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Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro Climbing Kilimanjaro, a comprehensive guide to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro by Expert mountaineers. Mt Kilimanjaro: 005.00 degrees south, 036 degrees east, 5895m. Crowned by an eternal snowcap, Mt. Kilimanjaro is situated inside the Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania; it is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain on earth. This guide aims to provide the potential Kilimanjaro climber with valuable and accurate information on climbing Kilimanjaro

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Mt. Meru, the little-known, but second-highest peak in Tanzania. It is, of course, overshadowed in the consciousness of tourists by its neighbour Kilimanjaro, 80 kilometres to the east and the highest mountain in Africa.

However, although it's much less popular than Kilimanjaro, Meru has some distinct advantages over the higher mountain. For a start, Meru is much cheaper to climb.

The climb up Meru is more scenic and spectacular, and you are much less likely to suffer altitude sickness on 4,667-metre-high Mt. Meru than on 5,895 m Kilimanjaro. In fact, Meru makes an ideal high-altitude acclimatization warm-up climb before tackling Kili.

Meru is a spectacular volcano. Once upon a very long time ago, it rose higher than Kilimanjaro; I've also heard this said about Mt. Kenya and the Ngorongoro Crater, so you may want to take this assertion with a grain of salt. However tall it once was, it certainly erupted sideways, rather like Mt. St. Helens, a few million years ago, leaving the northern, southern and western slopes intact, but obliterating the eastern slope of the volcanic cone. From above, Meru is now shaped like a horseshoe opening east, with a new tiny cinder cone forming in the bottom of the devastated crater, and huge cliffs extending up the crater walls almost to the summit. The crater floor and the lower slopes are densely forested, but the upper slopes are barren expanses of black volcanic ash and occasional massive boulders of lava.

Meru is just outside Arusha, the staging post for safaris to the Serengeti, yet despite this proximity - only 23 km by road - it is annoyingly difficult to get to the base of the mountain.

Assuming that you are proceeding legitimately, the only choice is whether to hurry to the first hut, Miriakamba, steeply but directly up the northern crater rim, or to detour more gently and scenically across the crater floor along a 4WD track. (Those with their own vehicles and little time could drive along the track almost to the first hut.) There seems little point in climbing directly to Miriakamba, since the Park Service's guides, whose services are mandatory, refuse to climb to the summit and back in less than three days and two nights.

Charging up to Miriakamba would just result in more time spent sitting at the hut, at the expense of bypassing some lovely scenery. The direct route can be better used for descending. My sister Audie (who once worked in Serengeti National Park) claims that the two-night minimum rule is her fault. She and a guide once charged from the base of the mountain to the summit and back again, in under 24 hours. Neither of them were in any shape to walk anywhere for several days after that, and the National Park Service got very annoyed at losing the services of a guide for that period, and insisted that guides take a more leisurely pace in the future.

The first day's walk, about six leisurely hours up into the relatively flat crater floor, is very pleasant. A huge fig tree forms a natural arch over the path that is large enough to accommodate a Land Rover. There is a stream for bathing and lunching beside, and later on, during the final climb up the crater wall to Miriakamba, there is a spectacular view across to forests and a high waterfall on the opposite (southern) inside rim of the crater. The dense forest is full of vervet monkeys and butterflies and, it is rumoured, leopards.

Near the hut, the track passes the remnants of old logging huts and sawmills from the colonial era, and the open grasslands left behind by their operations. Inside the spacious hut we filled up on a basic meal of soup and glutinous pasta, then went outside and admired the gorgeous canopy of stars overhead. We philosophized for while, then turned in for a somewhat restless, altitude-affected sleep, full of strange dreams and nocturnal bathroom breaks.

The climb from Miriakamba hut, at 2,500 metres, to Saddle hut, at 3,600 metres, is short, but steep and frequently muddy. In late June, when we were climbing, Meru was perpetually cloud-bound below 3,500 metres, and this second stage was through the clouds, making for a very wet, sweaty and physically demanding climb. Both Neil and I lost our footing a few times, slithering down the path on our backpacks for several metres before coming to rest against the trunk of a tree.

Just after bursting through the top of the clouds to hot, dry sunshine, some Spanish hikers passed us on the way down, the only climbers to have reached the summit that morning. Behind us by a couple of hours were two German women, the only others climbing on our schedule. A group of British hikers, whom we met on the last day, were the only other people we met on the mountain; in comparison to Kilimanjaro, Mt. Meru is practically deserted.

 
Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania and the fifth highest in Africa. Mount Meru Climbing, Mount Meru, Climbing Mount Meru, Hiking Mount Meru Climb Mt Meru. We runs professionally organized and led Mt Meru hiking and trekking tanzania  
Mount Meru Climbing - Tanzania Hiking and trekking

Mt. Meru Hiking and walking safari

Climbing Mt. Meru is usually skipped in favour of its bigger neighbor Mt. Kilimanjaro to the west, but the sheer beauty and challenge of this three-day climb makes it a must-do for obliging itineraries. The early parts of the trail pass through lush rainforests of fig trees and colubus monkeys high in the canopy.

As you climb higher, the cloud forest clears in the late afternoon to reveal striking vistas of Kilimanjaro and the volcano chain on the edge of the Rift Valley. The last distance before the summit passes over the crater ridge – an exhilarating experience, and not one for the faint-hearted.

So while Kilimanjaro offers the chance to scale to the ‘roof of Africa,’ its slightly smaller neighbour is certainly not lacking in adventure.

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 acclimatization. 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 TREKKING AND HIKING ITINERARY

Mount Meru is one of Africa's most beautiful volcanoes, and it is the second highest mountain in Tanzania at 4,5685m, the fifth highest in Africa.
The mountain is located within Arusha National Park, Tanzania’s gem. This prime location gives walkers the opportunity to spot some of the birds and wildlife that inhabit the area. The ascend is quite steep, the route to the summit passes over streams, through parkland, montane forest, a giant heather zone and moorland. The summit is reached by a narrow, barren ridge, which provides stunning views of the Ash Cone lying several thousand feet below in the crater. Weather permitting, Kilimanjaro can be seen in the West. There are two huts available to climbers on the mountain and firewood is supplied. The best time to climb Meru is between October and February. But also June to September, while it is colder then.

Day Location Accommodation Board
1 Mount Meru Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) FB
2 Mount Meru Saddle Hut (3,570 m) FB
3 Mount Meru Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) FB
4 Mount Meru hotel in Arusha B
(B=Breakfast, D=Dinner, HB=Half Board, FB= Full Board)

Day by Day Itinerary Mount Meru Trekking

Day 1: Arusha to Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m)
Depart from your hotel in the morning for Momella Gate of Arusha National Park (1,500 m.). After park entrance formalities, we begin our hike, guided by a park ranger. The track passes open grassland, providing an opportunity to see buffalo, warthogs and other grazers. The trail continues as a steady climb through montane forest. We take lunch near a giant Fig Tree arch. After lunch, the route continues through less dense forest, where there are an abundance of birds and black and white colobus monkeys.

By mid-afternoon, we can see towering cliffs and the Ash Cone. We reach Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m.), situated in an idyllic grassy glade, in time to enjoy the last of the afternoon sun and beautiful views over the surrounding plains towards Kilimanjaro. (4-6 hours walking). Miriakamba Hut, base camp of Mt. Meru

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) to Saddle Hut (3,570 m)
The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a short day but a steep climb. We slowly ascend through lush montane forest to reach the halfway point of Elephant Ridge. From here we enjoy excellent views of the summit ridge and across the crater floor. The path continues through giant heather and other fascinating moorland vegetation to reach Saddle Hut (3,570 m), where lunch is will be provided. The afternoon is free to relax and to enjoy the views. The more energetic can make the short climb to the nearby summit of Little Meru (3,820 m) for superb views just before sunset. (3-5 hours walking).

Day 3: Saddle Hut (3,570 m) to Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m)
We start early at around 2 a.m. to climb steeply to Rhino Point (3,800 m.), continuing along an undulating ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point (4,350 m) at sunrise. The views are stunning: the cliffs of the Crater rim, the Ash Cone rising from the Crater floor, Kilimanjaro floating on the morning clouds and west towards the Rift Valley if the weather is clear. The summit of Socialist Peak (4,566 m.) is an hour further on a good but steep path. The route back to Rhino Point in the morning light, on a narrow ridge between the sloping outer wall of the crater and the sheer cliffs of the inner wall, is one of the most dramatic and exhilarating walks in Africa. We enjoy a rest and brunch at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m, 10-12 hours walking).

mount meru peak, view in the crater . Miriakamba Hut Note: The ridge between the summit and Rhino Point is not suitable for those suffering from vertigo. In icy conditions or in strong winds, it may be impossible for anyone to progress beyond Rhino Point

Day 4: Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) - hotel in Arusha
We take the direct route down through open grassland and mixed forest, with good chances of seeing wildlife. This trail has excellent views back towards the crater and over the plains of the Mount Meru National Park. We should reach Momella Gate by late morning (2-3 hours walking). Once you reach the end of the climb you will be transferred to your hotel.

Price Includes:
-All park entry fees.
-All camping/hut fees.
-Rescue fees.
-Guide and porters fees.
-Guide and porters salaries.
-Transport to and from the mountain gates.
-Meals 3 times daily.
-Cook and all kitchen utensils.

Price Excludes:

- International flights to/from your home
- Tips
- The first night on your arrival and last night after safari (book with us)
- Airport transfers (book with us for 60$ per transfer)
- Hard and soft drinks and tips,
- and all Mountain Gears (we can arrange hire of this)

 

 

Honeymoons Vacation - Zanzibar beach holiday | Family tour | Cultural Safari

Tanzania Luxury Safari HolidayMain Attractions
A Tanzania wildlife safari is the wildlife enthusiasts ultimate destination. A number of parks throughout Tanzania offer a host of wildlife highlights. The Big Five of Serengeti National Park is a must, the stunning Ngorongoro Crater is breathtaking, the wilds of Lake Manyara take you back in time and the forested peaks of Mahale Mountains National Park and Serengeti, Gombe Reserve offer the perfect backdrop to track chimpanzees along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Ruaha, Selous...

Tanzania Safaris / Lodge / Camping book with us for cheap prices

Tanzania Luxury Beach HolidayTanzania and Zanzibar Honeymoon Trip
Safari in Tanzania then relax in Zanzibar. This twin centre safari and beach honeymoon is for those honeymooners that want something more unique..
We offer a wide range of different types of honeymoons to Africa and the Indian Oceans. To read more about our honeymoon destinations click Safari & Beach Honeymoon Holidays

Tanzania offers some of the best wildlife safaris in Africa. Whether visiting the Big Five of Serengeti National Park, the jaw dropping Ngorongoro Crater, the wilderness of the Selous Game Reserve or the amiable chimpanzees of Mahale and Gombe you will not be disappointed. Tanzania offers the best parks to see big cats and the big five and can be combined with some pristine beaches off the coastline where you can relax at the end of your safari...

Accommodation
A range of safari accommodation is available in Tanzania. Western style luxury lodges and luxury tented camps are available for the wildlife enthusiast. Some of the best lodges include Migration Camp, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Migration Camp, Klein's Camp, Nomad's Greytoke, Nomad's Serengeti Safari Camp and Tarangire Treetops..

Safaris
Please find below a selection of sample itineraries with approximate costs for wildlife and migration safaris to Tanzania. Some of these itineraries may also be combined with gorilla safaris to both Rwanda and/or Uganda. These are by no means all of the itineraries that we offer however they will give you a taster of what is available...For further itineraries or enquiries please do not hesitate to fill in our contact form and we will get back to you with a detailed quote and itinerary at the earliest possible convenience.
Tanzania Safaris

A Tanzania Safari with Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing provides you with the ultimate Tanzanian holiday. Experience Tanzania's rich diversity of culture and wildlife. Whether you decide upon: a luxury lodge safari to Ngorongoro Crater, a camping adventure safari in Serengeti, Lake Manyara walking tour, Tarangire Selous, Mikumi, Ruaha, Arusha, climbing Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro, relaxing on superb Zanzibar Beaches, Wedding honeymoon holiday in Africa, Family Holiday vacation Tanzania or a hot air balloon Serengeti Safari, you will have an unforgettable experience. Safari Trips hotel bookings kenya Road Safari Africa tour budget safari beach family holiday packages kenya Ngorongoro Tanzania migration tours Uganda gorilla trekking organizations luxury holiday bookings to Africa holidays in east Africa Kenya walking safari masai mara safari Kenya Tanzania wildlife migration tour Africa adventure tour safari Serengeti Kenya walking safari holidays travel Africa safari budget Tanzania camping safari Tanzania Serengeti adventure trips Kenya Tanzania Zanzibar African wildlife safari Trips Samburu Kenya holiday budget safari family Kenya incentive travel Tanzania Africa wildlife safari tours Kenya/Tanzania combined safari Kenya safari package family Africa tour group Kenya over landing safari Tanzania Africa mount kenia budget group tours of east Africa

We Safaris specializes in:

* Private, Tailor-made Tanzania Safaris, designed to suit your budget
* Breathtaking Natural History including the Wildebeest Serengeti Migration
* Safaris to the Selous Game Reserve and off the beaten track safaris.
* Trekking, mountain climbs and wilderness budget camping adventure
* Tanzania Bird watching Safaris
* Tanzania Photographic Safari
* Tanzania Cultural Safaris

For more adventurous travel, leave the tourist trail and select a private Tanzania safari in the unspoilt Southern Circuit (including the vast wilderness of the Selous Game Reserve). Alternatively, Wild Things Tanzania Safaris provides the challenge of trekking safari in the Udzungwa Mountains, Ngorongoro Highlands or Kilombero Valley. Thrill seekers may prefer to climb Oldoinyo Lengai, Tanzania's only active volcano or take a sunrise balloon safari across the Serengeti.

Kenya Safaris in the best National Park / Game Reserve

Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Safaris is one of Kenya's finest tours, safaris and travel companies, specializing in short excursions, extended safaris, specialist and tailor-made travel and safaris, car hire, hotel and safari lodge bookings and much much more...

We cover the whole of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda with our centrally based headquarters in Nairobi - Kenya.

African Safari Holiday

An African or Kenya safari is an amazing travel experience. The diverse wildlife and stunning scenery make Kenya and East Africa the perfect safari locations.

As local, African safari operators, we offer you the best holidays with quality,
value for money and personal service.

We also customize our safaris and offer options, such as adventure travel, luxury tours and beach holidays. See our Kenyan and East Africa safari list below, as well as our Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holidays.

African Safari Selection
See below full Kenya Safari list
Kenya wildlife safaris

Masai Mara Safari
A 3 day safari lodge to Masai Mara, one of the most famous national parks in the world, with an abundance of wildlife. Accommodation in luxury lodges which have facilites such as swimming pools. The  Kenya Safaris: can be combined with an African beach vacation if you will be interested to see the beautiful white sand beaches in Mombasa, Lamu, Malindi, Watamu or the Tanzania Island - Zanzibar

Africa Offers
Africa is an immensely rewarding place to travel to, thanks to unspoilt natural surroundings, such as the wildlife and vegetation, and the spectacular landscapes When on safari, you may see everything from snow capped mountains to forests and
white tropical beaches, all in a day's travel- it's that diverse. Finally the local cultures add to your holiday like no where else in the world.

Safari in Africa
Safaris began in Kenya and Tanzania and these are the best destinations for a safari. A Kenya safari offers amazing diversity and superb wildlife viewing. Rift Valley, is a good location too, known as for the scenery and rich wildlife in natural surroundings.

A safari in Africa is in some ways like an expedition - exciting and adventurous, but requiring careful thought and planning , which is what we, as locally based tour operators, are there for.. however you must plan for a leisurely pace of travel to truly enjoy your tour - so whether you have 3 days or 30, make sure you do not plan for too much in your travel.

Most of your safari will be in the " bush ", but this does not mean your travel will involve "roughing it" - you can have all the luxury you want ! Africa is home to many internationally reputed hotels and lodges luxury tented camps, with well appointed rooms, excellent cuisine and deluxe facilities such as bars and swimming pools. You can also fly between most places during your luxury safari.

Africa Safari Planner : See our safari planning guide, to help with the basics of designing your trip, be it Kenya travel ,a Tanzania safari , beach vacation in Mombasa or Zanzibar or an Uganda Gorilla Trek adventure holiday.

3 Days Masai Mara Lodge/ Camping Safari
Masai Mara, Kenya
This famous wildlife park is a top safari location, and one of the natural wonders
of the world, being the site of the annual wildebeest migration..

3 Days Amboseli Lodge/ Camping Safari or Tsavo Safari to Mombasa
Amboseli National Park, one of Kenya's oldest park, is located near the Kenya and
Tanzania border, "in the shadow" of Africa's highest mountain, the snow capped Kilimanjaro.

The park is known for its wildlife, especially it's prolific elephant population.  Amboseli also hosts the big cats, herbivores and numerous bird species including
flamingo and a variety of plains game.

Samburu Reserve, established in 1985, is an arid, hilly region with riverine forests, doum palms, acacia woodland and scrubland, offering a dramatic and rugged landscape in a rather remote location of Kenya - which is precisely the attraction of this reserve - fewer tourists in a wildlife rich, desert like setting amidst a colourful local tribe.

4 Days Kenya Bird watching - Wildlife Safari - Lake Nakuru - Maasai Mara
6 Day  Samburu - Sweetwaters - Aberdares - Lake Naivasha
7 Days Discover Kenya Safari - Amboseli - Lake Nakuru - Maasai Mara
8 Days Kenya Safari to Amboseli - Aberdares - Lake Nakuru - Maasai Mara
9 Days Kenya Safari with Beach Extension - Lake Nakuru-Maasai Mara-Mombasa
10 Days Kenya Classic Safari-Amboseli-Mt Kenya- Samburu - Lake Nakuru - Maasai Mara
11 Days Magical Kenya-Amboseli-Aberdares-Samburu-Mt Kenya-Lake Nakuru-Maasai Mara
12 / 14 / 16 /17 / 21 Days Best of Kenya & Tanzania Safari Expedition

African Safari offers you a chance to experience a natural world unchanged by the
passage of time. The Kenya Safari wilderness is home to an endless array of
ecosystems, the staging ground for natural cycles of life, death and regeneration
as old as the planet itself.

This great range of natural habitats means that there is plenty to explore, and
plenty of species to encounter during your Africa vacation. This is a land of
endless potential for the wildlife African Safari Tour enthusiast.

On a Serengeti Safari, Tanzania Safari, Kenya Holiday, African Adventure, Kenya
Vacation, Kenya Tour you will enjoy a variety of amazing African landscapes and
some of the best game viewing possible.
Our seasoned African safari professionals will help you plan the perfect Africa
Safari, Kenya Safari, Tanzania Safari, African Adventure, Africa Vacation, Kenya
Holiday and African Classic Safari.
Call us today to help make your Africa Safari dream escape happen.

Guides
At Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking / Climbing Safaris we use local guides whenever possible. We believe that local guides have that extra bit of knowledge which can make a good safari into a great safari. Through using local guides / porters we also adhere to our responsible travel policy in contributing to the local economy through tourism.

Meru Climbing, Second highest Mountain in Tanzania .Climbing Mount Meru third Highest East Africa Mountain and Fifth highest Mountain in Africa. Africa Climbing

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African Safari Holidays: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Lake Nakuru, Tsavo and more...
 
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