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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
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.
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- © 2008
Copyright Geolya Safaris
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Moktar Dadah Street,
Ruprani House, 2rd Floor,
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P.O. Box 64578, Nairobi, Kenya.
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Telephone: +254 -721-213 564 /
+254-721- 543 362
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Email
info@geolyasafaris.com
or
geolya@gmail.com
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http://www.geolyasafaris.com
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Licensed by Ministry of
Tourism Kenya
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