5 DAYS Mt. Meru Trekking

Destinations

Arusha | Moshi | Mount Meru Summit

Duration

5 Days

Activities

Trekking

Detailed Trekking Itinerary

Overview

Mount Meru, placed in Arusha city, northern Tanzania is one of the grandest backdrops ever imagined; picturesque and sister peak to Africa’s highest summit, Mount Kilimanjaro, dominates the Arusha national park with its massive cliffs. Keeper of myths and legends for decades, this magnificent mountain is a photographer’s Mecca.

Mount Meru is an active (but dormant) volcanic mountain located north of Arusha City, Tanzania. Mount Meru is Tanzania’s second and fourth-highest mountain in Africa, peaking at 4562 meters above sea level.
The mountain became famous mainly because it is only 70 km from Mount Kilimanjaro and Its popularity as a “warm-up” trek for Kilimanjaro climbers.

However, the technical necessities of climbing Mount Meru are more significant than Mount Kilimanjaro. On the fourth day of trekking, you will see some wildlife, buffalos, antelopes, giraffes, and baboons, and pass through waterfalls and unique Meru streams; therefore, an assigned park ranger will accompany a group for safety purposes.

Day 1: Arrival

Pick up from Arusha city or Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Arusha, a famous tourist region sitting at the foot of Mount Meru. You will have a half Board accommodation at a Base Hotel in Arusha, where all trekking briefings will take place and final preparation to embark on the journey to Mount Meru, a sister peak to Africa’s highest summit, Mount Kilimanjaro.

DAY 2 Trekking from Arusha (1400m) – Miriakamba Hut (2500m)
  • Duration: 5-7 hours of hiking

Early in the morning, you will have breakfast at the hotel in Arusha. Afterward, you will have a short transfer from the hotel to Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. At the gate, you will have all official registrations and briefing by the park officials.

You will then start your climb through Arusha National Park. Day one hiking is similar to a walking safari as you will be crossing in the middle of Arusha national park; you should expect to encounter giraffes, zebras, antelope, buffalo, and possibly elephants near the trail.

The trekking group will be accompanied by a National Park armed ranger hired due to the high possibility of wildlife spotting. As you proceed along the trail, you’ll come across the chilling Ngarenanyuki River and a stunning
waterfall at the base of Mt. Meru.

Upon arriving at Miriakamba Hut (2500m), you will enjoy a hot dinner and washing water. The remaining time can be spent relaxing, exploring the surroundings, and enjoying the beautiful sunset overnight.

Day 3: Trekking from Miriakamba Hut (2500m) – Saddle Hut (3500m)
  • Duration: 3-5 hours of hiking

Early in the morning, after having a satisfying breakfast, you will ascend the steep trail alongside the ridge of the saddle.

You will experience some wildlife drama along the route as the climb continues! From here also, you will have a spectacular view of Mt. Meru Crater and the Ash Tray.
When you reach the camp, your guide can hike up Little Mt. Meru (3820m) to help you acclimate.

Early dinner will be served, and you have sufficient time to rest around 1900 before your midnight summit attempt.

Day 4: Trekking from Saddle Hut (3500m) – Summit (4566m)
  • Duration: 10-12 hours of hiking

You will wake up around midnight for tea, snacks, and a brief safety check for the summit ascend. At around 1:30 AM, you will then begin your summit attempt.

The trail starts steeply from the camp to Rhino Point (3800m) and Cobra Point (4350m). In the final hour of your trek, you must climb across a rocky ridge between the crater and the inner cliffs of Meru.

At sunrise, you will reach the summit of Meru (4566m) with spectacular views of Mt. Meru Ash Tray and the glorious view of Mount Kilimanjaro.

After enjoying the views and taking in all the accomplishments, we will start a descent towards Saddle Hut, where we will have a brief break, then continue descending to Miriakamba Hut (2500m) for dinner and well-earned overnight sleep.

Day 5: Descending from Miriakamba Hut (2500m) – Arusha (1400m)
  • Duration: 2-3 hours of hiking

Breakfast will be served after a good overnight sleep and in the morning, and later a final descent to Momella gate will begin. We will pass through forests and meadows where it is expected to spot wildlife, some colobus monkeys, and fantastic bird life.

At the base of Mt. Meru, the Momella gate, cars will be waiting, and you will drive back to the hotel in Arusha.

Tailor-made Trekking itinerary

If you wish to plan your Mountain trekking to Oldoinyo Lengai Mountain, Tanzania, contact us now, specifying helpful information to help us design the perfect safari for you! You will get a reply within 48 hours of business days; please check your email after you ask! Inquire Now 

What is included

The package includes

  • park fees for non-residents
  • all activities, unless specified as optional
  • all accommodations unless selected as an upgrade
  • camping equipment
  • a professional driver/guide
  • all transportation, unless selected as optional
  • all taxes/VAT
  • roundtrip airport transfer
  • meals as mentioned in the day-by-day section, and drinks, as mentioned in the day-by-day section.
What is not included

The package does not include the following items:

  • international flights to and from your home
  • any additional accommodation needed before or after the tour
  • a sleeping bag, bath towels
  • tips (a suggested amount is US$10.00 per person per day)
  • personal items such as souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, and any government-imposed increases in taxes or park fees.

More Safari Inspiration

10 Days Cultural Tour

10 Days Cultural Tour Features: Lake Manyara NP, Tarangire NP, Bargaig (Man’gati), Mto wa Mbu and Lake Eyasi Hadzabe.

7 Days Luxury Safari

7 Days Tanzania Luxury Safari Features: Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater.

10 Days Safari And Beach

10 Days Safari And Beach Features: Tarangire NP, Lake Manyara NP, Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, Serengeti NP, and Zanzibar.

Our Latest Posts

Travel Experience From Lufano Tours

Tanzania offers a captivating cultural experience and incredible wildlife on safari. Visitors can savor local cuisine, witness the Serengeti migration, and connect with nature. A trip to Tanzania is an unforgettable journey of discovery, and we do our best to share that experience and discoveries through our latest posts.

Let our Tour Expert Plan your Travel

Begin an unforgettable adventure by inquiring about our extraordinary tours and safaris. Let the journey begin!