Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
after 3pm, which means that if you travel to the park by bus you'll almost certainly have to
camp and wait until the next day to start climbing.
While Meru is small compared with Kilimanjaro, don't underestimate it: because of the
steepness, many have found that Meru is almost as difficult a climb. And it's still high
enough to make the effects of altitude felt, so don't try to rush up if you're not properly
acclimatised.
Sleeping
The Momella Route has two blocks of four-bed bunkhouses ('huts') spaced for a four-day
trek. Especially during the July-August and December-January high seasons, they're often
full, so it's a good idea to carry a tent (though if you camp, you'll still need to pay hut fees).
It's currently not possible for independent trekkers to book beds in the bunkhouses, which
operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Each bunkhouse has a cooking and eating area;
bring your own stove and fuel. There's a separate dorm for guides and porters.
STAGE 1: MOMELLA GATE TO MIRIAKAMBA HUT
(10km, 4-5hr, 1000m ascent)
There are two routes, one long and one short, at the start of the climb. Most people prefer
taking the mostly forested long route up and the short route down so that's how the trek is
described here. However, since the long route mostly follows a road, some people prefer
the shorter route's wilderness feel for both ascent and descent. Either way, don't stray far
from the ranger, there are many buffalo in this area.
From Momella gate, the road winds uphill for an hour to
Fig Tree Arch
, a parasitic wild
fig that originally grew around two other trees, eventually strangling them. Now only the
fig tree remains, with its distinctive arch large enough to drive a car through. After anoth-
er hour the track crosses a large stream, just above Maio Falls and one hour further you'll
reach Kitoto Camp, with excellent views over the Momella Lakes and out to Kilimanjaro
in the distance. It's then one final hour to Miriakamba Hut (2514m). From Miriakamba you
can walk to the
Meru Crater floor
(a two- to three-hour return trip) either in the afternoon
of Stage 1 or during Stage 4 (there is time to do it on the morning of Stage 2, but this is a
bad idea as it reduces your time for acclimitisation), but you need to let your guide know
you want to do this before starting the climb. The path across the floor leads to Njeku View-
point on a high cliff overlooking a waterfall, with excellent views of the Ash Cone and the
entire extent of the crater.
STAGE 2: MIRIAKAMBA HUT TO SADDLE HUT
(4km, 3-5hr, 1250m ascent)
From Miriakamba the path climbs steeply up through pleasant glades between the trees
to reach
Topela Mbogo
(Buffalo Swamp) after 45 minutes and
Mgongo Wa Tembo
