Just outside Arusha, Mount Meru stands tall as Africa’s fifth-highest peak and one of Tanzania’s best-kept trekking secrets. This 4-day climb offers a perfect mix of adventure, solitude, and natural beauty, making it an ideal alternative or warm-up to Mount Kilimanjaro. With fewer crowds and a peaceful wilderness atmosphere, the trek promises a more personal and rewarding experience.
The journey begins in Arusha National Park, where hikers often spot giraffes, zebras, buffalos, and colobus monkeys along the trail—something unique compared to other mountain climbs. From lush montane forests to open moorlands and rugged alpine ridges, every day brings a new landscape to explore.
One of the highlights is the sunrise from Socialist Peak (4,566m), where, on clear mornings, Mount Kilimanjaro glows in the distance—a breathtaking reward after the steep, challenging ascent.
Mount Meru is more than a climb; it’s an adventure filled with wildlife encounters, diverse ecosystems, and sweeping views of the Great Rift Valley and Arusha plains. With experienced guides, rangers, and porters by your side, safety and cultural insights enrich every step.
For trekkers seeking both challenge and tranquility, Mount Meru delivers an unforgettable journey that blends trekking, safari, and pure connection with nature.
Tour Features – 4-Day Mount Meru Climb
- Scenic Experience: Hike through lush forests, moorland, and ridges with views of Kilimanjaro.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spot giraffes, buffalo, monkeys, and more in Arusha National Park.
- Serene & Less Crowded: Enjoy a peaceful climb with fewer tourists than Kilimanjaro.
- Private Tour: Tailor-made trek with dedicated guides and flexible pacing.
- Flexible Start Dates: Begin your climb on any day.
- Customizable Itinerary: Options to extend for acclimatization or adjust distances.
- Moderate Challenge: A rewarding climb with steep ascents and a dramatic final summit push.
💰 Price: $1,000 per person
We will begin the day by departing from your hotel in Arusha early in the morning. First, our journey starts with a scenic one-hour drive to Arusha National Park, where you will immediately notice the lively and versatile vegetation. Interestingly, the park served as the filming location for the famous Hollywood movie Hatari, starring legendary actors Hardy Kruger and John Wayne. After completing the necessary park formalities, we will officially commence our trek near the Ngarenanyuki River.
As we progress towards Miriakamba Hut, you will be accompanied by an armed ranger and a professional mountain guide to ensure both safety and an informative experience. During this walk, you are likely to encounter an abundance of wildlife, including buffalo, waterbucks, giraffes, warthogs, zebras, and gazelles. Moreover, your guide will point out and identify various bird species. While there is a possibility of spotting leopards or elephants, these animals tend to be more elusive compared to those in the Serengeti. Eventually, we will arrive at Miriakamba Hut, where you can unwind and enjoy a well-deserved dinner before resting for the night.
We will kick off the day with a hearty, energy-packed breakfast. Afterward, we will embark on a steeper trail that leads to Saddle Hut. Along the way, the hike becomes more challenging, but the increasingly spectacular views provide the perfect motivation. Once we reach Saddle Hut, you will have the option to embark on a short trek to Little Meru, a side peak offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Upon completing the trek to Little Meru, we will return to Saddle Hut for dinner. Given that the summit hike begins at midnight, we highly recommend an early night’s rest to ensure you are fully energized and prepared for the demanding ascent.
Our ascent to the summit begins just after midnight. For approximately five hours, the light of your headlamp will guide you as we tackle the most challenging portion of the climb. Due to the high altitude, this segment is physically demanding, but the incredible views and sense of accomplishment make it worthwhile. Upon reaching the summit, you will have time to soak in the breathtaking scenery, take photographs, and reflect on the journey so far.
On our descent, the experience becomes even more rewarding as the panoramic views of the lush mountains and vibrant landscapes unfold before you. After a relaxing lunch at Saddle Hut, we will continue descending for about two hours, eventually arriving back at Miriakamba Hut, where you can enjoy a restful evening.
Day 4: Miriakamba Hut to Momela Gate to Arusha
We will start the final day with a filling breakfast at the camp. Then, we will begin the last leg of our trek, which takes us through Meru’s enchanting cloud forest. Resembling an otherworldly setting from a whimsical novel, this forest is truly mesmerizing. However, as the trail to Momela Gate is steep and often slippery, we urge you to tread cautiously.
Upon reaching the Momela Gate, you will have the opportunity to celebrate your accomplishment with refreshments, such as sodas, and purchase souvenirs like Mount Meru trekking t-shirts. Finally, the Meru Slopes Tours and Safaris vehicle will be waiting to transport you back to your starting point, bringing this unforgettable adventure to a close
