4-day Mount Meru ascent in Tanzania
Join us on this fascinating 4-day trek to the summit of Mount Meru, the second highest summit in Tanzania after Kilimanjaro.
4 Days
All year
Intermediate
Intermediate
Description
Mount Meru, situated in Tanzania’s Arusha National Park, is an impressive stratovolcano rising to 4,566 meters (14,967 feet). Though often overshadowed by its famous neighbor, Kilimanjaro, it offers its own distinct charm with a striking cone-shaped peak and diverse ecosystems.
In this trip we invite you to summit Mount Meru via the popular Momella Route, which goes through lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and rugged rocky slopes, providing breathtaking views of the East African plains and Kilimanjaro itself.
At the summit, Socialist Peak, you will be rewarded with sweeping vistas of the Great Rift Valley. Beyond its natural beauty, Mount Meru holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for local ethnic groups.
Combining rich biodiversity with cultural importance, Mount Meru is an enticing destination if you are seeking a more off-the-beaten-path adventure in Tanzania.
Please reach out if you are interested in getting to Mount Meru iconic summit! We will be glad to guide you there.
If you are interested in joining a group for a Kilimanjaro ascent, we invite to check this 6-day Kilimanjaro ascent via the Marangu route.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transportation start and back
- Permit and entrance fees
- Group equipment
Price details
- Airfares and visas
- Tips for your guides and crew
- Personal items
- Travel insurance (you must be insured, and specifically for treks up to 4500m)
- Your personal trekking gear.
- Your personal medicines or prescriptions
- Snacks on the mountain
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Momella Gate to Miriakamba Huts
Your 4-day Mount Meru trek begins with a drive to Arusha National Park and directly to the trailhead at Momella Gate, a journey that takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Upon arrival, your guides will handle the entry permit formalities, and you’ll begin your trek toward Miriakamba Huts. Along the way, you may encounter wildlife such as warthogs, zebras, monkeys, antelopes, and possibly even elephants. Upon reaching Miriakamba Huts, a hot lunch will be served. You can either rest or explore the surrounding area. Meals: Lunch, Dinner
- Elevation: 1,387 m to 2,514 m
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Distance: 10 km
Day 2: Miriakamba Huts to Saddle Huts
After breakfast, the trek continues toward Saddle Huts. The trail quickly moves out of the rainforest, giving way to heath and moorland with stunning panoramic views. Upon reaching Saddle Huts, energetic hikers may opt for an additional trek to Little Meru Peak, which helps with acclimatization. A hot lunch and dinner will be served at the camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Elevation: 2,514 m to 3,570 m
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 8 km
Day 3: Saddle Huts to summit and back to Miriakamba Huts
The day begins with a midnight wake-up to begin the trek toward Socialist Peak. The hike is challenging, with steep sections leading to Rhino Point and Cobra Point, so proceed with caution. You’ll reach the summit (4,565 m/14,977 ft) by sunrise, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views and an unforgettable sunrise. After taking in the sights, the descent leads back to Miriakamba Huts for a well-deserved hot lunch, dinner, and overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Elevation: 3,570 m to 4,565 m, then back to 2,514 m
- Hiking Time: 8-12 hours
- Distance: 19 km
Day 4: Miriakamba Huts to Momella Gate and return to Arusha
After breakfast, the final leg of the trek follows the northern route, descending back to Momella Gate in 2 to 3 hours. Although the descent is shorter than the ascent, there are still chances to spot wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Once at the gate, you’ll bid farewell to your hiking crew. Your driver will then take you back to your chosen hotel, where you can celebrate your successful ascent and relax for the night. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Elevation: 2,514 m to 1,387 m
- Hiking Time: 2-4 hours
- Distance: 7 km
Details
Accommodation
Accommodation is in huts during the trek. All hut accommodation is based on a sharing basis (i.e. you will be sharing with your travel companion a twin/double room). If you travel alone, we will match you with a same-sex adventurer. Single accommodation is not available in huts while on the trek, because it is the park rangers who assign the trekkers to the huts.
More info
The final summit section includes some easy but exposed, unsecured scarmbling sections, requiring hikers to have a good head for heights and strong surefootedness. In the event of adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, icy rocks, or dense fog, the park ranger may cancel the summit attempt for safety reasons. Climbing Mount Meru during the rainy season in April and May is not recommended.
FAQs
How many days does it take to climb Mount Meru?
The standard trek takes 4 days and 3 nights. Some experienced climbers complete it in 3 days, but 4 days is recommended for better acclimatization and enjoyment.
Is Mount Meru a good preparation for Kilimanjaro?
Yes! Mount Meru is often used as an excellent acclimatization trek before attempting Mount Kilimanjaro. It helps your body adjust to high altitudes and strengthens hiking stamina.
What are the accommodations like on Mount Meru?
Trekkers stay in mountain huts (simple dormitory-style accommodations) at Miriakamba Hut and Saddle Hut during the trek.
Is altitude sickness a risk on Mount Meru?
Yes, although less common than on Kilimanjaro. Ascending gradually, staying hydrated, and following the guide’s instructions help reduce the risk.
When is the best time to climb Mount Meru
January to early March
June to October
Can I combine a Mount Meru trek with a safari?
Absolutely! Since Mount Meru is in Arusha National Park, many trekkers combine it with a safari in nearby parks like Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, or Serengeti.
About the guide
Kiliholidays
4.5
(12)
Tour Operator
Mack was born and raised in Arusha, northern Tanzania, within a warm and close-knit Maasai family. He is the eighth of twelve children and has dedicated much of his career to guiding tours across East Africa.
Although Mack pursued studies in Information Communication Technology and specialized in Procurement and Supply Management, he feels most at home in the African wilderness. His passion lies in Travel and Tourism Management, and as he gained experience, he was inspired to create his own Adventure and Wildlife expeditions, bringing a personal touch to each journey. Driven by a deep love for nature and conservation, Mack has shaped his safaris into unique, high-quality experiences.
Mack’s talent for coordinating and organizing group tours ensures a hassle-free, seamless experience, allowing his clients to fully immerse themselves in the adventure of a lifetime.
Languages
French | English
What people are saying about Kiliholidays
Bart
I want to clarify that Explore Share put us in contact with Kiliholiday (Mack), as our "guide" for this trip. Mack of Kiliholidays was the problem that made my wife miserable, was not honest with us about accommodations, and ruined our trip. We worked with a total of 4 actual guides on our trip, who were independent guides contracted by Kiliholiday to help us. We had two guides on the Kilimanjaro hike (Baha and Paul), and two guides on our Safari (Godfrey and Emanuel). These were all independent and not employees of Kiliholidays, only Mack was officially with KIliholidays and we only saw him upon arrival and when he wanted more money. The Vehicle we started the Safari in broke down multiple times, and eventual we had to have another guide meet us with a working vehicle. The vehicles were owned by Kiliholiday, and it was not the guides fault. Both Safari Guides and the Kilimanjaro guides were very knowledgeable and helpful.
William
Hey Mack, Just wanted to say a big thank you to you and the team for such an amazing trip on Kilimanjaro, we had the best weekend. We wanted to pass along that the team was awesome, and felt like we were in great hands being led by Baha. He and Paul worked really well together and both brought different knowledge, they were fantastic from start to finish and we felt extremely supported throughout the climb. I think we were very lucky to have Baha and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to other groups. The team of porters, cook and other guides were truely excellent and the tour went well above expectations. Thanks for giving us the trip of a lifetime. All the best.
Rinalds
Guide was trying, but there is still a huge gap between quality service and a reality. If you are looking for advenutes, it is ok. If you want a smooth experiance, no way.
Kalys
My friend and I recently trekked to Mt. Kilimanjaro with Kiliholidays. We had a wonderful time!!! Our guides Paroko and Baracka were AMAZING! They were so friendly, patient, encouraging, and helpful! We loved talking to them and learning more about Tanzania! The rest of our team, the porters and cook, were just as friendly and warm. Everything we had discussed in our e-mails with Mack prior to the trek were executed as advertised! My only recommendation is you might want to bring a warm blanket as it can get very cold and the sleeping bags they provide are not the most warm. As with all tours, especially something as serious as going on a week-long climb, make sure to discuss all the fine details of the trip beforehand to ensure you know precisely what is included and what will cost extra, such as oxygen, sleeping bags, walking poles, etc. We made sure to ask these questions and Mack was excellent with communicating with us. Loved his transparency and honesty. For the price and service provided, I would definitely recommend booking with Kiliholidays!!!
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