Introduction
The ascension to the volcano Mt. Meru is a perfect preparation for the conquest of Kilimanjaro. You can get used to the heights (around 15.000 feet) and it is possible to test out the equipment, so that you will be able to correct and improve it at the rest day that lies between the climbing of Kilimanjaro. But the most important thing is to practice ascending at night, since it is not very pleasant to do this in the almost dark, when it is quite cold. We recommend a three day tour. You will spend the nights in so called "Swiss" huts, which nobody would expect to find in Africa. Even to the top of the volcano animals roam, especially buffalo. At the foot of Mt. Meru you often meet with giraffes, elephants, wild hogs, antelopes, baboons and a great variety of birds. To ensure your safety the group is accompanied by an armed ranger. On the tour you will cross many different vegetation zones, as there is open grassland, mountain forest, swamp, giant heather and penurious rocks, therefore you have the chance to experience. 
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Sample Itinerary
Momella / Mariakamba / Saddle / Summit / Momella
4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS Itinerary: Day 0: Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met at the airport and transferred to moshi for overnight. There will also be pre-climb briefing by your mountain guide. Day 1: Moshi to Momella Gate (1,387 m to 1,500 m over 10km, 4hrs) Transfer from your hotel to Arusha National Park, pay fees etc. and drive to the Momella Gate to begin your trek. You will trek with an armed ranger as you can see buffalo, warthogs, and elephants. The climb continues through sub-montane forest and you will pass a huge Strangler Fig tree which cars can drive through! After lunch you continue through the less dense montane forest. Great views of Meru, towering cliffs and Ash Cone. The Miriakamba Huts are found in a pleasant glade which you will reach in time to enjoy the superb views of the plains between Meru and Kilimanjaro. Day 2: Miriakamba Huts to Saddle Huts (2.514 m to 3,570 m over 8km) From the Miriakamba Huts it is a steep climb to the crater rim. Then, you follow a steep path through the montane forest to reach the giant Ericas in the Moorland zone around the saddle between Little Meru and Meru. Lunch will be ready by the time you arrive at the Saddle Huts. Your afternoon is free to rest and enjoy the views, but energetic trekkers can make the short climb summit Little Meru (3,820 m/) for stunning views just before sunset. Day 3: Saddle Huts to Mount Meru Summit to Miriakamba Huts (3,570 m to 4,565m to 2,514m 5km up 13km down) Start to climb very early at 2am reaching Rhino Point (3,800m) after an hour. Then you descend slightly and continue along a ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point (4,350 m) around sunrise. Hike for another hour on a steep path to reach the summit of Meru. Enjoy brunch and a well-earned rest at the Saddle Huts before continuing your descent to the Miriakamba Huts where you will overnight. Day 4: Miriakamba Huts to Momella Gate to Moshi (2,514 m to 1,387m over 10km) Descend by a slightly different route. This trail has excellent views back toward the crater and game is plentiful. Afternoon drive back to the hotel. Side Trek:- Little Meru or Rhino point, Two hours return for each, and can be done after stage 2 from Saddle Hut. |
Recommended Tipping Guidelines:
Those who have climbed Mt Kilimanjaro before or any other mountain in East Africa know that without the hard work and strength of the mountain crew, one would not be able to fully experience the magnificence of the mountain. At Naomi Grace Tours, we pay our crew more than the salary suggested by the Kilimanjaro National Park and Tanzania Tour Operator Association. However, many crew also heavily depend on tips to support their families. The following are recommended daily rates for the entire group to tip per staff member:
Senior guide - $20 – 30 / day
Assistant guide - $15 – 25 / day
Cook - $12 – 15 / day
Waiter - $10 – 12 /day
Porter - $8 – 10 / day
Summit porter - $12 – 15 / day
Toilet crew - $10 – 12 / day
In general for Mount Meru 4days climb:
1 Climber: 1 senior guide, 1 cook and 3 porters
2 Climbers: 1 senior guide, 1 assistant guide, 1 cook and 6 porters
3 Climbers: 1 senior guide, 1 assistant guide, 1 cook and 9 porters
4 Climbers: 2 senior guide, 1 assistant guide, 1 cook, 1 waiter and 9 porters
* These are estimates and actual numbers may vary depending on the needs of the group.
It is ideal to have a tipping ceremony with the climbers and crew on the last day on the mountain. Ideally tips should be given to the individual crew members directly to ensure the full amount of the tip is received.
Senior guide - $20 – 30 / day
Assistant guide - $15 – 25 / day
Cook - $12 – 15 / day
Waiter - $10 – 12 /day
Porter - $8 – 10 / day
Summit porter - $12 – 15 / day
Toilet crew - $10 – 12 / day
In general for Mount Meru 4days climb:
1 Climber: 1 senior guide, 1 cook and 3 porters
2 Climbers: 1 senior guide, 1 assistant guide, 1 cook and 6 porters
3 Climbers: 1 senior guide, 1 assistant guide, 1 cook and 9 porters
4 Climbers: 2 senior guide, 1 assistant guide, 1 cook, 1 waiter and 9 porters
* These are estimates and actual numbers may vary depending on the needs of the group.
It is ideal to have a tipping ceremony with the climbers and crew on the last day on the mountain. Ideally tips should be given to the individual crew members directly to ensure the full amount of the tip is received.