Mount Meru offers a rewarding and scenic climb with a blend of wildlife, rich ecosystems, and challenging treks to the summit, making it an unforgettable experience.
Overview
This 3-day climb to the summit of Mount Meru offers an exciting trekking adventure through Arusha National Park, providing both wildlife encounters and stunning views of Tanzania’s second-highest peak. This climb is ideal for acclimatization before attempting Mount Kilimanjaro or for those seeking a shorter yet challenging trek.
Trip Highlights
- Summit Mount Meru, Tanzania's second-highest peak
- Walk through Arusha National Park’s rich wildlife and scenic landscapes
- Experience views of Kilimanjaro and the Great Rift Valley from the summit
- Hike with a professional guide and an armed ranger for safety due to wildlife presence
- Optional hike to Little Meru for acclimatization
Itinerary
• Elevation: 1,387 meters (4,550 feet) to 2,514 meters (8,250 feet)
• Walking Time: 4-6 hours
• Distance: 10 km
Morning:
After breakfast in Arusha, drive to Arusha National Park (1-hour drive) and proceed to Momella Gate for park registration. You’ll be introduced to an armed ranger who will accompany you during the trek due to the presence of wildlife.
Hike:
Begin your ascent through open grassland, where you may spot giraffes, buffaloes, and warthogs. The trail passes through montane forest, offering rich wildlife sightings, including colobus monkeys and various bird species. By mid-afternoon, reach Miriakamba Hut for dinner and overnight.
Overnight:
Miriakamba Hut (2,514 meters)
• Elevation: 2,514 meters (8,250 feet) to 3,570 meters (11,712 feet)
• Walking Time: 3-5 hours
• Distance: 8 km
Morning:
After breakfast, begin trekking through the dense forest, following a steep trail. Pass through lush montane forest before transitioning to the heath and moorland zone. Along the way, you’ll get glimpses of Mount Meru's towering cliffs and the Ash Cone.
Hike:
The hike today is shorter but steeper, with scenic views of the mountain and Kilimanjaro on clear days. Arrive at Saddle Hut in the early afternoon, giving you time to rest or take an optional short hike to Little Meru (3,820 meters) for acclimatization and panoramic views.
Overnight:
Saddle Hut (3,570 meters)
• Elevation: 3,570 meters (11,712 feet) to 4,566 meters (14,980 feet) (summit), descend to 2,514 meters (Miriakamba Hut), and finally back to Momella Gate
• Walking Time: 10-12 hours
• Distance: 15-18 km
Midnight (Summit Push):
Around midnight, begin your ascent to the summit of Mount Meru. The trail is steep, with rocky sections and narrow ridges. You’ll trek in the dark with headlamps to reach the summit at sunrise.
Summit:
After approximately 5-6 hours, reach Socialist Peak (4,566 meters), the highest point on Mount Meru. From here, enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Great Rift Valley, and Arusha National Park.
Descent:
After taking photos and resting at the summit, begin your descent to Saddle Hut for a short break and breakfast. Continue descending to Miriakamba Hut for lunch, and then trek down to Momella Gate. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Arusha, where you’ll arrive in the late afternoon.
Costs
The Trip Cost Includes
- Round-trip transportation from Arusha to Momella Gate
- Park entrance fees for Arusha National Park
- Mount Meru climbing permits and fees
- Professional English-speaking guide, armed ranger, and porters
- Full-board accommodation (huts) on the mountain
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Bottled water and hot drinks (coffee/tea)
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen
The Trip Cost Excludes
- Personal travel insurance
- Tips for guides, porters, and rangers
- Personal hiking gear (e.g., boots, jackets, poles)
- Snacks, drinks, and personal items
- Accommodation before and after the climb in Arusha
- Additional tours or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary
FAQs
No, prior hiking experience is not mandatory, but you should be in good physical condition to handle steep climbs and long trekking hours.
The 3-day trek is considered challenging due to the elevation gain, the steep ascent to the summit, and long hiking hours. It’s shorter and more intense, especially on summit day.
You may spot giraffes, buffaloes, elephants, warthogs, and colobus monkeys, especially in the lower parts of the trek. The park is known for its wildlife, and you’ll hike with a ranger for safety.
The best times to climb Mount Meru are during the dry seasons from June to October and December to February. These months offer clearer skies and better trekking conditions.
It’s recommended to hydrate well, pace yourself, and avoid rushing during the climb. The 3-day trek is more intense, so ensuring proper acclimatization is key.
Essentials include sturdy hiking boots, a warm jacket, waterproof gear, a headlamp for the summit ascent, gloves, a hat, snacks, and a refillable water bottle
Temperatures at the summit can drop to freezing levels (0°C to -5°C), especially during the early morning. Proper layering and warm clothing are essential.
You will cover approximately 33-36 km over the 3 days, depending on the specific route and weather conditions.
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