4-Day Mount Meru Trekking
4 days
Overview
Mount Meru (4,566 meters) is Tanzania's second-highest mountain and an excellent warm-up for Kilimanjaro. Located inside Arusha National Park, this scenic trek offers a mix of wildlife encounters, dramatic volcanic scenery, and panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Unlike Kilimanjaro, Meru is less crowded and includes a park ranger escort due to wildlife on the lower slopes. The day before your climb you will receive a full briefing from our climbing team, all your equipment will receive a final check and we will be able to answer any of your questions.
Highlights
Gallery
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Momella Gate (1,500 m) to Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m)
After breakfast your guides will come to collect you and you will drive from the lodge to Momella village/gate. After registering at the gate you will begin by entering the forest. Living up to its name, there is a possibility of rain in the forest, which may transform the trail into a rather muddy and slippery experience. You will have a welcome packed lunch stop about half way at a giant Fig Tree archway and will reach Miriakamba Hut in the late afternoon at which time the sheer cliffs and ash cone should be visible. The crew will get everything organised for you and all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the great outdoors. Hiking time: approximately 5 hours through montane forest.
Day 2 — Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) to Saddle Hut (3,570 m)
This day's climb will be short, but significantly steeper as you make your way out of the mountain forest and on to Meru's half-way point known as Elephant Ridge. Further on you will come across stands of giant heather, and should be able to enjoy views of both the crater floor and the summit ridge. Lunch will be provided upon your arrival at the camp and you can use the rest of the afternoon to explore the surrounding areas and relax. For the more adventurous, you can also have a go at Little Meru which stands at 3,820 metres. The sunsets at both Saddle Hut and Little Meru are amazing so be sure to have your camera handy. Hiking time: approximately 4 hours through moorland.
Day 3 — Saddle Hut (3,570 m) to Socialist Peak (4,566 m) to Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m)
At about 02h00 you will be awoken to some tea and biscuits and will make a move into the night. The first task of the day is to make the steep climb to Rhino Point (3,800 m) and then make your way along the ridgeline to Cobra Point (4,350 m) to catch the sunrise. This is definitely where you want to be when the sun comes up so that you can see Kilimanjaro rising high above the cloud line, not to mention the fresh morning glow upon the cliffs and the ash cone below. The summit, Socialist Peak (4,566 m), can be reached in an hour or so on a good albeit steep path. The journey back down towards Rhino Point takes you down a rather precarious ridge, and is definitely not recommended for individuals that suffer from vertigo. Indeed weather conditions often make it impossible to ascend beyond Rhino Point. Brunch will be prepared for you at Saddle Hut where you will have a break before making your way down to Miriakamba Hut for the night. Hiking time: approximately 11 hours through ashen ridges and rocky slopes.
Day 4 — Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) to Momella Gate (1,500 m)
Taking a more direct route to the Gate, you will have the opportunity to see more wildlife as you make your way out of the National Park. Once at the gate, you will be picked up and brought back to the lodge for a well deserved meal. Dinner and overnight at Planet Lodge or Gold Crest Hotel. Hiking time: approximately 3 hours through open grassland and savannah.
Included
- All park entry, camping & rescue fees
- Ranger escort & mountain guides
- Transfers to/from Arusha or Moshi
- Full board meals on the mountain
- Drinking water during the trek
- Accommodation in mountain huts
- Cook & porters to carry gear
- First aid kit & emergency oxygen
Excluded
- Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, boots, etc.)
- Flights and visas
- Hotel accommodation in Arusha or Moshi (can be added)
- Tips for guides, cook, and porters
- Travel insurance
- Optional extras (e.g. gear rental)
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