Mount Meru Climbing
7
Days Tanzania Safari
Safari Overview
At a height of 4,566 m, Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania and the fifth highest on the African Continent. Its distinct appearance was formed around 250 000 years ago by a tremendous volcanic eruption that destroyed the entire eastern flank, leaving horseshoe-shaped crater. Not only does Mt Meru boast impressive views and diverse vegetation, it also gives you the chance to see some wildlife in the form of a walking safari. On your trek you might come across large game such as giraffes, buffaloes, baboons, elephants, antelopes and colobus monkeys. As the vegetation changes from dense mountain rain forest into heather and moorland and finally alpine desert, the frequency of animals you will see becomes scarcer, shifting your focus from animals to landscape. You will be accompanied by an armed park ranger on your tour. The next day after trekking you will take a dip in the refreshing water (Surpriiiise! The water’s not hot as you might have expected, as it comes directly from Kilimanjaro), walk around the surrounding area, watch local boys jump from a rope into the water, showing some seriously impressive moves, or eat some chips mayai or chips kuku (an omelet with chips inside or chicken and chips) as you enjoy the shadow of the beautiful palm and fig trees. The drive from and back to Arusha/Moshi is beautiful in itself, as we already mentioned above. Part of it leads over a paved road, but the rest of the time you’ll be driving over dirt roads through the country side. Dry riverbeds, baobab and acacia trees, tiny villages, Maasai with their cattle, and old broken railways determine the scenery.
7
Days / 6 Nights
Safari in Tanzania
Camping Safari
DAY 1
PRE DAY: Arriving in Tanzania
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
A Hotel/Lodge in Arusha
Our Mt. Meru adventure starts the Moment, on your arrival at Kilimanjaro international Airport / Arusha Airport, one of our welcoming transfer drivers will take you to your choice accommodation for the night, Rest in the afternoon or relax at the pool. Our operations team will meet you to check all your equipment and to give you a thorough briefing of what to expect on your trek. Dinner & overnight in 3 Star Hotel in Arusha.
DAY 2
Arusha (1400m) – Momella Gate (1500m)–Miriakamba Hut (2500)
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
At Meru Miriakamba Hut
After an early morning breakfast in Arusha, you will be picked up from your hotel and brought to the Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. At this time, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park. Due to the high possibility of spotting wildlife, an armed ranger, hired through the National Park, is required to hike with our team for the duration of the hike.
DAY 3
Miriakamba Hut (2500m) – Saddle Hut (3500m)
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
At Meru Saddle Hut
After breakfast, you will start ascending up the steep trail along the ridge of the saddle. You may see various wildlife along the way! The trail has views of Mt. Meru Crater and the Ash Tray. When you arrive at camp, you have the option of hiking Little Mt. Meru (3820m) with your guide to further acclimate. You will be served an early dinner, so you can receive ample rest before your midnight summit attempt. Get to sleep by 19:00!
DAY 4
Saddle Hut(3500m)–Summit Attempt(4566m)–Miriakamba Hut(2500m
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
At Meru Miriakamba Hut
Your guide will wake you at 00:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt at 1:30am. The trail starts off on a steep grade to Rhino Point (3800m) to Cobra Point (4350m). The last hour of the hike you will scramble on a rocky ridge between the crater and inner cliffs of Meru. You will reach the summit of Meru (4565m) at sunrise with spectacular views of Mt. Meru Ash Tray and Mt. Kilimanjaro. You will then continue descending
DAY 5
Miriakamba Hut (2500m) – Momella Gate (1500m) –Arusha (1400)
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
A Hotel/Lodge in Arusha
After a long rest and breakfast, we will begin our final descent from Miriakamba Hut (2500m) to Momella gate. We will hike through forest and meadows where it is likely to spot wildlife. At the base of Mt. Meru, you will be greeted by our driver who will take you back to Arusha. Our Guides will take in Arusha for dinner & overnight in 3 Star Hotel in Arusha.
DAY 6
Day Trip at Kikuletwa Hot Spring
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
A Hotel/Lodge in Arusha
We’ll pick you up from your accommodation in Arusha around 10 in the morning and drive for about 2-3 hours before we reach the Kikuletwa hot spring, also called Maji Moto hot springs or Chemka hot springs. Take a dip in the refreshing water, watch local boys jump from a rope into the water, showing some seriously impressive moves, as you enjoy the shadow of the beautiful palm and fig trees. We’ll drive you back around 4 in the afternoon.
DAY 7
POST: Drop off at Arusha or JRO Airport for onward journey.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
Upon request at extra cost
After breakfast, Kim’zebra Adventures & Safaris Ltd representative will transfer you to Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight to Zanzibar {In case you will suggest to extent a tour} or to Dar es Salaam for your onward flight to your home country. Please tell us at the time of the booking for short safari after your climb eg. Zanzibar Excursion or Arusha/Moshi Day Trip.
Camping Accommodation
Budget Accommodation
The Tour Price Includes
- Filtered water throughout the trek.
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate.
- Access to emergency oxygen and first aid kit.
- Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters.
- Meru certificate for your successful summit attempt.
- A fully supported climb, accompanied by an armed ranger.
- Camping equipment – tents, sleeping mattress and camping furniture.
- Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport.
- Accommodation and meals per the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner).
- Dinner on day 1, breakfast, lunch and dinner on day 2-6 and breakfast on day 7 of your trip.
- 3-4 porters per climber, which includes porters to carry up to 30 lbs of your personal gear.
- All Park fees, Rescue fees, Camping fees, and 18% VAT on tour fees and service which cost nearly 60% of the total cost.
- Pre and after trek accommodation at the hotel, 3 nights in Arusha with bed, dinner & breakfast (HB) Meal.
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Arusha National Park Authority (ANAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO).
- Luggage allowance for your main bag, that will be carried by a porter, up to max. 15 kg. To make the porter’s life easier, we however strongly recommend to limit the weight of your main bag to 12 kg. For all bags exceeding 15 kg, you will need to pay for an extra porter before the start of your climb. All extra luggage, items you will not use on your climb, such safari clothing, gear and equipment, can also be safely stored at the hotel.
The Tour Price Excludes
- International and domestic flights and departure taxes (Quoted separately where applicable)
- Meals not listed above. eg Breakfast & lunch on the first day, Lunch & dinner on the last
- Tanzania Visa cost which is 50% except for Canadian and USA passport holders which is US$100.
- Post accommodation in Arusha / Moshi The next day after Kikuletwa hot spring (Can be arranged upon request at an extra cost ).
- Optional Tours (short safari/tour after your climb can be arranged upon request at an extra cost).
- Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is extra (US$100 per toilet + toilet tent)
- Mountain gears + Sleeping bag (can be rented, please ask us at the time of the booking).
- Inoculations and personal insurance (e.g. Tanzania Visa, Travel, Medical and Baggage insurance, A doctor for the group, Laundry, Souvenirs, Telephone, Beverages (available to purchase) and all other services that are not mentioned as included.
- Tips for the crew, which are mandatory on Mt. Meru. The minimum amount is 15 USD per day per guide, 10 USD per cook per day and 10 USD per porter per day. We however strongly recommend a more correct tip of 25 USD per guide per day, 15 USD per cook per day and 15 USD per porter per day. All these amounts are to be divided by all group members.
- Holiday Surcharge : A supplement of US $ 40.00 per person per day will apply to all bookings on the 24th, 25th, 26th and 31 December and 1st January
- A supplement of US $ 35.00 per person will apply to all bookings between Friday 3rd and Monday 6th April (for all 4 days) as Easter holiday surcharge.
