Mount Meru Trekking

The rugged Mount Meru dominates the horizon of Arusha National Park at a height of 4,566m (14,950ft). This dormant volcano is Tanzania’s second highest mountain and offers an unique scenery and stunning views. Although Mount Meru is often called ‘a warming-up trek’ for Kilimanjaro, you should not underestimate this steep mountain. The foothills of the mountain are populated by buffaloes, monkeys, zebras, giraffes and colourful birds. Going up to the top, the landscape slowly changes from savannah and rainforest to moorland and rocky mountain desert. The view from the summit overlooking Kilimanjaro and the African plains is spectacular and makes it worth the journey.

Day 1: Momella Gate – Miriakamba Hut

We pick you up from your accommodation and drive you to Momella Gate (1,500 m) in Arusha National Park, where your trekking starts. Walk in 4 hours through the rainforest, where you can see waterfalls and a variety of wildlife, all the way up to Miriakamba Hut (2,516 m). In the afternoon you arrive at Miriakamba Hut where you have dinner and overnight in warm cabins.

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut – Saddle Hut

Today you trek from Miriakamba Hut to the Saddle Hut (3,550 m) where you arrive in the early afternoon. After some rest the trek continues to Little Meru (3,800 m). This short walk of 1,5 hours to the top of Little Meru is to let your body adjust to elevation. The views from this point are superb. You continue your trek back down to the Saddle Hut for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Saddle Hut – summit – Miriakamba Hut

Wake up at midnight to start your trekking uphill to Rhino Point (3,800 m) and ahead to the summit (Socialist Peak, 4,560 m). This is the most challenging part of the trekking since you follow a narrow path on the crater rim and walk mainly on rocks. Reach the summit in 4-5 hours, just before sunrise. Enjoy the beautiful 360 degree views and ‘ash cone’ in the middle of the mountain. Descend back down to the Saddle Hut for breakfast. After some rest, you walk further down to Miriakamba Hut for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Miriakamba Hut – Momella Gate

Today is a fast descent through forest and grassland. The trail offers great sights of the crater and the plains of Arusha National Park. After 2-3 hours you arrive at Momela Gate, where we pick you up in the later morning and bring you back to your accommodation in Arusha.

Check also our Kilimanjaro Trekking itinerary