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Day 1:
After breakfast,
we depart Moshi for Momella Gate.
Momella Gate is located near Shamba La Mbogo,
a natural glade in the Mt. Meru Game Reserve. It is situated at
1,500m above sea level. Two routes are available from Momella Gate:
The first route goes through the forest towards the crater floor and
then steeply up to Miriakamba Hut. The second option climbs
gradually through the grassland direct to Miriakamba Hut.
After all formalities, we begin trekking
accompanied by an armed ranger. We will ascend up to Miriakamba Hut
situated at 2,500m above sea level. The trekking takes approximately
3 hours. We will be walking amidst the montane forest where various
species of flora and fauna can be found on this part of the
mountain. There are beautiful views of Arusha National Park's
various landscapes that can be seen from this trek and,
weather-permitting, spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro can also be
seen.
Day 2:
From Miriakamba Hut the path is steep compared
to other mountains in the region. We continue our ascent on a narrow
winding trail through a thick montane forest, where various species
of vegetation can be seen. There are water streams that we cross
before approaching the moorland zone. A good view of Little Meru can
be seen on a clear day, just as you approach Saddle Hut.
Buffalo footprints can be seen. Some bird
species, and plenty of Africana Masaica, a shrub plant that stings
can also be seen on both sides of the trail . The ascent takes
approximately 4 hours. After our arrival at Saddle Hut (3,500m), you
have the option to embark on a 45 minute walk to Little Meru
(3,820m). it has a meandering trail which is aided with good grass
cover to give you good grip. One can see the Kenyan border from the
peak of Little Meru, Ngara Nanyuki -a town that lies after the
Arusha National Park, as well as gorgeous views of West Mt,
Kilimanjaro and Longido.
Day 3:
Our ascent to Big Meru, the summit of Mt. Meru (4,566m) begins at
around midnight and takes us from the moorland zone to alpine desert
zone. The trek will take approximately 6-7 hours. Along we will pass
Rhino Point as we walk around the rim of Meru crater. Conditions are
cold and windy and during the rainy season ice and snow can occur in
this section of the route.
If sunrise is your thing, you have two options:
You can trek up
to the summit in time to watch the sun rising from behind
Kilimanjaro or
You can leave
Saddle Hut later in the morning and head to Rhino Point, about an
hour away. Sunrise here is as impressive and perhaps even more so
because you also see the main cliffs of the inner wall of the
crater being illuminated by the rising sun. You can always add an
extra day to the itinerary in order to appreciate both.
From the summit we return to Saddle Hut for
breakfast and then proceed to Miriakamba Hut and eventually down to
Momella gate, in the late afternoon, where you will be awaited by
our transport.
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