Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second highest mountain at 4,566m, is located in Arusha National Park and is renowned for its spectacular scenery and wildlife diversity, making it one of the most scenic mountains in Tanzania. The Mount Meru trekking presents a challenging climb due to its steepness, yet it serves as an excellent means to acclimatize before attempting the more formidable Mount Kilimanjaro. Climbers on Mount Meru are accompanied by an armed ranger, a necessity due to the abundance of wildlife encountered on the lower slopes. Additionally, Mt. Meru holds historical significance, with some suggesting it was the resting place of Noah’s Ark after the waters of the biblical flood receded. For those looking for a climbing challenge and the experience of being in the wild, yet may not feel prepared to tackle Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru trekking is a compelling trekking option.
On your arrival, you will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to a hotel in Arusha town; where you will meet a mountain guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gears. The missing gears can be hired on this day or on the next morning before leaving for Meru.
Hotel in Arusha: bed and breakfast included.
You will depart the hotel at 0800hrs and head to the Momella gate which is the starting point of the trek. The drive to the gate is roughly an hour and a half. After the registration you will start your trek accompanied by an armed ranger. Along the route you will catch spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the Momella lakes. You will encounter animals such as cape buffaloes, giraffes, warthogs and bushbucks, to name a few. Your trek will end up at Miriakamba Hut where you will be spending the night.
Distance covered: 6 km / 3.5 miles.
Approx. time taken: 4 - 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.
Today’s trek takes you through the steep path along the ridge of the saddle. Amazing views of the Meru crater, the ash cone and little Meru can be seen along the way. While trekking through the forest keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and the attractive wild flowers. Common animals include buffaloes and the black and white Colobus monkey.
Your trek will end up at Saddle hut where you will be spending the night. After resting at the camp you will set off on an hour acclimatization trek to little Meru (3810m) then head back down to Saddle hut.
Distance covered: 6.5 km / 4 miles
Approx. time taken: 3 – 4 hours
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.
You will wake up just after midnight for a light meal then start your final ascent to Socialist Peak at the top of big Meru. The trail to the summit is steep and you will be climbing through gravel and rocky ridges. While at the summit you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Meru crater and ash cone.
Occasionally, animals such as Klipspringers and mountain reedbucks can be seen over the rocky terrain. After the summit, you will then descend to Miriakamba Hut where you will be spending the night.
Distance covered: 19 km / 12 miles.
Approx. time taken: 10 – 12 hours.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.
Whoever would wish to do this route in only three days, would go from the peak directly to the momella gate.
After breakfast you will begin your final descent to Momella gate. You will be using the southern route to descend. During your descent you will pass through the mountain forest where you will pass the amazing Fig Tree Arch. Upon arrival at the Momella gate, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel back in Arusha town.
Distance covered: 14 km / 8.5 miles.
Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.
1 Pax | 2 Pax | 3 Pax | 4 Pax | 5 Pax | 6 Pax | 7 Pax | 8 Pax | 9 Pax | 10+ |
$870 | $709 | $675 | $625 | $550 | $500 | $475 | $425 | $375 | $325 |
As we mentioned, Mount Meru is only the little brother of Mount Kilimanjaro. In total there are 6 optional routes for Kilimanjaro. Please find in the buttons below the information and daily itinerary of the routes.