Tanzania, Mount Meru, Momella Route
Mount Meru is often overlooked (literally!) by those climbing Kilimanjaro.
Although it is in no way an alternative to Kili, it offers an extremely
enjoyable climb in its own right, and is very valuable as a warm-up
and acclimatisation. The climb also has the distinction of being
on the best ridge in East Africa.
As with most mountains in East Africa, you cannot climb the Meru
alone. You must have an armed guard, a guide and pay high park fees.
This can all be arranged at the park headquarters, but is hassly
and can take a day or two.
Meru is an extinct volcano with the eastern part of the mountain
blown away. This has left a horse-shoe shaped ridge, with the summit
at its apex. In the old crater is an impressive ash cone. Arusha
National Park surrounds the mountain and is worth visiting for its
own attractions. There is abundant wildlife here, with easy sightings
of giraffe, buffalo and hippos. The only way up the mountain, the
Momella Route, takes the right-hand, northern ridge.
The accommodation is in simple huts with wardens. The huts are
kept in a reasonable state of repair and are comfortable places
to spend the night. The first hut can be reached by jeep, and at
weekends can be crowded with local people.
MOUNT MERU MOMELLA ROUTE ITINERARY
For prices for this tour check out our Kilimanjaro
prices and itineraries index
Day 1
Arrive at the hotel in time for your evening meal and meeting with
your guide. This will be an opportunity to discuss the route and
check your kit.
Day 2
An early start from your hotel and a drive up through the Park
to the main gate. There is a spectacular view of the summit here,
looking up through the open crater. Leaving the park office, the
first hour is across the grassy plain, through herds of game. You
will have an armed ranger with you to dissuade any bad-tempered
buffalo. The ground rises as you reach a broad ridge, covered with
scattered trees. After a few hours the ridge becomes more definite
and the forest thicker. There are occasional views through the trees
to Kili on your right and into the crater on your left. Miriakamba
Hut is reached suddenly in a clearing in the forest. (2500 m, 4–5
hours).
Day 3
The ridge above the hut is more definite and the path becomes
steeper. It can at times be frustratingly muddy and hauling on tree
roots is the easiest way. The forest begins to thin and as you leave
the trees you reach Saddle Hut, perched on the saddle(!). If you
have time a short walk from the hut takes you to Rhino Point, a
subsidiary peak with fine views of Kilimanjaro in the sunset (3570
m, 3–4 hours).
Day 4
The ridge is now very obvious and it can be seen curving away
and up to the summit, although it is still a long way. There are
good views down into the crater, with the ash cone rising in the
centre. The path is a little exposed as it traverses the rocky ridge,
with fine views across into Kenya and the Masai Hills. The summit
is reached after 5–6 hours. The descent follows the way up
(it is tempting to go down the other ridge to make a traverse, but
this is strictly forbidden).
On descent, the Saddle is reached in a couple of hours and then
down the ridge, with much sliding, to Miriakamba Hut (6–8 hours).
Day 5
There are two ways down from here. You can descend the route
you came up or walk down the jeep road which descends to the lower
crater floor. You pass through the well known Fig Tree Arch and
can visit an impressive waterfall hidden in a ravine not far from
the road. Your car will be waiting at the gate to return you to
your hotel for a bath and a meal.
Day 6
After breakfast, you can be transferred to the airport, or if
you are going on to Kilimanjaro, have an easy day in the garden.
Extending you trip
We have full details of treks on Kilimanjaro, by way of several
different routes. The mountains are surrounded by some of the best
game parks in Africa, so why not include a safari. Several itineraries
are available, covering different combinations of the parks, and
of different lengths.
A popular extension is to travel to the Coast and visit Zanzibar
or the southern parks.
Please ask for more details about
extending your trip.
For prices
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