Mount Meru Climbing

For passionate trekkers, Mount Meru Climbing offers an unforgettable experience that is unique and fulfilling, and with its own special set of challenges. This trek is not just about pushing your limits, but also about enjoying every step of the journey amidst the stunning and diverse flora and fauna surrounding the mountain.

Mount Meru the fifth highest mountain in Africa. As a passionate adventurer and nature lover, you might crave the adrenaline rush that comes with conquering a challenging trail like Mount Meru.

 

Mount Meru Climbing Routes

Our Ultimate Guide to Conquering Mount Meru Climbing will help you plan, prepare, and execute your dream trek. From choosing the right gear to acclimatizing to high altitude, we will guide you to cover everything you need to know to make your Mount Meru trekking experience successful and rewarding. No matter if you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-timer, this comprehensive guide has something for everyone.

Mount Meru, located in Arusha National Park, is the fifth highest mountain in Africa and offers a challenging trekking experience to adventure seekers. The mountain stands at a towering height of 4,566 meters, and despite being overshadowed by the more famous Mount Kilimanjaro, it offers a unique trekking experience with its diverse flora and fauna, stunning views, and challenging routes

Mount Meru climbing can take between three to four days depending on the chosen route and the physical fitness of the trekker. There are two main trekking routes to Mount Meru summit the Momella Route and the Meru Crater Route. The Momella Route is the most popular and most frequently used route. It is the easiest of all routes and offers stunning views of the Arusha National Park and its wildlife. The Meru Crater Route is considered the most challenging route due to the steep ascent and the rugged, rocky terrain.

Mount Meru climbing can take place all year-round, but the best time or meru trek is during the dry season from June to February. During this time, the views are spectacular, the weather is favorable, and the trails are less muddy and slippery.

Arrival Day: Arusha Airport:

You’ll be met by our ground handling team at Arusha Airport and transferred you to the delightful accommodation in Arusha.

Day 1: Momella Gate to Miriakamba Huts

  • Elevation: 4,921 ft to 8,250 ft
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest

We depart Arusha for Momella Gate in Arusha National Park for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins in open grassland with an armed ranger as the possibility of seeing wildlife – giraffe, zebras, antelope, elephant and buffalo – is high. We climb steadily through the rain forest until the reach Miriakamba Huts, situated in a grassy glade.

Day 2: Miriakamba Huts to Saddle Huts

  • Elevation: 8,250 ft to 11,712 ft
  • Distance: 8 km
  • Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
  • Habitat: Heath

We continue climbing through the rain forest until we enter the heath zone accompanied by giant heather and other moorland vegetation. Along the ridge of the saddle, we have views of Mount Meru Crater and the Ash Tray. After arriving at Saddle Huts, there is an option to hike to the top of Little Mount Meru for superb views and to further aid acclimatization.

Day 3: Saddle Huts to Summit

  • Elevation: 11,712 ft to 14,977 ft
  • Distance: 5 km
  • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Summit to Miriakamba Huts

  • Elevation: 14,977 ft to 8,250 ft
  • Distance: 13 km
  • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
  • Habitat: Heath

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our climb to the summit. The trail is steep to Rhino Point and then Cobra Point. The path continues along the ridge of ash and rock to the summit – Socialist Peak. Here we enjoy magnificent views of Kilimanjaro and the sunrise before returning to Miriakamba Huts.

Day 4: Miriakamba Huts To Momella Gate

  • Elevation: 11,712 ft to 4,921 ft
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Hiking Time: 2-4 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest

On our last day, we descend quickly through the tropical rainforest to Momella Gate. At the base of the mountain, our vehicle will meet us and drive us back to the hotel or Arusha airport.

INCLUDED IN TREKKING PACKAGE:

  • Mount Meru trekking according to the itinerary
  • Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide.
  • Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
  • Pre accommodations (1 night Bed and Breakfast)
  • Airport Transfers.
  • Meals according to the itinerary.
  • Drinking water and Full Board meals.
  • All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT.
  • Rescue Fees and Emergency Evacuation Coverage with AMREF.
  • Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages.
  • Gate Transfers.
  • Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder.

EXCLUDED FROM TREKKING PACKAGE:

  • Visa fees.
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Gamow Bag.
  • Compulsory tips for crew/day from group (average tip is anything from USD $20/guide | USD $15/assistance guide | USD $10/Chef | USD $5/@porter.)
  • Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
  • Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.

Arrival Day: Arusha Airport:

You’ll be met by our ground handling team at Arusha Airport and transferred you to the delightful accommodation in Arusha.

Day 1: Arusha –Momela Gate –  Maria Kamba Hut

  • Altitude: 1,387 m to 2,514 m
  • Hiking distance: 10 km
  • Hiking time: 4-6 hours time

Start your adventure with a scenic drive from Arusha to the Momela Gate, where you’ll complete registration and meet your team for the trek ahead. From here, your journey begins with an armed ranger escort, ensuring safety as you hike through the beautiful Montane Forest. Along the way, keep your eyes open for the incredible wildlife that inhabits the area, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, and various species of monkeys. The trek to Meriakamba Hut follows a moderately challenging trail, providing you with plenty of time to adjust to the altitude while enjoying the natural surroundings.

Day 2: MariaKamba Hut – Saddle Hut

  • Altitude: 2,514 m to 3,570 m
  • Hiking distance: 8 km
  • Hiking time: 3–5 hours

After an early breakfast, you’ll embark on your trek toward Saddle Hut, navigating a steep but incredibly rewarding ascent. As you climb higher, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Meru Crater and the impressive Ash Cone, making the effort worthwhile. Upon reaching Saddle Hut, a hot lunch will be ready, allowing you to refuel and relax after the challenging hike. Once you’ve rested, you have the option to take a short hike to the summit of Little Meru, where you’ll be greeted with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, a perfect way to end the day.

Day 3: Saddle Hut – Summit – Momela Gate

  • Altitude: 3,570 m to 4,566 m
  • Hiking distance: 5 km up, 13 km down
  • Hiking time: 12–14 hours

Summit day begins in the early hours, with a challenging ascent from Saddle Hut to Rhino Point, followed by a steep climb to Socialist Peak, the highest point of Mount Meru. Reaching the summit just as the sun rises, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking panoramic views, including the iconic sight of Kilimanjaro rising above the clouds in the distance. After taking in the incredible scenery and enjoying a short rest at the summit, you’ll begin your descent back to Saddle Hut for a well-deserved brunch. Afterward, continue your descent through the scenic landscape to Momela Gate, where a transfer awaits to take you back to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha.

INCLUDED IN TREKKING PACKAGE:

  • Mount Meru trekking according to the itinerary
  • Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide.
  • Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
  • Pre accommodations (1 night Bed and Breakfast)
  • Airport Transfers.
  • Meals according to the itinerary.
  • Drinking water and Full Board meals.
  • All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT.
  • Rescue Fees and Emergency Evacuation Coverage with AMREF.
  • Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages.
  • Gate Transfers.
  • Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder.

EXCLUDED FROM TREKKING PACKAGE:

  • Visa fees.
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Gamow Bag.
  • Compulsory tips for crew/day from group (average tip is anything from USD $20/guide | USD $15/assistance guide | USD $10/Chef | USD $5/@porter.)
  • Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
  • Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
Did Not See What you are looking?
See More Kilimanjaro Options