The best time for a Mount Meru day hike is during the dry seasons, from June to October and January to February. During these periods, the weather is typically clear and sunny, providing excellent visibility and making the trails less slippery and muddy. However, it’s important to start the hike early in the morning to avoid afternoon clouds and to have enough time to descend before nightfall.
The Mount Meru day hike is a challenging trek due to its high altitude and steep trails. The hike typically takes around 10 to 14 hours to complete, starting from the Momella Gate to the summit and back. The trail involves navigating through dense forests, rocky terrains, and steep inclines, making it physically demanding. Additionally, the altitude can cause altitude sickness in some hikers. Therefore, it is recommended for experienced hikers with good physical fitness and proper acclimatization.
Mount Meru, located in Tanzania, offers a plethora of stunning photography spots during a day hike. The trail provides panoramic views of Arusha and the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. The Miriakamba and Saddle Huts offer great views of the Meru Crater and the Ash Cone. The hike through the lush montane forests and heather zones provides opportunities to capture wildlife such as giraffes, buffalos, and monkeys. The sunrise and sunset views from the summit are also breathtakingly beautiful, making it a perfect spot for landscape and nature photography.
A day hike on Mount Meru typically covers about 10 to 12 kilometers, taking approximately 4 to 6 hours to complete. However, the full ascent to the summit is a multi-day trek, usually completed in three to four days. The day hike often includes a trek to the Miriakamba Hut, offering stunning views of the mountain and surrounding landscapes.
The cost of a Mount Meru day hike can vary depending on several factors such as the tour operator, the length of the hike, and the services included. Typically, the cost can range from $200 to $500. This usually includes park fees, guide fees, transport to and from the park gate, lunch, and sometimes gear rental. It’s important to note that tips for guides and porters are usually not included in this price.
The Mount Meru day hike itinerary for beginners typically starts with an early morning drive from Arusha to the Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. From there, hikers begin their trek through the park’s diverse landscapes, including grasslands, forests, and the rocky cliffs of Mount Meru. The hike is not too strenuous, making it suitable for beginners, but it still offers stunning views of the Tanzanian landscape and wildlife. The trek usually includes a stop at the Maio Falls and the ‘Arched Fig Tree’. The hike ends with a descent back to the Momella gate and a drive back to Arusha.
0800 Hours: Depart Arusha town after breakfast at your hotel/ residence and drive to Mount Meru in Arusha National Park. The drive takes about 40 minutes to get to Momella Gate.
0900 Hours: Complete registration formalities, thereafter we drive to the park headquarters, and begin our trek (3 to 4 hours walking) guided by a park ranger and a local guide following the track through the forest to the crater floor and then steeply close to Miriakamba Hut (2514 meters). Along the way look out for Giraffes, Warthog, Buffalo, Antelopes, and other grazers.
The going is tough because of the steepness but with a glance back over your shoulder, the views are spectacular across the Momella Lakes to Mount Kilimanjaro.
1300 Hours: Picnic lunch at a picnic site and a good rest. Afterward, descend by the Outer route which is an easier hike down to the gate approximately 2 to 3 hours.
1600 Hours: We should reach Momella Gate by late noon (2-3 hours walking).
1800 Hours: Once you reach the Gate end of the climb transfer back to Arusha.
Mount Meru Tour Packages offer travelers the opportunity to explore Tanzania’s second-highest peak, Mount Meru. These packages typically include guided treks up the mountain, accommodation, meals, and transportation. The tours provide a unique opportunity to experience the stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and challenging trekking routes of Mount Meru. The duration of the tours can vary, but most are designed to last several days to allow for acclimatization to the high altitude.
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