After bonding as a team during the cultural and community challenges, the endurance challenge will really put those bonds to the test! The physical challenge will push you to your absolute limits, and supporting each other is vital, team work will help everyone achieve this challenge together. This year we are planning to trek across the rift valley and climb Mount Meru, sister to Tanzania’s famous Mount Kilimanjaro. It has been said that climbing Meru is like condensing the entire 7 day Kilimanjaro climb into 2 days and 1 night, it’s not a walk in the park! Mount Meru stands at an incredible 4,566 meters (14,977 feet) (more than triple the highest point in the UK Ben Nevis – 1,344 meters / 4,409 feet) and it really will push you to your limits. We will have experienced, local guides supporting us on our trek, where we will witness the spectacular views across the plains of Africa.

Day 1: Arusha to Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m)
Depart from the Outpost Lodge in the morning for Momella Gate in Arusha National Park (1,500 m.). After park entrance formalities, we begin our hike, guided by several park rangers, mountain guides and the BT & Giraffe Support Team. This is NOT a race. We aim to walk at a slow & steady pace.

On day 1, the track passes through open grassland, providing an opportunity to see buffalo, warthogs and other grazers. The trail continues as a steady climb through montane forest. It’s almost like a walk in the New Forest!

After lunch, the route continues through less dense forest, where there is 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 2: Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) to 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 will be provided. The afternoon is free to relax and to enjoy the views. The more energetic can make the short 45 minute climb to the nearby summit of Little Meru (3,820 m) for superb views just before sunset. (3-5 hours walking).

Day 3: Saddle Hut (3,570 m) to Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m)
We start early at around 12:30 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).

After another rest, we then take the direct route down to the mountain base for the final 2.5 hours through open grassland and mixed forest with good chances of seeing wildlife.

We should reach Momella Gate by mid-afternoon (2-3 hours walking). Once you reach the end of the climb you will be transferred back to Outpost Lodge for a comatose night’s sleep…

This portion of the programme is not to be taken lightly, you will need to get fit to take part. Guidance will be given to you, including what kind of kit to get, what types of fitness training are most suitable etc. and you will be in safe hands, as our team and local guides have a wealth of mountaineering experience. For many, this represents the toughest part of the programme, as summiting such an impressive landmark is considered a big achievement, nothing can prepare you for the exhiliration you will feel upon reaching the summit.