Mount Meru Trekking

Tanzania's Perfect Safari & Kilimanjaro Prelude

Often overshadowed by its colossal neighbor, Mount Meru (4,562m / 14,968ft) is Tanzania’s best-kept secret. This spectacular dormant volcano offers one of the most rewarding and scenic treks in Africa. Rising dramatically from the savannah plains of Arusha National Park, Meru provides a complete mountain experience: lush rainforests teeming with wildlife, alpine meadows, a dramatic ash cone, and a thrilling sunrise summit climb along a breathtaking crater rim.

Why Choose Mount Meru?

The Ultimate Warm-Up: Many seasoned climbers use Meru as the perfect acclimatization trek before attempting Kilimanjaro. Its high summit and challenging final ascent prepare your body and mind perfectly.
A Wildlife Safari on Foot: Unlike Kilimanjaro, your trek begins with an armed ranger guide to protect you from the park’s wildlife, including buffalo, elephants, and giraffes, which you’ll often see along the trail.
Unbeatable Scenery: The summit view is arguably one of the finest in Africa, offering a direct view across to Kilimanjaro and down into Meru’s vast crater.
Less Crowded, More Wild: Experience the tranquility of a major peak without the crowds, offering a more intimate and personal connection with nature.

Why Choose Mount Meru?

All treks on Mount Meru follow the Momella Route, a circular trail that showcases the mountain’s diverse ecosystems. You can choose between a faster 3-day ascent or the recommended 4-day itinerary for better acclimatization and a more enjoyable experience.

This itinerary provides the best balance of acclimatization, enjoyment, and summit success.

Day 1: Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut

Trekking: 4-6 hours | Distance: 10 km | Altitude Gain: 1,500m to 2,514m
Habitat: Montane Forest & Grassland
Your adventure starts at Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. After registration, you begin your trek with an armed ranger—a unique feature of Meru! The trail winds through open grassland where you’re likely to see giraffes, buffalo, and warthogs. You then ascend into the lush montane forest, home to black and white colobus monkeys and turacos. The path climbs steadily to Miriakamba Hut, nestled at the edge of the forest with stunning views back over the plains.

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut

Trekking: 3-5 hours | Distance: 4 km | Altitude Gain: 2,514m to 3,570m
Habitat: Heath & Moorland
The climb today is short but steep, following the famed “Climb and Stroll” path. You’ll tackle a series of switchbacks through the cloud forest before emerging onto the open heathland. The vegetation changes dramatically to giant heathers and lobelias. Reach Saddle Hut by lunchtime. In the afternoon, we highly recommend taking an acclimatization hike to Little Meru (3,820m). This 1-2 hour round trip offers phenomenal views of the summit path and the crater below, significantly boosting your chances of summit success.

Day 3: Summit Day! Rhino Point to Socialist Peak & Descent to Miriakamba

Summit Push: 4-6 hours | Descent to Miriakamba: 5-7 hours | Altitude Gain: 3,570m to 4,562m
Habitat:
The day you’ve been training for! You’ll be woken around 1:00 AM for a light breakfast before beginning the challenging night ascent. The path is a narrow, spectacular ridge along the crater rim. You’ll pass Rhino Point (3,800m) and continue along the exposed but well-graded path, using your hands at times on the “Rock Steps.” Reach SOCIALIST PEAK (4,562m) just as the sun rises, illuminating Kilimanjaro in the distance—a truly magical moment. After celebrating at the summit, descend back to Saddle Hut for a rest and breakfast, then continue down to Miriakamba Hut for a well-earned night’s sleep.

Day 4: Miriakamba Hut to Momella Gate & Departure

Trekking: 2-3 hours | Distance: 7 km | Descent
After breakfast, begin your final descent via the beautiful “Northern Route,” which passes the stunning Fig Tree Arch and the picturesque Jekukumia River. This path offers a different perspective of the mountain and excellent final wildlife viewing opportunities. Arrive at Momella Gate by mid-day, receive your summit certificate, and transfer back to Arusha.

This is a strenuous option for those with excellent fitness and limited time. It combines Days 2 and 3 of the 4-day trek, going from Miriakamba Hut directly to the summit and then descending all the way back to Miriakamba in one very long day.

Day 1: Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut (as above)
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Summit (4,562m) and back to Miriakamba Hut (12-14 hours of trekking)
Day 3: Miriakamba Hut to Momella Gate (as above)

Note: We strongly advise against the 3-day trek unless you are pressed for time and an experienced, fit hiker. The success rate is lower, and the experience is much more grueling.