A Mount Meru climb is an excellent choice for acclimatization before attempting Mount Kilimanjaro. Mount Meru is the third highest peak in Africa and is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania, standing at 4,566 meters (14,980 feet) above sea level. Our hike up Mount Meru typically takes 4 days, providing a great opportunity to adapt to higher altitudes before embarking on the challenging Kilimanjaro climb.

Having almost caught up on our sleep, we depart for our first challenge, an ascent of Mount Meru. Although smaller than Kilimanjaro, it is not to be underestimated! Our walk begins after a drive to the park gate, and we head for Mirikamba Hut. We'll find ourselves walking through the Arusha National Park with a view across the plains of Africa behind us and, in front, a fantastic view of Mount Meru. Giraffes, buffalo, and monkeys are a regular sight here. As you ascend, the forest gets denser, and the track winds through it with interest. The walk takes around 3 hours, leaving time to take in the views, and the huts provide dormitory-type accommodation.

Dinner and Overnight: Miriakamba Huts 

After a hearty breakfast with a splendid view of Kilimanjaro to the east, it's time to trek up to the Saddle on Mount Meru. As you gain altitude, the vegetation starts to change, and you emerge from the forest, eventually arriving at Saddle Hut. Lunch is served, and in the afternoon, there's a short ascent of Little Meru for additional acclimatization. After soaking up the view, it's back to Saddle Hut to prepare for your first significant day on Meru.

An exciting day awaits as we wake at midnight for an early breakfast. Our climb begins under a blanket of stars, and we eventually reach our first milestone, Rhino Point. After a short descent and a steady scramble over sloping slabs, it's uphill all the way to the summit. The route takes us up the remaining part of the crater wall that surrounds the ash cone in the center of the volcano. As we get close to the top, the sun breaks the horizon, bathing everything in a warm orange glow. The final rocky stretch leads to the summit, and we are rewarded with a breathtaking view of our surroundings, including Kilimanjaro to the east. It takes 8 - 10 hours to reach the summit, where the photo opportunities are not to be missed.

Now, it's time to descend to Momella Gate, and finally, we drive back to Arusha.