4-day Mount Meru climb

4 days
T3 trails
Distance: 10 - 15 km per day
250 - 500 m ascent per day
> Enjoy an extra day in the stunning Mount Meru
> Discover the local wildlife, see giraffes, zebras, and potentially elephants
> Spend the night in Mountain Huts
> Enjoy spectacular views of the Meru Crater and the impressive Ash Cone

Enjoy a 4-day hike to the summit of Mt Meru through the forest, into the high altitude alpine desert, with stunning views of a dormant volcano. At 4,566 m Mt Meru is the fifth highest mountain on the African continent and the second highest in Tanzania. About 250,000 years ago, a massive volcanic eruption blew away the entire eastern flank of the mountain and left it with the distinctive appearance it has today. The mountain became well known mainly because it is only 70 km from Mount Kilimanjaro. Mt. Meru has become a popular "warm-up" trek for Kilimanjaro climbers.

Because Mt. Meru is located in Arusha National Park, hikers must climb with an armed ranger due to the wide range of wildlife living on the mountain. On the lower slopes of the mountain, hikers are more likely to see elephants, giraffes, and buffalo! As hikers continue their ascents, the trail follows the north rim of the volcano’s crater along a dramatic ridge line. Throughout the climb, hikers sleep in designated huts along the trail. Hikers reach the summit as the sun is rising and they will have spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and of the Mt. Meru Crater.

Itinerary

Day
1

Meriakamba Hut

Duration: 03:15 h
Distance: 6.35 km
Ascent: 880 m
We drive from your hotel in Moshi to Arusha National Park (Momella Gate). After a short registration at the Gate, our walk will begin with full armed ranger escorting us, simply we can see along the way the wild animals including zebras, giraffes, monkeys, antelope, and often elephants along the route. Dinner and overnight night at Miriakamba Hut.

Miriakamba Hut

Info
Miriakamba Hut
Day
2

Saddle Hut

Duration: 04:00 h
Distance: 10 km
Ascent: 1500 m
The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a short day but a steep climb. The walk will take us slowly along the ridge for a spectacular view of the Meru Crater and the impressive Ash Cone. After hot lunch at Saddle Hut, we can make a short climb to the summit of Little Meru (3,820m) for superb views just before sunset. Dinner and overnight night at Saddle Hut

Saddle hut

Info
Saddle hut
Day
3

Summit Day

Duration: 11:00 h
Distance: 18 km
Ascent: 2514 m
We start early at around 1:30 a.m. to climb steeply to Rhino Point (3,800 m.) and on to Cobra Point (4350m). We reach the summit (4,566 m) on time for sunrise there is a possibility to see Kilimanjaro Peak above the clouds. The final part of the climb is along a spectacular narrow ridgeline between the sheer inner cliffs and the sloping outer wall of the crater. We take a short rest and brunch at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to the Meriakamba Hut.

Miriakamba Hut

Info
Miriakamba Hut
See entire itinerary

Included

  • Private transport to and from airport to your hotel

    Your trekking company is able to pick you up from the airport and bring your to your hotel. A transfer back to the airport is also included in the package.

  • Transportation to and from the start/end point

    The transport from your accommodation to the start point is taken care of. This also applies to the way back.

  • Double Layered Sleeping Mats

    Double layered mats provided by your trekking company will put you to sleep in no time.

  • Hot meals daily while on the mountain

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared during the trek. Your trekking company is bringing their own cook. Don't be surprised when you see an exclusive three course dinner on your plate.

  • Treated and filtered water

    During the trek you won't have a shortage on drinking water.

  • Hot water for washing

    Don't expect an extensive shower, but there will be the possibility to use hot water for a decent wash.

  • Altitude Sickness & First Aid Kit

    The guides carry an altitude sickness kit to monitor your pulse rate, oxygen saturation and heart rate twice a day (very useful for monitoring the symptoms of altitude sickness (AMS) at altitude). Also emergency portable oxygen is carried along. On top of that the guides are qualified Wilderness First Responders.

  • KINAPA Rescue Fee

    The fees for the Kilimanjaro Rescue Team are covered. This is managed by KINAPA, Kilimanjaro National Parks. Interesting fact: Kinapa means “We carry each other” in Swahili.

  • Park fee, camping fee, VAT and other taxes

    The park entry fees, the crater fee, camping fee and value added tax are included in the price.

  • Fair salary, food, insurance and accommodation for guide and porter(s)

    The total amount covers not only your own basics, but also those of your guide and porter. No unpleasant surprises.

  • Your own team of porters and guides

    Per person you generally have a team of 1 guide, 1 cook and 8 porters who will support you in your climb. If you are part of a group of four, you will be able to enjoy 2 guides, 1 cook and 12 porters. Although there will always be enough hands on deck, the exact amount of support staff varies per route.

  • Huts on Mount Meru

    Accommodations in Mount Meru are in mountain huts. There are two very well-appointed, big huts: ‘Miriakamba Huts’ (at 2514 Metres) and ‘Saddle Huts’ (at 3570 Metres). These huts are well equipped, they have bathrooms and solar energy. Showers, however, are not available. You must bring your own sleeping bag for the nights in the huts.

Excluded

  • Visa for Tanzania

    Visas are required for all visitors, and cost about $50. For most nationalities it is possible to get a visa upon arrival when you arrive at the airport in Tanzania. Check with your local Tanzanian embassy or consulate to see what the requirements are.

  • Flights to and from Moshi

    The total amount is also exclusive of flights to and from Tanzania. To get an idea of which airlines are visiting Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), it is best to have a look at their website.

  • Personal expenses

    All personal expenses such as drinks at the bar, washing and other similar expenses are for your own account.

  • Travel Insurance Including Repatriation

    Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. It is important that your travel insurance also covers adventures at a high altitude. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before you travel to Tanzania.

  • Tipping

    Tips for guides and porters are exclusive. You decide what you want to tip, but be generous and read our blog post about tipping when you are planning go trekking in Tanzania.

  • Portable flush toilet

    Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is available for USD 70 for the entire trek.

  • Accommodation before and after the trek

    Whether you stay in Moshi, Arusha or anywhere else, before and after the trek you have to take care of your own accommodation and meals.

FAQ

  • Mount Meru in Combination With Mount Kilimanjaro

  • What Is the Best Season to Conquer Mount Meru?

  • What Are the Huts on Mount Meru Like?

How to Book

  • Booking

  • Availability

  • Cancellation policy

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Contact our Trekking Expert
Sierd van der Bij
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