Climb Mount Meru

Degree of Difficulty

• A challenging and demanding climb, but ultimately achievable for hikers with a good level of fitness. 
• Considered a great preparatory climb and acclimatisation exercise before tackling Kilimanjaro, greatly improving summit success chances. 

Mount Meru Menus

• Special menus are designed in order to fulfil the nutritional requirements of climbing Kilimanjaro
• Meals include fresh fruit and vegetables each day. Fresh meat is available for at least the first part of the trek
• There's chance to sample Tanzanian cuisine before leaving the mountain
• Breakfast is a hearty affair and would include porridge, sausage, eggs and toast with jam. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are readily available.
• Lunches are either packed to carry in a rucksack, or otherwise a stop during the day to take a hot cooked lunch. 
• Afternoon tea is served at the end of the day of hiking. Tea and other drinks are provided with a selection of snacks. 
• Evening meals are hearty and consist of three courses, a great way to replenish calories.

Mountain accommodation

• Mount Meru uses a mountain hut system for overnight accommodation for trekkers.
• Rooms are small, shared by four participants on bunk beds. Mattresses, sheets and pillows are provided, but a sleeping bag will be required per person.
• Rooms have solar powered lighting but no electrical sockets.
• Indoor dining areas are use for communal meal times.

Essential information

• A strict 15kg bag weight limit is enforced by Kilimanjaro National Park. This limit includes a sleeping bag. All bags will be weighed before leaving the hotel to check for compliance, and items would have to be removed if above the 15kg limit.
• Tanzania observes a ban on all single use plastic bags. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, passengers may be asked to surrender any plastic bags before leaving the airport.
• It is advisable to travel with US Dollars as the Tanzanian Shillings is a closed currency, not available to purchase before arrival in country. ATMs are available at the airport or en route to the hotel.
• Tipping is customary on Tanzanian trekking adventures, and the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project recommend tips in the range of $6 to $10 per day for each porter. For other roles, $20 per day is recommended for guides, and $12 to $15 per day for assistant guides and cooks. These suggested figures are per group, not per person.

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Kilimanjaro International Airport - KIA (JRO)
Kilimanjaro Airport Road
Makao Mapya
Tanzania

Getting to Tanzania

• It's best to fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). KLM flies to JRO from all major UK airports, with a number of flights from US international airports.
• Transfers from the airport to the hotel will be arranged. 

Mount Meru Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrival in Kilimanjaro

  Fly to Kilmanjaro International Airport. Take a private transfer to the hotel. Meeting with representative and full pre-trek briefing. 

• DaY 2 | Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut

  Morning transfer to Arusha Natioal Park. Permit check with Park HQ before continuing to Momella Park Gate. Follow the trail through montane forest, with waterfalls lining the route, climbing to 2500 and the Miriakamba Hut to overnight.

• Day 3 | Miriakamba Hut to Saddle hut

  Ascend over 1000m today, climbing to Saddle Hut, at an altitude of 3550m. Further acclimatisation hike to the peak of Little Meru in the afternoon, reaching an altitude of 3820m.

• Day 4 | Summit Day

  Setting off around 0200, follow the scrubland path to Rhino Point, from which point the route becomes more demanding as it traces the narrow crater ridge for the next four to five hours. From the summit, Socialist Peak, bask in the achievement of reaching the summit at 4562m. The astounding views over the plains below, reaching to Kilimanjaro in the distance make for great photo opportunities, before retracing the route to Miriakamba Hut and Momella Gate. Transfer to the hotel. 

• Day 5 | Departure

  Airport transfers to start the journey home. 

Included

• Hotel stay for the nights before and after the climb
• Transfer to and from the mountain
• Airport transfers
• National Park entry, huts, climbing and rescue fees
• A fully supported climb, accompanied by an armed ranger
• All meals and drinking water on the mountain
• Comfortable foam sleeping mattress
• Access to emergency oxygen and first aid kit
• A certificate documenting your summit ascent

Not Included

• Flights
• Visas
• Tips for your guides and crew
• Personal items
• Travel insurance (must be insured specifically for treks up to 4500m)
• Personal trekking gear
• Personal medicines or prescriptions
• Snacks on the mountain
• Meals and drinks not on the mountain

This trip takes responsibility seriously and ‘goes the extra mile’ to ensure that your presence in this country is entirely positive.

Central to this is

• Caring for the crew
• Caring for the local environment
• Caring for the local communities

All guides and partners are hand picked to ensure that every aspect of your trip operates to the highest standard and reflect the strong values, ethics and joy of travel.

This commitment to Responsible Travel is mutually beneficial without compromising the countries and communities touched or the depth and uniqueness of your adventure.

Key values of this trip

• Leave nothing behind
• We’re the visitors, let’s be respectful at all times
• Deliver a breathtaking experience
• Let’s benefit local communities and environments

Let’s help keep these wonderful places precious.

Porters and crew

All crew are paid proper wages and are treated with respect and dignity. This trip with IMEC, IPPG and KPAP, all not-for-profit organisations that focus on improving the working conditions of porters.

Friends of Conservation

Travellers are given the opportunity to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of flying by supporting community and conservation initiatives.

Travellers Against Plastic

This trip is a proud supporter of the Leave No Trace and Travellers Against Plastic campaigns, which help educate travellers on the impact of travel and provide practical guidance for enjoying the outdoors responsibly.

Climbing Mount Meru is an adventure only bookable as a private group of between two and ten participants.

Costs