Mount Meru

5 Days 4 Nights

Minimum Age

16
Maximum Age

80
Language

English, French, Spanish, Kiswahili, Sign Language
Accommodation

Hotel before and after your hike, Sleeping Huts
Permits

All Arusha National Park fees included
Best season

Dry seasons: January to mid-March and June to October
Fitness level

It’s more suitable for hikers with moderate fitness, but not ideal for complete beginners due to the challenging summit day.
Meals

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are freshly prepared daily. Designed to keep you full and provide the energy and nutrients needed for the climb.
Maximum Altitude

Socialist Peak: 4,566m (14,980 ft)

Mount Meru Route – Kilimanjaro’s Overlooked Gem

Often overshadowed by its famous neighbor, Mount Meru is Tanzania’s second-highest mountain and an ideal acclimatization climb before Kilimanjaro. Over 4 days, hikers traverse dense rainforest, open heathland, and dramatic ridge lines with sweeping views of Arusha National Park and Kilimanjaro itself. Less crowded and teeming with wildlife, Meru offers a more intimate and wild trekking experience. With its challenging summit approach and stunning sunrise views from Socialist Peak, Mount Meru is a rewarding adventure in its own right.

Highlights

Wildlife Sightings in Arusha National Park
Diverse Landscapes from Forest to Crater
Fewer Crowds, More Solitude
Stunning Ridge Walk to the Summit
Excellent Acclimatization for Kilimanjaro

Itinerary

Day
One

Arrival in Moshi

Arrive in Moshi and transfer to your lodge. Enjoy a pre-climb briefing with your guides, check gear, and get a good night’s rest. Your Mount Meru adventure begins tomorrow.

Dinner

Comfort Hotel
Day
Two

Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut

Elevation: 1,500m (4,921 ft) to 2,514m (8,248 ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,014m (3,326 ft)
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours

Start the trek through Arusha National Park with an armed ranger, passing open grassland and forest home to giraffes, buffalo, and monkeys. The trail ascends gradually to Miriakamba Hut, nestled in the forest.

Tip: Keep your camera ready for wildlife sightings!

6 hour

Lunch + Dinner + Breakfast

Sleeping Huts
Day
Three

Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut

Elevation: 2,514m (8,248 ft) to 3,570m (11,712 ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,056m (3,465 ft)
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 3–5 hours

Climb steeply through montane forest and into heathland. The trail offers beautiful views of Meru’s crater and ash cone. Saddle Hut sits below Little Meru, your warm-up peak for acclimatization.

Highlight: Optional hike to Little Meru (3,820m / 12,533 ft) in the afternoon.

5 hour

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Sleeping Huts
Day
Four

Saddle Hut to Socialist Peak to Miriakamba Hut

Elevation: 3,570m (11,712 ft) to 4,566m (14,980 ft) to 2,514m (8,248 ft)
Elevation Gain: 996m (3,268 ft) to summit
Elevation Loss: 2,052m (6,732 ft) to Miriakamba
Distance: 18 km (11.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 10–12 hours

Summit day begins around midnight. Follow the narrow crater ridge to Socialist Peak for a breathtaking sunrise over Kilimanjaro. After photos and celebration, descend to Saddle Hut for a break, then continue down to Miriakamba Hut.

Tip: Layers and headlamps are essential for this early start.

12 hour

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Sleeping Huts
Day
Five

Miriakamba Hut to Momella Gate

Elevation: 2,514m (8,248 ft) to 1,500m (4,921 ft)
Elevation Loss: 1,014m (3,326 ft)
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

Descend gently through forest and open glades back to Momella Gate. Say farewell to your guides and enjoy a well-earned rest in Arusha.

Highlight: Watch for colobus monkeys and hidden waterfalls along the descent.

4 hour

Breakfast + Lunch

Comfort Hotel

Cost Includes

Transfer from hotel to mountain
Meals on the hike
Salaries for professional guides and porters
All park fees and taxes

Cost Excludes

International flights, Airport taxes, Visa fee
Travel insurance
Lunch, dinner and beverages in the hotel
Snacks and energy bars, Items of a personal nature
Tips for the climbing crew
Personal gear rentals and purchases
Single supplement

Dates

See all departures at Mount Meru

FAQs for the Mount Meru

When is the best time to climb Mount Meru?

The best seasons are January to early March and June to October, when skies are clear and trails are drier.

How long is the Mount Meru trek, and how many days does it take?

The trek is approximately 45 km (28 miles) over 4–5 days, with daily hikes ranging from 4 to 12 hours.

Do you sleep in tents on Mount Meru?

No! You stay in mountain huts provided by the national park at each campsite - Miriakamba Hut and Saddle Hut. These huts are basic but solid structures with bunk beds and mattresses, usually shared with other trekkers

What makes Mount Meru unique?

It features a dramatic crater ridge, stunning sunrise views, and less-crowded trails through a wildlife-rich national park.

Is Mount Meru a good acclimatization hike for Kilimanjaro?

Yes! Meru is perfect for acclimatization, especially if you’re planning to climb Kilimanjaro shortly afterward.

Is Mount Meru suitable for beginners?

It’s more suitable for hikers with moderate fitness, but not ideal for complete beginners due to the challenging summit day.

How difficult is the summit climb?

Summit day is physically demanding, with a midnight start, narrow ridges, and steep terrain requiring good stamina.

What kind of wildlife can I see on Mount Meru?

Expect to see giraffes, zebras, buffalo, monkeys, and many bird species—especially in the first few days through Arusha National Park.

Is Mount Meru crowded like Kilimanjaro?

No, it’s far less crowded, offering a peaceful and remote experience with more chances to connect with nature.

Do you need a guide or ranger on Mount Meru?

Yes, all treks are guided and require an armed ranger due to wildlife in the park.

What’s the biggest advantage of climbing Mount Meru?

A stunning ridge-line summit, wildlife encounters, and a more intimate trekking experience—all within a shorter, scenic hike.