Mount Meru
Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania and the fifth highest in Africa, with an elevation of 4,562 meters above the sea level. It is located inside of Arusha National Park, a two hours drive from Moshi. Similar to Mount Kilimanjaro, this is not a technical climb, so no special climbing gear or techniques are needed. The climb is most commonly done in fours days, although a three day option is possible (not recommended unless you are quite fit and experienced). The climb is steeper than Mount Kilimanjaro. Many people use this trek as an acclimatization hike before attempting the highest mountain in Africa. The number of people climbing Mount Meru is far less than Mt. Kilimanjaro, which makes the route less crowded. There is only one route available for climbing Mount Meru. Overnights are in simple dormitory style huts with solar power lightning as camping is not allowed on Mount Meru slopes.
3 Day Expedition
Day 1: Arusha (1400m) – Miriakamba Hut (2514m)
Duration: 5-7 hours of hiking
After early morning breakfast in Arusha (1400m), you will be picked up from your hotel and brought to the Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. At this time, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then begin your ascent in Arusha National Park. The first day of hiking is similar to a walking safari; you should expect to see Giraffes, Zebras, Antelope, Buffalo, and potentially Elephants near the trail. Due to the high possibility of spotting wildlife, an armed ranger, hired through the National Park, is required to hike with our team for the duration of the hike. As you continue hiking, you will pass the Ngarenanyuki River and a beautiful waterfall at the base of Mt. Meru. Upon arriving at Miriakamba Hut (2500m), your chef will prepare a hot dinner and washing water for you. Enjoy the beautiful sunset and overnight stay.
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut (2500m) – Saddle Hut (3500m)
Duration: 3-5 hours of hiking
After breakfast, you will start ascending up the steep trail along the ridge of the saddle. You may see various wildlife along the way! The trail has views of Mt. Meru Crater and the Ash Tray. When you arrive at camp, you have the option of hiking Little Mt. Meru (3820 m) with your guide to further acclimate. You will be served an early dinner, so you can receive ample rest before your midnight summit attempt. Get to sleep by 19h00!
Day 3: Saddle Hut (3500m) – Summit Attempt (4566m) – Miriakamba Hut (2500m)
Duration: 12-14 hours of hiking
Your guide will wake you at 00:30 A.M for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt at 1:30 A.M. The trail starts off on a steep grade from Rhino Point (3800m) to Cobra Point (4350m). In the last hour of the hike, you will scramble on a rocky ridge between the crater and inner cliffs of Mt. Meru. You will reach the summit of Mt. Meru (4565m) at sunrise with spectacular views of Mt. Meru, Ash Tray and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Enjoy your views, then descend to Saddle Hut for a short break and brunch before continuing the descent to the Momella gate. Your transfer vehicle will be waiting for you at Momella gate ready to drop you off at your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
From: $1000
Prices vary depending on the many options available. Please click below to answer a few basic questions and let us email you a personalized quote!
4 Day Expedition
Day 1: Arusha (1400m) – Miriakamba Hut (2514m)
Duration: 5-7 hours of hiking
After early morning breakfast in Arusha (1400m), you will be picked up from your hotel and brought to the Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. At this time, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then begin your ascent in Arusha National Park. The first day of hiking is similar to a walking safari; you should expect to see Giraffes, Zebras, Antelope, Buffalo, and potentially Elephants near the trail. Due to the high possibility of spotting wildlife, an armed ranger, hired through the National Park, is required to hike with our team for the duration of the hike. As you continue hiking, you will pass the Ngarenanyuki River and a beautiful waterfall at the base of Mt. Meru. Upon arriving at Miriakamba Hut (2500m), your chef will prepare a hot dinner and washing water for you. Enjoy the beautiful sunset and overnight stay.
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut (2500m) – Saddle Hut (3500m)
Duration: 3-5 hours of hiking
After breakfast, you will start ascending up the steep trail along the ridge of the saddle. You may see various wildlife along the way! The trail has views of Mt. Meru Crater and the Ash Tray. When you arrive at camp, you have the option of hiking Little Mt. Meru (3820 m) with your guide to further acclimate. You will be served an early dinner, so you can receive ample rest before your midnight summit attempt. Get to sleep by 19h00!
Day 3: Saddle Hut (3500m) – Socialist Peak (4,562 m) - Miriakamba Hut (2500m)
Duration: 12-14 hours of hiking
An additional day for acclimatization.
Day 4: Miriakamba Hut (2500m) - Summit Attempt (4566m) - Momela Gate (1500m)
Duration: 12-14 hours of hiking
Your guide will wake you at 00:30 A.M for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt at 1:30 A.M. The trail starts off on a steep grade from Rhino Point (3800m) to Cobra Point (4350m). In the last hour of the hike, you will scramble on a rocky ridge between the crater and inner cliffs of Mt. Meru. You will reach the summit of Mt. Meru (4565m) at sunrise with spectacular views of Mt. Meru, Ash Tray and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Enjoy your views, then descend to Saddle Hut for a short break and brunch before continuing the descent to the Momella gate. Your transfer vehicle will be waiting for you at Momella gate ready to drop you off at your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
From: $1300
Prices vary depending on the many options available. Please click below to answer a few basic questions and let us email you a personalized quote!
What's Included In The Price?
✓ Park Entrance Fee
✓ Transport To/From Gate
✓ Airport Transfer
✓ Mountain Chef
✓ Rescue Fee
✓ Overnight Stays in Mountain Hut
✓ Professional Mountain Guide
✓ Mountain Porters
✓ 3 Meals/Day
What's NOT Included In The Price?
✘ Flights
✘ Guide & Porter Tips
✘ Hiking Poles
✘ Additional Personal Expenses
✘ Tanzania Visa
✘ Warm Clothes
✘ Accommodation in Arusha (Can be arranged upon Request)
Recommended Equipment
✓ Sleeping Bag
✓ Waterproof Tent
✓ Warm Top/Btm Base Layers (wool)
✓ Backpack with Rain Proof Cover
✓ Waterproof Pants
✓ Flashlight
✓ Hiking Poles
✓ Hiking Boots
✓ Hiking Socks
✓ Sunglasses
✓ Waterproof Coat/Jacket
✓ Headtorch/Headlamp
✓ Warm Jacket (e.g. down jacket)
For those who aren't able to bring their own equipment,
it is possible to purchase or rent all necessary equipment in the shops.