THE OVERVIEW 5 DAYS TANZANIA HIKING SAFARI
This 5-day trekking adventure takes you through Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest mountain and Africa’s fifth-highest. West of Mount Kilimanjaro, it is a dormant stratovolcano. While climbing through several vegetation zones, you may encounter species such as elephants, buffalo, giraffes, antelopes, and baboons, as well as breathtaking views. Mount Meru is often used as an acclimatization trek before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
DETAILED ITINERARY OF 5 DAYS TANZANIA HIKING SAFARI
Day 1: Arrival and transfer to hotel in Arusha
The driver will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transport you to a hotel. You will be given a brief overview of the hiking safari. Spend the night in Arusha after dinner.
Meal plan: Dinner
Day 2: Hike from Momella Gate (1500m) to Miriakamba Hut (2500m)
You will be picked up from your hotel and driven 45 minutes to the Arusha National Park Gate for entry requirements. After that, proceed a little further to Momella gate to begin the trek by crossing through an open grassland in which you may encounter some Buffalo, Zebra, Warthogs, Giraffe, and other animals before beginning to cross the rain forest and keep moving until mid-afternoon where we will stop for a picnic lunch under a large fig tree. Hike into less dense woodland after lunch, where there are many birds and monkeys, notably black and white Colobus monkeys. You will reach Miriakamba Hut for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meal plan: All meals are included
Hiking distance: 10 km
Hiking time: 4-6 hours
Day 3: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut (3550m)
In the morning, you will ascend a steep path with wooden steps. Because of the elevation gain, it will be substantially colder than the previous day, making the hike easier. After about 2 hours, you will arrive at the viewpoint point ‘Mgongo wa Tembo’ (Elephant back) at an elevation of 3200m. The pitch continues beyond the halfway point of the elephant back ridge and continues uphill through the enormous heather and moorland plants to reach the saddle place for lunch. After lunch, you can acclimate by ascending to Little Meru 3820m, from which you will enjoy an awesome view of Meru’s main peak and Kilimanjaro.
Meal plan: All meals are included
Hiking distance: 8 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Day 4: Saddle Hut to Summit Attempt (4566m) and descend to Miriakamba Hut (2500m)
Around 1:30 am, you will begin your journey to Rhino Point 3800m, and then continue over to an ash and rock ridge to Cobra Point 4350m. During the final hour of the climb, you will struggle on a steep ridge between Meru’s crater and inner cliffs. At sunrise, you will reach the peak of Meru (4565m), with breathtaking views of Mount Meru Ash Tray and Mount. Kilimanjaro. After admiring the scenery, taking photos, and resting, descend to Saddle Hut for brunch and lunch. You will then continue your descent to Miriakamba Hut, where you will have dinner and spend the night.
Meal plan: All meals are included
Hiking distance: 5 km up and 13 km down
Hiking time: 10-12 hours
Day 5: Descent from Miriakamba Hut to Momella Gate to Arusha
You will continue your last descent to Momella gate after a long rest and breakfast. Hiking through forests and meadows where you might spot wildlife. Your driver will meet you at the base of Mount Meru and drive you back to Arusha for dinner, leisure, and a good night’s sleep.
Meal plan: All meals are included