Situated just 70 kilometers west of the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, in the Arusha National Park, Mount Meru presents a great trekking challenge. At 4,556 meters, Meru is Africa’s fifth tallest mountain, and Tanzania’s second highest peak. The peak is often used as an acclimatization climb by those who plan to summiting neighboring Kili. However, Meru boasts its own spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife, making it an excellent destination in its own right. Over the course of three days together, we will make our way up to the top fo the mountain peak. After meeting up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport the day before the trip begins, we will head to the hotel in Moshi (not included in the trip price) and plan for the next day.
On the first official day of the trip, we will depart at 8 am driving up to the park. After registering, we will head out onto the trail making our way from Momella gate (1,500 meters) to Miriakamba Hut (2,500 meters). Along the way, we will be accompanied by an armed guard, while we enjoy phenomenal views of Kilimanjaro and get the chance to see cape buffaloes, giraffes, warthogs and bushbucks, among many other animals. On the second day, we will hike up a steep path to the saddle of Meru. From the top of the saddle, we will enjoy great views of Meru crater. As we go, we will pass through a thick forest, where we will get the chance to see even more wildlife. We spend the night at the Saddle Hut (3,500 meters).
The third and final day of the trip is summit day. Getting a pre-dawn alpine start at 1:30 am, we will climb steeply to Rhino Point (3,800 meters) before passing on to Cobra Point (4,350 meters) and finally reaching the summit (4,566 meters) just in time to see the sunrise. After watching this magical moments – seeing the sun rise up over the Indian Ocean – we will spend the rest of the day hiking back down to Momella Gate before transferring back to the town of Moshi. So what are you waiting for? Book now for this incredible 3-day trekking experience to the summit of Mount Meru in Arusha National Park!
Climb Mount Meru Itinerary
Below we have shared a 4 day / 3 nights Meru climb but you can do it in 3 days / 2 nights which we do not recommend due to long walking distance from Miriakamba Hut to the Socialist Peak and back all the way to Momella Gate.
DAY 1 : MOMELLA GATE (1500 M) –MIRIAKAMBA HUT (2541 M)
WALKING TIME: 4-6 HOURS
Leaving early in the morning from your accommodation in Arusha or Moshi and driving to Momella gate in Arusha National Park. Driving takes about 3 hours from Moshi and about 1 hr from Arusha. At the gate you will clear your trekking permits, meet up with your porters, guide, cook and game ranger, and start climbing. You will pass open grassland which will give you a good opportunity to see buffaloes, warthogs and other grazers. You will cross the Ngare Nanyuki River and continue climbing through mountain forest. There you will have chance to see many different kind of birds and black and white colobus monkeys. Finally you will reach Miriakamba Hut where you will stay overnight.
DAY 2: MIRIAKAMBA HUT (2541 M) – SADDLE HUT (3570 M)
WALKING TIME: 3-5 HOURS
Second day climbing is quite short but demanding. You will start early in the morning and ascent steeply through lush mountain forest full of birds to reach the halfway point of Elephant Ridge. There you can see the crater. After 3 to 5 hours climbing you will reach Saddle Hut where you will have lunch. In the afternoon you will have another hiking to Little Meru (3794 m) for superb views before sunset. Then you will return to Saddle Hut for overnight. It is good to go to sleep early so that you get enough rest for the next day’s hiking.
DAY 3 : SADDLE HUT (3570 M) – RHINO POINT (3850 M) – PEAK ( 4566 M) – RHINO POINT (3850 M) – SADDLE HUT (3570 M) – MIRIAKAMBA HUT (2541 M)
WALKING TIME: 10-12 HOURS
You will start climbing between 1 to 2 at night. The route is very steep towards Rhino Point (3850 m) and from there towards the summit along very narrow ridge. You will reach the mount meru summit, Socialist Peak, (4566 m) right at the sunrise. The sceneries there are stunning; you will see Mount Kilimanjaro in close distance. After taking photos on the summit you will descent back to Saddle hut.
Note: On icy conditions or strong wind it is not necessarily possible to pass the ridge between Rhino Point and summit. You guide will decide if the conditions are not good enough to continue.
DAY 4 : MIRIAKAMBA HUT (2541 M) – MOMELLA GATE (1500 M)
WALKING TIME: 2-5 HOURS
You will leave about at 8.00 in the morning and descent to Momella gate. You can choose longer or shorter route down. On the longer way down you have very good changes to see wildlife and the ash cone. Once at the gate, it’s time to tip your porters, guide, cook and game ranger. After that your transportation back to Moshi will be waiting for you.
Option Two
3 Day Mount Meru Climb quick over view 3 days / 2 nights
Day 1: Arusha – Momella gate – Mariakamba Hut
Drive 1 Hr, Hike Distance 10 km, 4 – 5 hrs, 1000m ascent, Altitude: 2516m
Drive to the Arusha National Park gate at Momella. For the first section of the climb through the lush forest, crossing the Ngare Nanyuki river to reach Miriakamba Hut at 8337ft/2541m for overnight stay. Dinner and overnight Mariakamba Hut.
Day 2: Mariakamba Hut to Saddle Hut
Hike Distance 4km, 2 – 3 hrs, 1050m ascent, Altitude: 3566m
Continue to ascend steeply through the pleasant forest glades and giant heather to reach Saddle Hut at 11,713ft/3570m.
From here it is possible to take a side trek to reach the summit of Little Meru 12,450ft/3794m and return to Saddle Hut in about 2 hours. Dinner and overnight Saddle Hut.
Day 3: Saddle Hut to Meru Summit to Momella Gate
Hike distance 5km ascent + 19km descent, 4 – 5 hrs ascent + 6-8 hours descent, 1000m ascent, Altitude: 4566m
An early start to reach Rhino Point and then on to the summit at 14,981ft/4566m to see the sunrise behind Mount Kilimanjaro, before descending back to Momella Gate to be met and transferred back to your hotel. Drive 1 hr back to Arusha.