Mount Meru hiking in 3 Days/2 nights plus 1 night in Arusha
4 days, 3 nights
Min 4-Max 8
18+
Arusha/Moshi
Mount Meru is the fifth highest peak in Africa and the second highest in Tanzania at 4,566 meters (14,990 feet). Its peaks and eastern slopes lie protected within the Arusha National Park, home to 400 different species of birds, rhinos, elephants, buffalo, monkeys, warthogs, black and white Columbus monkeys and antelope. Meru offers unparalleled views of its famous neighbor and the endless savannah, and in our opinion it’s a far more rewarding hiking destination than ‘Kili’ itself. Mount Meru Climb is a prime hiking experience!
The hike up to the summit of Mount Meru takes you through tropical rainforest, parkland, heathland and moorland. Passing first through wooded savannah where buffalos and giraffes are frequently encountered, the ascent of Meru leads into forests aflame with red-hot pokers and dripping with Spanish moss, before reaching the alpine desert. Overnight stay is in cozy mountain huts.
Note: Private tour departures can be arranged on your travel dates with a minimum of 2 participants.
The Mount Meru climb combines well with our safari packages.
Individual arrival to Kilimanjaro Airport (KIA) and transfer to overnight in Arusha.
In the early evening there will be a preparatory meeting for the trekking tour with the mountain guide.
After breakfast, we drive from Arusha to Momella-Gate in Arusha National Park. After a short registration at the Gate, we will begin our hike escorted by an armed ranger, simply because we can see along the way wild animals including zebras, giraffes, monkeys, antelope, and often elephants.
The path leads through a fascinating landscape of savannah and mountain forest and in about 4-5 hours we reach the mountain hut for the night. When the weather is good, the hut offers a wonderful view of Kilimanjaro, which is directly opposite.
We spend the night in well-maintained mountain huts, usually with several people in one room.
Elevation gain (m): 1,000 m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
The walk from Miriakamba-Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a short day but a steep climb. The walk will take us slowly along the ridge for a spectacular view of the Meru Crater and the impressive Ash Cone. After a hot lunch at Saddle Hut, we can make a short climb to the summit of Little Meru (3,820 m) for superb views just before sunset.
Dinner and overnight at Saddle Hut.
Elevation gain (m): 1050 m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Habitat: Forest and Moorland.
We start early at around 1:30 a.m. to climb steeply to Rhino Point (3,800 m.) and on to Cobra Point (4350m). We reach the summit (4,566 m) on time for sunrise. There is a possibility to see Kilimanjaro above the clouds. The final part of the climb is along a spectacular narrow ridgeline between the sheer inner cliffs and the sloping outer wall of the crater.
We take a short rest and brunch at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to the Meriakamba Hut. From here we take a short and fast descent way through open grassland and mixed forest, with the possibility of seeing wildlife before reaching Momella Gate in the afternoon. The returning transfer will be waiting at Momella Gate to bring us to our hotel in Moshi.
Note: The ridge between the summit and Rhino Point is not suitable for people with vertigo or fear of heights. A head for heights and surefootedness are a must. In icy conditions or strong winds it may even be impossible to pass Rhino Point and continue the climb beyond. The sunrise is just as spectacular from here as it is from Socialist Peak.
Elevation gain (m): 1,000 m (descent 3070 m)
Distance: 5 km up (13 + 10 km down)
Hiking Time: 12 – 14 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert Moorland and Montane forest.
The trekking tour ends in Moshi or Arusha, which perfectly combines with our marathon + safari programs.
Individual travel dates can be arranged upon request.
1 night in Arusha mid-range hotel
2 nights in mountain huts
Accommodation during the Meru trekking tour is in simple mountain huts (multi-bed rooms) that are shared with other hikers. The overnight stay before the hike will be in a mid-range hotel in Arusha in a double/twin room sharing.
Accommodation in a single room can also be booked at the hotel for an additional charge.
No individual accommodation possible in the mountain huts.
4x breakfast, 3x packed lunch, 1x dinner
Drinking water is provided during the Meru climb.
Vegetarians can be catered for if you inform us upon booking, however, note that the options can be extremely limited. For other dietary requirements (vegan, gluten-free, allergies, etc.), please contact us to discuss the best course of action for you.
On foot and 4x4 vehicle. Our group size is limited to 8 participants max on this hiking tour.
Tour escort
When climbing Mt. Meru you will be accompanied by a professional, experienced mountain guide and English-speaking mountain guide, assistant mountain guide as well as a porter and cook. On the first day you will also be accompanied by a ranger from the national park
Please read the corresponding section at this link: Tour Essentials
Please read the corresponding section at this link: Tour Essentials
To join this trip, you’ll need to have a high level of fitness to be able to tackle the elevation gain of around 1,000 m each day.
This trip is not be suitable for people with special needs such as reduced mobility due to local conditions and activities. If in doubt, please contact us.
Please do not send sensitive information (such as health, accident or other highly personal information) through our contact form. You may want to get in touch with us directly via phone instead.
We do strongly recommend you take out travel insurance as soon as you make your deposit to ensure the most coverage. Your travel insurance policy should at least cover medical expenses, trip cancellations, activities you intend to do, and repatriation in the event of an accident or illness. We will reach out and collect your travel insurance and emergency contact details shortly before the departure date. Your trip price with us does not include any travel insurance. Travel insurance policies are generally speaking more economical when taken out locally in your country of origin.
Mountain rescue fees are included in this trip.
On this hiking tour, there are no additional costs. Tips are included as well, however, if you wish to tip your guide/porter individually, please bring some cash.
Further details and recommendations on what to pack for hiking will be provided prior to departure.
To reserve your spot, please use our booking form.
Please note, the minimum age to participate in this tour is 18.
Should you need any support with your pre or post-tour travel arrangements, we are here to help.
Have we missed anything?
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or if you’re ready to make your Meru hiking trip a reality.
Can’t make this one? Then, simply sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when registration opens on future trips.
There are no reviews yet.
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.