Mount Meru Trekking

Mount Meru is the third-highest mountain in Tanzania at 4566 meters, only the Kibo and the Mawenzi (the highest peaks of the Kilimanjaro massif) rise further into the sky. The mountain was formed by volcanic activity in the East African Rift Valley. About 250,000 years ago, the entire eastern flank of the volcano was blown away by a violent outburst, an impressive sight to this day.

The mountain is located in the middle of Arusha National Park, so the hike on the first day has a special charm. In the lowlands of the mountain, accompanied by a ranger, you will see baboons, buffaloes, giraffes and other wildlife. The ascent leads through various vegetation zones, from the grassland into the rainforest, and through the heath and moorland into the alpine desert. A great mountain, which stands unjustifiably in the shadow of Kilimanjaro.

The Meru is technically more difficult than Kilimanjaro and requires a good condition – the last 1000 meters are quite steep. However, climbing skills are not required.

The mountain is also used by many to acclimatize for the Kilimanjaro ascent – this combination is also possible with us on request. The Mount Meru climb is recommended by us as a 4 day tour. For experienced and very fit mountain hikers with high altitude experience, the tour is also suitable in 3 days. The third day of the shortened tour walks after the summit directly to the Momella Gate. Overnight stays are in simple wooden huts.

Climbing Mount Meru - 3 days

DAY ONE – ARUSHA – MOMELLA GATE – MIRIAKAMBA HUTS

You’ll be picked up from your Arusha hotel and transferred to the Momella Gate of Arusha National Park, where you’ll go through the necessary pre-climb formalities.

Today’s hiking takes you across the open grasslands of the park in the company of an armed ranger. As you’re inside a national park, you’ll have an excellent chance of spotting game such as elephants, giraffes, buffalo, monkeys, and much more during the day.

In the afternoon, you’ll begin to climb into the rainforest, where you’ll overnight in the Miriakamba huts.

DAY TWO – MIRIAKAMBA HUTS – SADDLE HUTS

You’ll pass from the lush rainforest and into the more spartan heath zone today, with giant clumps of heather and other moorland scrub dotting the terrain.

Hiking along the ridge of the Mount Meru Crater, you’ll have breathtaking views of both the crater and the Ash Tray.

For those with a little extra energy, there’s the option to ascend to the peak of Little Mount Meru for a panoramic view of Arusha and its surrounds.

DAY THREE – SADDLE HUTS – SUMMIT – ARUSHA

You’ll be up very early today. Around midnight, in fact!

It’s a steep trail that separates you from the summit of Mt. Meru and your trail takes you via Rhino Point and Cobra Point through volcanic terrain before you finally reach Socialist Point.

From here, you’ll experience a stunning sunset via of Arusha and the surrounding landscape before beginning your descent back to the Momella Gate.

Our driver will meet you at the conclusion of your adventure to take you to your Arusha accommodation.

Climbing Mount Meru - 4 days

DAY ONE – ARUSHA – MOMELLA GATE – MIRIAKAMBA HUTS

You’ll be picked up from your Arusha hotel and transferred to the Momella Gate of Arusha National Park, where you’ll go through the necessary pre-climb formalities.

In the afternoon, you’ll begin to climb into the rainforest, where you’ll overnight in the Miriakamba huts.

DAY TWO – MIRIAKAMBA HUTS – SADDLE HUTS

You’ll pass from the lush rainforest and into the more spartan heath zone today, with giant clumps of heather and other moorland scrub dotting the terrain.

Hiking along the ridge of the Mount Meru Crater, you’ll have breathtaking views of both the crater and the Ash Tray.

For those with a little extra energy, there’s the option to ascend to the peak of Little Mount Meru for a panoramic view of Arusha and its surrounds.

DAY THREE – SADDLE HUTS – SUMMIT – MIRIAKAMBA HUTS

You’ll be up very early today. Around midnight, in fact!

It’s a steep trail that separates you from the summit of Mt. Meru and your trail takes you via Rhino Point and Cobra Point through volcanic terrain before you finally reach Socialist Point.

From here, you’ll experience a stunning sunset via of Arusha and the surrounding landscape before beginning your descent back to Miriakamba Huts.

You’ll overnight here to get some well-earned rest!

DAY FOUR – MIRIAKAMBA HUTS – ARUSHA

It’s a relatively short morning of hiking through the rainforest and back to the Momella Gate.

You’ll be met here by our driver and taken to your Arusha accommodations.