My brother had already scheduled a one-week safari with Petro from SAFARI360 for his family (4) and invited me to go (me and my wife). We found a great idea and decided to arrive a few days in advance to get to know the Arusha region. We would have 2 and a half days before Safari, and I asked Petro if it would be possible in this time interval to climb Mount Meru at least to Little Meru, sleeping one night in the shelter at 2,500 m and the second night in the shelter at 3,500 m. I knew it would be ideal to book 3 or 4 days, but we didn't have that much time available. Petro replied that he could find a way. When we arrived at Kilimanjaro airport we were greeted by the Guide Matty Bertram of @africahomeadventures and his team, and departed directly to Arusha National Park, where is Mount Meru. It was already 14 hours and we couldn't waste time. Unfortunately we arrived too late and it was not possible to enter the park that day. We ended up sleeping in a lodge outside the park. The next day Matty got a 4x4 transport that led us directly to the first refuge at 2,500 m, from where we started the walk to the Saddle Hut, refuge that is 3,500 m away. The track was spectacular, and Matty's here always very inquisitive. The next day we woke up early and went to photograph the sunrise at Little Meru. The plan was to climb up to the Little Meru and then go down directly to the park headquarters, a 2300 m displacement. However, I suffered a severe twist in the ankle, which made this decision impractical. Matty again was very inquisitive, got Ibuprofen and also transport from the first shelter. The night we met at the Hotel with my brother's family, I was standing swollen but happy. The next day we started Safari, this time with the Guide Godlove, also extremely professional. I'll make a separate report on Safari. I recommend the Matty Bertram Mountain Guide if you are going to climb the Meru or Kilimanjaro.
