Mount Meru
Embark on a 3-day hike up Mount Meru, starting with a thrilling walking safari where you’ll spot buffaloes, giraffes, baboons, and more. As you continue on the challenging trail, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. During the hike, you’ll spend the night in mountain huts. While this trek is often used as a pre-acclimatization for larger climbs, it is an adventure full of its own beauty and excitement.
Day 1: Pick Up from the Airport
On this day, you will be picked up from either Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport and driven to Tulia Spa & Boutique Hotel. Upon arrival and after settling in, your guide will provide a briefing about the hike, outlining what to expect each day and ensuring you have all the necessary gear for the journey.
Day 2: Arusha/Moshi to Momella Gate 1500 m – Miriakamba Hut 2500
Duration: Approximately 5 – 7 hours of hiking.
Vegetation Type: Forest.
The tour will begin shortly after breakfast. Your guide will pick you up and drive to the Ngongongare Gate, where they will handle all the necessary paperwork. You will then proceed along Arusha National Park, making a few stops to spot wildlife. After reaching the Momella Gate, a final check of porters and luggage will take place.
Following this, your 3-day trek on Mount Meru will begin at a gentle pace, referred to as “pole pole” (slowly, slowly). The first day will resemble a walking safari, with the possibility of spotting animals such as reticulated giraffes, zebras, waterbucks, and buffaloes. As the hike is within the park, an armed ranger will accompany you to the camp for safety.
Depending on your start time, you may take a longer or shorter route. Along the way, you’ll pass the Ngarenanyuki River and a stunning waterfall at the base of Mount Meru. You’ll likely reach Miriakamba Hut (2500 m) before sunset.
Day 3: Miriakamba Hut 2500 m – Saddle Hut 3500 m
Duration: 4–5 hours of hiking
Vegetation Zone: Forest Zone
After breakfast, you’ll continue your trek on Mt. Meru, following a steep path through the forest zone. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to spot various birds and animals. You’ll eventually reach Saddle Hut, located in the alpine desert zone, where you can enjoy a hot lunch (depending on your pace).
Following lunch and some rest, you’ll have the option to take an acclimatization hike to Little Meru (3,820 m). This hike offers stunning views of both Mt. Meru and the surrounding area, helping to prepare you for the summit attempt on the main Meru Mountain.
An early dinner will be served to ensure you have enough time to rest before your midnight summit attempt. You’ll aim to sleep as early as possible, ideally around 7:00 pm, to rest up for the big climb ahead.
Day 4: Saddle Hut 3500 m – Meru Summit Socialist Peak 4566 m – Arusha
Vegetation Type: Alpine desert.
Your final day on the Mt Meru trek begins with an early wake-up call at 12:30 am, followed by a light meal. Then, you’ll embark on the challenging final ascent to the summit of Africa’s fifth-highest peak. Starting with a steep climb, you’ll make your way to Rhino Point (3,800 m) and continue to Cobra Point (4,350 m).
From here, the trail follows a rocky ridge that lies between the Crater and the inner cliffs of Meru Mountain. You’ll reach the summit (4,566 m) just as the first rays of the sun light up the sky from the east. On clear mornings, this is the best time to catch a glimpse of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. The cliffs of the crater drop dramatically, reaching nearly 1,000 feet or more.
Afterward, our drivers will be waiting to take you back to Arusha or to the airport.
If you reach the summit, you’ll be awarded a certificate for completing the Meru trek (4,566 m). Those who completed the acclimatization hike at Little Meru will also receive a certificate as a recognition of their effort.
END OF THE TOUR
Included
- Porterage
- Rescue fee
- Park fees(For non-residents)
- All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
- Camping equipment
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinking water(On all days)
- Sleeping bag
Excluded
- Climbing gear
- International flights(From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Bath towels
- Tips(Tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
- Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Some meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
- This tour starts and ends in Arusha
- Book your own international flights when using this operator
- A transfer from and back to the airport is included
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost