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Tuesday, September 4, 2012

PROPOSED Mt. MERU & LENGAI ITINERARIES

5 Days Mount Meru Climbing


Mount Meru is one of Africa's most stunning volcanic mountain, and it is the second highest mountain in Tanzania at 4,562m.a.s.l and the fifth highest in Africa.
The mountain is situated in Arusha National Park the Tanzania’s pearl. This leading location gives walkers the chance to spot some of the birds life and wildlife that make a home in the area. The ascend is quite steep, the route to the summit passes over streams, through parkland, forest, a giant heather zone and moorland. The summit is reached by a narrow barren ridge, which provides stunning views of the Ash Cone lying several thousand feet below in the crater. On a clear day Kilimanjaro can be seen. There are two huts available to climbers on the mountain and firewood is supplied. The best time to climb Meru is between October and February
5 Days Mount Meru Climbing
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha: Arrival Transfer from JRO to Arusha then our  staff will give you a brief introductory informations for your trip. Depending on the arrival time we can proceed to Arusha Town tour and Shopping then Dinner and overnight in the a hotel / Lodge in Arusha.

Day 2: Arusha - Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m)
Depart from your hotel in the morning for Momella Gate of Arusha National Park (1,500 m.). After park entrance formalities, we begin our hike, guided by a park ranger. The track passes open grassland, providing an opportunity to see buffalo, warthogs and other grazers. The trail continues as a steady climb through montane forest. We take lunch near a giant Fig Tree arch. After lunch, the route continues through less dense forest, where there are an abundance of birds and black and white Colobus monkeys.
By mid-afternoon, we can see towering cliffs and the Ash Cone. We reach Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m.), situated in an idyllic grassy glade, in time to enjoy the last of the afternoon sun and beautiful views over the surrounding plains towards Kilimanjaro. (4-6 hours walking).

Day 3: Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) - Saddle Hut (3,570 m)
The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a short day but a steep climb. We slowly ascend through lush montane forest to reach the halfway point of Elephant Ridge. From here we enjoy excellent views of the summit ridge and across the crater floor. The path continues through giant heather and other fascinating moorland vegetation to reach Saddle Hut (3,570 m), where lunch is will be provided. The afternoon is free to relax and to enjoy the views. The more energetic can make the short climb to the nearby summit of Little Meru (3,820 m) for superb views just before sunset. (3-5 hours walking).

Day4: Saddle Hut (3,570 m) to Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m)
We start early at around 2 a.m. to climb steeply to Rhino Point (3,800 m.), continuing along an undulating ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point (4,350 m) at sunrise. 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 west towards the Rift Valley if the weather is clear. The summit of Socialist Peak (4,566 m.) is an hour further on a good but steep path. The route back to Rhino Point in the morning light, on a narrow ridge between the sloping outer wall of the crater and the sheer cliffs of the inner wall, is one of the most dramatic and exhilarating walks in Africa. We enjoy a rest and brunch at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m, 10-12 hours walking).
Miriakamba Hut Note: The ridge between the summit and Rhino Point is not suitable for those suffering from vertigo. In icy conditions or in strong winds, it may be impossible for anyone to progress beyond Rhino Point

Day 5: Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) - hotel in Arusha
We take the direct route down through open grassland and mixed forest, with good chances of seeing wildlife. This trail has excellent views back towards the crater and over the plains of the National Park. We should reach Momella Gate by late morning (2-3 hours walking). 

Mount Meru Climbing 3 day


Mount Meru is an active stratovolcano located 70 kilometres west of Mount Kilimanjaro in the nation of Tanzania. It has a height of 4,562 metres and Second highest mountain in Tanzania, the fifth highest in Africa.
Mount Meru is the topographic geographical feature of Arusha National Park. Its fertile slopes rise above the surrounding savanna and support a forest that hosts diverse wildlife, including nearly 400 species of birds, and also monkeys and leopards.
The different vegetation zones and the diverse wildlife turn Mount Meru into much more than an excellent acclimatization walk for the Kilimanjaro.

Climbing mount Meru you pass through forest with strange trees, a giant heather zone and rocky moorland. Along the trail over 400 species of birds, buffalos, baboons and giraffes can be found.
Weather permitting, Kilimanjaro can be seen in the West. There are two huts available to climbers on the mountain and firewood is supplied. The best time to climb Meru is between October and February. But also June to September
The 3 day mount meru climbing for Mount Meru climbing.
Day 1:
After breakfast, we drive to Momella Gate.
Momella Gate is located near Shamba La Mbogo, a natural glade in the Mt. Meru Game Reserve. It is situated at 1,500m above sea level. Two routes are available from Momella Gate: The first route goes through the forest towards the crater floor and then steeply up to Miriakamba Hut. The second option climbs gradually through the grassland direct to Miriakamba Hut.

We register at park gate and start trekking accompanied by an armed ranger. We will ascend up to Miriakamba Hut situated at 2,500m above sea level. The trekking takes approximately 3 hours. We will be walking between the montane forest where various species of flora and fauna can be found on this part of the mountain. There are beautiful views of Arusha National Park's various landscapes that can be seen from this trek and, if the sky is clear of clouds, spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro can also be seen.

Day 2:
From Miriakamba Hut the path is steep compared to other mountains in the region. We continue our ascent on a narrow winding trail through a thick montane forest, where various species of vegetation can be seen. There are water streams that we cross before approaching the moorland zone. A good view of Little Meru can be seen on a clear day, just as you approach Saddle Hut.

The ascent takes approximately 4 hours. After our arrival at Saddle Hut (3,500m), you have the option to embark on a 45 minute walk to Little Meru (3,820m). It has a meandering trail which is aided with good grass cover to give you good grip. One can see the Kenyan border from the peak of Little Meru, Ngara Nanyuki -a town that lies after the Arusha National Park, as well as gorgeous views of West Mt, Kilimanjaro and Longido.


Day 3:
Our ascent to Big Meru, the summit of Mt. Meru (4,566m) begins at around midnight and takes us from the moorland zone to alpine desert zone. The trek will take approximately 6-7 hours. Along we will pass Rhino Point as we walk around the rim of Meru crater. Conditions are cold and windy and during the rainy season ice and snow can occur in this section of the route.

Option: You can climb mount Meru for 4 days then on third day, descend to saddle hut for overnight. And on 4th day descend to Arusha park gate.



Oldonyo Lengai climbing, 4 Days



Oldoinyo Lengai (or Mountain of God Local Maasai Language) is Tanzania's only active volcano and the only world's active carbonatite volcano erupting fairly regularly and belching smoke and ashes to the surrounding communities. The climbing routes to the top of Oldoinyo Lengai is regurlaly changing due to the fact that sometimes the used routes are covered by lava flow.Oldoinyo Lengai climbing is exceptionally exhausting. It starts at 1200 meters (4000 feet) and climbing to 2890 meters (9500 feet). Most climbers begin the steep climb in the midnight, and the estimated time is 6 hours although it depends on the individual's level of fitness, experience and the current status of the volcano activity. The summit is reached by sunrise which is absolutely stunning, sensational and reveal the hidden landscape around the volcano zone. The climber still have more time to explore the volcanic crater and around the peak before beginning the 4 hour return down.

The temperature can vary considerably while climbing Oldoinyo Lengai, due to both the change in altitude and your climbing timings. It is adviced to get prepared before you start climbing. Nungunungu Tours Guide will help you through the preparation and required equipments before the climbing start
Oldonyo Lengai climbing, 4 Days
DAY 1.
o Arrive to Arusha from airport
o Spend a night at hotel

DAY 2.
  • Drive to Mto wa Mbu and enter the Great Rift Valley, passing via Engaruaka basin and into a semi-desert Area hot wild and dusty with extinct volcanoes Kitumbeine Mountain and Gelai Mountain off to the right and the Mountain of God "Ol Doinyo Lengai" always in front.
  • Around midday we arrive at Falls Camp on the banks of the Engaresero river, a welcome place to shower or bathe in the river,or take a trek to the waterfalls hidden in the Western wall of the rift valley.
  • Rest and around mid night drive to and start the climb of Lengai (circa 4 hours climb) One should be able to see Lava glowing once at the peak.

DAY 3.
  • Enjoy the sunrise and the views up the Rift Valley as far as Kenya. Descent around lunch, and drive to Lake Natron one of the major Flamingo breeding grounds in East Africa - en-route visit a Massai "Boma" village.
  • Overnight Falls camp.
 
DAY4.
  • Drive to Arusha and overnight .
  • On our way back to Arusha we will have an ample time to stop and buy some of the Makonde carving for which Tanzania is so famous.
  • Also for those who wish a chance to stop at Mesarani Snake Park, to see the snakes that are normally difficult to see in the wild due to their natural shyness.

  • NB: STEEP CLIMB, ONE SHOULD BE REASONABLY FIT AND NOT WORRIED ABOUT HIGHTS.


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