- 5,416 metres
- Arusha
- Feb, Mar, Apr & May
- Trekking
- All meals during the trek
- English, Spanish, French, Chinese
- Easy to Moderate
- 2-15
- 12
- 65
Overview
Mount Meru is Tanzania’s second-highest peak (4,566m) and an excellent trek for adventure enthusiasts. The route traverses diverse landscapes, wildlife habitats, and scenic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding plains.
Highlights
- Trek to the world-famous Everest Base Camp
- Enjoy the amazing view of the Himalayas from Kala Patthar
- Travel through the Sherpa villages of Namche, Khumjung, Khunde, and Dingboche
- Visit Tengboche the biggest and oldest monastery n the region.
Itinerary
- Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport and transfer to your hotel.
- Attend a pre-trek briefing by your guide to go over the itinerary, safety protocols, and gear preparation.
- Rest and acclimatize before the adventure.
Meals: Dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation: Arusha (Gran Meliá Arusha or equivalent).
- Distance: 10 km (5–7 hours).
- Elevation Gain: 1,000m.
- After breakfast, transfer to Momella Gate (1,500m) in Arusha National Park.
- Begin your trek through lush montane forests. Spot wildlife such as giraffes, buffalo, colobus monkeys, and warthogs.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and wildlife along the trail.
- Arrive at Miriakamba Hut for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Miriakamba Hut.
- Distance: 8 km (3–5 hours).
- Elevation Gain: 1,056m.
- After breakfast, ascend through dense forest into the alpine zone. The trail becomes steeper and narrower as you approach the Saddle.
- Reach Saddle Hut, located below Little Meru.
- Optional acclimatization hike to Little Meru (3,820m) for stunning sunset views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the Arusha plains.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Saddle Hut.
- Distance: 19 km (10–12 hours).
- Elevation Gain: 996m ascent, 2,052m descent.
- Begin the summit climb at midnight with headlamps. The trail is steep and rocky, passing Rhino Point (3,800m) and Cobra Point (4,350m).
- Reach Socialist Peak (4,566m) by sunrise for breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Ash Cone, and surrounding landscapes.
- Descend to Saddle Hut for a brief rest, then continue down to Miriakamba Hut for your final night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Miriakamba Hut.
- Distance: 10 km (2–4 hours).
- Descend to Momella Gate through a different route, passing waterfalls and open savannah.
- Receive your certificate of achievement at the gate and say goodbye to your guides and porters.
- Transfer back to Arusha for rest and relaxation.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
Accommodation: Optional overnight in Arusha or transfer to the airport.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Professional trekking guide and porters.
- Park entry and camping fees (Arusha National Park).
- Accommodation in huts along the trek.
- Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and purified water.
- Transfers between Arusha and the trailhead.
The Cost Excludes
- nternational flights
- (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips
- (Tipping guideline US$15.00 pp per day)
- Personal items
- (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Some meals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Mount Meru is more demanding than it may seem due to steep ascents and altitude. It’s suitable for fit beginners but recommended for those with prior hiking experience.
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Warm clothing (layers, gloves, and a jacket)
- Sleeping bag
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp
- Reusable water bottles and purification tablets
Yes, altitude sickness can occur. It’s crucial to acclimatize, stay hydrated, and ascend gradually.
- Daytime: Warm at lower altitudes (15–20°C)
- Nighttime: Cold at higher altitudes (below 0°C
Mount Meru is less crowded, shorter, and considered a great acclimatization hike for Kilimanjaro. It’s also more wildlife-rich.
The combination of wildlife, diverse ecosystems, and the dramatic volcanic crater summit makes Mount Meru a distinctive and rewarding trek.