Mountain Trekking
3 Days Meru Trek
Overview
Mount Meru is Tanzania’s second-highest peak and a spectacular, challenging trek in its own right. The three-day itinerary is a fast-paced, steep ascent designed for physically fit hikers who want to conquer the mountain quickly. Situated in the heart of Arusha National Park, the lower slopes double as a walking safari, offering close-up encounters with giraffes, buffaloes, and elephants. The route climbs from lush fig tree forests into the high-altitude heather zones before culminating in a thrilling, narrow ridge walk along the crater rim to Socialist Peak. The ultimate reward at the top is unmatched views of the dramatic ash cone plunging below and a distant Mount Kilimanjaro breaking through the morning clouds.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut
Elevation: 1,500 m/4,921 ft to 2,500 m/8,202 ft
Distance: 10 km/6.2 mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Description: The morning starts with a drive from Arusha to Momella Gate inside Arusha National Park. Because wild animals roam freely here, an armed park ranger will accompany you for the first leg of the hike. The trail begins with a gradual, winding walk through open grasslands where you are very likely to spot grazing buffaloes, warthogs, and towering giraffes. As you climb higher, you plunge into a dense, magical forest characterized by massive strangler figs and clear mountain streams. We will take the shorter, steeper route to the hut today. The steady climb eventually brings you to the expansive wooden decks of Miriakamba Hut, which sits in a grassy glade offering your first great views of the Meru crater and the ash cone.
Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut
Elevation: 2,500 m/8,202 ft to 3,500 m/11,483 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 mi
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Description: Today’s hike is relatively short but noticeably steep. We leave the tall forest behind and enter the heather and moorland zone, ascending a path heavily lined with lush, green vegetation and wooden steps built into the trail. As you gain altitude, the air gets thinner and cooler, and the trees shrink into low-lying bushes. You will reach Saddle Hut right around lunchtime. The hut is perfectly situated in a wide, flat saddle between the main peak of Mount Meru and the smaller Little Meru. After a hot lunch and a brief rest, you have the option to take a short, highly recommended acclimatization hike up to the summit of Little Meru (3,820 m / 12,533 ft) for sunset. Afterwards, it is an early dinner and straight to your sleeping bag to prepare for the midnight summit push.
Saddle Hut to Socialist Peak to Momella Gate
Elevation: 3,500 m/11,483 ft to 4,562 m/14,967 ft to 1,500 m/4,921 ft
Distance: 5.5 km/3.4 mi up, 18.5 km/11.5 mi down
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours up, 6-8 hours down
Habitat: Alpine Desert / Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Description: Your guide will wake you around midnight for tea and biscuits before you step out into the cold, dark night. The climb starts steeply toward Rhino Point (3,800 m) before the path drops slightly and begins the most thrilling part of the trek: the narrow, rocky ridge walk along the crater rim. Navigating the sheer drop-offs in the dark requires focus and steady footing. As the sky lightens, you will push up the final steep sections of loose volcanic rock to reach Socialist Peak just as the sun rises, casting a golden light on Mount Kilimanjaro floating above the clouds in the east. After taking photos and celebrating at the summit, you begin a massive descent. You will carefully retrace your steps back to Saddle Hut for a hot brunch, then continue the long walk all the way down past Miriakamba Hut to Momella Gate, where the vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Arusha.
Included
- Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- 2 nights hotel accommodation (before & after the climb)
- All day’s park fee / Hut fee and Rescue fee
- Wages for mountain crew (porters, chef and guides)
- All Meals and Drinking water during the Trek
- Oxygen cylinder for emergency
Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzanian tourist visa fees
- Gratuities/tips for the safari guide and lodge staff
- Travel insurance and medical evacuation coverage
- Personal items, laundry, alcoholic beverages, and soft drinks
Book This Experience
Booking Form