Mount Meru
Mount Meru is Tanzania’s second highest mountain with its peak at 4,566 m. The mountains base is located within a foggy forest with moss-covered trees and red-hot pokers. Mount Meru’s unique appearance is the result of a volcanic eruption that destroyed its eastern wall and left a horseshoe-shaped crater behind.
Standing in the shadows of its big brother, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru struggles to attract the attention it deserves. The 4-day climb is much more demanding but will reward those who take on the challenge with dramatic scenes of the volcanic crater and fantastic views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The mountain is often used as a training and pre-Kilimanjaro acclimatization trek.
Mount Meru is situated within Arusha National Park – the home of wild animals. You might even catch a glimpse of wildlife during your trek. It is therefore necessary for a park ranger to accompany you for your safety during your trek. Nevertheless, experienced climbers will find a great alternative to Mount Kilimanjaro here – and with far fewer climbers!
Tour Duration
> 4 days, 3 nights (start: day of your choice)
Expectations
> Scenic vistas
> Wildlife encounters on the lower slopes
> No crowds compared to Mount Kilimanjaro
> Overnight in wooden hut accommodation
> Simple washrooms and toilets
Ascent & Descent
> the same route
People Traffic
> low
Level
> intermediate
> perfect for pre-Kilimanjaro acclimatization
Interested? Talk to an expert!
Sandra
As an adventurous European travel is in my blood! Tanzania is a fascinating country with so much to explore! It’s a pleasure to share my insider knowledge and offer first-hand advise. I will take the time to listen to your ideas and create a unique mountain adventure out of these – tailored to your indivudal requirements and designed just for you!
Not sure if Mount Meru is the suitable mountain for you? You have questions or missing a particular information not displayed here? Don’t worry we are here to assist!
Reach out
Phone/Whats App +255 788 391 600
Not sure – Talk to an expert
Michael
Let me show you my stunning home country and discover the true Tanzania – authentic and first-hand with a native at your side! As a Tanzanian myself, I am intimately familiar with the local conditions. With my years of experience in the bush and my passion for Tanzania, I will happily design a mountain itinerary based on your travel interests and trekking conditions.
You have any questions or are unsure if Mount Meru is the right travel destination for you? Get in touch for a first chat to discuss your requirements!
Reach out
Phone/Whats App +255 787 298 159
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival Day
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). After you have passed the passport control, you will be met by your professional safari guide outside the terminal and transferred to your accommodation in Arusha (driving distance depending on your overnight choice between 45 minutes to 1 hour). Mountain briefing, equipment check and welcome dinner with a relaxing evening before starting your Mount Meru adventure on the next morning.
Day 1: Start Trek - Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut
Start: Momella Gate (1,500 m)
Finish: Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m)
Distance: 10 km
Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours
Climate Zone: Montane forest
In the morning you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Arusha National Park. After the park formalities are completed at Momella Gate, you will start your trek with your guide and an armed ranger. An armed ranger is a must as there is a variety of wildlife living within the scenic forest. Picnic-Lunch will be taken near Maio Falls and after passing the “fig tree arch”, you will proceed your trek on to Miriakamba Hut.
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut - Saddle Hut
Start: Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m)
Finish: Saddle Hut (3,550 m)
Distance: 8 km
Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours
Climate Zone: Montane forest, heather & moorland
Optional: Walk to Little Meru (3,820 m)
Today your trek proceeds to Saddle Hut with a changing vegetation along the way from montane forest to heather and moorland. After reaching Saddle Hut you can option to hike to Little Meru (3,820 m) from which you can enjoy a splendid view over Arusha National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro. A warm meal awaits you back at Saddle Hut before proceeding for an early sleep as your wake-up call will be just after midnight.
Day 3: Saddle Hut - Summit to Socialist Peak - Miriakamba Hut
Start: Saddle Hut (3,550 m)
Peak: Socialist Peak (4,565 m)
Finish: Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m)
Distance: 19 km
Walking Time: 10 to 14 hours
Climate Zone: heater & moorland, alpine desert, montane forest
You rise early to start your final ascent. The path becomes more challenging with occasional climbing. Your trail takes you from Rhino Point (3,800 m) to Cobra Point (4,350 m) and onwards to the summit. You will reach Socialist Peak (4,565 m) as the sun rises to the East with fantastic views of Mount Meru Crater and Mount Kilimanjaro nearby. Your start your descent the same route back to Saddle Hut for some snacks and rest, and onwards to Miriakamba Hut for overnight.
Day 4: Miriakamba Hut - Momella Gate - Arusha
Start: Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m)
Finish: Momella Gate (1,500 m)
Distance: 10 km
Walking Time: 4 to 5 hours
Climate Zone: montane forest
After breakfast you start your final walk back to Momella Gate. You will once again have a chance to catch a glimpse on wildlife like buffaloes, giraffes, zebras as well as Arusha National Parks famous black-and-white-colobus monkeys. After arriving at the gate, you will say farewell to your hiking crew and taken back to Arusha.
Frequently Asked Question on the Mount Meru Trek
Why requires the Mount Meru Trek an armed park ranger?
An armed park ranger is a must as protection against wild animals. Although our Mount Meru Trek is based on private basis, it might happen that you will have to share a park ranger as there is not enough park rangers. It could therefore happen that you will walk in a larger group as one park ranger is responsible for more than one trekking group.
Is there an age limitation for the Mount Meru Trek?
As per park regulations walking in Arusha National Park is not allowed for children below 10 years. Children aged 10 to 16 years are permitted to trek until Saddle Hut (3,550 m). Children above 16 years are allowed to continue to the summit. Please note that children of any age have to be accompanied by one of their parents throughout the trek.
How will be the sanitary facilities on the Mount Meru Trek?
Simple sanitary facilities are available at Miriakamba Hut, however, no shower options and only cold running water. At Saddle Hut and onwards there will only be very basic latrines. We will provide you with a bowl of warm water for the daily wash.
What are the procedures in the event of an emergency?
Mountain rescue services can not be compared with other mountain destinations. If you find yourself unable to proceed your trek, you will either be carried or transported on a wheeled stretcher back. It is therefore important to listen to your body. Helicopters can only land at a lower altitude. It is also important to have sufficient health insurance that covers your medical expenses including rescue and repatriation costs.