Mount Meru Climb

Mount Meru (4,566 m) is Tanzania’s second-highest peak and one of East Africa’s most rewarding trekking adventures. Located inside Arusha National Park, the climb offers stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a crater rim summit that gives climbers breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro at sunrise.

Meru is the perfect acclimatization hike before Kilimanjaro, but also a fantastic stand-alone trekking experience for those seeking a shorter, less crowded, and more diverse mountain route.

3-Day vs. 4-Day Mount Meru Hike — Which Is Better for You?

If your schedule allows and you haven’t acclimatized on another high-altitude mountain (above 4,000 m / 13,123 ft), the 4-day Mount Meru itinerary is the better and safer choice. Spending an extra day on the mountain gives your body more time to adjust to the altitude, improving comfort, reducing the risk of altitude sickness, and increasing your chances of reaching Socialist Peak successfully.

Both itineraries follow the Momella Route, which approaches Mount Meru from the eastern side and ascends along the scenic northern ridge. The total trekking distance is 45 km / 27 miles, with incredible views of Arusha National Park, wildlife encounters, and dramatic volcanic landscapes.

The 3-day trek is faster and suitable for strong, experienced hikers with prior acclimatization.
The 4-day trek is ideal for most trekkers, offering a smoother pace and a much better acclimatization profile.

Why Climb Mount Meru?

🌄 Breathtaking Scenery
Trek through diverse climatic zones, enjoy lush forests, open meadows, volcanic ridges, and panoramic summit views — including an incredible sunrise over Mount Kilimanjaro.

🦒 Rich Wildlife Encounters
Located inside Arusha National Park, Mount Meru offers unique chances to see giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, monkeys, and even elephants along the trail.

🌿 Peaceful, Crowd-Free Trails
Unlike Kilimanjaro’s busy routes, Mount Meru remains quiet and serene — perfect for hikers who want a more private, immersive mountain experience.

💰 Affordable Adventure
With hut accommodation (no tents needed) and a smaller crew, Meru is one of Tanzania’s most budget-friendly high-altitude climbs.

🦁 Perfect Safari Add-On
Its location near Tanzania’s top parks makes it an excellent pre- or post-safari adventure, ideal for acclimatization before Kilimanjaro or as a rewarding standalone trek.

3-Day Mount Meru Hike Adventure – Itinerary

Day 0:

Arrival

The group lands at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), where a representative from Pundamilia Traverse & Escapade will welcome them. Following this introduction, you will be transferred to your hotel in Arusha town.

Once you have checked in, your driver guide will provide you with a briefing about the following day and ensure you are prepared for it.

Accommodation: Africa Safari Arusha or Similar

Meal Plan: Dinner

Time From JRO to Arusha: 1 hour

Activities: None

Day 1:

Journey from Momella Gate to Miriakambauts.

In the morning, you will go to Arusha National Park and then straight to the trailhead. The ride takes approximately 2.5-3 hours. You will experience multiple encounters with giraffes, buffalo, antelopes, and others.

At Momella Gate, the guides will provide you with your lunch boxes while he/she arrange the entry permit formalities. After the whole procedures are done, you will start trekking to Miriakamba Huts. Wild animals (warthogs, zebras, monkeys, antelopes, and, sometimes, elephants) are likely to be seen on the way.

Upon arrival, you will be provided with camp formalities and have a hot dinner.

Elevation gain: 1,387 m/4,921 ft (Momella Gate) - 2,514 m/8,250 ft (Miriakamba Huts)
Hiking distance: 10 km
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Environment: Grassland and Rainforest

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 2:

Journey from Miriakamba Huts to Saddle Huts.

After breakfast, the group will embark on a trek to Saddle Hut Camp. The rainforest zone will soon transition into heath and moorland, characterised by large trees. The trail will reveal breathtaking views.

Upon arriving at Saddle Hut Camp, our team will provide a hot lunch, and then after a 2-hour rest, you will then go for an acclimatization to Little Meru.

Elevation gain: 2,514 m/8,250 ft (Miriakamba Hut) - 3,570 m 11,712 ft (Saddle Hut)
Hiking distance: 8 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Environment: Moorland and Heath

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3:

Ascend to Socialist Peak and then descend to Momella Gate

At midnight, the group embarks on the trek to Socialist Peak. Hikers should prepare for a challenging journey, as the trails to Rhino and Cobra Point are notable.
You will be set to reach Socialist Peak (4,565 m/14,977 ft) by, offering breathtaking panoramic views and a mesmerising sunrise.
After spending time at the summit, the group will descend to Miriakamba Hut for a hot lunch, continuing to Momella Gate, where our vehicle will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel.
Elevation gain: 3,570 m 11,712 ft (Saddle Hut) - 4,565 m/14,977 m (Socialist Peak) - 1,387 m/4,921 f (Momella Gate)
Hiking distance: 6 km to Socialist Peak and then 13 km to Momella Gate
Hiking time: 12-14 hours
Environment: Heath, Alpine, Rainforest
Accommodation: Africa Safari Arusha or Similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Departure

Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.

Note: Hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, you have the option to extend your hotel stay till 6:00 PM for an extra fee.

Includes

Airport pick-up and drop-off.
Lodging upon arrival and on the final day before departure.
The Mt. Meru trek as an itinerary depicts 3 days.
Full-board camping accommodation during the trek.
All entrance fees include government taxes.
English-speaking mountain guide service.
Complete support team (Guides, Chef, and Porters).
Drinking water that has been treated during the trek.
Equitable pay for the entire team.
3-litre Oxygen cylinder for every 4 clients.

Excludes

Tips and gratitude.
Visa fees.
Medical helicopter evacuation.
International & Domestic flight tickets.
Personal items or anything not specified in the itinerary.

Price Per Person by Group Size

1 Person = $ 1,310
2 People = $ 965
3 People = $ 850
4 People = $ 790
5 People = $ 710
6 People = $ 620

Duration

3 Days / 2 Nights

4-Day Mount Meru Hike Adventure – Itinerary

Day 0:

Arrival

Once you have checked in, your driver guide will provide you with a briefing about the following day and ensure you are prepared for it.

Accommodation: Africa Safari Arusha or Similar

Meal Plan: Dinner

Time From JRO to Arusha: 1 hour

Activities: None

Day 1:

Journey from Momella Gate to Miriakambauts.

Upon arrival, you will be provided with camp formalities and have a hot dinner.

Elevation gain: 1,387 m/4,921 ft (Momella Gate) - 2,514 m/8,250 ft (Miriakamba Huts)
Hiking distance: 10 km
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Environment: Grassland and Rainforest

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 2:

Journey from Miriakamba Huts to Saddle Huts.

Upon arriving at Saddle Hut Camp, our team will provide a hot lunch, and then after a 2-hour rest, you will then go for an acclimatization to Little Meru.

Elevation gain: 2,514 m/8,250 ft (Miriakamba Hut) - 3,570 m 11,712 ft (Saddle Hut)
Hiking distance: 8 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Environment: Moorland and Heath

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3:

Ascend to Socialist Peak and then descend to Miriakamba Hut

At midnight, the group embarks on the trek to Socialist Peak. Hikers should prepare for a challenging journey, as the trails to Rhino and Cobra Point are notable.
You will be set to reach Socialist Peak (4,565 m/14,977 ft) by, offering breathtaking panoramic views and a mesmerising sunrise.
After spending time at the summit, the group will descend to Saddle Hut for a hot lunch, then have a 1-hour or 1.5-hour rest before continuing to Miriakamba hut, where you will be provided a hot dinner and be able to spend the night.
Elevation gain: 3,570 m 11,712 ft (Saddle Hut) - 4,565 m/14,977 m (Socialist Peak)
Hiking distance: 6 km to Socialist Peak and then 8 km to Miriakamba hut
Hiking time: 10-12 hours
Environment: Grassland and Rainforest
Accommodation: Africa Safari Arusha or Similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4:

Journey From Miriakamba to Momella Gate

Wake up, and soon after breakfast, the group starts trekking to Momella gate from Miriakamba hut. Upon your arrival at the gate, the group will say their goodbye to the whole crew, complete the last park formalities before checking out of the park entirely, and then be transferred to the hotel.
Elevation gain: 2,514 m/8,250 ft (Miriakamba Huts) - 1,387 m/4,921 ft (Momella Gate)
Hiking distance: 10 km to Momella Gate
Hiking time: 2-3 hours
Environment: Grassland and Rainforest
Accommodation: Africa Safari Arusha or Similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Departure

Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.

Note: Hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, you have the option to extend your hotel stay till 6:00 PM for an extra fee.

Includes

Airport pick-up and drop-off.
Lodging upon arrival and on the final day before departure.
The Mt. Meru trek as an itinerary depicts 4 days.
Full-board camping accommodation during the trek.
All entrance fees include government taxes.
English-speaking mountain guide service.
Complete support team (Guides, Chef, and Porters).
Drinking water that has been treated during the trek.
Equitable pay for the entire team.
3-litre Oxygen cylinder for every 4 clients.

Excludes

Tips and gratitude.
Visa fees.
Medical helicopter evacuation.
International & Domestic flight tickets.
Personal items or anything not specified in the itinerary.

Price Per Person by Group Size

1 Person = $ 1,510
2 People = $ 1,165
3 People = $ 1,050
4 People = $ 990
5 People = $ 910
6 People = $ 820

Duration

4 Days / 3 Nights

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