MOUNT MERU
With its 4566m, Mount Meru is the fifth highest mountain on the African continent and the second highest in Tanzania. About 250,000 years ago, a massive volcanic explosion swept away the entire eastern side of the mountain and left it with the distinctive and distinctive appearance it has today. Last eruption: 1910.
The ascent of Mount Meru passes through different areas of vegetation: the forest in the lower part gives way to a dense mountain rainforest which, finally, turns into a bush.
Towards the top of the mountain, the vegetation is formed by moorland which is replaced by the wonderful alpine deserts.
As the flora changes, the fauna also does the same: during the ascent, you will encounter large mammals such as elephants and buffalo, but you may also encounter leopards.
For this reason it is mandatory to be accompanied by an armed park ranger during the tour.

1st day Arusha – Momella Gate (1.500m) – Miriakamba Hut (2.500m)
In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and, after a 45 minute drive, you will arrive at the Arusha National Park Gate.
At the entrance gate, the guide will complete the compulsory registration forms (it is possible to consult the national park information sheets).
Once the formalities are completed and the hikers’ team is formed (also composed of porters from the surrounding villages), the ascent will begin.
An armed park ranger will accompany you as you begin your excursion and you will have the opportunity to take a first look at the wonderful giraffes and buffaloes.
Once you leave these herds behind, you will enter the acacia forest following the South Road.
After a steady 2 hour climb, you’ll reach the Maio waterfalls and some picturesque meadows that are the perfect place for a picnic.
After a rest, you will be on your way again and soon you will reach the famous “Arched fig tree”. Here the park ranger will tell you about the formation of this tree and how it got its arch shape on the path.
After about another 2 hours, you will arrive at the Miriakamba refuge.
Dinner, overnight at the Miriakamba refuge and breakfast before leaving.

Day 2 Miriakamba Hut (2.500m) – Saddle Hut (3.550m)
In the morning, you will leave the Miriakamba refuge and follow a steep path with wooden steps upwards.
Due to the altitude increase, it will be noticeably cooler than the previous day so the hike will seem to be easier.
The clouds are also often found in the rainforest and immerse the lush vegetation in a particular atmosphere.
After about 2 hours, you will reach the vantage point ‘MgongowaTembo’ (elephant’s back) at an altitude of 3,200 m, where you can enjoy a well-deserved break.
After another long walk in which you will see the vegetation transform from the rainforest into an airy woodland, you will reach Saddle Hut (3,550 m) around noon and there you can relax and have lunch.
During the afternoon, you have the opportunity to take a trip to Little Meru (3,820 m), which lasts about an hour and a half and from where you can enjoy a splendid view of the Arusha National Park and Kilimanjaro (about 80 km away) .
Back at the shelter, a hot dinner awaits you before starting the last speech in view of the ascent the day after the summit.
Dinner, overnight at the Miriakamba refuge and breakfast before leaving.
Day 3 Saddle Hut – Socialist Peak (4.562m) – Miriakamba Hut (2.500m)The alarm will be at night, breakfast with tea and biscuits; you will leave for the summit at 02:00. In the light of the torches, you will follow the path through the bush to the so-called rhino point (3.821 m) where the path turns into a slightly more challenging trek with occasional lighter climbs.