4 Days Mount Meru Climb

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro airport you will be met by our representative and taken to Keys Hotel. It is a family run hotel located on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, with comfortable accommodation, variety of meals, clean swimming pool and friendly services. Located just ten minutes walking distance to Moshi town center, palatable meal and luxurious accommodation; Keys Hotel is the most spectacular place one will always wish to stay, Keys Hotel - 2700 ft (BB).

Walking distance: 10km

Walking time: 4-7 hours

Altitude gain: 1,015 meters, 3,330

Having almost caught up on our sleep, we depart the Keys Hotel for our first challenge, an ascent of Mount Meru. Although smaller than Kilimanjaro, it is not to be underestimated! Our walk begins after drive to the park gate and we head for Mirikamba Hut. We’ll find ourselves walking through the Arusha National Park with a view across the plains of Africa behind us and, in front, a fantastic view of Mount Meru. Giraffes, buffalo and monkeys are a regular sight here. As you ascend, the forest gets deeper and the track winds through it with interest. The walk takes around 3 hours, leaving time to take in the views and the huts provide dormitory type accommodation.

Dinner and Overnight:Miriakamba Huts - (FB)

Walking distance: 8km

Hiking Time: 3-5 hours

Altitude gain: 1,055m, 3,460ft

After a full breakfast with a great view of Kilimanjaro to the east, it is time to trek up to the Saddle on Mount Meru. The vegetation starts to change as height is gained; we emerge from the forest and eventually arrive at Saddle Hut. It is time for lunch, followed by a short ascending on Little Meru in the afternoon for extra acclimatization. After soaking up the view its back to the Saddle Hut to prepare for our first big day, Meru summit. It is important to get some sleep at this point, which is sometimes easier than to be done during the early hours.

Dinner and Overnight:Saddle Huts - (FB)

Walking distance: 18km

Walking time: 10 hrs

Altitude gain: 996 meters, 3,270 feet

An exciting day today as we wake at midnight for an early breakfast. Our climb begins under a blanket of stars and we eventually reach our first milestone, Rhino Point. After a short descending and a steady scramble over sloping slabs, it is now uphill all the way to the summit. The route sees us climb the remaining part of the crater wall that surrounds the ash cone in the centre of the volcano. As we get close to the top the sun breaks the horizon and bathes everything in a warm orange glow. The final rocky stretch leads to the summit and we are rewarded with a view of our surroundings, including Kilimanjaro to the east. It takes 8 - 10 hours to reach the summit where the photographing opportunities are not to be missed. It is now time to descend to Mirikamba Hut to rest and relax after a long climb.

Dinner and Overnight:Miriakamba Hut - (FB)

Walking distance: 10km

Walking time: 2-4 hrs

Descend: 1,015 meters, 3,330 feet;

Today is a relaxing walk to the gate. We make an early start so we can take our time to see as much wildlife on the way as possible. We take a slightly different route down as we came up on the first day. This allows us to see some picturesque waterfalls. Finally, we drive back to Keys hotel for a well-deserved hot shower.