4 Days Mount Meru Climb

Introduction

Mt. Meru which is Tanzania’s second highest mountain standing tall at 4,566m. It is located in Arusha National Park and offers some of the most spectacular scenery and wildlife diversity of any mountain in Tanzania. Mt. Meru is a challenging trek due to its steepness, but is a great way to acclimattize before attempting Mt. Kilimanjaro. Climbers are accompanied by an armed ranger due to the abundance of wildlife on the lower slopes. Mt. Meru also has some historical significance to it whereby some have suggested that it was the resting place of Noah’s Ark when it came to rest after the biblical flood receded.

Mt. Meru is a great trekking option for those who want to take on a climbing challenge and get the sense of being out in the wild, but are not quite ready to tackle Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Routes map showing the maiMounr Meru trekking trails.

Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing

If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. Pre-trek briefing at your Arusha hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend the day having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed at a local shop.

Day 1: Hotel to Momella gate to Miriakamba Hut

Drive from Arusha to Momella Gate takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Once at the gate we will finish all the procedures and depart for the trek. The trek takes you through places from where you can catch breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the renowned Momella lakes. Trekkers encounter wildlife like Bushbucks, Cape Buffaloes, Giraffes, and Warthogs during this day. We continue a short distance until we reach the Miriakamba hut.

Elevation: 1500m/4921ft to 2500m/8202ft
Distance: 6km/3.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut

Today we trek through the steep path along the ridge of the saddle. On the way, you can witness the stunning Meru crater, the ash cone, and little Meru. There are chances of us encountering wildlife like Cape Buffaloes and the black and white Colobus monkey. We will end the trek up at Saddle hut. Once you have settled at the camp we will set off on a short trek to little Meru (3810m) for acclimatization purpose and return to Saddle hut.

Elevation: 2500m/8202ft to 3500m/11483ft
Distance: 6km/3.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3: Saddle Hut to Socialist Peak to Miriakamba Hut

We wake up just after midnight and have a light meal to keep our energies high. Once done with the meal we start the final ascent to Socialist Peak. This ascent will be steep and we will be making our way through gravel and rocky cliffs. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. Once at the summit, you will enjoy the magnificent views of the Meru Crater and the Ash cone. There are chances that one might catch a glimpse of wildlife like mountain Reedbucks and Klipspringers over the rocky ridge.

From the summit, we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Miriakamba hut.

Elevation: 3500m/11483ft to 4562m/14967ft down to 2500m/8202ft
Distance: 19km/12mi
Hiking Time: 10-12 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4: Miriakamba Hut to Momella gate

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Momella Gate, we will change the route and take the southern route down hence the change in distance trekked on this day. We will also pass through the astonishing Fig tree Arch.

Our vehicle will be waiting for you at Momella gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha (around 1 hour and 30 minutes).

Elevation: 2500m/8202ft to 1500m/4921ft
Distance: 14km/8.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Included

  • Private transport to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport to accommodations in Moshi or Arusha
  • Transfers to and from Arusha National Park for the trek
  • Park entry fees for Mount Meru and Arusha National Park
  • Professional, English-speaking mountain guides, cook, and porters
  • Accommodation during the trek (huts on Mount Meru)
  • All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • Treated and filtered drinking water throughout the trek
  • First aid kit, including emergency oxygen tank
  • Fair wages for the mountain crew as per park guidelines
  • All government taxes and fees
  • 18% VAT on tour fees & services

Excluded

  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzania visa fees
  • Travel and health insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Personal trekking gear (can be rented upon request)
  • Tips for guides, porters, and cook
  • Accommodation and meals before and after the climb in Arusha or Moshi
  • Snacks and personal items (e.g., energy bars, beverages)
  • Portable toilet and tent (optional rental)

    Related Tours

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