Overview
Mount Meru is Tanzania's second-highest peak and a worthwhile climb in its own right. It's shorter and considerably less crowded than Kilimanjaro, and its summit trail crosses the forest and moorland of Arusha National Park before a steep final push to Socialist Peak.
Over 4 days, this itinerary takes you to the 4,566m summit at a sound pace: two nights of ascent, a pre-dawn summit push on day three, then a full descent to finish. Giraffe, buffalo and colobus monkeys are commonly seen on the lower slopes, before the trail climbs into more exposed volcanic terrain higher up.
Many travelers also use Meru to acclimatize before Kilimanjaro, getting a real taste of high-altitude trekking on a shorter, lower-stakes mountain first.
Our guide to combining Meru with a safari covers the options, and you can contact us to book your climb.
| Accommodation | Confirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with. |
|---|---|
| Meals | Full board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary. |
Day by Day (6 days)
A driver will take you from the airport to your hotel. An orientation about your trek is held at the hotel, where your guides give information about the climb and carry out a thorough check of your gear. They will also answer any further questions you have.
We leave the hotel in Arusha in the morning. The expedition starts with a drive of about one hour to Arusha National Park, whose lively vegetation is remarkably varied. The well-known film Hatari, starring Hollywood’s Hardy Kruger and John Wayne, was shot in the park. When the park formalities are finished, our trek officially starts near the Ngarenanyuki River.
The day opens with an energy-rich breakfast, followed by a steep climb along the path to Saddle Hut. Once you reach Saddle Hut, you can complete the trek to Little Meru. Afterward you come back down to Saddle Hut for dinner. You will rise at midnight to hike to the summit of Mount Meru, so try to get to sleep soon after dinner.
The Mount Meru trek begins shortly after midnight, and for the next five hours your headlamp lights the way along the path. The climb to the summit is the hardest part of the trek, and the high altitude makes reaching the top a struggle. At the peak we will give you time to take some pictures and collect yourself. The way down is absolutely mesmerizing, with scenic views of the lush mountains and vibrant landscapes. We have an unhurried lunch at the Saddle Hut, but the journey is not finished. We then walk for roughly two hours to Miriakamba Hut, where we spend the night.
A hearty breakfast at camp comes first, and then we set off on the last leg of the trek. The hike passes through Meru’s cloud forest, which looks like the enchanted woodland of a whimsical novel. The steep descent toward Momela Gate is often slippery, so please step with care. At Momela Gate you can buy sodas and Mount Meru trekking t-shirts. The Map Adventure Safari vehicle then takes you back to your starting point.
A driver will take you to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight. Should you decide on a safari or Zanzibar beach holiday – well, that is another adventure, and we would be happy to arrange it for you!
Rates Per Person
See "Accommodation & Meals" on the Overview tab for the general comfort levels available — send us your dates and group size for an exact quote.
Next: Inclusions →Inclusions
Included
- Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
- Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Getting There
Tour Start & End
This trip starts in Mount Meru and ends in Mount Meru.
Airport Information
Kilimanjaro International Airport and Mwanza Airport are the most common arrival points, depending on your route.
Transfer Information
Airport pickup and all transfers between destinations are included and arranged by our team.
Accommodation Before/After
Need a night in Mwanza or Arusha before or after this trip? We can arrange that on request.