on the mountain and there to assist you at all times.
  • At high altitudes, loss of appetite is common. Eat and drink properly even if you don’t feel like it.
  • Mount Meru summit day/night is tough. Steep ascent and sheer drops at some places, cold, wind and loose gravel surface will require your best efforts. Prepare yourself for this challenge and conserve mental and physical energy from the start. You will need it!
  • Don’t forget to enjoy! Feel connected to the mountain and feel the spiritual experience offered to you.

Items included

 

Little Meru Summit

  • Transport to/from Arusha National Park
  • Overnight stays in mountain huts
  • Professional, experienced, mountain guides:
  • All Park fees
  • Rescue fees
  • All meals while on the Mountain
  • Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
  • Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food
  • Clean, purified drinking water
  • Crisis management and safety procedures
  • Fair and ethical treatment of porters

Items not included

  • Airport transfers ( can be included upon request )
  • Accommodation in Arusha  ( can be included upon request )
  • Tanzania Visa
  • Gratuity
  • Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
  • Meals not listed above
  • Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)

Visit Tanzania and discover a different world.