Gladys Adventure
Mt Meru Treks
Mt Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania - fifth highest in Africa at 4,565m. It is located inside of Arusha National Park, a one hour drive from Moshi. Similar to Mt Kilimanjaro, this is not a technical climb so no special climbing gear or techniques are needed. The climb is most commonly done as a four days itinerary, although a three day option is possible but not recommended unless you are quite fit. The added day is on the descent, so the longer itinerary does not add to acclimatization, but breaks up a long and grueling summit day. The climb is steeper than Mt Kilimanjaro. Many people use this as an acclimatization trek before attempting Mt Kilimanjaro but it is a wonderful and beautiful climb in its own right. The number of people climbing the mountain is far, far less than Mt Kilimanjaro.
At the lower altitudes, encountering animals is quite possible so an armed park ranger is required to accompany all climbers. Since the number of rangers is limited, they often combine groups together to accompany one ranger. These groups will be from various tour operators and each will be expected to have their own guide, cook , porters, etc. We do not have any control over how or if the park groups people.
Route Choices
It is an easy choice since there is only one route. Overnights are in simple dormitory style huts with solar powered lighting. Camping is not an option on Mt Meru.
Mt. Meru 4 Days Itinerary
Day 1: Momela Gate to Miriakamba 1500m to 2514m.
Today after driving one hour from Moshi town to Momela gate and meet with the ranger to accompany the group then start walking passing in some
open grassland with a great chance to see buffalo and warthog. The trail let us passing through less dense forest where there is an abundance
of birds and monkeys including black and white colobus. Approximately 5 to 6 hours walking. Today we will overnight at Miriakamba Hut.
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut 2514m to 3570m
The walking today is short, but a considerably steep and sustained climb all the way. Starting through attractive open and lush montane
forest through Elephant Ridge and giants heather and moorland vegetation to Saddle Hut. Arrive at approximately 2pm. Acclimatization to
Little Meru. Return for dinner. Sleep for approximately 5 hours.
Day 3: Saddle Hut to Socialist Peak to Miriakamba Hut, 3570m to 4566m to 2514m
Wake up at 1am to start to the summit. Watch sunrise between Cobra and Socialist Peak. Summit approximately 7am. Return to Saddle Hut for
a meal and packing. Depending on timing, possible 1 hour of sleep. Now we make our way to Miriakamba Hut for overnight.
Day 4: Miriakamba Hut to Momela Gate, 2514m to 1500m
Start at Miriakamba through the forest route where there is a waterfall for a short visit. Walk through the open plain where you can see
the buffalo and possibly giraffe. Proceed to Momela Gate to sign out and drive back to your local accommodation.
There is an option of a 3 days itinerary, which is identical but combines days 3 & 4 together. Since this is on the descent, there is no difference in acclimatization. This itinerary is pretty tough and not recommended for the average trekker.
Mt Meru Trek Prices
Prices are per person and quoted in USD
| number of climbers | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Days Itinerary | $1200 | $941 | $876 | $850 | $829 | $814 | $786 | $762 | $748 | $731 |
| 3 Days Itinerary | $905 | $780 | $716 | $680 | $663 | $645 | $619 | $606 | $595 | $586 |
THE TREKKING PRICE INCLUDES:
All park fees and rescue fees for the national park
All meals and water while on the mountain
All salaries for guides, assistant guides, chef, porters
Transport to and from the park gate
All camping equipment (everything but your sleeping bag.)
THE TREKKING PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Accommodations before or after the trek
JRO airport pick ups and drop offs ($40 per car/per trip)
International flights & Visas
Travel Insurances
Driver and climb staff tips
Drinks and dining rooms tips
Personal travel costs
Any items of a personal nature
Activities not mentioned in the program
A 10% deposit will secure your climb. We accept payments via wire transfer directly into our bank account or online payment by credit/debit card (5% bank fee for this option). The remaining balance is not due until you arrive. We can accept additions to the groups up until the day before the trek starts.
In case you need to postpone your tril, funds can be used for any future booking with Gladys Adventure for the next 12 months after your original trip date. Funds can also be applied towards the balance of others who have booked through Gladys Adventure.
Full details about payment terms & conditions can be found here - Payment Terms & Conditions
To book a trek or for more information
contact us though our
Info Request page.
Mt Meru Huts
The huts are dormatory style and will be shared with others. There is a common dining area and the most basic of common toilet facilities. There are no shower facilities. The huts have solar powered lights but no means of powering/charging electronics.
Mt Meru FAQ
Q: How difficult is a Mt Meru climb? A: Altitude sickness is less of an issue for Mt Meru. But it is a steeper climb and can be exhausting.
Q: Are there any times of the year that are better to climb than others? A: We climbs using during any time of the year. But during the two rain seasons (March - May, November - December) it can be more challenging, especially during March - May.
Q: Can I arrive the same day as starting my climb? A: Only if the arrival time is very early (no later than 5am). Before the climb, we will go through an equipment check and you will have a briefing with your guide. Ideally, this is done the day before the climb but it can be done in the early morning before departing for the climb.
Q: Where will anything that I don't want to take on the mountain be stored? A: Gladys Adventure office has a secured storage room just for this purpose. There is no charge for this service.
Q: Can't I just show up at the park gate and climb without going through a tour company? A: Park regulations require a certified mountain guide to go along. Also, park fees are only payable through a registered tour company.
Q: Do I really need to have porters on the climb? A: You can reduce the number of porters but it is unlikely that you can eliminate them. It is against park regulations for the guide to carry any equipment, so he will need a porter. It is unlikely that you can carry his equipment and food in addition to yours. Water supply is not always close to the camp and after the climb fetching and purifying the water along with cooking your meals can be time consuming and tiring.
Q: If I finish a climb early can I get a portion of the trek cost refunded? A: No. Park fees must be paid in advance. Also our agreement with the climb staff is for the set number of days that you had scheduled. If you finish a climb early, you also will be responsible for any extra hotel nights used.
Q: Do I have to use huts? Can I bring a tent along? A: The park does not allow the option of using a tent. The huts are your only option on Mt Meru.
Q: What are the toilets like on the mountain?
A: Pretty basic. There is no plumbing on the mountain. The toilets will be a shed with a deep hole.
We provide toilet paper but it is best to take another roll or two along.
Q: If one person in my group cannot continue the climb, do we all abandon the climb? A: No. Even with a group of 2 people there will be an assistant guide. A group of 4 people have 2 assistant guides, a group of 8 will have 3 assistant guides. Each assistant guide is well trained to handle emergencies. If a climber cannot continue, an assistant guide (or head guide, depending on the severity) will take care of the climber with some porters while the others continue the climb. Having assistant guides also means that there is no pressure on climbers who are slower walking than others in the group.
Q: If someone in our group requires a special diet, does that affect what food the rest of us eat? A: Not at all. Our chefs will prepare a separate meal for them apart from what you have.
Q: What food preservation precautions do you use on the mountain? A: There are no food preservation measures, but Mt Meru is not a long climb. Fresh foods will be brought up the mountain. Before the climb, meats are bought fresh then frozen before departure. As the temperatures drop at the higher altitudes, the food preservation takes care of itself.
Q: Will the guides speak English? A: Yes, that is an important requirement for all guides and assistant guides. They will speak excellent English. The porters on the other hand most likely will not be very good at English. If requested early, we can do our best to arrange a guide that speaks other languages.
Q: What time will my climb finish? A: For a 4 days itinerary you will be back in Moshi by early afternoon. For the 3 days itinerary you will not be back until late afternoon/early evening.
Q: Can I get cell phone/internet signal on the mountain? A: It is possible in spots but not it is best not to assume that you can find a signal. Your guide will have a walkie talkie. We have our own channel so our office can always be in communication with the group.
Q: Is there any electronics charging facilities on the mountain? A: No. Even though there is solar power on the mountain it is not permitted for charging of devices by trekkers. If you have a portable solar charger you might want to bring it.
We will be happy to answer any questions that you might have that are not on this list. Please contact us at info@gladysadventure.com
Mountain Packing List
Before your climb we will go through a piece by piece equipment check with
you.Any item that you need can be rented at our shop. Even though we have a large amount of rental equipment, if you know in advance that you will want to
rent some items let us know so we can reserve them for your dates.
As our client you will receive a 30% discount from our
listed prices.
Equipment
- 1 - Sleeping Bag -- we suggest a comfort rating of 0 °C (32 °F) plus a liner.
- 1 - Trekking Poles, collapsible
- 1 - Head lamp, with extra batteries
- 1 - Duffel bag - waterproof, 85L capacity or larger, for porters to carry your equipment
- 1 - Daypack, 30-35L capacity, for you to carry your personal gear
Accessories
- 1 - Sunglasses or Goggles ---important to be polarized
- 1 - Backpack Cover, waterproof
- 1 - 3 - Water Bottle(s) (Nalgene, 32 oz.)----you will need to carry 3L of water with you each day. It is best that not all water is in a Camelbak since too much chance of system breakdown or line freezing so best that at least some of your water is in a bottle. The park will not allow disposable bottles on the mountain.
- 1 - Water Bladder (Camelbak type, 3 liters)--or carry 3L in water bottles as an alternative
- 1 - Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional)
- 1 - Pee Bottle, to avoid leaving tent at night (recommended - not as important if you have a private toilet tent)
- Stuff Sacks, Dry Bags or Plastic Bags*, various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate. * Important Update: Disposable plastic bags are no longer permitted in Tanzania. But "zip-lock" style bags are exempted since they are expected to leave the country with you.
Technical Clothing
- 1 - Waterproof Jacket/Poncho, breathable with hood
- 1 - Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down
- 1 - Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
- 2 - Long Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
- 1 - Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
- 1 - Waterproof Pants, breathable (side zipper is ideal)
- 2 - Hiking Pants
- 1 - Fleece Pants
- 1 - Shorts (optional)
- 1 - Long Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric
- 5 - Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric recommended
- 2 - Sport Bra (women)
Headwear
- 1 - Brimmed Hat, for sun/rain protection
- 1 - Knit Hat, for warmth
- 1 - Balaclava, scarf or Buff
Handwear
- 1 - Gloves/mittens, warm and waterproof
- 1 - Gloves (liner gloves)
Footwear
- 1 - Hiking Boots, warm, waterproof, broken-in
- 1 - Comfort Shoes, to wear at camp (optional)
- 5 - Socks, wool or synthetic -- cotton does not dry quickly enough
- 1 - Gaiters, waterproof
- 5 - liner socks (optional)
Miscellaneous
- Toiletries
- Prescription medicine -- if using Diamox, this is readily available in Moshi.
- Sunscreen -- the UV is quite strong so this is important even if you do not typically use this
- Lip Balm -- important to have UV protection
- Insect Repellent, containing DEET -- not in pressurized can. This is only needed at lower altitudes
- First Aid Kit -- your guide will have a first aid kit also but some basic items for blisters, upset stomach/nausea/diarrhea and headache is a good idea
- Hand Sanitizer
- Toilet Paper -- some will be brought along but best to bring an extra roll
- Wet Wipes (recommended)
- Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy (optional but can be a big help on summit day) -- these are not available locally
- Electrolytes, powder or tablets (optional)
- Camera/phone (optional) -- there is no charging capabilities on the mountain unless you bring a solar charger. Extra batteries/memory card are a good idea.
Documents
You will not take these on the mountain
- Passport
- Visa (available at JRO Airport upon arrival)
- Immunization Papers --no immunization is needed unless you are coming from a Yellow Fever risk area.
- Insurance Documents
- Emergency contacts
Equipment Provided by Gladys Adventure:
- cooking utensils
- dining utensils
- cooking fuel
- food
- water purification tablets
- emergency oxygen cylinder(s)
- portable stretcher
- first aid kit
- walkie talkie to communicate with Gladys Adventure office (we have our own private channel for this)