6 Days Mount Meru Hike and Tanzania Wildlife Safari

6 Days Mount Meru Hike and Tanzania Wildlife Safari. This 6-day Mount Meru Hike and Tanzania Wildlife Safari is for adventurous travelers looking to hike one of the beautiful mountains in Africa, as well as encounter Tanzanian wild animals. This 6-day Mount Meru Hike and Tanzania Wildlife Safari takes you hiking Mount Meru as well as enjoying amazing wild game viewing in Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

This 6-day Mount Meru Hike and Tanzania Wildlife Safari offers breathtaking views of Mount Meru and a diverse range of wildlife, including the Big 5 animals: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos.

Detailed Itinerary of 6 Days Mount Meru Hike and Tanzania Wildlife Safari

Day 1. Trekking From Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut

We will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning and transfer you to the Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. At this time, the porters will organize and pack your belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA).

The first day of hiking is similar to a walking safari; you should expect to see giraffes, zebras, antelope, buffalo, and potentially elephants near the trail. Due to the high possibility of spotting wildlife, an armed ranger, hired through the National Park, is required to hike with our team for the duration of the hike. As you continue hiking, you will pass the Ngarenanyuki River and a beautiful waterfall at the base of Mt. Meru.

Upon arriving at Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m), your chef will prepare a hot dinner and warm water for you. This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:

• Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine.
• Drink over 4 litres of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently).
• Take a Diamox pill to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Most mountain climbers take Diamox in the morning, before they start their ascent, in order to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. We recommend you consult your doctor prior to the trip in case of potential allergies.

At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your waking breathing pattern, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and have a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.

Change in Elevation: Momella Gate (1,500 m) — Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m) Hiking distance: 10 km

Hiking time: 4–5 hours

Day 2. Trekking From Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut

After breakfast, you will start ascending up the steep trail along the ridge of the saddle. You may see various wildlife along the way! The trail has amazing views of Meru Crater and the Ash Cone. When you arrive at camp, you have the option of hiking Little Meru (3,820 m) with your guide to further acclimate. You will be served an early dinner, so you can receive ample rest before your midnight summit attempt.

Change in Elevation: Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m) — Saddle Hut (3,550 m) Hiking distance: 5 km

Hiking time: 3–4 hours

Day 3. Trekking From Saddle Hut to Meru Summit and Descent To Momella Gate

Summiting has an early start at around 00:00. There is a 1-hour steep climb to Rhino Point (3,800 m), then the path continues along a ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point (4,350 m). The summit of Socialist Peak (4,562 m) is an hour further on a steep path with magnificent views of Kilimanjaro.

Depending on your speed, you can enjoy sunrise at Cobra Point or the summit. 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 the Rift Valley. The route back to Rhino Point in the morning light along a narrow ridge between the sloping outer wall of the crater and the cliffs of the inner wall is one of the most dramatic and exhilarating walks in Africa.

Brunch and a brief rest are taken at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to Momella Gate. Following your descent, the entire group will assemble to express their congratulations, after which they will transfer you to Arusha town.

Change in Elevation: Saddle Hut (3,550 m) — Socialist Peak (4,562 m) — Momella Gate (1,500 m) Hiking distance: 16 km

Hiking time: 12–14 hours

You will be transferred to Arusha. Check in at the lodge, relax as you wait for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4: Pickup, Lake Manyara National Park Game Drive

2.5 Hours’ Drive.

You shall be picked up from your hotel in Arusha by our company driver guide. He will provide you with a detailed overview of your safari experience, followed by a transfer to Lake Manyara National Park, where you can embark on a game drive to witness a variety of wildlife, including tree-climbing lions and large flocks of pink flamingos. You shall enjoy your lunch over a picnic and enjoy yet another game drive in the park. Thereafter, drive to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Hhando Coffee Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Drive

After a sumptuous breakfast at the lodge, descend the Ngorongoro Crater floor to enjoy the Ngorongoro Carter drive. Experience the sight of more than 25000 animals, which include the African Big 5, such as lions, rhinos, buffaloes, elephants, and leopards. You shall also see other animals in Ngorongoro Crater, like hyenas, jackals, wildebeests, zebras, and warthogs, among so many others. An opportunity to enjoy an optional walking safari in Ngorongoro Crater can be arranged for. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Accommodation: As above

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 6: Tarangire National Park and Departure

On this last day of your safari, you shall wake up early and, together with your breakfast and lunch boxes, drive to Tarangire National Park for an amazing wild game viewing experience before the sunrise.  Look out for other animals in the park like zebras, giraffes, lions, large herds of elephants, which the park is famous for, and so much more.

After your early morning drive, savor your breakfast before embarking on yet another game drive. Enjoy lunch and then proceed for departure, driving back and dropping you off at the airport in time for your flight. This brings your safari to an end.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

End of 6 Days Mount Meru Hike and Tanzania Wildlife Safari

6 Days Mount Meru Hike and Tanzania Wildlife Safari Includes

• Camping fees
• Salary for crew (guide, porters, and cook)
• Rescuer fees
• Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and mineral water)
• Two-night accommodation (one night before climb and one night after climb B/B)
• Tent , foam, cooking equipment, and eating utensils during the trek
• Oxygen Cylinder and Oxymeter
• Transportation in a Safari Land cruiser with a pop-up roof
• Lodge/camp accommodation for the duration of the safari
• Meals during the safari
• Professional English-speaking safari guide
• All park fees and activities mentioned
• Drinking water in the safari vehicle
• Government taxes

6 Days Mount Meru Hike and Tanzania Wildlife Safari Excludes;

• Flights and visas
• Travel insurance
• Some hiking equipment is available for hire.
• Any hotel accommodation before or after the safari
• Extra and optional activities, e.g., Ngorongoro Walking Safari, at 24$ pp. and 24$ for a ranger
• Personal expenses like beverages, internet, laundry, tips, souvenirs, etc.